Whether it's for studying abroad, working, sightseeing, or enjoying a working holiday, people come to Japan from all over the world for various reasons.
OAKHOUSE residents also come to Japan for a variety of reasons.
For this interview, we spoke with Royce, a resident of Social Residence Haijima who works as a pianist.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today.
Could you please start by introducing yourself?

My name is Royce Brival.
I am from Paris, France.

What inspired you to come to Japan?

When I first came to Japan, my reason was because of my deep admiration for Japan.
I became interested in Japan after watching shows like Dragon Ball as a child.

Furthermore, I was fascinated by the Japanese people I met in Paris.
They were all polite and had a unique aura about them.

I remember a time when I unexpectedly struck up a conversation with a Japanese person on the train.
They were incredibly polite and welcoming.
It made me want to get more involved with the Japanese people and Japanese culture.
Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to work in Japan

How long has it been since you first arrived in Japan?

Four years have passed since I first arrived.
I briefly returned to France during the Corona situation, but soon found myself back in Japan again.
It's interesting to realize that I've spent one-sixth of my life here.
Over time, I've noticed that I'm gradually becoming more attuned to the Japanese way of life.

Your Japanese is really impressive!
I'm curious, what have you been up to during your four years here in Japan?

Over the past few years, my journey in Japan has taken different turns.
I spent a year and a half teaching English, then had a short visit on a tourist visa for six months. After that, I got married and spent a year on a spousal visa.
Now, I'm in the process of applying for an Artist Visa. It's been quite the adventure!

How did you feel about Japan when you first arrived here?

When I first arrived in Japan, I was struck by how incredibly organized everything was.
Sure, there are a lot of rules, but they seem to exist to maintain order and harmony within society.
I noticed this sense of harmony everywhere, like when I walked around the city and felt this unspoken communication between people.
It left me with the impression of a peaceful and well-maintained place.

Did you find it challenging to adjust to living with so many rules?

That's one tough question.
Sure, there are plenty of rules, but I guess they're there for a reason – to help maintain a safe and orderly society.
Like the rule about keeping noise down after 8 p.m. or waiting behind the yellow line on the subway platform. Safety first, right?

Back in France, especially in Paris, things are a bit more laid-back.
There aren't as many rules to follow, which can be a bit disorienting at times.
I suppose when you're too free, there's more potential for conflicts to arise.

What drew you to choose OAKHOUSE as your home?

When I first arrived in Japan, I was living in a share house run by another company.
However, I really wanted to immerse myself in Japanese culture and interact more with Japanese people.
So, I started looking for a share house with a larger Japanese community. That's when I stumbled upon OAKHOUSE.

I found that there were more Japanese residents in OAKHOUSE compared to the other company's share house, which felt like the perfect fit for what I was looking for.
Initially, I lived in a share house in Kuramae, but I had to return to my country briefly during the Corona situation.

Once it was safe to travel again, I came back to Japan and have been living in Haijima ever since.

What's it like living in a share house?

I found the manager of OAKHOUSE to be incredibly kind.
Our conversations were sometimes a bit tough, but their understanding and support really stood out to me compared to other companies. That's why I chose to come back to OAKHOUSE!

Living with others has been great for me. It's comforting knowing there's always someone around to lend a hand if needed.
Plus, being in an environment where I can connect and empathize with different people is truly enriching. I hope to see more of these supportive communities in the future.

Back in Paris, shared houses weren't really a thing, so I ended up living alone, which wasn't my favorite.

But being in a share house here feels like the perfect fit for me.

Royce, if I'm not mistaken, you're a pianist, right?

That's correct, I am a pianist. Currently, I go by the name "Tropicalpianist." My biggest passion is playing piano in hotels and restaurants.
I enjoy creating my own arrangements and delving into a variety of genres, including enka, club, pop, and jazz.

You can play enka too? That's impressive!

Yes, I can. Enka holds a special place in my heart. Lately, I've been practicing "Like the Waters of a River."

What inspired you to start playing the piano?

When I was around 10 years old, I heard a beautiful piano melody in a TV commercial, and it sparked something inside me.
I felt this strong desire to learn how to play the piano.
So, even before my mother gave me permission, I took matters into my own hands and went to a piano teacher.
And that's how my piano journey began, over 23 years ago.

That's quite impressive that you manage to stay so dynamic after all these years.
Was there anything specific you wanted to do when you first came to Japan?

As I kept practicing piano in France, I could feel my skills improving day by day.
Now, my goal is to collaborate with different artists here in Japan. I aspire to make a positive contribution to the art scene.
For instance, I'd love to assist Japanese artists in composing, performing, and even teaching music, bringing my own unique sensibility to the mix.

Have you been able to accomplish what you set out to do?

Yes, I have, at least to some extent. One memorable experience was playing alongside Kei-chan, a fellow pianist, at the piano in the observation room of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It was such a special moment.

And as a side note, the results of the artist visa will come in tomorrow.

That sounds very exciting!
If you get the Visa, will you be able to expand your activities in Japan?

Yes, absolutely.
I have several things in mind, but what I would especially like to experience is teaching music to Japanese people, playing piano in restaurants and cafes, and spreading music throughout the city.
I also want to give enka concerts for the elderly, appear on TV as a model, and show off my piano skills while playing enka. My heart is firmly set on dedicating myself to Japan.


Thank you for opening up and sharing your dreams with us！
It's truly inspiring to hear about your aspirations. I'll be cheering you on, and I hope all your dreams come true!


After the interview, Royce shared the wonderful news that he had received his Artist Visa.

Congratulations, Royce!
I'm thrilled for you. I have no doubt that you'll continue to enchant us with your beautiful piano performances.
Wishing you all the best on your musical journey ahead!


@TropicalPianist
Youtube account : https://www.youtube.com/@TropicalPianist

★For more information about Social Residence Haijima, please click here.★
【https://www.oakhouse.jp/house/711】


(Writer/interviewer/Take)