iCLA graduate of Spring 2024, Anastasiia is currently working at Asahi Sho-ko-Sha Co., Ltd. in Japan, a trading company that specializes in products used in the manufacturing industry. Not only does the company have offices in Japan, but also internationally in China, Mexico, and Thailand.
While studying at iCLA, Anastasiia was active as an iCLA Student Ambassador, an important role providing information to prospective students about what it is like to study at iCLA. She responded to prospective student inquiries online, participated in university events like Online Open Campus, and created content for iCLA’s social media and website. Her day as an iCLA student was also featured on the iCLA’s YouTube channel.
A passionate language enthusiast, Anastasiia also won first place in the The 17th Yamanashi International Student Speech Contest in 2020. Competing against students from universities and junior colleges across Yamanashi Prefecture, she delivered an outstanding speech in Japanese.
Read our alumni interview with Anastasiia to find out about her experiences of studying at iCLA and then working at Asahi Sho-ko-Sha Co., Ltd.!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi, my name is Anastasiia Murashova! I just turned 25. In 2014 I watched anime for the first time and knew immediately that I want to speak Japanese one day; and that is how it all started. In 2019 I came to Japan to study at a Japanese language school, and between 2020 and 2024 I studied at iCLA. My hobbies are karaoke, drawing, and studying foreign languages – lately I’ve been studying Korean!
What did you learn at iCLA?
At iCLA, one can study anything from politics to economics. I specialized in Global Business and Economics, but I also took courses in Linguistics, Programming, Karate, History, and Psychology among many others. Student life was brimming with events like Tanabata Festival, Gala Concerts, and lectures by speakers from all over the world. However, my most treasured memory is of how wonderful iCLA staff supported me when I ran into some serious difficulties in life.
What kind of work are you doing now?
I am supporting the Japanese manufacturing industry! I sell and deliver things needed at factories and plants in Yamanashi, and sometimes I even have to look for something new that hasn’t been made yet, and arrange its creation. I do my best so that the manufacturing process doesn’t stop.
What did you gain and how did you grow after joining a Japanese company?
It was the Japanese companies that created a manufacturing miracle 50 years ago, so now I have the opportunity to see exactly what kind of work attitude made that possible. I also get to learn about the business processes here, and little by little, I feel like I am becoming a more valuable asset in terms of performance and experience. Working here gave me confidence that I can make myself useful and set up my life whatever comes in this unstable world of ours.
Please tell us about your future dreams and goals.
My dream is a life where I don’t have to economise. I’d like to make my and my family’s life more bountiful, and it is also a goal of mine to be able to monetarily support my parents. To achieve all that, I aspire to become the best salesman ever to exist! I’m putting strength into building more meaningful connections with my clients and delivering what they need, when they need.
Please give a message to others who want to work in Japan.
Coming to Japan, studying the language, and having to work to support oneself requires putting in the effort– I know that first-hand. Please, don’t give up! When life is hard, look for help and don’t hide your struggles. When life is good, share your beautiful smile with those by your side. And above all, take care of yourself. There is so many countries, cities, companies, people – but only one of you. You are your first priority, your health and well being. When you truly believe that and act on that, you become more efficient in the workplace and happier at home – at least, that’s what I believe.