Miss Mentai, a prominent writer living in Japan for over 13 years, currently resides in Tokyo as a freelance writer, editor, and mother. In a recent interview, she described her life in Tokyo as a 'dual-engine lifestyle'.

She elaborated on her growing understanding of Japanese society, which deepens her clarity about the life she truly wants to lead. She has learned to adapt flexibly to different situations while protecting herself from harm. Miss Mentai plans to publish her fifth book by 2025, which will focus on cultural shocks and challenges she faces as her child enters elementary school.

Reflecting on her early days in Japan, she recalls not speaking any Japanese, which made communication a major challenge. After a year and a half at a language school, she achieved an N1 qualification but still found it insufficient for smooth communication in the workplace. Seeking to earn income quickly, she entered a magazine targeting foreigners, leveraging her proficiency in Chinese and English to contribute content.

However, when her child began elementary school, she experienced significant cultural shocks, particularly due to differing parenting styles. One shocking experience involved criticism from Japanese parents for her gentle approach. This conflict deeply affected both her and her child, leading her to seek advice from a foreigner support center and discover that such issues are common in Japanese society.

The experience prompted her to document her feelings and reflections in writing, gaining widespread resonance. Subsequently, the publisher reached out again, inviting her to write a new book focused on the cultural shocks and institutional challenges faced after children enter elementary school. This upcoming work will not only document personal parenting experiences but also explore the nuances of Japanese values and cultural contrasts.

She concludes that raising children in Tokyo significantly differs from her previous life without children, emphasizing that parental responsibilities predominantly rest on mothers in Japan. In light of challenges returning to a career while balancing familial obligations, she advises not to overly focus on adapting to local values but to leverage personal strengths and find a fulfilling lifestyle.