Japan-Palau Alumni Series: Vol.14 Mr. Kenelly Sambal Rekemel

Mr. Kenelly Sambal Rekemel is one of the successful alumni of the Japanese Government Scholarship offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) to bring Palauan students to further their education in Japan since 1982. He went to study in Japan under the Specialized Training College Scholarship from April 2021 to March 2024.
 
Mr. Kenelly had already been to Japan once before on another program in Hitachi Omiya city for one year to train as a translator for incoming Palauan’s who would be taking part in the 2020 Summer Olympics. His passion for learning the Japanese Language and culture led him to his second opportunity to study in Japan, which was the Japanese Government Scholarship. Mr. Kenelly was able to quickly adapt to the language school in Osaka due to his experience in Hitachi Omiya city. He said that, “It was a bit easier learning the language but the teaching techniques were quite different”. His previous program was more focused on speaking ability while the school in Osaka was more focused on reading and writing. After his graduation from the Osaka language school, he moved to Kyoto to attend the “semmon gakko” (vocational school), Kyoto Computer Gakuin. Mr. Kenelly received his certificate in Business Information Technology in March of this year.
 
Mr. Kenelly decided to stay in Japan to gain work experience before he returns home to Palau. He informed us that while he is job hunting, he is working part-time at two “izakayas” (restaurants). For most jobs, foreigners in Japan have to pass the Japanese Language Test N2 and N1, which are the two most difficult levels to pass. Mr. Rekemel has obtained his N2 certification and is currently working on his N1 certification.
 
Mr. Rekemel likes many aspects of Japanese culture, but he is particularly fond of anime. He said that “one piece, demon slayer, and Naruto” are some of his favorite shows. Mr. Rekemel believes that watching these shows helped him learn Japanese. He has visited different areas of Japan, but that his favorite place is Kyoto. He likes Japanese food, especially the “okonomiyaki” in Osaka. He also enjoys “washoku” (traditional Japanese food) and Kyoto “kaiseki ryori” (traditional meals) eaten on special occasions.
 
Mr. Rekemel is still set on his dream of starting a tourism-based business and he wants to save up his money and find a good business partner.