Real Voice in Japan #003
Jirayu Tucker, 19, began studying in the International Program at Nagoya University of Commerce & Business (NUCB) in September last year.
Originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, He has loved basketball since childhood. Before coming to Japan, he played as a professional basketball player in Thailand. He also competed in equestrian sports at a professional level and was once a member of Thailand’s national team.
His talents extend far beyond sports. Since the age of 15, he has worked as a model and influencer, even appearing on magazine covers. Around the age of 16 or 17, he also began thinking seriously about becoming an entrepreneur.
Now studying at a Japanese university, he is taking the next step toward his future.
We asked him about his dreams and aspirations.
Building Friendships Through Basketball
Many businesses in Thailand move at a very fast pace and focus heavily on trends. However, Jirayu Tucker became interested in Japan’s business culture, where many companies have histories spanning 100 or even 200 years.
That interest eventually led him to pursue higher education in Japan.
I love Japanese manga such as One Piece and Bleach. I also admire the kindness and thoughtfulness found in Japanese culture, so I decided to study business at a Japanese university.
He chose Nagoya because it is smaller than Chiang Mai and less crowded than major cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, allowing him to focus on his studies in a more relaxed environment.
As an athlete with a bright and outgoing personality, He has made many Japanese friends. Although he is not yet fluent in Japanese, he plays on his university’s basketball team and interacts with Japanese students through the sport.
One reason many international students struggle to make Japanese friends is the language barrier. Japanese people may feel shy about speaking English, while foreigners may not be able to speak Japanese. But through basketball, I’ve been able to make many Japanese friends.
Language Is Not a Barrier
Because his university entrance examination was conducted in English, He does not hold any Japanese language qualifications.
Most of his classes are taught in English, so he has limited opportunities to study Japanese in a formal setting. Nevertheless, he continues improving his Japanese through joint classes with Japanese students and conversations with his friends.
I’ve been in Japan for about a year and haven’t tried the JLPT yet. Since everyone on my basketball team is Japanese, it has become a great opportunity to learn Japanese and build friendships. I don’t feel the language barrier very strongly.
He also says that cultural differences have not been difficult to adapt to. Thailand has many temples, and Japan is also rich in shrines and temples, which gives him a sense of familiarity.
Japan is fascinating because each region has its own culture. Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyushu all feel different. Nagoya is a quiet and relaxing city. It may not be a major tourist destination like Tokyo, but I really like it because it feels calm and comfortable.
Although the cost of living in Japan is higher than in Thailand, he feels it is still more affordable than many Western countries. As a result, he has experienced very few difficulties in daily life.
However, there is one thing he misses.
Many shops and restaurants close around 8 or 9 p.m., and there isn’t much street food. In Thailand, some restaurants stay open until 2 a.m., and street food is everywhere, so it’s very convenient.
On the balcony of his apartment, he even grows vegetables commonly used in Thai cuisine.
Expanding Dreams
Already active as an influencer, Jirayu Tucker hopes to start his own marketing agency and expand his professional career.
I’d like to begin by helping Japanese brands market their products in Thailand. In the future, after improving my Japanese skills, I also want to support Thai companies entering the Japanese market. My goal is to become a bridge between Japan and Thailand.
As he spoke, his eyes reflected determination and ambition.
Having spent much of his teenage years in professional sports and the entertainment industry, he has developed strong communication skills and built friendships with people from many backgrounds. He was also active as an influencer during Thailand Festival 2026.
Listening to him, I felt that he will undoubtedly find a way to turn his dreams into reality.
In addition to his business ambitions, Jack has another dream.
He hopes to become a professional basketball player in Japan.
I want to play professional basketball in Japan as well. The challenge is that I don’t have the connections to know how to enter the professional scene.
With professional basketball continuing to grow in popularity across Japan, opportunities may be waiting for him in the future.
Many Japanese companies operate in Thailand, and Japanese culture is widely familiar to Thai people.
LINE is also commonly used in Thailand, and Jack frequently keeps in touch with his family through the app.
Few people have accumulated such a wide range of experiences at such a young age. Refusing to let language barriers stop him, he came to Japan and has been creating his own path forward.
His story will surely inspire others who are considering studying or working in Japan.
You do not need to give up on Japan simply because your Japanese language skills are not yet strong.
What matters most is what you want to achieve.
Thank you, Mr. Jirayu Tucker !
Follow Jirayu Tucker :
Instagram, facebook, TikTok
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
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