The Loves of my LIFE
FIona Uyema on turning Japanese
The person
My husband, Gilmar. We met in Japan 17 years ago. His surname, Uyema, comes from his Japanese parents [Gilmar was born in Brazil, but his parents are Japanese, originally from Okinawa].
The memory
My first apartment in rural Japan, which was surrounded by rice fields and local farmers. I got it as part of my job offer when I moved to Japan to work as an English teacher, after studying Japanese in DCU. After years of sharing accommodation, it felt like such a luxury to get my own place!
The moment of the day
Getting morning hugs from my two boys, Scott (eight) and Matthew (four).
The song
Dreams by The Cranberries. After living in Japan for many years, I started to appreciate the wonderful artists we have here in Ireland. I started listening more to music by Irish artists when I was homesick.
The movie
Jiro Dreams of Sushi. This is an inspirational true story of a man’s passion for food.
The book
My favourite Japanese cookbook author is Harumi Kunihara. I have all her cookbooks.
The hero
Definitely doctors and nurses.
The outfit
Skinny jeans, a cotton T-shirt and comfy shoes.
The accessory
Big sunglasses.
The gadget
My phone, for taking foodie pics!
The pet hate
Rudeness.
The beauty product
Bold red lipstick.
The holiday
Travelling around Brazil with my husband, and visiting Brazil’s white sandy beaches, the Amazon, Rio, and Iguazu Falls.
The hotel
The Cliff House Hotel in Waterford. The sea view from the bedrooms is spectacular. There’s excellent service and food. I love the cliff walk next to the hotel.
The friend
I still get nervous, but have learned how to use my nerves in a positive way
I have to mention my sisters, Ann-Marie, Caroline and Claire, who are the best friends you can have.
The piece of advice
Face your fears. I had a fear of public speaking, which negatively impacted my school life and, later, my professional life. It felt so liberating to finally face this fear and overcome it. I still get nervous, but I’ve learned how to use my nerves in a positive way.
The drink
Matcha green tea. I even bring it on holidays with me, too!
The bar
Kavanagh’s in Naas, Co Kildare — it’s my local, and the atmosphere is always great. There are a few parts to the bar — old and new — which gives it a unique character.
The hobby
I’ve been jogging for over a year now, and it’s addictive!
The part of your body
I’ve been told I have nice hands.
The celebrity
Instagrammer James Kavanagh.
The virtue
Honesty and hard work.
The vice
Japanese tempura — my eyes are always bigger than my belly!
The smell
Walking along the beach and smelling the ocean. We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here in Ireland. My plan is to retire by the sea!
The taste
Sitting at a sushi bar in Japan and watching the chef make sushi as I order it. It’s always so fresh, it nearly melts in my mouth. I finish with a warm bowl of miso soup.