Moving half-way across the globe is never an easy thing, but Istanbul’s welcoming charm helped Nissan Automotive’s Japanese general manager, Takahide Aibara, land on his feet in the midst of the economic crisis.
“It has been easier for me to overcome the problems of that period thanks to the beauty of Istanbul,” said Aibara, who moved here two years ago with his family.
He was appointed to become the general manager of Nissan Automotive in Turkey in 2008 and moved to the country’s largest city just at the beginning of the global crisis.
Commenting on the multi-faceted nature of Istanbul, Aibara described how the city was an international tourist and business center and an important bridge between East and West. As well as being an important cultural hub on par with other major capitals across the globe, Istanbul also caters to its residents on a more local scale.
He said the words “dynamic,” “hills” and “turquoise” were the first three things that come to mind when describing Istanbul.
When asked what it was like living in the metropolis with his family, Aibara said he was largely happy, but lamented the lack of green spaces around the city.
“My family and I like the culinary culture in Istanbul. Restaurant owners and staff welcome and take care of our children. We are happy to be treated in this way,” Aibara said. “However, if I compare Istanbul with my country Japan and the other European countries that I have worked in before, I notice that there are not enough parks and playgrounds for children.”
Despite such drawbacks and the never-ending flow of traffic, Aibara spoke of the compatibility of Turkish cuisine for the Japanese palette and remarked on the specific qualities that made Istanbul a great place to live.
“I was very impressed with the Basilica Cisterns when I first visited it as a tourist. I also suggest the place to my friends when they come and visit the city. It really is an impressive place,” he said.
Aibara said the sight of a big tanker or ship passing through the Bosphorus was specific to Istanbul.
Although he said he did not had enough time to discover all the nooks and crannies of the city, he expressed his love for boat trips on the Bosphorus, hand-woven Turkish rugs. He further added that it was very impressive that most sellers at the Spice Bazaar were polyglots.
He is a frequenter of the Grand Bazaar too. “I am interested in the traditional gifts in Turkey – hand-woven rugs especially. I go to the Grand Bazaar very often. It makes me happy,” he said.
After having lived in Turkey for more than two years, he seems to have learned the sensitivities of football in Turkey and avoids disclosing which club Turkish club he supports. “My colleagues at work each side with a different team, so I should keep it a secret,” he said.