I accidentally left my leather jacket at Eze, a medieval village not far from Nice, and had to take the bus back there again. Ayano caught my eye cause she had a Japanese-art-director vibe, with bright blue jelly shoes, a linen dress, and a cool tote bag with "JUERGEN" on it. She joined me in my hunt for the jacket and along the way I learnt that she's a web designer and has the coolest circle (which includes a Nike sneaker designer!). Ayano also walked the red carpet during the Cannes Film Festival since her husband was involved in one of the films that were premiering there.

1. HOW DID WE MEET?

I found Nadia eating a nice salad at the bus stop in Nice - we were waiting for same bus <3

2. WHERE IS HOME?

I live in Tours, France. It is a very beautiful small town in the middle in France, with lots of history and nature. 

3. Why did you decide to move to Tours?

This is the place where my husband is from and I moved here after we married. Already a year passed since I moved though, and I have not learned anything about French culture and languages so I am having a new experience everyday. Time goes slowly in this town. 

4. What do you like and not like about being an expat in France?

Language barrier is very tiering so I don’t like it. Being Japanese in France is good, everyone teaches me various things even very basic things, sometimes I feel like that I treated extra gently from other French people. :) 

4. WHAT DREW YOU TO WHERE WE MET?

I was in Cannes Film Festival because of my husband’s work, and after that I extended the trip by three more days in Nice.

5. WHERE TO NEXT?

Next - Frankfurt am Main

6. PLACE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO?

Morocco - I love colors!

7. ODD THING YOU ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH?

One of my cameras.  Digital or analog.

8. BOOK OR ARTIST SUGGESTION THAT FITS YOUR FRAME OF MIND WHILE TRAVELING?

I was listening to Hot Chip a lot during my trip in Nice.

9. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO’VE ALWAYS BEEN ITCHING TO EXPLORE BUT DON’T?

There are many other reasons for each situations, so I will not say that just go.  I just try to not miss my opportunities. You can go on your journey at your own time. 

Ayano currently works as a web designer and lives in Tours, France.

Interviewed by Nadia Pritta Wibisono. Photographs of Nice by Ayano Fukuoka Mottron.