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A peek into remote island life! Q&A and interviews!

2025-01-09 02:52

西表島ピピスタッフ

 

 

What's life like on a remote island?
I want to work in the beautiful ocean! I want to live a slow life! But there are many anxieties about living on a remote island.
What about food...? What about the climate and clothing...? What is the job of marine staff...?
In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about living on an isolated island in a Q&A format to help alleviate some of these concerns!
In addition, we have received useful advice and messages from senior guides who have already started their lives on the islands ahead of us! Please take a look!

👇Check it out! 👇

 

 

 

Island Life Q&A

 

Q. Do you have a dormitory?

A.Many of the people who work at PiPi come from all over Japan for resort jobs. We are committed to providing a comfortable island life for our employees,Equipped with furniture and Wi-Fi.Shared house-type dormitories are available.

For more information, please click on the link below for more details.

 

 

 

Q.What is the climate like? What kind of clothing is recommended?

A. Iriomote Island has a relatively mild climate not only in summer but also in winter compared to the inland areas. Therefore, even in winter, you do not need much warm clothes such as coats and scarves, and you can spend your time in light clothes such as long sleeves and parkas. If you are still in trouble with your clothes, you can get them locally at fashion centers in Ishigaki Island.

 

 

 

Q.What is the traffic situation? Do I need a car?

A. In Iriomote Island, lifelines are gathered around Uehara Port, so basically you can spend your time comfortably on foot or by bicycle.
PiPi also offers free vehicle rental to full-time employees.

 

Q.Are there any supermarkets or convenience stores?

A. There is no convenience store in Iriomote Island, but there is a supermarket open from 7:00 to 21:00. This supermarket is a lifeline of Iriomote Island, and all daily necessities including groceries are available. If you go to the neighboring Ishigaki Island (50 minutes by ferry), you can find fast food restaurants, electronics stores, cell phone stores, drug stores, fashion centers, etc., and you can lead a comfortable daily life.

 

 

 

Q.I am not very confident about my physical strength and physical activity, but is that okay?

A. Guide work is a physical job! Even if you are not confident in your physical strength at this stage, it will come naturally if you are motivated and put in the work. As part of our benefits package, you will have access to a training gym while you are with us. Let's enjoy a physically and mentally fulfilling life on the island.

 

Only during the period of employment,Unlimited use of training gym!

 

 

Q.Is there anything else I can do besides guiding?

A.PiPi is looking for marine guides as well as administrative staff to market and set up tours. All of these are important and rewarding jobs that require a spirit of "Omotenashi" (hospitality) to bring smiles to our customers in every possible way.

 

Q.I have a medium, large, or other driver's license.

A.PiPi operates not only regular vehicles for transporting customers, but also buses, trucks, boats, and other vehicles that require special licenses depending on the terrain and number of customers in each field. With the exception of a few, staff members who operate vehicles that require special licenses are required toAllowance in addition to base salaryis attached.

For example, if you hold a medium duty driver's license, you will receive an allowance of 2,000 yen per bus ride within the job!

 

Q.Is it possible to acquire a boat license?

A. It is possible to acquire a first class and second class marine license in Iriomote Island. After obtaining the license, you will also receive a boat-handling allowance (2,000 yen per trip) when you go out on a tour! Why don't you take this opportunity to acquire the license, practice shiphandling, and experience taking customers on a tour as a captain?

 

Q.Is it possible to work in a foreign language?

A. It is possible. Many visitors come to Iriomote Island from all over the world, including Asia, Europe, and America, in addition to Japan.Currently PiPi has English, Chinese, and Portuguese speaking staff.It is! If you meet the criteria, you will also receive a language allowance (10,000 yen). This is a great opportunity to put your language skills to use!

 

Q.I do not have a water rescue certification.

A. Regarding the OMSB certification,Can be learned at company expense after working for our companyIt is.

 

 

 

 

Interview with a senior guide! What's life like on a remote island?

久保清照 

Kiyoteru Kubo

Kubo Kiyoteru

Second year of immigrant life!

Learn to get a marine license at PiPi!

Watch the interview
On Iriomote Island?

I came all the way from Hyogo Prefecture in search of the great outdoors! I originally wanted to live in the great outdoors at least once in the future.

That sounds like the captain, doesn't it?

That's right! I learned from the ground up, both the boat maneuvering and the classroom training, after I joined PiPi! Thanks to that, I am now bringing smiles to the faces of many customers on the snorkeling tours to the Island of Illusions! I am sure that my qualifications will help me step up in the future, and I will also receive a ship's allowance, which can only be a plus. I want to be a captain! I want to operate a ship! If you are interested in becoming a captain, please join me at PiPi and let's work together!

What would you like to say to those who are thinking of trying a career as a guide?

I was a little apprehensive at first, but after three days of intensive training and advice from senior guides, even beginners in ocean activities will be fine! I remember the first time I went on a SUP, I fell off about 10 times in one tour...lol.

Every day I think that being a tour guide is truly a wonderful job! Every day I meet many clients and learn and experience a lot from people and nature. In addition, it is very special to hear from our clients after the tour that "I had a great time! It is very special to hear them say, "I had a great time!
I can't help but smile from the bottom of my heart, thinking that this is why I became a tour guide... ♪

 

濱島雄嗣

Yuji Hamashima

Hamashima Yuji

The sea in summer! Snowy mountains in winter! A lifestyle that everyone longs for!

Every summer I am a tour guide in PiPi!

Watch the interview
Why do you guide in PiPi every summer?

I chose to become a tour guide because I love nature and wanted to work with it. There are many reasons why I choose PiPi every year, but the main reason is that I can make good money....
Originally, I had the perception that resort jobs were more about experience and didn't make much money. However, PiPi has various staff evaluation systems that allow you to earn extra money for your hard work!
I guess another factor that keeps me coming back is that when I work there, I feel very close to my fellow part-timers and employees, and I have friends with whom I can talk about anything! There are many colleagues who have gained a lot of experience in various places, so it is quite fun just to listen to their stories! There are many unique people here, and it's a stimulating place to work.

What do you find rewarding about being a guide?

Anyway, I really enjoy being able to work in nature every day! It is especially rewarding when I hear a customer say, "That was fun! I feel the most rewarded when I hear a customer say, "That was fun! I recommend this job to those who want to make the most of their foreign language skills, as we have many customers from both Japan and overseas! If you like customer service, physical exercise, and entertaining people, PiPi is waiting for you!

What would you like to say to those who are thinking of trying a career as a guide?

Come and work with us on a remote island in Okinawa with its beautiful nature! Once you come here, you will never want to go back to Honshu.

 

山形有紗

Yuzuru Yamagata

Yamagata Arisa

Move to a remote island far away by yourself!

For a reliable female captain?

Watch the interview
A woman moves to a new country alone. Did you have any anxiety?

I was so determined to live my life without regrets that I blew away my fears and started living the remote island life in Okinawa that I had always longed for!

How is life on the remote island you've always wanted?

It is insanely fulfilling! LOL!
I have a wide range of friends from all over the country through my daily life at the guesthouse, in addition to my other part-time jobs at PiPi!
Of course, there are days when we have to work extra hours during the busy season, but I think this is a great place to have if you are looking for a variety of experiences!

What would you like to say to those who are thinking about becoming a guide?

Tour guides are often thought to be a hurdle for women because of their physical strength, but the staff around me were very kind and I was able to get used to the job quickly! LOL!
Why don't you come and enjoy the remote island life with us in the rich nature of Iriomote Island?

 

斎藤ジエゴ

Saito, Diego Y.

Saito Diego Yuji

Is your dream to run a café on a remote island?

A wide range of customer service in three languages!

Watch the interview
Why live on a remote island?

I have been running my own store since I was in my 20s, and since then my dream and goal has been to "run a guest house and cafe on a remote island with my wife and children" lol.
If only I could raise my children in such a wonderful environment...that's how it all started!

I am 34 years old this year! What do you think of me as everyone's big brother?

At first, I had the perception that resort jobs were for young people! I had a sense of pride that I was running my own business.... I was also proud of the fact that I was running my own business...lol.
In fact, my life has changed 180 degrees since I decided to come to Iriomotejima! I often say to my clients that I am "back to being a human being." Life in the remote islands is not at all stressful and tiring like in the city.
I am now able to plan my life and have more time to make time for myself! I have always had many hobbies, but I now have much more time and room to devote to my hobbies.
One of them is a camera! My camera skills have improved from just a hobby, and now, thankfully, I can even earn extra income in my spare time. I am thankful for the environment I live in every day!

What would you like to say to those who are thinking about becoming a guide?

This job as a guide allows me to build really close relationships with people. I get to interact with a variety of people from different parts of the world, so my knowledge is only increasing! LOL!
After all, the customers are happy. I feel that this is a wonderful job that allows me to experience that joy firsthand. There are many companies that claim to reward you for your hard work, but I don't think there is any other job that gives back so much, leads to growth, and is so rewarding. You are wasting your time wondering! LOL!
I am especially grateful every day for the warmth of a workplace that treats me as an equal and gives me opportunities despite the fact that I am a foreign national like myself!
Come on, let's get "human" back together with me! I'll be waiting for you!

 

千葉巧太

Takuta Chiba

Chiba Kota

A dual lifestyle of snowboarding and SUP!

Second year living on the island! Every summer I go to PiPi!

Watch the interview
Why did you choose PiPi?

In the beginning, I wanted to do an activity! I started out by casually choosing "I want to do an activity! When I started working here, I found that the president and all the staff have created such an enjoyable and comfortable working environment, which is the reason why I keep coming back every year! Every year I have new experiences, discoveries, and countless memories from my work as a guide and my life with everyone!

The ocean in the summer, snowy mountains in the winter, the lifestyle we all long for, right?

That's true, lol. For me, it is almost like play. But there are many things and experiences that I have gained because of this lifestyle. I don't know how this experience will help me in the future, but I don't think I will ever regret choosing and continuing this lifestyle!

What would you like to say to those who are thinking about becoming a guide?

It is difficult to put into words what life at PiPi is like, but it is just a lot of fun and there are many experiences and encounters to be had.
If you come, you will understand! If you don't come, you won't understand! If you have any doubts, you should definitely come and experience it! We are waiting for you!

 

青木すみれ

Sumire Aoki

Aoki Sumile

She is a reliable older sister who has lived on the island for three years!

On holidays, he dives drinking in the sea!

Watch the interview
Why did you choose to work on a remote island?

I originally moved here to dive as a hobby and to make my vacation more fulfilling with what I want to do!

I understand that you work in PiPi's most important department!

LOL, I work as an administrative staff member at PiPi. I manage and coordinate the daily tour schedule and respond to customer inquiries...both of which are fundamental to the operation of the store, so the role of the office staff is very important. They are always thinking of ways to schedule tours so that customers can enjoy their tours safely, and to make the best suggestions for customers who inquire about tours. If the guides who actually entertain the guests are the front stage, we, the administrative staff, are the behind-the-scenes professionals who support the safe and enjoyable day of the guests and guides!

The appeal of island life is clear!

After all, it is a beautiful ocean just a stone's throw away!
The most attractive thing for me is that I can go to my favorite beach right away on my days off. Moreover, Ishigaki Island is easily accessible to other islands, so I can enjoy sightseeing as much as I want on my days off!
Also, there are many immigrants, and even though I am a bit shy, I have made many friends from various places. This is one of the charms of living on a remote island!

What would you like to say to those who are thinking of living on the island?

Many people may feel uneasy when they think of moving to a remote island. I moved here from the Kanto area, and Iriomote Island is a very comfortable island to live without any inconvenience.
Let's enjoy living on a remote island together!

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This article was written by.
にわちゃん
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)