Hi, I’m Yurika from a small town in Japan.
I used to be a local newspaper journalist, but now I’m getting ready to study media and development in the UK.

I love hearing people’s stories, wandering through nature and exploring a variety of cuisines from around the world .

I’m curious, calm, and always up for a good conversation over tea or a walk.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, traveling isn’t just about places—it’s about people.
I hope Couchsurfing will give me a chance to meet locals, share stories, and get a feel for everyday life in different parts of the world. I believe that even small moments of connection can leave a deep impact.

Interests

• animals
• cats
• arts
• photography
• movies
• hiking
• camping
• study abroad
• tea
• driving
• food and drinks
• media studies
• history and culture
• development studies

Music, Movies, and Books

Hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and traditional/folk music from around the world. I also play the shamisen and Japanese bamboo flute.
Quiet, emotional films and thought-provoking documentaries— like Luca Guadagnino and Ruben Östlund.
Mystery and suspense dramas too—like The White Lotus and Babylon Berlin.
As to books, I read slowly, but enjoy everything from manga to philosophy when something grabs my attention.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Maybe… Wrote a piece on ocean waste as a journalist, and some local kids ended up doing a beach clean-up after reading it. It made me realize that even small stories can inspire action :)

Teach, Learn, Share

Always excited to learn about local life, languages, food, and how people see the world where they live.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Open to helping with anything that supports your daily life.

– Happy to cook simple Japanese home-style meals, especially if you’re curious about Japanese flavors

– Licensed to teach Japanese language—always glad to help with grammar, writing, or casual conversation

– Enjoy light cleaning and organizing—it’s oddly satisfying

– Have experience helping out with children in my community and always try to be gentle and attentive

– Love animals—currently live with two rescued stray cats, and used to have a German Shepherd, so I’m familiar with both small and large pets

Countries I’ve Visited

Botswana, China, France, Laos, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United Kingdom