The “LIFE IN JAPAN” series showcases the lifestyles of PayPay employees, who have moved to Japan from over 50 different countries.
In this issue, we interviewed Mike McKellar from U.S.A. about his journey to joining PayPay and his secret to maintaining the lifestyle he loves in a new country and culture.
Mike Mckellar
Technical Program Manager, Product Division, Product Group
Hello, all!
My name is Mike McKellar, and I’m from San Francisco, California.
I joined PayPay in May 2023 as a Technical Program Manager. I support product development teams from a program management perspective and do whatever it takes to make their jobs easier and help them complete their projects on schedule.
I absolutely adore Japan, and Japanese culture; while it might sound cheesy, moving to Japan was my greatest dream coming true.
What sparked your interest in Japan?
I was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Japanese people on my first trip to Japan with a friend around 14 years ago. We got completely lost with no smartphone at 1 a.m. in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, and just when we thought all hope was lost, an English-speaking Japanese woman approached us, helped us find a taxi, and accompanied us all the way to the hotel’s front door! She even offered us an onigiri out of worry we were starving. We tried to pay her for her kindness, but she refused, saying “No ― if you want to thank me, please enjoy Japan.”
Another day, a random Japanese man we met at an izakaya (Japanese-style bar) saw that we were struggling to read the Japanese menu, and was kind enough to translate everything into English for us by hand!
These acts of kindness sparked my dream of living in Japan. I’ve been obsessed ever since with coming back, and connecting with Japan and its people no matter what!
（Bottom Left）Visiting the “7 Hells (pools of bubbling hot spring water and gas) of Beppu ” The smell was intense! Haha
（Right）Taking in the serenity of Nikko.
Do you ever get homesick?
Even though life in Japan is very different from the US, the only things I really miss are my family and friends.
I live in a fun and exciting area, full of music, like I’ve always wanted to. It’s just a few stops away from Shibuya and Shinjuku, and the station’s pretty close. This is great, because while back in the States we have our trusty cars to take us anywhere, I only have my own two feet to rely on for travel here in Japan.
There are so many live music clubs and bars in my area that local artists frequent. The positive energy of the people here really struck a chord with me as a musician myself, and I felt an instant connection with them.
How’s your life in Japan?
I haven’t experienced a moment of culture shock since relocating. I feel Japan is my home, it’s my destiny!
The only speedbump I had was not being able to use the cute little hanko (Japanese name stamp) I had custom-made for some ward office paperwork. I tried my best to choose Kanji that captured my personality, while being faithful to the sounds of my Katakana name. But alas, the ward office didn’t accept the hanko because it’s not my “official” name ― and now it’s sitting on a shelf in my house, longing to be stamped.
真家楽 舞蹴 / マッケラー マイケル / McKellar, Michael
真 = true or honest, 家 = home, 楽 = music or happiness
舞蹴 = dance kick!!
Have you had any difficulties with the language barrier?
Yes, but never too bad.
In fact, if you really want to appreciate Japan, try putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation where you don’t know the language and then ask a random Japanese person for help. They might be quite shy at first, but if they really see that you’re struggling to speak Japanese they’re so willing to lend a helping hand and get you through. It’s a tough moment, but that kindness also leads to a really nice realization.
What’s it like working at PayPay?
I’ve worked at various tech companies in Silicon Valley, but never anywhere with such a healthy working style. Take the hours ― I’ve been scolded (with love) by the HR team not to work too much overtime because it’s not good for my health. (We had a good laugh when they saw it was just my PC bugging out and telling them I worked triple as much as I actually did.) I also love how my teammates come from different countries, and each brings a wealth of diverse perspectives.
Any words for those considering life in Japan & work at PayPay?
PayPay rocks! This company makes people from all around the world feel welcome. I’ve never encountered a workplace that cares so much about its employees’ well-being.
From my perspective, Japan is the easiest country to make friends in as long as you are brave enough to get out there and talk to people.
In our upcoming issue,
Members from New Zealand and Spain will have a talk on what it is like to live outside of Tokyo!
Current job openings
*Job openings and employee affiliations are current as of the time of the interview.