Q: How long have you been with Viking?
I joined Viking in July 2024, and this is now my second year.
Q: How has your career journey been with Viking?
I was first approached because Viking was looking for a manager with experience who could speak both Japanese and English. In October 2024, I joined as an Assistant Restaurant Manager for the inaugural Japan season, the very first for Viking. In November 2025, during my second year, I will step into the role of Restaurant Manager. I am very excited to work with a wonderful team and make the Japan season even more successful.
Q: What are your usual responsibilities—both routine and unexpected—during a typical day?
I joined Viking in July 2024, and this is now my second year.
Q: How has your career journey been with Viking?
I was first approached because Viking was looking for a manager with experience who could speak both Japanese and English. In October 2024, I joined as an Assistant Restaurant Manager for the inaugural Japan season, the very first for Viking. In November 2025, during my second year, I will step into the role of Restaurant Manager. I am very excited to work with a wonderful team and make the Japan season even more successful.
Q: What are your usual responsibilities—both routine and unexpected—during a typical day?
Our department includes seven outlets ranging from specialty dining to buffet restaurants, with a team of 92 crew members. My role is to oversee all of these outlets and ensure that guests can always enjoy their meals comfortably onboard. Daily responsibilities include service checks, staff scheduling, training, maintaining service quality, and managing inventory of food and equipment. At the same time, I must also respond flexibly to unexpected situations, such as extended opening hours due to tour or transport delays, or operational issues such as equipment failures.
Q: What part of your job energizes you the most?
The most rewarding moments are when guests are truly satisfied. Hearing comments like “That was delicious” or “I want to come back” gives me a strong sense of accomplishment. It is also very fulfilling to see the growth of our multicultural staff. When I witness team members gaining confidence and our service improving as a result, I feel the true responsibility and joy of being a manager.
Q: What skills or strengths have you developed since starting here?
I have developed stronger adaptability to meet guest needs, leadership skills to guide a multinational team, and greater flexibility to work across different cultures.
Q: How would you describe the company culture—what makes working at Viking different or rewarding?
Viking is a company that truly values its crew. There is a family-like culture of caring for one another, and when I faced challenges personally, there was always someone to support me. Viking emphasizes “curiosity,” “excellence,” and “compassion.” Being part of such a globally trusted brand fills me with pride, and working within a strong, supportive team offers continuous opportunities for personal growth.
Q: What’s one contribution or change you are proud to have helped create in your team?
As the only Japanese manager in the restaurant team, I was responsible for a wide range of tasks—from guest relations and menu translation to providing Japanese language training for staff. It was challenging, but hearing staff gradually use polite Japanese expressions correctly was very rewarding. Additionally, hearing repeat guests say, “The restaurant service and food have improved so much since my first voyage” made me proud of the progress we achieved as a team.
Q: Can you share a memorable success or milestone you are particularly proud of?
One of my proudest moments was being part of the management team for the launch of Viking Eden in October 2024, Viking’s first ship dedicated to the Japanese market. The early charter voyages presented many challenges, but by listening to guest feedback and making continuous improvements, we were able to close the season with great success. That experience was a major milestone in my career and remains a proud achievement.
Q: What recent projects or events stand out as especially meaningful in your career here?
One of the most memorable events was our first New Year’s celebration in Japan. Preparing traditional “osechi” meals for 900 guests required overnight work, carefully packing each box by hand. On New Year’s morning, seeing guests open their osechi and smile with joy was unforgettable. Many expressed their wish to return for another New Year’s cruise. Delivering such a meaningful event successfully was a highlight of the Japan season.
Q: What traits or mindset do you think are key to thrive in your role?
Having a broad perspective is essential. Our staff come from diverse cultural backgrounds, so it is important not to be fixed on a single approach, but to understand, respect, and adapt to different values. A manager must also be able to oversee the entire team, identify each individual’s strengths, and allocate roles effectively. The ability to bring out the best in each member and elevate the team’s overall performance is crucial to success in this role.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering joining Viking in a similar capacity?
Be flexible and always keep a mindset of continuous learning. Life onboard changes daily, and unexpected challenges are inevitable. What matters is approaching them positively and working together as a team to solve them. With constant guest feedback and exposure to different cultures, keeping an open mind will not only enhance your contribution but also your own growth. With effort and dedication, working at Viking will bring immense pride and fulfillment.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work that keeps you balanced or inspired?
I enjoy going out. Life on a ship can blur the line between work and personal time, so even a short break outside to breathe fresh air and enjoy local food makes a difference. One of the greatest perks of working on a cruise ship is visiting different ports every day. No matter how tired I am, stepping out to enjoy beautiful scenery or delicious meals always refreshes me and motivates me to return to the ship with renewed energy.
Q: What part of your job energizes you the most?
The most rewarding moments are when guests are truly satisfied. Hearing comments like “That was delicious” or “I want to come back” gives me a strong sense of accomplishment. It is also very fulfilling to see the growth of our multicultural staff. When I witness team members gaining confidence and our service improving as a result, I feel the true responsibility and joy of being a manager.
Q: What skills or strengths have you developed since starting here?
I have developed stronger adaptability to meet guest needs, leadership skills to guide a multinational team, and greater flexibility to work across different cultures.
Q: How would you describe the company culture—what makes working at Viking different or rewarding?
Viking is a company that truly values its crew. There is a family-like culture of caring for one another, and when I faced challenges personally, there was always someone to support me. Viking emphasizes “curiosity,” “excellence,” and “compassion.” Being part of such a globally trusted brand fills me with pride, and working within a strong, supportive team offers continuous opportunities for personal growth.
Q: What’s one contribution or change you are proud to have helped create in your team?
As the only Japanese manager in the restaurant team, I was responsible for a wide range of tasks—from guest relations and menu translation to providing Japanese language training for staff. It was challenging, but hearing staff gradually use polite Japanese expressions correctly was very rewarding. Additionally, hearing repeat guests say, “The restaurant service and food have improved so much since my first voyage” made me proud of the progress we achieved as a team.
Q: Can you share a memorable success or milestone you are particularly proud of?
One of my proudest moments was being part of the management team for the launch of Viking Eden in October 2024, Viking’s first ship dedicated to the Japanese market. The early charter voyages presented many challenges, but by listening to guest feedback and making continuous improvements, we were able to close the season with great success. That experience was a major milestone in my career and remains a proud achievement.
Q: What recent projects or events stand out as especially meaningful in your career here?
One of the most memorable events was our first New Year’s celebration in Japan. Preparing traditional “osechi” meals for 900 guests required overnight work, carefully packing each box by hand. On New Year’s morning, seeing guests open their osechi and smile with joy was unforgettable. Many expressed their wish to return for another New Year’s cruise. Delivering such a meaningful event successfully was a highlight of the Japan season.
Q: What traits or mindset do you think are key to thrive in your role?
Having a broad perspective is essential. Our staff come from diverse cultural backgrounds, so it is important not to be fixed on a single approach, but to understand, respect, and adapt to different values. A manager must also be able to oversee the entire team, identify each individual’s strengths, and allocate roles effectively. The ability to bring out the best in each member and elevate the team’s overall performance is crucial to success in this role.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering joining Viking in a similar capacity?
Be flexible and always keep a mindset of continuous learning. Life onboard changes daily, and unexpected challenges are inevitable. What matters is approaching them positively and working together as a team to solve them. With constant guest feedback and exposure to different cultures, keeping an open mind will not only enhance your contribution but also your own growth. With effort and dedication, working at Viking will bring immense pride and fulfillment.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work that keeps you balanced or inspired?
I enjoy going out. Life on a ship can blur the line between work and personal time, so even a short break outside to breathe fresh air and enjoy local food makes a difference. One of the greatest perks of working on a cruise ship is visiting different ports every day. No matter how tired I am, stepping out to enjoy beautiful scenery or delicious meals always refreshes me and motivates me to return to the ship with renewed energy.