In the quiet hum of Chiba’s suburbs, Ms. Sheka Placido, known as “Sheka”, is creating a bridge between two worlds. Her journey from the Philippines to Japan began with love but quickly evolved into a story of resilience, adaptation, and a deep commitment to family. As a mother, teacher, and digital content creator, Sheka has turned her experiences into a guiding light for others navigating the complexities of life between two cultures.
Sheka’s story began in 2012, when love brought her to Japan. She met her Japanese husband during her university years, and after falling in love, she made the brave decision to leave behind the familiar streets of Manila to start a new life in Tokyo. “I met my husband when I was just a university student,” Sheka recalls softly, a smile tugging at her lips. At the time, she was working as an online English tutor while her husband pursued his master’s in English literature. “I thought I could continue my career when I moved to Japan, but life had different plans for me.”
What she had not anticipated were the challenges she would face in Japan’s professional and academic world. With her background in statistics, Sheka had hoped to continue her career in research, but language barriers and cultural differences made her dream seem further out of reach than she imagined.
Motherhood and New Beginnings
When her research career did not pan out as expected, Sheka refused to be disheartened. Instead, she took a different path—one that would profoundly shape her future. She enrolled in Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, but once again, life steered her in an unexpected direction.
“Due to some turn of events, I ended up forgoing my master’s degree and started teaching,” she says. Sheka’s voice softens as she reflects on the unexpected shift, but there’s no regret—only a sense of fulfillment. Teaching English at a Japanese elementary school gave her a sense of purpose, not just as a professional but as a mother. “I had always loved teaching,” Sheka shares. “That passion began back in the Philippines when I was tutoring students online.” What started as a side job during her university days had now evolved into her full-time profession in Japan. But motherhood added a new dimension to her life, bringing deeper meaning to her journey.
A Mother’s Drive: Building a Family Across Cultures
As Sheka adjusted to life in Japan, the birth of her children became the center of her world. Raising a family rooted in two distinct cultures has been both rewarding and challenging. “Raising children here involves blending the structured, disciplined approach of Japanese parenting with the warmth and spontaneity of Filipino family life,” she shares.
Her home is a fusion of these two worlds—a place where Filipino dishes fill the kitchen with familiar aromas, while the rhythm of daily life follows the careful precision of Japanese culture. “I want my children to feel proud of their Filipino heritage while embracing the unique beauty of Japanese traditions,” she says, her voice filled with the tenderness of a mother’s love.
Finding Herself in the Digital World: A New Passion Takes Flight
In 2018, Sheka’s life took yet another turn. While on maternity leave, she found herself craving a creative outlet—something that would allow her to stay engaged with the world beyond her daily routines as a mother. “I started my YouTube channel out of boredom,” she says with a laugh, but what began as a simple hobby soon grew into a popular platform.
Today, Sheka’s YouTube channel, “ShekMatz Japan,” boasts over 341,000 subscribers, and her Facebook page, “MamaShek Japan” has more than 144,000 followers. Through her YouTube channel, Sheka began sharing her experiences of navigating life in Japan as a Filipina mother. “At first, I focused on English tutorials, but then I realized I could offer more—I could help my fellow Filipinos learn Japanese, and even more importantly, understand the cultural nuances that come with it.” Sheka has also extended her passion for teaching through her online school, “SMS Japanese Academy’’, offering structured lessons to help learners master the Japanese language. These courses are primarily aimed at Filipinos around the world, covering various aspects of the Japanese language and culture.
Her channel gained traction as she delved into the unique challenges and joys of raising a bicultural family. “I wanted to share how Filipino and Japanese cultures can coexist, and how my husband and I are raising our children to appreciate both worlds,” she says. Her viewers, many of whom are navigating similar cross-cultural experiences, found comfort and inspiration in her candid reflections.
The Pandemic’s Unexpected Impact
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sheka’s role as a content creator became even more significant. “In 2020, my Japanese language videos peaked as people had more time at home,” she recalls. Yet, like so many during that time, Sheka struggled to stay motivated. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and content creation during a global crisis took its toll, but she never lost sight of the purpose behind her work. Despite the challenges, her platform continued to grow, fueled by a genuine desire to help others. “I wanted my content to be a space where people could not only learn but feel connected, especially during such an isolating time,” she says.
Bridging Cultures: A Legacy for Her Children
As Sheka looks back on her journey—from leaving the Philippines to building a family in Japan—one thing is clear: everything she does, she does with her children in mind. Her role as a mother has deeply shaped her approach to life and work, imbuing her with a sense of responsibility to pass on the values of resilience, adaptability, and love. “I want my children to know that even when life doesn’t go as planned, there’s always a way forward” she says. “It’s not just about surviving in a new culture—it’s about finding ways to weave both your past and present into a future that honors all parts of who you are.”
Written by Dr. Preechaya Kittipaisalsilpa and Mr. Bryan Tan Jia Yang
Photo by Ms. Sheka Placido
