Hi, I’m Bilma
I was born Bakary Ramatou O.I., but I now go by 安里バカリ (Asato Bakary) after taking my husband’s name. Bilma is the stage name I used during my modeling career in Benin. My close friends call me Bilma, and I’ve started introducing myself as such in Japan, since my full name can be quite long and challenging for locals to pronounce.
I’m an anime lover, especially One Piece and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure; but don’t worry, I’m not the crazy type (you can relax hihihi). I love nature and often go hiking or run errands around the city.
I came to Japan through a one-year exchange program with Kyoritsu Women's University; God bless that university. I went through a LOT with the NPO that helped me learn Japanese before I arrived (I'll share the full story with you later). Despite those challenges, I decided to extend my stay here. After graduating, I quickly dove into the Japanese workforce.
Why Oyemi?
I used to be approached by foreigners facing challenges in navigating daily life here in Japan. I also noticed that Japanese locals sometimes had difficulty understanding the cultural differences with foreigners. As a result, I often assisted people and explained different points of view based on my understanding of the situations as a volunteer. Helping others also gave me the chance to practice both my English and Japanese skills.
Through these experiences, I realized that although there are numerous agencies, online forums, and social media groups offering advice, very few provide personalized, one-on-one support. Living in Japan can be stressful. Only tourists or newcomers may feel otherwise at first. But as the saying goes, "When you know, you know." Foreigners here need help alleviating stress so they can fully appreciate the wonderful opportunity of living in Japan. Japanese locals also need assistance adapting to the changing society.
We love Japan, which is why we came here. But let’s be honest: wherever people from different backgrounds live, things change. These people bring their own knowledge and experiences; the good and, unfortunately, the bad. Adaptation is a must, yes, but nobody can 100% abandon their true self overnight and completely blend into their new environment; unless they’re a psychopath, and that’s a bit dangerous, right? Hahaha. It requires time, patience, and adjustment from both sides. Both sides. We love Japan and don’t want it to change, but... what does not change does not evolve, and what does not evolve, perishes. My dream is to have a peaceful society to raise my children; a society where they will not be treated as less worthy just because... One of my close friends, Til, always says my life is like a novel. Trust me; you’re not alone. We’ve all been through a LOT. What’s important isn’t just going through the drama, but learning from it, improving yourself, and, most importantly, knowing how to navigate situations that are beyond your control. That’s why I created Oyemi: to assist and support both foreigners and Japanese locals who are interested in working together. Come as you are, and let’s work through it together.
By the way, Oyemi means it suits me in Yoruba, my mother tongue. Let’s make us suit each other with Oyemi!!!
Our Approach
At Oyemi, we aspire to create an environment where everyone feels free to explore, express themselves, and realize their dreams. We believe that every project deserves a personalized approach, free from stress and pressure. By emphasizing open and authentic communication, we are committed to supporting our clients on their journey in Japan, making each step enriching and enjoyable. Our goal is to turn challenges into opportunities and to enhance the everyday lives of everyone we serve.
Vision
At Oyemi, we aspire to create an environment where everyone feels free to explore, express themselves, and achieve their dreams. We believe that every project deserves a personalized approach, free from stress and pressure. By emphasizing open and authentic communication, we are committed to supporting our clients on their journey in Japan, making each step enriching and enjoyable. Our goal is to turn challenges into opportunities and to enhance the everyday lives of everyone we serve.
Values
Authenticity: We encourage everyone to be themselves, free from judgment or pressure.
Communication: Transparency and listening are at the heart of our interactions.
Kindness: We are here to support and guide with empathy.
Simplicity: We make processes clear and accessible, eliminating unnecessary stress.