A SIXTH year pupil is saying 'sayonara' to Scotland as he sets off to make his Japanese dream come true.
Inverclyde Academy pupil David Abernathy has received an offer to study Japanese literature at the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo this September.
David is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his literary idol, renowned novelist Haruki Murakami, who also attended the top institution.
The 18-year-old told the Tele his love of Japanese writers began three years ago.
He said: "I got really into a novelist, Haruki Murakami, and through that I started to read more widely and got into older Japanese books, as well as more modern Japanese poetry.
"I also started to learn Japanese, which I can now write in and speak conversationally.
"I think Japanese culture and language captured me because of the respect they show each other.
"They're a lot more cohesive and they don't bump heads over everything.
"In the West I find people can be very flamboyant and boisterous, I prefer the relaxed, calmness that Eastern cultures have.
"A lot of the most famous Japanese writers come to Waseda University and do masterclasses.
"Many of the writers I enjoy are still living, so I might get the chance to learn from them."
David has previously tried to visit the country but due to pandemic restrictions his trips had to be cancelled.
He is looking forward to finally getting to visit the country, and has been corresponding with Japanese students ahead of his departure.
The young student hopes that his four year course will give him a chance to explore the unique character of modern Japanese literature.
He added: "In the post World War Two era, a lot of writers started to take influence from Western writing, but in a way that perfectly merged with the Asian style.
"They did this in a way that their Western counterparts really haven't been able to do without coming across as racist or cliche.
"When Japanese writers do it, they often draw on the experiences they had during the American occupation after the war - they understand both sides of things.
"I've noticed when it comes to Japan, many people tend to focus on things like sushi, anime or manga.
"While the Japanese people I speak to obviously like that people have an interest in these things, I think if you take a little bit of a closer look into Japanese culture you can find some amazing things that isn't as prominent in Western media.’
While David is getting ready to set off for the land of the rising sun, his friends, family and school teachers couldn't be prouder of him.
Sabrina McCready, depute head teacher at Inverclyde Academy, is 'delighted' to see David chase his dream.
She said: "When David first approached us about this a while back, it seemed so far off, especially during the pandemic.
"We've been amazed by how well he's done throughout a very difficult three years of schooling.
"David's year group were about to go into their exams when the lockdowns started, they've missed the three years of SQA processes that they normally would have been through.
"To come through all of that and go for such an ambitious university place is amazing.
"He's already a very accomplished musician in the school and this achievement just caps everything off.
"It's a brilliant end to his six years at Inverclyde Academy."
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