Anna Mironova's Path to Serving Underserved Communities in Japan

Anna Mironova's fascination with Japan began in her childhood, though her hometown in western Russia lacked Japanese language instructors. She turned to self-study, using anime like "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Fullmetal Alchemist" as her learning tools. A dictionary was her constant companion as she navigated this self-directed education.

This early immersion in anime and language learning paved the way for Mironova's fluency in Japanese and her eventual legal career on Shikoku Island. Her interest extended beyond language, encompassing Japan's history, particularly through the action-adventure series "Rurouni Kenshin."

A high school trip to Kyoto further solidified her desire to study in Japan, leading her to Kyoto University. Later, she pursued law at Osaka University, where her language skills and multicultural background sparked an interest in international law. However, her career aspirations shifted as she progressed in her studies.

An internship on the remote island of Ishigakijima in Okinawa Prefecture proved to be a pivotal experience. There, she witnessed the challenges faced by communities in "judicial deserts," where access to legal professionals was limited, leaving basic rights often unprotected.

After becoming a lawyer in 2023, Mironova joined the Sakuragaoka Law Office in Tokyo, a firm dedicated to providing legal services to underserved areas. She describes her first year as a legal "apprenticeship." In May, she began practicing law in Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture.

Mironova embraces her identity as a minority, believing it allows her to connect with and serve those who might feel more comfortable relying on her. She is also an avid runner, having completed a 100-kilometer ultramarathon. She now looks forward to running along the Shimantogawa River, known for its pristine waters.