Volume 39, Number 09
Features
Family Focus
Nicole and Alex originally moved to Tokyo from Australia two years ago. Nicole was pregnant with Charlie at the time and not long after came Tom (now seven months old) to complete their young family.
Alex previously worked in banking here in Tokyo but on his return to Australia he made a career move into the world of exporting and selling wines. When the company he now works for (Fosters) offered him a chance to move back to Japan in 2006 he jumped at the chance, only this time he brought with him Nicole, and the rest, they say is history.
Nicole is a full-time mom taking care of Charlie, who is said to be a huge hit here in Japan with his red hair, and Tom who, being a little quieter than his older brother, generally prefers to sit back and watch as things happens.
The Hill family often goes to Himoya Park where the brothers enjoy the pony rides and they also have a family favorite rooftop garden in Futakatamagawa where they like to pass the time. The brothers also attend jidouken (children's centers which can be found throughout Japan), which has also enabled Nicole to make Japanese friends.
Nicole says that one of the best things about being a family here in Tokyo is how easy it is to get anywhere, although with two children the 2-storey supermarkets can cause a problem!
Nicole and Alex enjoy spending time together by eating out, be it local noodles or a restaurant from the Michelin Guide.