My Experience as a Therapist in Vancouver: Special Moments from My Working Holiday

1. Beginning My Life as a Therapist in Vancouver

Ten years ago, I spent a year working in Vancouver, Canada, on a working holiday visa. I worked at a reflexology and chair massage shop.(A chair massage is a compact and focused form of massage therapy performed while seated in a specially designed massage chair.)

The shop was located inside a large shopping mall, and since I lived in North Vancouver, my commute involved either taking multiple buses or walking 30 minutes along the river. Since the walk to work was downhill, I often chose to stroll along the riverside path in the mornings.

Vancouver is an incredible city, where nature and urban life exist in perfect harmony.

Although I had some experience as a therapist in Japan, I was still a beginner with less than a year under my belt, and chair massage was completely new to me. The shop owner, who was from Singapore, made an effort to help me feel at ease during my interview. Looking back, I suspect that being Japanese might have helped me get the job. Thanks to the reputation built by the Japanese therapists before me, we were highly trusted. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to uphold that reputation.

Our team consisted of about ten people from the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. It was my first time working in such an international environment. Everyone was friendly and expressive, and the shop—an open space without partitions—was always lively with laughter, occasional disagreements, and a warm atmosphere that included both staff and customers.

2. Two Unforgettable Customers

Among the many customers I met, two stand out in my memory: the first woman I treated after finishing my training and an elderly man who came for a rflexology session.

My First Treatment: The Warmth of a Customer’s Hands

The first person I treated in Canada was a woman in her 50s who came in for a chair massage. My hands were cold with nerves, and I could barely stop them from trembling. Still, I focused on doing my best and carefully performed the massage.. Still, I focused on doing my best and carefully performed the massage.

When I finally looked up after the session, I saw her face filled with satisfaction. I let out a deep sigh of relief. She smiled warmly and praised me, though I can’t recall exactly what she said in English. But I will never forget how she wrapped my hands in hers, gently pressing a tip into my palm. That was my very first experience as a therapist in Canada.

At that moment, I thought, "It would be nice if Japan had a tipping culture, too." However, I later found myself paying too much attention to the amount of tips I received, which became a bit of a struggle!

A 90-Year-Old Man and the History Carved into His Feet

The other unforgettable customer was an elderly man who came in for a reflexology session. He appeared to be around 90 years old—tall, with large feet. His daughter had brought him to the mall and left him at our shop while she went shopping. It was his first visit.

In reflexology, the treatment begins with a foot bath, followed by a scrub to soften the skin before the actual massage. His feet were so big that they barely fit into the foot bath, but as soon as he felt the warmth of the water, I saw his face soften with comfort.

Since he was quite elderly, his feet showed signs of neglect, but I gently scrubbed them clean, treating them with the care they deserved after carrying him through so many years of life. Whenever I touch someone’s body, I feel as if I’m touching their personal history—it’s always a deeply moving experience.

We didn’t talk much, but when I checked if the pressure was okay, he nodded in approval. When the session ended, his eyes sparkled, and he gave me a warm, grandfatherly smile. He reached out his hand, and without thinking, I held it. In that silent moment, we shared a quiet, mutual understanding.

3. The Gaze That Stayed in My Heart and My Hopes for the Future

Unfortunately, I never saw him again. This happened shortly before my working holiday ended, and I left Canada before he had a chance to return.

But even now, ten years later, I still remember the kindness in his eyes.

Moments like these have shaped who I am today, giving me confidence and purpose.

As I welcome travelers to my current practice, "Harika," I know that our encounters may be just as fleeting. Still, I hope that, even for a brief moment, I can help create a special memory for them—one that stays with them long after their journey ends.