Mario Ortega

“I consider myself a Bolivian samurai. My tools are my sword, and I'm on a mission to bring light to the city's dark corners.”

Mario Ortega is a Bolivian electrician who left his hometown in the Andes to explore the bright lights of Japan. Now living in Osaka, he spends his days fixing wiring in the city's high-rise buildings, often hanging perilously off the sides while doing so. Despite the risks, he loves his job and the sense of accomplishment he feels whenever he's able to fix a complicated electrical issue. On his days off, he can be found exploring the city's many izakayas, sampling the delicious street food, and perfecting his Japanese language skills.

What inspired you to become an electrician?

Growing up in Bolivia, my father used to take me to his construction sites. I was always fascinated by the way the electrical wires were strung together and how they made everything work. It was that sense of curiosity that led me to pursue a career in electrical engineering.

What's been the most challenging part of setting up a new life in Japan?

Definitely the language. When I first arrived, I barely knew any Japanese at all. But I've been studying every day, and now I can have basic conversations with people. It's still difficult, but it's getting easier all the time.