Originally from a small town in the German countryside, Mark has come a long way in his 26 years. The young software developer first came to Japan as an exchange student at Oita University. He was struck by the beauty of the place and returned soon after completing his studies, eventually finding himself in Fukuoka. Mark is the creator of what many consider to be the finest Japanese-English dictionary application available on the iPhone and iPod touch, aptly named “Japanese”. An easy-to-use interface facilitates navigation of its multitude of innovative features. Since its release over a year ago, the application has garnered its inventor plenty of attention. A self-made man, then, Mark represents how far you can go with a good idea and a lot of hard work. And an iPhone, of course.
We discussed his work, his life in Fukuoka and some of the future projects he has up his sleeve.
How long have you been living in Fukuoka?
I used to rent an apartment in Oita city. I decided to move, but since I’m self-employed – not working for a Japanese company – and since Oita is such a small town, it became impossible to find an apartment there. So I chose the next biggest city, which is Fukuoka. That was June of 2009. Since then, I’ve really started to love Fukuoka.
How did you first get involved in making apps?
I was always interested in programming – I got my first computer at the age of eleven and started programming at the age of twelve. When I was an exchange student, I really needed an electronic dictionary. So, I went to all of the stores and looked for one, but they sucked so much. They are made by Japanese people for Japanese people. I needed something better, so I had a look and found this open source database on the internet, Jim Breen’s Japanese dictionary. I started making a Mac application – that was about four years ago – but it was just for me, during my studies.
Then, one day, I saw the very first iPod touch in an electronics department and I thought, “Oh my God – this is made for making an electronic dictionary.” I immediately bought one, hacked it (because at that time you didn’t have the software development kit) and the same day I started developing the application.
Is there a big market for “Japanese”?
Yes, there is. I have the coolest customers too – US marines, Harvard professors, all kinds of people. Every time I get an e-mail from a customer, I’m surprised by just the signature.
Some of the feedback I get is great too. I’ve had people tell me they bought an iPod touch just to use my program and it saved them money in the long run because electronic dictionaries are so expensive.
How is your own Japanese?
I get by. I can read about 700 different kanji. Since I focus so much on the application, I don’t really have the energy to study a lot.
What would you have done in a world without the iPhone or iPod touch?
Well, I originally started developing the dictionary on my Mac.
Will you ever release a Mac version?
I’m still working on it. I’m reworking it and I plan to release version 1.0 later this year.
Will there be a Windows version?
Never. People can just switch (laughs).
Finally, where do you like to hang out in Fukuoka?
Well, if people want to meet me, they can just come to my “office” – Starbucks in Akasaka.
Contact: mark@codefromtokyo.com or visit www.codefromtokyo.com
Hometown: Gütersloh, Germany
Time in Japan: 4 years
Identity: Independent Software Developer
Interview and text by Hugh McCafferty
Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (fn134, Feb. 2010)
