Maroon Life & Times: What is the most interesting thing you have found in New Orleans?

Ishimori: I see a fusion of the traditional and modern within the city. I also like the streetcars. I’m always glad to see the streetcars.

L&T: What do you miss about Japan?

Ishimori: Friends, family, Japanese food and I also miss Japanese karaoke. I’m shy, but not too shy when it comes to karaoke.

L&T: How did you get into the Rubik’s cube?

Ishimori: One of my friends was playing with one, and I asked him to let me play with it. I thought it was awesome. It was difficult to solve but once I completed one surface, it was enough for me to figure out how to solve the rest.

L&T: What is your current Rubik’s cube record?

Ishimori: The only record I can remember is 1 minute and 16 seconds on a 3-inch-by-3-inch Rubik’s cube – but it’s not that fast.

L&T: What is something that you used to do in Japan that you can’t do here?
Ishimori: I often would go out a lot. It’s difficult to get into the clubs here, and I’m still not familiar with the surroundings.