Studied at Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine as a Japanese government scholarship student, from 2002-2009.

 

 

 

 

 

Japan is a fantastic country. Spending more than six wonderful years in Hokkaido University, made me learn more about the culture, people, systems, and everything that the country has to offer to international students and foreigners like me. Although Japan and its people are not perfect—and nobody is—I will always treasure the fine things that I learned from the Japanese. I thank Japan’s taxpayers, my professor, the Japanese and international colleagues of our department for the experiences, which I shall forever carry with me.

 

 

From the moment I arrived in Japan, I had nothing but admiration to them not only because of their world class infrastructure, the beautiful sights, and the almost no traffic jam roads, but more importantly, the very professional services they provided everywhere—airports, banks, entertainment spots, hotels, malls, post offices, restaurants, taxis, trains, ward offices, and all. The Japanese cleanliness is outstanding. Its natural and social environments are places to behold. Almost all the streets in Hokkaido Prefecture have excellent roads, public toilets with running water—and toilet paper. I also feel safe walking in the streets—day and night. I did not feel that any thieves were around to pick on someone else’s pocket. I was surprised to see that the police did not carry firearms, for they don’t have to. They have wide sidewalks, which pedestrians and bicycle riders use freely. The air is clean. The drinking water is crystal clear and very delicious. As well, lakes, ponds, and rivers are not polluted. Colorful flowers and my favorite sakura or cherry blossoms bloom especially during the spring. Almost every home has a garden. A very wonderful sight, indeed!

Being in a foreign country could bring surprises and challenges due to cultural differences and language barriers. But one should not worry when one is in Japan. The Japanese people are forgiving. They very well understand that international people are not familiar with everything in Japan. They are very polite even in arguments where one is expected to be polite to the other party. Direct confrontation is rarely seen, if at all.

 

 

I like the years when I was in the academe. More often than not, the Japanese follow everything according to schedule. Seldom did I experience waiting for more than half an hour for an appointment. If there will be delays, they will give notice in advance. In the Graduate School of Medicine, a month’s notice was sent by email to all of us in the faculty when there were scheduled maintenance procedures for Internet and power supply, and building maintenance. In that way, everybody can get to fix their individuals’ schedule.

All of us in the department worked quietly in our respective small cubicles. Due to my limited Nihongo ability, I seldom exchanged with the Japanese. But that did not mean that I did not interact with them. As a matter of fact, I can answer with very short responses like hai (yes), iie (no) or tabun (perhaps). I worked with them pretty well. Body language manifested by bow, smile, soft and non-imposing voice tone are non-verbal cues to express harmonious working relationship with peers. During fine weather I enjoyed time roasting foods and picnicking with my professor and colleagues in the campus. This is known as the Genghis Khan party where we roasted lamb meat, vegetables, and ramen. We had beers, too. I love Asahi Beer, Kirin Beer, Sapporo Beer, and Suntory Beer.

 

 

 

I had a pretty good relationship with my professor. He trusted me not only with academic loads but with departmental and managerial activities, too. There were many times that I felt I was the secretary of our department having to deal with the hotel accommodation and flight schedules of our foreign guests in scientific meetings and trainings, which our department hosted in Japan and Sri Lanka. I also gave lectures and coached my colleagues in their researches, presentations and scientific publications. There were many times that I also made the slide presentations of my professor for local and international presentations. Unable to give lectures due to his hectic schedule, I also gave lectures to medical students on his behalf. I cannot forget the many opportunities to edit and proof the speeches of the Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine.

My dedication to work hard and smart in Hokkaido University bore so much fruits that I was able to publish eight scientific researches in peer-reviewed international medical journals in a span of six years. This was very much liked by my professor that he gave me many opportunities to visit Asia, particularly in Sri Lanka—to conduct at least three community-based surveys—and in Thailand—to present the results of my research works. Many times, he also sent me to Europe to present my research works, and visit important international offices, viz. the International Labor Organization, Institut Curie, Institut Pasteur, the John Snow Museum, the University of Geneva, the World Health Organization, and all. I give profound thanks to my professor for having been so kind to me for these opportunities. We were more like friends than a professor-student relationship.

 

 

After my two-year stint as a Postdoctoral Fellow of the renowned Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science scholarship, I was offered by my professor to become an Assistant Professor of our department. It was such a good offer to miss. After careful thinking and weighing what had transpired previously, I turned down his offer. Having to leave Japan is one of the most difficult decisions that I had to make in recent years. I have considered it as my home. I have acclimated to the Japanese systems and ways of living that it was not easy to leave the institution I worked for—and have learned to love.

Do you want to know what could be the reason/s for me not to accept my professor’s offer? Find out the answers—and more—in a literary work that condenses my life in Japan and other countries. I have written and published a book called “JAPAN Lights and Shadows”. This book will not only reveal the answers to that question but it will also bring back the memories of Japan to those who have experienced Japan. For current students in Japan, and to those who consider studying there, this book will open the Pandora’s Box about the many things in a Japanese university—things that are not found in any other books nor openly discussed in the Japanese society. It will help them understand more clearly how the Japanese system works and more importantly, how to deal with them. To know more about the book “JAPAN Lights and Shadows”, visit the Web site at http://www.japanlightsandshadows.com/.

To my professor, Japanese colleagues, and all friends whom I met in Japan—some are now scattered around the globe—my heartfelt thank you for the good times and memories. I will never forget you. The book “JAPAN Lights and Shadows” is an expression of my sincere gratitude to Japan and its people. Minna sama, honto ni, doomo arigatoo gozaimashita. Kampai!

 

JAPAN Lights and Shadows　http://www.japanlightsandshadows.com/

 

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Enrolled in the Department of International Communications, Kanda University of International Studies

 

 

 

 

 

 

They say that "time flies like an arrow." It's been four years since I came to Japan, and during that time I have experienced joy, shed tears and felt lonesomeness, but when I look back it’s as though all these emotions just happened yesterday.

 

 

I majored in Japanese at university in China. My reason for wanting to was Japanese manga. Seeing the vividly drawn characters in manga such as Rurouni Kenshin and Slam Dunk fostered a simple yearning to understand Japanese so I could know just how much fun they were. That was the start of my love affair with the Japanese language. There was a scholar who said, “If you are going to study a country’s language and culture, then you have to go there and experience it for yourself.” So every day while I was in China, my desire grew to study in Japan, an advanced country that has long been at the world’s top level of high technology. In our short lives, we experience as much as we can to make us who we are, right? So I decided to study abroad. However, just as I imagined before coming to Japan, life as an international student was not easy. A different culture, food, customs and being far away from my parents in an unfamiliar country…I was starting from scratch.

 

 

 

Life was really tough after coming to Japan, both financially and mentally. I started going to bed late. There were big changes in my lifestyle and it became disorderly. I couldn’t even eat regularly. I had to work part-time while studying so that I wouldn’t be a burden on my parents.

Meanwhile, I had to study my hardest in order to achieve my future dreams. I had just paid a lot of money for tuition, so if I didn’t study then the money and my time would be really wasted. However, my difficult living conditions were also a great learning experience. If I can realize my dreams sometime, then I think my efforts now will be worthwhile.

 

 

 

I’m currently studying at Kanda University of International Studies. To study at the university, it’s not only important to just take classes, but to also know the Japanese culture, customs and way of thinking on a deeper level. To do that, I’m active in interacting with my classmates and participate in various interactive activities in and outside of school. I would like all Japanese people to know Chinese culture well and to tell many more Chinese people about Japanese culture so that we can all get along well. Outside of interacting with people at school, I also think it’s important to not just do your job when working part-time, but to also learn and better understand the Japanese people, know about the diverse culture, everyday customs and ways of thinking in Japan, and to have experiences in Japanese society.

Right now, the phrase that most interests me is “Ganbatte ne” (meaning “Do your best”). I think it’s an idea that expresses a characteristic of Japanese culture whose meaning includes “give it all you’ve got” and “succeed at all costs.” People encourage each other so they can accomplish things. It’s a simple expression, but with deep meaning. When I’m studying, tired at work or having trouble and somebody like a student at school, a senior coworker or a customer I don’t know encourages me by saying “Ganbatte ne,” I whole-heartedly appreciate it.

 

From here on out I will diligently do my best. A day of loneliness is for happiness in my life as a whole. My life studying abroad continues, but I want to overcome each difficulty one at a time and keep doing my best to work towards my goals.

 

 

 

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Studying in the Economics Department at Kokugakuin University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I left China in April 2008 and came to Japan to study. Studying abroad was a big chance for me. I feel so emotional when I look back to that time two years ago when I had just started studying here and I didn’t understand the language at all. I’ve gained so much by studying abroad.

 

 

No matter who you are, it’s impossible to study abroad by yourself. I have so much gratitude for the many people who have helped me thus far. There were times when I ran up against language barriers, but when I took the initiative and plowed ahead, my world changed. Nothing will happen if you don’t act, and I learned a lot from meeting people. These past two years have passed quickly, but I think I’m quite satisfied with my life at school and at my part-time job.

 

 

I studied at a Japanese language school these past two years and made lots of memories. It’s easy to understand and fun to study in the classes, and I’ll never forget going to places like Disney Land and Fuji-Q High Land with my fellow students. When I seemed stuck or in a hopeless situation, my teachers and kind classmates offered me warm words of encouragement. I was also able to receive a scholarship, so I had no serious money worries.

You need money for things like tuition and living expenses when you study abroad. The scholarship helped a lot, but it was not enough for my living expenses. I wanted to earn money for them by myself so I could become independent. However, I was a total failure when I first looked for a part-time job. I felt really down when I was told, “Your Japanese isn’t good enough yet.” But because I experienced this kind of failure many times I studied Japanese as hard as I could. Now I work part-time in a store and can engage customers in conversation.

 

 

I was able to change myself because of my part-time work. I was only half a person before I went there. The reason why is that I thought that so long as I can get my work done, then that’s fine. When I started working at the store I became aware of “teamwork” for the first time and learned the idea of cooperation. For example, when someone below me makes a mistake, I have to take responsibility for teaching them the right way, but I didn’t understand this in the beginning. Through my current job, I learned to “reflect deeply on oneself rather than criticizing others” and that “no matter how good you are, you cannot do the work by yourself.” In this unfavorable economic climate, what does having a stable lifestyle mean? I think it means borrowing the strength of other people. This is something I’ve learned through personal experience.

 

 

I was able to get into Kokugakuin University this spring. I’m so happy to become a university student, but I also feel very anxious about it. University classes are different from Japanese language schools. They’re held at a native Japanese speaker’s level, regardless of students’ nationality. I’m still not accustomed to the way things are done at university and I’m always tired. In English class the teacher is Japanese, so I need English and Japanese skills. In other words, an international student has to understand two foreign languages. I told my more experienced friends about my worries that at this pace I’ll fall into a vicious circle.

 

 

I intend to join an interesting club at university. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of people and making friends. I also hope to get TOEIC, bookkeeping and other qualifications in the next four years. In addition, I want to travel in Japan and overseas while I’m a university student. Since I chose Economics, I want the information I’ve studied to be of at least some use in the present sort of economic situation.

 

 

To a freshman university student like me, the world seems like a big place, but I want to try and create my own world. I believe I am truly fortunate to be able to study abroad in Japan. I think there are still many tough things lying ahead for me, but I want to borrow the strength of those around me as I continue down my path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Studied at University of Tokyo as a Asian Development Bank Scholarship student, from 2007 to 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If we take life as a school then Japan was my favorite subject and taught me very important lesson.

My name is Tahira. I have graduated from University of Tokyo in 2009 with the degree of Masters in Sustainability Science. From the childhood it was my wish to go to Japan and among friends we often promise ourselves to take each other to Japan if one of us go one day. I was looking for ways to go and study in Japan since it is one of the countries developed in the field of education, one of the rare countries that maintained its history, tradition, culture and people who smile and ready to help when you need it.

 

 

My wish came true.

 

 

From the first day in Japan I felt like I am in another planet. Everything was different. I lost 5 kg in two weeks because of food. Me who had never eaten MC Donald’s had to eat it to survive. I was fighting with ravens since everyday they were sitting in my balcony and shouting. However when I remember my first days in Japan I feel so happy that I experienced it. From every step there I learned more and more. With regards to food: now Japanese food is my favorite.

 

 

Since I was living in small cute Edogawadai every day from 18:00 everywhere was closed and first I could not adjust to silence since I came from the capital city where the silence disturbed till the late time. After I began to like this silence that made me feel so peaceful and loneliness let me to enjoy the great feeling of freedom.

 

 

In University everyone was so kind and so helpful that it was a great pleasure to study there. I still remember the smell of my University when I first entered and lost inside while looking for my way to lab and found it with the help of our kind secretary.

My school life was very busy but very exciting. I was eager to learn more however sometimes it was so hard that I wanted to run away. First time in my life I did my assignment in Green Chemistry. I did not sleep all night but after I was proud of myself that I had done it and I understood that there is nothing impossible if you really want to do it.

 

 

It is may be ridiculous but first time in University of Tokyo I understood the seriousness of environmental danger on Earth and the most important is that from the research I got to know that my country is one of the polluted countries in the world. I did not know it before that’s why I did my research to find out why I do not know this. As a result it was obvious that there is not enough education for the population in schools and from different sources of media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nowadays I am living in Switzerland trying to do something for my country –Azerbaijan, from far away since I cannot go back now. I wish to write paper and to make our people to know that environment is in danger and they have to take care about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wrote very small part of my experience in Japan. It was precious time and memory that will last forever. I have got to know many people from different countries and many of them become my friends. From that time I always think that the world can be more beautiful if there is a peace between all since studying and working together with people of different nationalities helped me to realize that we are all the same.

 

I would like to express my feeling of endless happiness and proud even temporally but being part of the academic and national community of Japan. It was a great experience for me in academic and personal life. I miss the fresh morning smell in Tokyo, sunrise from Fuji Mountain and my dear University.

 

 

 

 

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Enrolled at Soka University

 

 

 

 

 

 

My name is Menna. I’m a third-year student at Cairo University. I’m now studying Japanese at Soka University as an international student. I came to Japan in September 2009. From the beginning I didn’t feel discomfort or anxiety. That’s because my dorm mates are really nice and let me join their circle of friends. Besides, I’ve been busy every day with university classes and preparing for the university festival. Café preparations and dance practice started one month before the university festival. Among the international students preparing the cafés I was the only Egyptian at Soka University, so they put me in the North American group. We thought up the design for the café’s sign and drew it.

 

 

Each group serves famous cuisine from their countries at the cafés. We were able to sell a lot of hot dogs at our group’s café. There were other groups from various countries and regions in addition to North America. For example, there was the Russian group and the European group. Dance practice was fun. But I was shy, and even though I danced at practice I was too embarrassed to perform at the university festival.

 

 

I was also busy studying. I studied a lot of new grammar and vocabulary last semester. I also had a listening class. There were kanji tests every month, too. In addition to last semester’s content, this semester I’m taking Japanese Phonetics and Phonology and the Teaching of Japanese alongside Japanese students. I chose these two subjects because I want to learn natural Japanese pronunciation in Phonetics and Phonology. I thought the Teaching of Japanese will help me learn Japanese. There is also a class called Japanese Cultural Experiences. We do something different every week in this class. For example, we’ve put on kimono, written calligraphy, played traditional Japanese instruments and learned about tea ceremony.

 

 

 

I talk with my school friends about all kinds of stuff. For example, I of course get asked by people who are interested in Egypt about Egyptian customs and how Egyptian people think. I also get asked, “Why do you have a scarf on your head?”

 

 

 

 

 

Half the people in the dorm went back to their own countries when the school vacation started in February. It became quiet and lonely there, so I thought I wanted to go back to Egypt too, but I ended up traveling for a couple months. I went to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, and then to Kyushu. Each city had its own characteristics. Compared to Tokyo, people in Osaka are livelier, candid and more down-to-earth. Naturally I fell in love with Kyoto. It has a different atmosphere from Tokyo and it was fun to actually see the temples and shrines there. After that I went to Nara, where I enjoyed playing with the many deer.

 

In addition to Kansai I also went to Kyushu. I did a homestay in Fukuoka Prefecture. My host family was incredibly kind and took me to nearby places like Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures. That family made every day a fun one. On top of traveling, I got a valuable experience being in a Japanese family for the first time. My vacation was the best, so I went back to my studies when school started up again full of energy.

 

During the year my sense of responsibility has grown and I have come to like my own country more and more. Also, because of my family’s unwavering resolution I have been able to live as an international student for a year with their support. Moreover, I’ve learned many things about this country by living abroad and my eyes have been opened to lots of things I’d never noticed before about my own country. This was a really valuable year to me.

 

 

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Enrolled in the Department of International Communication at Kanda University of International Studies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I came to Japan with the dream of becoming an interpreter. So many times before coming here I had beautiful fancies of what life would be like. However, reality is different, of course. Living in Japan was not that easy. As an international student, I have to both study and work part-time. My life would fall apart if I couldn't strike a good balance between the two.

 

 

When I began studying at a Japanese language school, I only understood a little of the language. I couldn't communicate well with the teachers or adjust to the classes. I was nothing but worried as the stress of my lifestyle and studies built up, and I was so dispirited that I thought I was going to die. Fortunately my friends were always at my side, supporting me with encouragement and help. No matter how low you fall you have to get on with your life. I found out that the only thing you can do is try your best. That's because "practice makes perfect."

 

 

Now I'm so happy because I can study whatever subjects I like at Kanda University of International Studies. I felt I had come one step closer to my dream when I entered this university. I want to keep trying so that I can see the light of my dreams for the future. Sometimes I think it's tough, but now it seems to me that university is a four-year task in which you find out what difficulties you can endure and whether the life ahead of you suits you or not. I want to find the answers and grow as I try.

 

　

 

I want to be a great interpreter in the future, but there’s a lot of work before I can realize that dream. I will take the lessons I learn here to heart and walk resolutely ahead towards realizing my dream. I am so happy simply just for having this dream. Nobody can predict the future. I think what’s most important is the process of pursuing your dreams. The effort itself is what makes life wonderful.

 

 

 

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Enrolled in a doctoral program at Ochanomizu University’s Graduate School as a Japanese goverment (Monbukagakusho:MEXT) scholarship student

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I’d like to talk about the Japan that I have encountered and my thoughts on the Japanese language. I majored in Japanese language at Dalian University of Foreign Languages and was able to make four short trips to Japan while enrolled there.
The first of these trips, to participate in the All-China Japanese Speech Contest sponsored by the NIKKEI, was my first time ever to visit Japan. My initial experience in Japan threw me into a world of fresh surprises. I still can’t forget how moved and surprised I was then. On my second trip I won the 3rd China-Japan Friendship Essay Contest and stayed for two weeks in Tokushima Prefecture, where I toured the prefectural office, city hall, Tokushima University and Naruto University of Education. I made a friendship visit to Hokusei Gakuen University in Sapporo, an affiliated school, on my third trip, and also joined the East Asia Assembly. On my fourth trip I won the 1st Japan-China Voices of Friendship All-China Japanese Speech Grand Championship sponsored by Toho Press, Inc. and was invited to stay in Japan.

 

On all four visits I experienced the real Japan with my own senses, and my feelings for and thoughts about Japan became stronger. Although my stays were short, I couldn’t help my yearning for Japan: for the academic environment, being able to constantly experience the sight of this advanced country, the peoples’ manners and polite behavior, and of course the wonderful living environment... I decided that I wanted to study the people’s way of thinking and manners even more, so I crossed the sea and came to study in Japan. It is almost three years since then, and I have come to have a love for my second home in Japan that becomes greater the more I get to know it. “We tend to be good at those things we like.” I like Japan, so even when I’ve fallen down, I pull myself up and confidently continue to do my very best. At some time while living in Japan, interacting with the people and experiencing the culture, I have been able to build strong bonds with the country.

1st Japan-China Voices of Friendship All-China Japanese Speech Grand Championship (sponsored by Toho Press, Inc.)
All-China Japanese Speech Contest (sponsored by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun)

1. Student Life
I wanted to study Japanese in my undergraduate years because of Japanese dramas and animation. I remember vivid images of cute Doraemon and handsome Takuya Kimura, and my simple yearning to find out what fun it would be to understand Japanese grew stronger. Since I gradually began to love the Japanese language, I developed a greater desire to study in Japan, an advanced country with the world’s most sophisticated technology. Then, I had a great teacher in university who led me to choose to study in Japanese at a graduate school in Japan. I still want to be like that teacher.

I am now conducting comparative research on China and Japan. My field is discourse analysis. During my three years in Japan I have studied under the instruction of Professor Sasaki. Straight up until now I have received from her detailed advice and guidance on planning and conducting research from beginning to end. From the conceptualization phase of my master’s thesis until I was finishing up the final draft, she always provided positive comments and pointed out weak points to show me how I could improve. I have now been able to continue on to doctoral research because of Dr. Sasaki’s training. She always prodded me with kind encouragement, not only in my research, but also other times like when things in my daily life were going wrong or I was suffering from an illness. This became a great motivation for my research in another country. Through discussions with all the other students in my daily seminars I received pointed remarks and a number of suggestions that helped and really energized my research.
Before studying in Japan, when I had been nothing more than just another student, I felt a huge disadvantage and pressure when half a year of studying abroad later I became a researcher of the Japanese language. Using Japanese was one obvious difficulty, but it was also really hard at first to find problems in everyday Japanese and to compile them into my essays. I just memorized everything taught to me in my undergraduate years and use it in real life. But the academic setting at Ochanomizu University’s graduate school requires a high level of specialization, so I had two years to expand my outlook and thinking, give commentary and actively participate in debate. For me, this is the absolute best research setting there is and I am proceeding with my research with a positive attitude.

 

2．Future Goals
From the time I was an elementary student, I had the dream of becoming a teacher. However, when I reflect on that time, I can’t really say that I ever had a clear purpose in mind. While I study in Japan and continue to perform research on education, I also teach Chinese to Japanese people and Japanese to Chinese people at a language school. I discover new things about words every day as I teach them in the classroom. There are fun things about teaching Japanese in the classroom, while on the flip side various problems come up. One is that there are many Chinese children are compelled to keep learning in Japan because of their parents’ work or an international marriage. Children who can rarely meet their parents because of work, have no friends or relatives around and can’t even speak the language in a foreign country are weighed down by worries and uncertainties that they can’t express to those around them. When I hear children talk to me about their families or worries, I find that a teacher has to play various important roles depending on the person: a teacher imparting knowledge, a kind-hearted mother, a close and kind sister they can talk to about anything, a guidance counselor to give advice about their troubles, or a friend they can have fun with. A teacher’s work is not just imparting students with useful knowledge through instruction. It is sharing your thoughts and experiences with students, while at the same time feeling that you are receiving various kinds of motivation from them. Then you connect with the students on a much deeper level as you complete the course together by interacting with each other and creating personal bonds in a spiritual way. Because of this, I feel very deeply that I have found my purpose in life. 　
There are plenty of examples of great teachers whose influence I could mention or to whom I continue to feel grateful, just as Lu Xun admired Dr. Fujino. I am now endeavoring with my studies with the vow that I too will become a teacher with the great influence to change the lives of students one person at a time.

 

3．Deep Impressions about Japan
We have many encounters in life. Here I’d like to tell you about one of my encounters in Japan, about the host family during my home stay who made a very deep impression on me. I was allowed to do a home stay for about one year with the family of a Japanese friend I had in my hometown of Dalian. That one year during the home stay had a very significant impact on my life in Japan. I not only was able to overcome the “language barrier,” but I also learned about Japanese culture.
My host mother was very knowledgeable about traditional Japanese culture and taught me various things like how to put on a kimono and do ikebana. But not only that, she also congratulated me at my school entrance ceremony and graduation ceremony. I’ve had her full support while living in Japan so that even now I don’t think that living in another country is a lonely experience. Every time I phone them, my host mother gives me a warm feeling inside when she says, “Come anytime. We’re waiting for you.”

It feels so nice to have a home to go back to when you’re living abroad. It’s so great to have a family that supports you. They will reassure you when you feel lonely living in a foreign land. Countries are separated by borders, but there are no borders confining the human heart. Mutual understanding and friendly exchanges are extremely important on the national level, but we can make truly meaningful exchanges by continuing to plant their seeds on the citizen level—that is, the personal level. There is a Japanese expression, “Ichi-go ichi-e,” meaning a once-in-a-lifetime encounter to be cherished as such, and my meeting this Japanese family has been a great gift and enormous asset to me. I always want to cherish this family’s love.

 

4．Current Situation and Future Plans
I graduated from the master program at Ochanomizu University in March 2010 and moved on to the doctoral program in April to continue my research. I am also teaching Chinese and Japanese as a part-time lecturer at a Tokyo language institute. I want to use my experience actually teaching in the excitement of the classroom to help write my doctoral thesis. By combining my research and my practical classroom experience, I think about the differences in nuance and the cultural differences between words in Chinese and Japanese, and I confirm them while telling the people around me about my speculations. In the future, I want to get my doctorate in Japan and become a teacher. The path of my research is a long but happy one, and I will do my absolute best to get my Ph. D.

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Studied at Kagawa University as a Japanese government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship student, from 2002 to 2007.

 

I was a student in Japan from 2002 to 2007. I received scholarships from the Japanese government, and I am extremely delighted today to share with you my personal experiences studying in Japan.
I studied as a Mombukagakusho scholarship student at Kagawa University. I lived mainly in Takamatsu City, where I have so many memories. For me, Takamatsu is my second hometown.
Although it has been only two years and seven months since I left Japan, it feels like a distant memory. Did it really happen?
It has been less than three years since my graduation from Ehime University, but the memories of the splendid time I spent there are still fresh.

 

I can still remember very well the day on which I packed my things as I was preparing to leave Japan. At that particular moment, I asked myself, "Has it already been five years?" It seems like just yesterday that I started my research on rare sugars in the Laboratory of Functional Molecules of the Department of Biochemistry and Food Science at Kagawa University.

 

Before arriving in Japan from Syria, I had almost no idea about life in Japan. Like most Middle Eastern people, I had only a vague image of life in the Far East.

When I first made the decision to stay in Kagawa for that long to acquire my master’s degree and PhD as well, it seemed impossible, and I had the mixed emotions of excitement, fear, and anxiety. However, I was lucky enough to be introduced to my professor, Yasuhiro Kawanami, who gave me lots of useful advice and encouragement, which, in all, made my life and research easier than I, myself, had expected.

 

 

The university and student organizations put together lots of social gatherings such as welcome parties, tea parties, and cultural activities, where I got to meet people from different parts of the world.

 

It is the people in Japan who make this country special. I made fantastic Japanese friends, beautiful people both inside and out, whom I consider myself privileged to have known. They have given me memories that I will cherish. Together we visited so many different places in Japan, and they taught me so much about the life and culture there.

The sense of responsibility, good manners, discipline, punctuality, diligence, respect for elders, and value of beauty are all typical characteristics that allowed the Japanese culture to leave such a huge impact on my heart and mind.

 

 

It would be a lie if I said that every day of my life in Japan was easy. I certainly encountered many difficulties. In fact, my life in Japan was a mixture of easy and hard.

In spite of enduring the very humid summers in Japan, being a native speaker of Arabic was enough to make nihongo my first and most important barrier in Japan. I was also subjected (sometimes) to some stress in my early life there, as I struggled through my daily round of endless duties as a wife, mother, and research student.
It is amazing how busy I was all the time!

On the other hand, regardless of any difficulties (which are much less than the facilities), I find myself wanting to talk about the things that I enjoyed in Japan, so I would like to share the things that I loved the most about Kagawa:

When I first came to Japan, I couldn't get accustomed to the food at all. Kagawa is famous for sanuki udon. In Kagawa, there is quite a wide variety of udon served in udon shops throughout Kagawa.
However, at the very beginning, I didn't like udon! I thought that it was mushy and bland. But now, I like udon just as much as a native Sanukiite. I would have to say that sanuki udon is the greatest food in Japan.
Of course, we can't forget other healthy Japanese food like onigiri, okonomiyaki, sushi, takoyaki, yakitori, and nabe.

 

In most cases, talking about food cannot be separated from talking about festivals in Japan, as there are so many festivals held all over Shikoku.

 

I was fascinated by Japanese traditions and culture. I was particularly taken by the customs associated with the celebration of Japan's most important religious festival, called O-bon: the festival of the dead.
I admire and respect the reverence shown to the dead. It was always wonderful to watch the Japanese pause to clap their hands, close their eyes, and bow their heads in a moment of prayer for the dead.

 

Another of my favorite festivals, Awa Odori, is a huge festival that takes place in Tokushima every year during O-bon. Exciting singing and many dancers dressed in highly colorful outfits make the dance very fun to watch.
In Kagawa as well, there are many lively summer festivals such as the colorful Sanuki Takamatsu City Festival, which has beautiful dance performances, followed by hanabi (fireworks), usually held in the Sunport-Takamatsu district where there is a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea.

In Japan, I was often asked if Syria had different seasons, and I used to reply that we do have different seasons, but that they are not as defined as in Japan.

 

Because of the sakura (cherry blossoms), spring in Japan is one of the many amazing things that I will always remember. During spring, scores of Japanese people young and old, from all walks of life, sweep down in droves onto the nearest sakura-viewing spot, to celebrate the first blooms of the season and the end of the cold winter months, all in the name of hanami (flower-viewing).

 

Although spring, my favorite season, is followed by my least favorite season in Japan (summer), I really enjoyed the Japanese way of greeting the coming of summer by spending the last few days of April and the first few days of May on vacation. This joyful time, referred to as "Golden Week," is close to my heart, since my only daughter, Naya, was born during my first Golden Week in Japan.

 

Then comes autumn, with the leaves turning yellow and falling off the trees. As a child and even as an adult, there is nothing better than the sound of the leaves crunching under your feet as you go for an autumn walk.

 

 

Indeed, my life in Kagawa was very stimulating and full of joy; I'll always remember those years with a special pleasure and an endless love. I find myself always moved to tears when I remember the most important steps I’ve been through in this unique country where every single day I spent was a golden chance in my life.

After returning to Syria, I was invited to give a speech during a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Japan at his residence in Damascus, in honor of the Syrian students newly returning from Japanese universities.

 

Also, I was invited by the Japanese Embassy to give a guidance lecture at the Japanese Centre at Aleppo University in Syria. I talked about how to write a research proposal and discussed the Japanese culture, my greatest difficulties and challenges, expectations, etc.

 

Moreover, after returning to Syria, I was given the chance to visit Japan again. This happened when I received an invitation to share my experiences and participate in the 4th Symposium of the International Society of Rare Sugars held in Kagawa in November 2008. Indeed, this visit was a wonderful “homecoming” opportunity for me.

 

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the government of Japan for providing me the opportunity to complete my PhD on a Monbukagakusho scholarship, and to spend such a wonderful time of my life and gain knowledge, information, and friends.

Furthermore, I would like to express my deepest thanks to the staff of the Monbukagakusho, the Embassy of Japan in Syria, and the Cultural Section, as well as to the staff of the Exchange and Follow-Up Division, the Student Department, and the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) for keeping in touch with me and providing me with the informative e-newsletter.

 

 

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Studied at Nara University of Education as a Japanese studies students from October 2006 to September 2007.

 

My first contact with Japan was from my cousin who was studying Japanese at that time. He taught me many interesting things about Japan and its culture, which sparked my interest in the country. I had wanted to go to Japan when I grew up. I was undecided and confused about my future as I graduated high school, but with advice from my cousin I decided to study Japanese. When I first realized that the Japanese writing system uses three different kinds of letters (hiragana, katakana, and kanji), I was somewhat intimidated. However, as I continued with my Japanese study, I realized that the word order used in Japanese is exactly the same as Hindi, which I found very interesting. When kanji characters were introduced in the class, we were taught that each kanji character had a specific meaning, and studying the meanings of each kanji was a fresh and enjoyable experience for me.

 

 

As I was about to start postgraduate study after studying Japanese for three years, a scholarship exam was held by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. I took the exam, and luckily, I was chosen to be an international student to study at Nara University of Education in Japan for a year. I was able to become friends with people from all over the world, and made many fond memories. In that one year, I was able to travel all over Japan, see the Gion Festival, and enjoy three of Japan’s oldest art forms, namely Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. My understanding of Japanese culture deepened with visits to world heritage sites such as the Great Buddha of Nara, and Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. The image of Japan I got from being in Japan was quite different from the image of Japan I held when I was still studying Japanese in India. I felt a special warmth inside, because the Japanese people all treated me with kindness during my stay.

 

 

The one thing that stands out the most for me during the year long stay in Nara is one-night, two-day trip to Ehime prefecture that I went on with my professors and other international students. Ehime prefecture has a town famous for the Dogo Onsen, which has a history stretching back 3,000 years. As I soaked in an onsen for the first time in Dogo I felt like I had come into direct contact with Japanese culture and tradition. I even sang karaoke songs such as “Sekai ni Hitotsu dake no Hana” by SMAP while my professors, friends and I enjoyed a meal. I had heard that Japan had a special culture and had many Buddhists believers and I really felt this way while I was in Ehime. I also visited Matsuyama castle in Ehime.

 

 

While staying at a dorm in Nara University, I played soccer with the other international students almost every day. During one of these games, the ball kicked by my friend from Germany hit me in the eye. The impact broke my glasses. The international students and Japanese students with whom I was playing the game took me to a doctor. Everything checked out okay with my eyes, but I couldn’t see out of my right eye for about a week, because it was swollen up. I was disappointed that my German friend quit playing soccer after that incident.

Another thing I found interesting in Japan is the sheer number of bicycles and their popularity amongst adults. In Dehli, where I live, bicycles are for children or for use by low income earners commuting to work. Hardly any university students use them. But in Japan, many university students use bicycles, and I was very surprised by that. Also, many people in Japan use bicycles to commute to work. I thought I’d try it out too, and bought a used bicycle. I couldn’t ride it at first, but after trying a few times, I was able to ride it. I rode my bike everyday instead of going for walks. It was very useful for going shopping and going out with friends. Since returning to India, I don’t ride a bike anymore, and I find it very inconvenient.

 

 

 

Other than that, I entered a speech contest in Nara and won with my speech entitled, “The Importance of Your Mother Tongue.” I also received recognition for the speech from the Nara University of Education. The university gave me a certificate of completion as well as a certificate of commendation, and the whole experience remains one of my greatest memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has already been six years since India came into the spotlight as a cornerstone of the BRIC. It is hoped that India will be a significant contributor to the world economy in the years to come. When I returned from Japan, there were many Japanese companies looking to break into the Indian market, but there weren’t many Indian people who could speak business-level Japanese. Japanese businesses have faced many difficulties operating in a place with a vastly different culture and language. With that backdrop, I chose a workplace that would allow me to contribute to these Japanese businesses while utilizing my Japanese language skills. Currently, I’m supporting Japanese businesses trying to enter the Indian market as an employee of DELOITTE (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC). My responsibilities include helping Japanese companies get a foothold in India through various set-ups, providing advice on India’s complex tax laws, and contributing to the success of Japanese businesses by providing auditing services. My future plans include contributing to enhancing the relationship between Japan and India. To this end, I’m teaching the Japanese language to other Indian students at the school where I first learned Japanese.

 

 

When studying a foreign language, I think it is important to know the culture of the country as well. Even though my school taught me a lot about Japanese culture and traditions, I always wanted to witness them with my own eyes. I chose the Nara University of Education, because Nara is the most historical and traditional town in Japan, and it retains much of the old Japanese traditions.

 

Thanks to the year I spent in Japan, I was able to find a good job in India supporting Japanese businesses break into the Indian market, and I get to use my Japanese language skills. I also hold lectures about Japanese culture and language for students of the Japanese language to spread the understanding of the Japanese language in India. I am very happy that my experience as an international student in Japan has made a direct contribution to my present life. I hope to continue to contribute to deepening the relationship between India and Japan in the future.

 

 

 

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Studied at the Faculty of Agriculture Department of International Environ mental and Agriculture Sciences Laboratory of Plant genetics and Biotechnology,
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) as a Japanese government (Monbukagakusho:MEXT) scholarship student, from 2003 to 2008.
Received Master Degree in 2005 and Doctorate Degree in 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I accepted a chance to come to Japan to study under a MEXT scholarship I knew little about Japanese culture, food and people. As I also had the chance to study at Purdue University in the United States many of my friends questioned me as to why I chose Japan over the United States.

I departed from Kabul International Airport with a group of nine other Afghan students on March 16, 2003 and landed at Narita International Airport on March 17, 2003. Mrs. Camura from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology was waiting for us and I think she must have found our vastly different culture very intriguing. She was very kind and escorted us to the Koganei International House, which belongs to the Technology Campus of the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. Mrs. Camura portrayed a great aspect of the Japanese people in that she was very kind to both myself and my colleagues. She took us shopping in the evening and this caused a little bit of conflict over food and culture. We Muslims don’t eat pork at all and any beef, chicken and mutton that is provided for by a Non-Muslim. We bought bread, eggs, yogurt and vegetables and she inquired as to why we didn’t buy any meat and when we explained our reasons she was very accepting of us.

We gradually adapted to some very delicious Japanese foods (Sushi, Natto, Tofu, Tempura, Soba etc.), all of which are permitted by the religion of Islam to eat. We have also found many shops in Japan that provide and sell meat according to the Islamic manner. I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to her.

Learning Japanese was an eye-opening experience for us because of how the three sets of characters (Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji) are wildly different from characters used in the Afghani language as well as the English language characters. We learnt Hiragana and Katakana within two weeks but learning Kanji was difficult. We learnt enough Japanese to get by after a six month Japanese class. I would like to thank our Japanese language teachers, especially Ms. Baba.

 

 

I started my studies at the Laboratory of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology under the supervision of Dr. Hirata Yutaka. Even though I had lectured at Kabul University for 11 years I did not know how to use the advanced technology in the labs. I adapted to the new technology with the support of my kind advisor and the senior students at the laboratory. Finally I learnt many methods and protocols and completed many independent experiments using advanced technology. I visited a number of prefectures in Japan to enhance my knowledge through the support of the laboratory. Here I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hirata.

 

 

 

 

My lovely daughter was also born in Fuchu, Tokyo, at Tokyo Metropolitan Fuchu Hospital on December 6, 2007. Her name is Hadia Kakashan and speaks Japanese very well.

 

My conclusion is that understanding other cultures is vital for living in a peaceful international environment and to achieve true human welfare.

 

 

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Studied at the Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology as a Japanese government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship student, from October 2002 to March 2006.
Currently works as a lecturer at the Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Can Tho University, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was born in a small village in Vietnam, and I spent a difficult childhood after the war. Therefore, I tried to study hard in order to have the opportunity to undertake further study, especially in developed countries. After completing my Bachelor degree at Can Tho University (CTU), I had the chance to work as a Teaching Assistant at the university. In early 2002, my aspiration became a reality when I met Dr. Kaeko Kamei, who is an Associate Professor at the Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT). She came to CTU as a coordinator for exchange between the Kyoto Institute of Technology and CTU. After Dr. Kamei visited my university, I decided to study at KIT on a doctoral program that would last three and a half years.

 

 

The beautiful, peaceful and quiet city of Kyoto, with its many temples and pagodas, was constantly changing faces according to the season and left an unforgettable impression on me. Cherry flowers are in full bloom in spring, especially along Takano River and Kiyomizu temple. “Kinkakuji” (the Golden Pavilion) becomes even more brilliant with the snow in winter. “Hanabi” (firework festivals) are very impressive in the summer and then there are the streetside trees changing colors in autumn… All of these images have been etched into my mind as wonderful paintings. Besides that, in this place, I experienced many things that would be beneficial to me later on, not only through my doctoral program studies at KIT, but also by getting many chances to learn about the people, culture and country of Japan as well as other countries through my Japanese and international friends. And personally, the thing I like most about Japan is the Japanese people. They are very kind. They willingly helped me when I met some problems. One day, when I was returning to my accommodation from the university, I lost my way and I didn’t have any means of contacting my friends. One Japanese passerby asked me if I needed help, and when learning of my situation, she helped me get back to the dormitory without hesitation. Another time, an old man enthusiastically helped me repair my bike when it was broken in the street. These are small examples, but they made me warm inside and gave me more energy to live away from home.

 

At KIT, I was very fortunate to be able to work under the devoted guidance of my supervisor, Dr. Kamei. She always carefully edited my reports and meticulously corrected all of my punctuation errors. I saw this as a big encouragement to stimulate me to study harder. Now, I also transmit my knowledge to students with great devotion, in the same way my supervisor had done for me.

Now, I am a lecturer at the Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Can Tho University. I am continuing the project I started studying at KIT with the title of “Screening of Antimalarial Compounds from Plant Extracts in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam”. Thanks to the experience and knowledge I gained while I was in Japan, I performed my job well while also contributing ideas to a wide range of specialist areas. I know that it is our role as former students to promote Japan as an ideal study destination worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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