I've been interested in Japan since I watched anime when I was a child .For example, I liked to watch the "Inuyasha" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion". After that, I watched some Japanese movies when I grew up. Such as "Nobody Knows" ,which is directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. And I also had read some literary works of famous litterateurs. I was gradually fascinated by the delicate description and the emotion that moved my heart. So I wanted to know more and more about Japanese culture, and I wanted to know what Japan is like.So I started to study japanise and various things about Japan.
Specifically speaking, the reason why I want to study in Japan is that I want to study the modern Japanese ideological and culture history to do my own research. I'm particularly interested in the history from the Meiji era to the Showa era. In addition, I want to learn about various Japanese culture and customs through my Japanese friends. And I would like to improve my Japanese communication skills by interacting with Japanese people.
At Kobe College, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of my professors, I experienced tremendous academic growth. At first, lectures and materials in Japanese were a real challenge for me, but professors were incredibly patient and thorough. They always took the time to explain concepts clearly and encouraged me to ask questions whenever I needed help. This supportive environment not only helped me deepen my expertise in my field but also gave me a better understanding of academic approaches.
One of the highlights of my time abroad was a trip to Kyushu with friends. Especially the visit to Mount Aso is vivid in my mind. Standing before the expansive, breathtaking landscape of the volcano, I was struck by its power and the delicate balance of beauty and intensity in nature.
In that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fleeting life is—each moment passing by in an instant. Witnessing the immense force of nature made me feel both small and deeply connected to the world around me. It was a powerful reminder to embrace the present and make the most of every moment.
Through my one-year study at Kobe College, the most significant achievement was deepening my understanding of modern Japanese thought. In particular, I gained a more multidimensional perspective on the ideological transitions from the Meiji Restoration to the early Showa period. Beyond classroom learning, I had many opportunities to experience firsthand how Japanese thought has been received, developed, and continues to influence contemporary Japan through daily life and cultural exchanges.
Among the courses I took, there was a class on medieval Japanese culture. In addition to lectures, I had the chance to visit Kyoto and Nara and directly engage with classical Japanese literature, art, and religious perspectives. This allowed me to move beyond textual understanding and develop a more tangible appreciation of these cultural elements. These experiences have been invaluable to my research and will greatly contribute to my future academic writing.
This study abroad experience also helped me clarify my future goals. I realized that cultural and ideological differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, and I hope to work in a field that bridges these gaps. Studying the differences in historical perspectives and ideologies between Japan and my home country has made me keenly aware of the importance of mutual understanding. I aspire to address these issues through academic research.
In the future, I aim to enter the publishing industry and realize my ideals through the written word. By introducing diverse perspectives through books and articles and serving as a bridge between history, culture, and thought, I hope to create an environment where more people can understand and empathize with different cultures.