When I first entered graduate school, I was inspired by classmates who had previously worked in the industry and then returned to pursue further studies. Witnessing their capabilities motivated me to continuously improve myself. In various courses, I explored different mediums such as dome art and alternate reality games (ARGs) to expand the scope of my creative practice.

Outside of class, I actively participated in academic, educational, and game-related forums to broaden my research perspective. For example, by attending the Taipei Game Developers Forum (TGDF), I gained valuable insights into practical strategies for minimizing the risk of failure in game development, as well as approaches to diversified marketing within the game industry.

To deepen my understanding of Japanese culture, I also enrolled in a course on Nishikawa-ryu Japanese dance, offered by the university’s dance department. For the midterm presentation, I incorporated VR headset-based motion capture to allow a virtual character to perform the “Noss” dance alongside me. This presentation was well received by the Nishikawa family and Professor Nishikawa Toshimi, earning praise for its creativity.

I am particularly eager to study in Japan, a country renowned for its strong sense of design and innovation. I aim to broaden my horizons and enhance my academic and practical skills by engaging with cutting-edge exhibitions and conferences, such as the Osaka-Kansai Expo and TeamLab installations.

After returning to my home country, I intend to continue researching interactive design in the field of new media and games. Through the experience of studying abroad in Japan, I hope to cultivate the independence and adaptability required to face unknown challenges. Japan’s emphasis on detail, etiquette, design, and technology serves as a model for my personal and academic growth. I aspire to integrate what I learn from this experience into my graduation thesis and future research endeavors.

When I first arrived in Japan, I relied heavily on translation apps to communicate with others. Over time, I gradually became able to converse naturally in Japanese. Although I still occasionally encounter unfamiliar vocabulary in daily interactions, continuous communication with professors at Kobe Design University, fellow students in various clubs, and proactive conversations with strangers during solo travel have steadily improved my speaking ability and strengthened my confidence in using Japanese.
In July this year, I was invited, together with graduate students from the Taiwan National University of the Arts, to participate in the 2025 Kyoto Game Exhibition-BitSummit the 13th, where I served as a Japanese interpreter for the ” HOTSTUFF” game team. Through interactions with game developers and players from various countries, I was able to directly experience the scale and vitality of Japan’s game industry. This opportunity greatly broadened my perspective on game development and creative possibilities, and provided meaningful inspiration for my future creative direction.

In terms of language learning, in addition to improving my listening skills by listening to Japanese news and podcasts, the school also offers online courses specifically designed to prepare students for passing the JLPT N1 exam.
Furthermore, the university’s library resources and Japanese language courses are highly diverse and distinctive.
The library houses a wide range of materials, including art and project setting collections, original-language books, and academic journals and papers, making it easy to spend an entire day there.
Japanese language classes go beyond exam practice by incorporating cultural experiences such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, haiku, the history of kimono, Japanese folktales, and origami. This approach has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the richness and appeal of Japanese culture while learning the language.

During my studies at the Graduate School of Kobe Design University, I am deeply grateful to my laboratory professors for providing opportunities to audit courses online. These learning resources allowed me to gain practical understanding and hands-on experience with interactive technology–related skills such as Visual Scripting Basics and Procedural CG, helping to supplement my academic training in the fields of new media and game development.
Among the graduate-level courses I took, the most memorable was a practice-based course that used artistic creation as a medium to engage with local residents, elementary school students, and people with disabilities. Through repeated discussions and exchanges with faculty members and fellow students, the creative theme I proposed was ultimately adopted. This project integrated the concept of “re-cutting, painting, and reshaping recycled plastic bottles through heating” with the image of oysters, which symbolize the fishing village of Murotsu in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture. By doing so, the project put into practice the idea of combining material reuse with art education, and allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation of the role and value of art in social engagement and public communication.

I personally enjoy traveling and have a strong interest in Japanese shrine culture. During this period, I visited many well-known shrines, including Izumo Taisha, Dazaifu Tenmangu, Ise Grand Shrine, Kotohira-gu, and Itsukushima Shrine.
Through repeated on-site observations and by researching related materials, I gradually learned and gained a deeper understanding of Shinto, including its origins, the proper procedures for shrine worship, and the cultural significance of forming connections with deities through goshuin (shrine seals).
These accumulated experiences have not only deepened my understanding of Shinto culture, but have also enabled me to introduce its background and cultural significance in a more organized and meaningful way when friends from abroad visit Japan in the future.

In addition, this year coincided with EXPO 2025, the largest international new media exhibition in the Kansai region. Even after visiting the expo as many as nine times, I was still unable to explore all of the pavilions, which I found truly regrettable. Each country showcased its unique technological capabilities and cultural identity through its pavilion, presenting its vision for the future to a global audience. Among them, I was particularly impressed by the Japan Pavilion, the Electricity Pavilion, TECH WORLD (Taiwan Pavilion), and the Kuwait Pavilion. Each visit helped clarify my personal goals and gradually solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in the interactive technology industry after graduation.
Throughout my exchange period, the university frequently organized corporate lectures and career-matching seminars, allowing students to gain valuable insights into the qualities sought by employers, important considerations for foreign nationals seeking employment in Japan, and effective strategies for creating compelling portfolios. These opportunities were highly beneficial for my future career planning. I also greatly looked forward to the monthly international student cultural exchange events. During the most recent event, I not only experienced traditional wagashi-making and tea ceremony culture firsthand, but also had the opportunity to interact with students from many different countries, further expanding my global perspective.

Reflecting on my year-long exchange experience, one of the most memorable moments was preparing a booth for the university festival from an early stage. During this process, I asked Taiwanese friends who were planning to visit Japan to help bring Taiwanese snacks, instant noodles, and beverages. At the same time, I invited friends from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and China to participate in running the booth together. The booth was themed as a “Taiwan-ya” and featured a traditional ring-toss game. While interacting with visitors, I introduced Taiwan’s unique “Kuai Kuai culture,” explaining how Taiwanese people place green-packaged snacks on machines as a symbolic wish for smooth operation. Through these hands-on interactions, many visitors gained a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture, making this experience one of the most meaningful and cherished memories of my exchange life.

I am sincerely grateful to have received the HUMAP Scholarship, which provided substantial support for my living expenses during the exchange period. This financial assistance significantly reduced my economic burden and allowed me to focus more fully on my academic studies and the exploration of Japanese culture. The scholarship not only brought stability to my daily life but also enabled me to actively engage in a wide range of learning and exchange activities.
If you are interested in exchange study experiences or would like to further engage in Taiwanese cultural exchange, please feel free to contact me via Instagram:” @yuyu.ki77 ” .

During this study abroad experience at Kobe Design University, I was able to achieve significant growth in three areas: language proficiency, specialized knowledge, and practical application. In terms of language, through classes, lectures, and daily interactions, I improved my ability to use Japanese. Although I initially relied heavily on translation tools, I gradually became able to participate in discussions independently and communicate my ideas in international settings. I am currently working toward passing the JLPT N1 to further enhance my proficiency.

In my field of study, I engaged with areas such as interactive technology, visual scripting, and procedural CG through laboratory resources and coursework. By utilizing equipment such as VR systems, motion capture, and 3D production tools, I strengthened my practical skills in new media expression. In particular, in “Project A,” I proposed and developed a community-based artwork titled Fragments of the Sea, integrating the local culture and environmental awareness of Murotsu in Hyogo Prefecture. Collaborating with local residents, children, and individuals with disabilities, we completed the project together, allowing me to deeply understand the role of art as a medium for social engagement. In addition, I participated in the creation of a straw-based installation titled Year of the Horse Wooden Sculpture, where I experienced the entire process from agricultural work to exhibition and ceremonial burning. This project helped me gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese cultural concept of “circulation and regeneration.”

Regarding practical experience and industry connections, I attended on-campus corporate lectures and events featuring companies such as MUJI and SEGA, where I learned about industry expectations and the importance of building a strong portfolio. Furthermore, at the Kyoto Game Exhibition 2025, I served as a Japanese interpreter for game showcases, gaining hands-on experience in an international environment. This opportunity deepened my understanding of the game industry and further clarified my goal of pursuing a career in interactive technology and game development.

Through these experiences, I have developed a comprehensive perspective that integrates “art, technology, and society.” Moving forward, I aim to continue improving both my Japanese proficiency and technical skills while gaining practical experience in interactive media and game design, with the goal of building my career in Japan. In the long term, I hope to contribute to projects related to regional revitalization and social issues, using design as a means to create meaningful impact.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship support I received, which significantly reduced my financial burden and allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and creative work. This opportunity has not only provided practical support but also served as a strong source of encouragement. I hope to transform this valuable experience into meaningful outcomes and contribute back to society while sharing my experiences with future students.

This study abroad experience has clarified my future direction and opened up new possibilities for me. I will continue to strive for excellence as I move forward to the next stage of my journey.

If you are interested in exchange study experiences or would like to further engage in Taiwanese cultural exchange, please feel free to contact me via Instagram:” @yuyu.ki77 ” .