You see, three years ago, I was a different person altogether. My friends often joke about how they barely recognize me in pictures from back then. And, to be fair, there’s merit to their claim. In my first blog (The Umegaoka Dormitory Experience ), I briefly talked about my struggles in getting accustomed to the […]
If you had asked me 3 years ago to go to a karaoke booth with some friends — let alone write a whole blog about my myriad experiences in doing so — I probably would have responded with something akin to the Japanese「むり!」(muri), or “no way!” Yet here we are. The introvert in me did […]
Subtle Spring (March – May) As the weather becomes warmer after winter, plants begin to bud, allowing unique vegetables such as tara no me (fatsia sprouts), fuki no tou (butterbur buds), kogomi (fiddleheads), nanohana (canola flowers) and udo (mountain asparagus) to be harvested. These ingredients offer a delicate balance of subtle sweetness and slight bitterness, […]
Since I hail from a region of India with relatively mild weather, adapting to the scorching hot summers and the freezing cold winters here has been quite the challenge for me – especially considering that I shop on a tight budget when shopping for clothes. Once I got past the assumption that “vintage is bound […]
The Realization Have you ever suddenly felt that your pocket was lighter than usual? Most of the time, it’s just your imagination, but in some unlucky cases, the item that should be there might actually be missing. After frantically searching everywhere and confirming that you’ve lost it, it is time to carefully retrace your steps […]
Chapter 1: Finding My Bearings My first year as an engineering student here at Science Tokyo had me navigating through uncharted waters — waters that were at times sweet, almost delectable, as I settled into Japanese residential life, though I also faced a fair share of moments that made me feel on the verge of […]
Science Tokyo Student Life: Mastering the Calendar As an international student at the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), my life is a blend of lab research and cultural immersion. One of the first things you learn here is that managing your time is just as important as your experiments. Unlike most other universities, Science […]
For students coming from abroad, life in Japan can feel both exciting and confusing at the same time. It’s one of the safest, cleanest, and most organized countries you’ll ever live in, but it also has its own silent rules and rhythms that take you time to understand. The first thing you’ll probably notice is […]
DISCLAIMER: Again, this story is based on my personal experience attending the MEXT Embassy track language preparatory school in 2019. The school location, program, schedule, and one-year timetable might have changed in recent years and might differ based on your major (natural science, social science, or pre-medical study). The scholarship program, however, comes with a […]
What is Gasshuku? In Japanese, gasshuku (合宿) typically refers to a group training camp or retreat. It is often done by clubs or teams to build skills and deepen bonds. But for us at S-TISA, it was more about building friendships, enjoying nature, and yes, learning how to not tumble down a ski slope. It […]
