As an international student in Japan, I’ve always believed that language is more than just grammar and vocabulary. It can also be a bridge to culture, connection, and mutual understanding. That belief guided me to take on the role of a Learning Assistant (LA) at Nihongo Space, a unique program where Japanese learners and speakers […]
The tradition of hakama: a cultural milestone Wearing a hakama on graduation day is a unique and cherished tradition in Japan, especially for female students. Interestingly, while hakama were originally worn by men in the samurai class during the Heian and Edo periods, today, the garment has become iconic for women during university graduation ceremonies. […]
Writing this, I’m realizing how lucky I was to step out of my comfort zone. If I’d stayed home, I’d probably be a manager by now, maybe married, living the “normal” life. But I always wondered, what if? Could I really do it, or would I just play it safe? Sure, I missed a lot […]
I am currently finishing my third year as an undergraduate student, and in a few days, I will be in my fourth and final year. At that time, I will officially begin the Capstone Research Project for my degree, together with my fellow class members in the same year. Just a few months ago, we […]
In line with its mission of “advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society”, Institute of Science Tokyo (“Science Tokyo”) is fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many community members are dedicated to establishing a fair and impartial environment where community members value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, expand the scope of scientific […]
DISCLAIMER: This story is based on my personal experience with the application for the GAKUBU program MEXT G-to-G in 2019 as an applicant from Indonesia. The selection process, documents needed, and timeline might have changed in recent years and might differ based on your country. Why study abroad? Studying abroad in a developed country is […]
For those of you considering applying to a university in Japan, you might have a lot of questions. What’s the application process like? What do you need to prepare? How long does the entire process take? These are all important questions to consider. In Japan, there are two application rounds for universities: the spring and […]
Living in Japan means not just enjoying its stunning seasons and scenery, but also understanding the realities of natural disasters. Japan’s climate, unique topography, and location on the Pacific Ring of Fire contribute to frequent seismic activity, earthquakes, typhoons (which occur normally from May to October, reaching peak season from August to September), and volcanic […]
From Participant to Leader I joined the Academy for Leadership at Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology) through the recommendation of alumnus Amin Nazarahari. The academy aims to offer a world-leading graduate program that develops individuals into a global driving force, and its education transcends boundaries. My simple goal was to gain […]
Tatara Steelmaking Process Have you ever wondered about the secret behind the strength of the Japanese katana? Besides the delicate work of the swordsmith, the quality of the material used to make the sword is also key to the katana’s remarkable strength. For traditional katana swords, the material used is called “Tatara steel.” This type […]
