Section 1｜Confidence: The engineer who thought he already understood “reality” Working in Pakistan, I believed I already knew what “real problems” looked like. Construction sites were chaotic, unpredictable, and full of things textbooks could never fully prepare you for. Timelines shifted quickly. Equipment did not always behave as designed. People from different organizations had different […]
No matter how old you are, when you decide to leave your comfort zone and continue your academic journey in another country, it’s a monumental step. Alongside all the other factors you consider – the research, the culture, the logistics – there’s that underlying question about connection. You’ll naturally be thinking about your surroundings and […]
Do you have to wear it? Nope. But if you want to match the crowd, take iconic photos, and feel fancy, it’s worth considering. How much does it cost to rent a hakama? Rental costs depend on style, popularity, season, and how late you book. Here’s a rough breakdown: Item/Package Price Range (JPY) Hakama only […]
The Routine Intense. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of training camp. Wake up at six. Go for a run. Breakfast. Morning training. Lunch. Break. Afternoon training. Dinner. Evening training. Meeting. Sleep. Repeat for four days straight. In my first year, I remember the captain posting the training schedule in […]
My name is Gemini Praewa Chaiwoot, and I’m a second-year master’s student in the School of Life Science and Technology, majoring in Science and Technology for Health Care and Medicine at Institute of Science Tokyo. This year, I also serve as the President of Thai Science Tokyo, a student-led organization built by and for Thai […]
Behind the magic was a dedicated crew of volunteers: Reception Staff, Food Managers, Campus Guides, MCs, DJs, and Cameramen. Each team played a vital role in turning the event into a vibrant, and welcoming experience. A few years ago, I stood on stage as the MC, alongside fellow Student Ambassadors Alex and Vinayak. Back then, […]
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 […]
