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Jinnan Guo

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Driven by my passion for Japanese anime, visiting Japan has been a longstanding dream of mine. Thanks to the CAMPUS Asia Plus programme, I had the chance to turn this dream into reality last year by spending a semester studying in Japan. My time at the University of Tokyo was an unforgettable journey, marked by academic exploration, cultural enrichment, and the forging of deep friendships with fellow students. This report seeks to encapsulate the transformative experiences and lasting memories that define this remarkable chapter of my academic and personal growth. Academic exploration At UTokyo, I fully engaged in a diverse and stimulating academic environment. The broad spectrum of courses, especially those concentrating on energy and development economics, not only allowed me to pursue my specific interests but also deepened my comprehension of global energy and economic dynamics. Also worth mentioning is the CAMPUS Asia joint course, which delved into the practical challenges encountered by the Japanese government in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster. Collaborating with students from various countries, I examined the intricate issues surrounding the region’s recovery efforts. It could be said that this course provided a great platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and helped me better understand the complexities involved in revitalising communities after a crisis. Cultural enrichment Beyond the classroom, my time in Japan allowed me to explore the rich diversity of Japanese culture. Whether it was through anime, tasting traditional cuisine, or embracing local customs, I found myself fully immersed in Japanese culture. While in Tokyo, I actively navigated through the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, exploring historical landmarks, and participating in cultural events. Each cultural exchange was like a stepping stone, gradually deepening my connection with this country and increasing my appreciation for Japanese culture. Interactions and friendships One of the most rewarding aspects of my CAMPUS Asia experience was the opportunity to interact with students from various countries. These interactions transcended the academic setting, evolving into enduring friendships. Whether we were attending classes, sharing meals, or traveling together, my international friends and I created precious memories while exploring Japan’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity. I am confident that in the years ahead, our connections will endure, and we will continue to stay in touch, perhaps even planning visits to each other’s home countries. Overall, the CAMPUS Asia Plus programme at the University of Tokyo has been a remarkable chapter in my academic and personal journey. Academic rigour, cultural immersion, and cross-cultural friendships have collectively contributed to a holistic learning experience. I left Japan with a deep understanding of the country and a network of international friends that enriched my global perspective. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the CAMPUS Asia Plus programme for providing me with this valuable exchange opportunity.

Kaoru Takayama

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After the perpetual summer of Singapore, fall in Seoul offered a welcome respite from the scorching heat and humidity. The cool brisk breeze provided pleasant company among the striking foliage as I started my fall semester at GSIS, Seoul National University (Sep. – Dec. 2022). The transition was part of my ongoing journey through the nascent CAMPUS Asia Plus program, which adds LKYSPP NUS to the extant trilateral exchange between UTokyo, SNU, and PKU. caption id=“attachment_41699” align=“alignright” width=“300” Busan Sightseeing/caption I was drawn to the idea of joining the CAMPUS Asia Plus program because of its compatibility with my interest in foreign policymaking in the East Asian region – an interest that was sparked by my coursework at GraSPP and further amplified by my time at LKYSPP. In particular, I was pulled by the chance to explore the historical and political underpinnings of South Korea and Japan-ROK relations, which are a fundamental part of the geopolitical stability of the region. Coupled with my already existing interests in South Korean culture and language, GSIS became the natural destination to cap off my graduate studies. At SNU, I enrolled in two courses that provided a comprehensive exposition of the economic development and political history of the Korean peninsula, as well as a general course on international security. This was accompanied by a 15-week Korean language course and a boatload of awkward day-to-day conversations in broken Korean. The course workload was moderate and commitments undemanding, and the lecture styles similar to GraSPP. And, while GraSPP and LKYSPP heavily leaned toward a primarily Asian cohort, GSIS had a fair number of exchange students from Europe, Africa, and Central Asia. A defining part of my Seoul experience was also the job hunting that accompanied my studies. While I had missed the start of the Japanese corporate hiring cycle, fortunately, I was able to catch up by finding companies that conducted second batch hiring and taking full opportunity of both the Online and Boston Career Forums. In retrospect, I wish that I had started the process sooner. But, job hunting while studying abroad is not an impossible task, facilitated by remote interviews and the career forums that allow for an efficient hiring process. It is, however, a lonely affair. Although unburdened by the competitive pressures of finding employment, job hunting without peers can be difficult in finding information, discussing career plans, and preparing for interviews. And this is to say nothing of the mental burdens of the entire process. I am grateful to family and friends, both new and old, for supporting me throughout this process! caption id=“attachment_41701” align=“alignleft” width=“300” Dormitory room/caption Beyond academics and career pursuits, life in Korea was an immensely enriching experience. Not being able to speak the language made the day-to-day an exhilarating series of unexpected self-discoveries and the weeks were punctuated by good food, cultural activities, and breathtaking scenery. The dormitory was clean and functional and located near the GSIS building a comfortable walk away. While the comfortable autumn breeze was soon replaced by the biting winter cold, my time in Seoul remains full of warm memories. Looking back, I am beyond satisfied with my three years of graduate studies and the CA Plus program. I am grateful for the friends I made along the way, and the administrative support from the universities in making the program possible. I hope that future students will come away with the same sense of reward and fulfillment as I have from the CA Plus program.

Sara Shibata

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Having a background in psychology and sociology in undergraduate studies, I became passionate about studying Northeast Asian relations after participating in China-Japan-South Korea-related student conferences as extra-curricular activities a number of times. With my wish of majoring in Northeast Asian relations coming true, I entered GraSPP as a CAMPUS Asia student in September 2020, during the midst of COVID-19. Despite the experience being almost all online, I had the honor to spend a semester in Seoul, South Korea for the fall semester of 2022. The experience was especially rewarding, as it was my first semester to spend a face-to-face semester on campus, including my semesters at the University of Tokyo, and Peking University. Academics at SNU I focused on taking classes that would allow me to learn about South Korea/ Japan from the South Korean perspective, as I had been able to take classes on Japan and China both at Peking University and the University of Tokyo. As a result, I took classes on South Korean history, Japanese society and culture, and International Law. (And of course, the Campus Asia funded Korean language classes) I genuinely enjoyed studying at SNU, as extensive support was guaranteed to students- however, the class I enjoyed the most was the class on Japanese society and culture. Coming from Japan, I originally thought that there would be a lot of familiar material taught in the class. However, the class provided me with new insights into social issues/social structures of Japan that I had never taken into account. I was especially surprised learning about the politically “Ultra-right” group in Japan, and new research which was conducted to study this particular group. Extra-curricular activities at SNU caption id=“attachment_41697” align=“alignright” width=“300” At a meeting at GALF/caption I also had the honor to join an extra-curricular group called “GALF” (Global Asian Leadership Forum). Here, many students (including undergraduate and graduate students) coming from different universities in Seoul would gather and discuss various issues/topics concerning the Asian region. The best part of participating in this organization was the fact that I was able to build connections/friendships with people outside of my home university. I have continued relationships with them even after I returned to Japan.

Qiang Li

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The CAMPUS Asia program gave me an opportunity to experience a different culture, education system, and even a different lifestyle. In GraSPP, there are many courses focusing on different areas we can choose from, including Politics, Economics, and Law. GraSPP provided us with a very open and diverse learning environment, and we have the opportunity to attend classes and discuss issues with students from different countries. I did group work with many of my classmates, we came from different countries, and our educational backgrounds and the political cultures of our countries were all very different, but when we thought about a problem together and wanted to solve it, we found that the differences made our collaboration more interesting and allowed us to think about academic issues from a wider perspective. I really enjoyed my course here and the interaction with students from different backgrounds, which has broadened my horizons. Besides, I took the CAMPUS Asia Joint Course and had classes together with students from Japan and South Korea. We discussed the future of the relations between the three countries, the public opinion in our countries, and even the stereotypes among the three countries. Such exchanges have deepened my understanding of Japanese and Korean politics, economy, and culture. We were also divided into four groups and went on a field trip to Nagano Prefecture and completed a group presentation with the help of Japanese government officials, which enriched our understanding of the Japanese government and the topics it works on. Living in Japan for five months gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and I fell in love with it. Japan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and history, and has a unique blend of traditional and modern influences. During my holiday, I traveled to Kyoto and Niigata. Kyoto’s maple leaves and temples were enchanting, and walking the paths of Kyoto was as if history is right before our eyes. Niigata was a land of snow, the days I was there were filled with snow and I was able to experience the aesthetic of solitude that Yasunari Kawabata writes about. All in all, I treasure the five months I was able to live in Japan and I think it will be a very precious memory in my life.

Kento Mashiko

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First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to share my experience with this wonderful program. In most cases, recounting own experience is a great way to organize one’s thought. By arduously collecting my scattered memories, encountered on this program, I would like to get started with writing sentences ahead. What do people imagine when they hear about “Asia”? Sometimes, challenging the prevalent notions can deepen our understanding of the world surrounding us even further. My main motivation to join the program was related to the question above. In our daily lives, we may take our identity as an Asian for granted. This makes sense because all the three countries, China, Japan and Korea are geographically located in Asia. Foreign people in other regions on the globe would distinguish people in these three countries as Asian based on the physical features. However, there remains some room for doubt. Things can always change quickly and never be the same. Up until now, Asian societies have undergone drastic changes, and the pace of this transformation seems to be accelerating. Even geographical notions are subject to change as well. The notion of ‘Asia’ might be just temporary for convenience. Its dynamism illustrates a vast array of possibilities for further transformations in diverse dimensions. In this period of “emerging Asia”, every action taken by Asian communities are coming to the attention of external players. Some scholars have pointed out the notable shift of gravity in the international arena from Europe to Asia-Pacific (or Indo-Pacific), labelling the 21st century as a century of Asia. Namely, it’s been long since the rise of China has ignited negative responses in many countries. While the Asian community is enjoying rising living standards and are envisioning their future development, it is also concerned about the potential conflict escalation in the region. Collisions over fundamental values, sovereignty and national security, regional hegemony, legitimacy in history have only complicated the interstate relations, leading to unresolvable dilemmas. In such a historic period, placing myself at the core of this crustal movement was an important factor for me to join CAMPUS Asia program. What kind of world is seen from the perspective of each of these countries? What is their process of thinking and how are their perceptions shaped in everyday life? What kind of changes interaction among students in CAMPUS Asia program will bring into our way of thinking about the involved states? Answers to these questions through my own experience in CAMPUS Asia program has far exceeded my expectations. caption id=“attachment_29665” align=“alignright” width=“300” Sun and Moon Towers in Guilin, southern China, where I traveled on my own/caption In Beijing, as a person from a country with different ideological value, the environment of CAMPUS Asia program has stirred my academic interests. A particularly profound impression was left by a class of a professor, who lost his friend in the1989 incident, and was critical towards the government. He seemed to be concerned, as a scholar, that he can’t express what he wants to deliver, deploring lack of freedom of speech. One crucial insight from him was regarding the US-China relations in the early 1970s, which is now considered to be winning statecraft against USSR by Nixon-Kissinger. However, it will be perceived as the worst foreign policy in the future, since it carelessly revitalized China, thus causing conflicts between them. Although thinking this way may be seen as a biased approach, re-interpretation of this historic diplomacy was a brain-teasing discussion point. Therefore, I became interested in the history of the mid-Cold War period in Asia and plan to research about related issues for my dissertation. caption id=“attachment_29668” align=“alignleft” width=“300” Burning Mt. Guang’ak, where Seoul National University located/caption In Seoul, one professor posed the following question “What is the Japanese dream?,” referring to the “Chinese dream (中国梦)” and the Korean dream, which is realizing the unification of the Korean peninsula. I managed to answer in front of many international students in the class, but I knew that it ironically showed non-existence of the Japanese dream. Although having a national dream would be vital for a vibrant society, Japan has come at a stalemate. Thereafter, this question sometimes comes up in my mind and reminds me of something important. Another professor made me consider the way I live. In the midst of severely worsening relations between Japan and Korea, concerning historical issues, in the latter half of 2019, he taught me the significance of academism. He made me realize that academism could offer potentially fair perspective regarding controversial issues, and contribute to the foundation of a future-oriented conversation, which will assist in challenging the bias stemming from misperception and misunderstanding of facts. Through his class, I had an impression that it would be hard for a person, as a Japanese specialist in Korea, to face criticism from own society over disputable questions, when insisting on his thought. An important thing that I learned from him is the importance of such a tough academic attitude. If you believe it’s meaningful to society, you should not give up on your ideas based on factual truth, against illusionary biases among the mass. Furthermore, owing to the timing of tension between the two countries, students in the seminar could participate in in-depth discussions with great attention, and thus we could exchange our views and obtain valuable insights. caption id=“attachment_29666” align=“alignright” width=“300” Beautiful sea at Peace Memorial Park, Okinawa, we visited as field trip, hoping the peace in this sea/caption Field trip experience is full of great cherishing memories. Apart from daily studies in the classroom, we could encounter literally breathtaking sceneries, and taste beautiful dishes and beverages in unfamiliar cities and countryside. Under such an environment, interaction among friends can bring invaluable insight, while also learning about new cultures, industries, and visiting important historical sites. Students could share a short but a long-lasting wonderful moment in every field trip to each three countries, making lifelong friends with common unforgettable memories. We enjoyed great seafood and local black pork in Jeju island of South Korea and got drunk with numerous Maotai bottles in Guizhou, China. Also, I will never forget the moment, at the Peace Monument in Okinawa, looking ahead astonishingly blue and beautiful ocean, making us consider future peace in the region. One more important thing I realized through this program is that, although it sounds a little ironic, to understand Asia we need to grasp the outside of Asia well. We are now witnessing the great-power confrontation in the international arena. This phenomenon cannot be limited to within Asia. Arguably, it has inter-regional and worldwide implications. I learned that it is also important to know how influential countries’ or regions’ perception of Asia. This realization came to me after visiting the base of the US Marine Corps in Okinawa, and witnessing a lot of the US national flags raised by Korean citizens in a demonstration at Gwanghwa-mun square, and through discussions among international students in Beijing. Communication with international students made me notice how they perceive the people who constitute Asia. A lot of African students learning Asian development in Seoul exemplified that Asia can be seen as a successful case of development to learn from. Asia cannot tell what Asia is without the outside of Asia. We need to go along with ever-changing greater diversity and dynamism not only inside Asia but also through interaction with the outside. (Even surprisingly, CAMPUS Asia, in actual sense, is just CAMPUS “North East” Asia!) To sum up, I would like to finish this short essay by noting the value of studying abroad. It can be an attempt to set yourself free from the values of your society. Sometimes, such liberty entails huge responsibility, solitude and toughness. It would be, however, one of the greatest joys to broaden your spectrum worldwide both physically and mentally, touching upon an uncountable number of values and colorful ways of living, while also encountering many wonderful people. I believe, when you have a hard time, all the cherished memories with good friends will always be a fanfare, encouraging you to pursue your own path in the future. Thank you.

Hansol Jung

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Before the beginning of the semester I have always been interested in cultural exchange and intellectual discussion with people of various backgrounds, and the CAMPUS Asia program (CAP) was the best program to find both of them. As I already befriended students from the University of Tokyo during my stay with them in Beijing, I really looked forward to visiting Tokyo and have my life there for an exchange semester. The administration and program officers were very kind and helpful throughout the process of registration and preparation for the new semester. I applied for a dorm room, received the required documents for visa, and packed myself with necessaries with the help of the officers. Taking the online courses Then came the COVID-19, however, and I could not visit Tokyo in person due to the travel restrictions and the concerns of my family. Instead, I started attending online courses. I felt sad about not being able to travel around Tokyo and other cities in Japan and to see my friends in Tokyo. It was a little frustrating to figure out how to register for the courses online and how to go through the administration process online, as I cannot receive personal advice from the advisers, officers, and fellow students. Nevertheless, all CAP students could finally and successfully go through all the processes with timely assistance and email replies from the advisers and officers. I sincerely appreciated such help.While some may be skeptical about the efficiency and effectiveness of online courses, I could learn and practice the course materials and contents as much as I would have taken offline courses. The online Zoom platform was very proper to use for lectures, presentations, and discussions. Both professors and students were very passionate to make the best out of the situation and utilized the Zoom platform, materials, and other devices to process lectures, presentations, discussions, team meetings, and even written exams.I was really surprised at how the econometrics exam could be held online with students actively participating in the exam session and uploading their scanned answers, while the professor and assistants readily evaluated and provided the feedback. Also, I was very touched by all the passionate students across the world actively and sincerely participating in the team meetings for group presentations. I was very proud to have and share such experiences with competitive and passionate members in CAP, and the University of Tokyo. After the end of the semester As a final remark, I sincerely appreciated all the experiences through online coursework this semester, with the help of and interactions with passionate people. Although we could not meet in person this semester, I felt all students from CAP and the University of Tokyo were very passionate about actively exchanging our experiences and ideas. I only regret that I could not enjoy the full CAP experience this semester but that was only due to COVID-19. In this sense, I would really appreciate more invitations from CAP to further discussions and activities even after this semester, and after the end of COVID-19. I feel that many other students with whom I had classes, discussions, and group projects would share the same feeling with me. I hope CAP can have further discussion sessions and projects in the future, and would really like to join those. I thank all the officers, professors, and classmates for their kind guidance and assistance throughout the program.

Hikaru Takeyama

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I believe that the CAMPUS Asia Program is the best program for students who have profound interests in studying East Asian relations and aspire to build peaceful bridges among Japan, China, and Korea. Having completed exchange programs both at Peking University and Seoul National University, I believe that the CAMPUS Asia Program has the following three fascinating features: (1) Students can take various courses taught by prominent professors of the three prestigious universities; (2) Students can observe and understand current social issues outside class; (3) Students can make precious memories with other CAMPUS Asia members through extracurricular activities. In this essay, I will explain the above three points based on my study abroad experience at Seoul National University in Fall 2019. First of all, I enjoyed taking very well-contented courses taught by passionate professors at Seoul National University. My favorite course was “Studies in Korea-Japan Relations” given by professor Cheol Hee Park, who is an expert on diplomatic and political relations between South Korea and Japan. In class, Professor Park skillfully guided us to engage in active discussions about various issues, such as forced labor, comfort women, Takeshima/Dokdo, and trade frictions. The class consisted of about 20 students, including 10 Korean students and 3 Japanese students. It was very meaningful for me to exchange opinions with Korean students, especially under the current tense relations between the two countries. One of the most important lessons I learned from professor Park was that we should always obtain information from primary sources. For instance, when we discussed the forced labor issue, professor Park instructed us to look at the original texts of the Japan-Korea Basic Treaty of 1965 to examine how Korea and Japan differently interpret the Article and differently reacted to the verdict of South Korean Supreme Court decision in 2018. By analyzing the original texts, I was able to more objectively grasp the essential nature of the forced labor issue without being misled by secondary sources produced by the media. Under the guidance of the professor, I learned how to approach sensitive issues between Japan and Korea more professionally and logically. I greatly appreciate to the CAMPUS Asia Program for giving me such a great opportunity to learn from prominent professors and excellent students. Besides classroom learning, the CAMPUS Asia program enabled me to enrich my knowledge about the current social situations of South Korea. What surprised me most during my study abroad was South Korea’s protest culture. When I arrived in Seoul in September 2019, a peaceful candlelight demonstration was held at Seoul National University against the scandal over Justice Minister Cho Kuk. In addition, employees of the university’s student cafeteria temporarily suspended the dining room’s business to demand the improvement of their working conditions. As these examples show, it was common to see protest movements carried out in and outside the university. I was astonished and amazed by the South Korean people’s active involvement in those movements. Moreover, I witnessed the Boycott Japan movement organized by the South Korean public. With the deterioration of economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries, many South Korean people came to avoid buying Japanese products and cancel their trips to Japan. One of my Korean female friends told me that she is hesitant to travel to Japan even though she loves visiting Japanese historical sites and eating Japanese food. She was worried that others would judge and criticize about her trips to Japan through social media. Her story intrigued me to examine and write an essay about the motives, characteristics, and influences of the current tourism boycott movement happening in South Korea. In this way, the exchange program at SNU taught me the current social situations of South Korea. Last but not least important, I made unforgettable memories with wonderful CAMPUS Asia students through various activities such as field trips and workshops. In December, we went on a field trip to Jeju island for three days. During our trip, we visited museums and villages to learn about the history and culture of the island. We also enjoyed eating seafood and black pork while drinking Soju and Makgeolli. (one student pointed out that the purpose of this trip was intensive learning/intensive eating). One of my happiest moments during this trip was when I talked with my Chinese friend while lying down on a comfortable sofa at a seaside cafe. We exchanged our opinions about each other`s culture, families, and future careers. This trip surely strengthened friendship with other CAMPUS Asia students. Throughout this program, I had a fantastic time with my friends going out to town and having lunch and dinner together. The CAMPUS Asia program enabled me to meet wonderful friends from Japan, China, and Korea whom I can trust and respect for the rest of my life. To conclude, the CAMPUS Asia Program has given me amazing academic and social experiences that I could have never gained from other programs. The CAMPUS Asia program has strengthened my determination to contribute to peacebuilding among the three countries. Some students who are reading my essay might think that studying abroad in two countries would be hard and disadvantageous considering the job-hunting seasons, but I would like to emphasize that the CAMPUS Asia program will help you build the foundation of your future career if you are passionate about studying East Asian relations. To promote mutual understanding and maintain peaceful relations among Japan, China, and Korea, I hope more students will take part in this fascinating program.

Xiaonuan Lin

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I love the ginkgo trees in the University of Tokyo. Fortunately, I came to Todai in the fall semester and witnessed ginkgo leaves changing from green to yellow, and finally falling across the beautiful campus. In retrospect, I feel that one semester has passed quickly, and my study life in Todai has been fulfilling.

In GraSPP, there are many courses we can choose covering different areas including Politics, Economics and Law. I do think the course framework of GraSPP is reasonable, considering that politics, economics and law are all useful for public policy and administration. In my home school, the majors and courses are more about international politics and international relations. But I am also interested in public policy for a long time which I hadn’t have chance to study. So, I cherish the chance to learn what public administration is systematically in Todai. The exchange year in Tokyo and Seoul is my last year of having classes as a student. I appreciate that I could learn some knowledge which can be more relevant to the job area that I’m supposed to do.

During the semester, CAMPUS Asia Students need to be divided into several groups and do a group research in the field of public policy and finally participate the selection to GPPN Conference. This year, the general topic is “inequality”. Two Korean colleagues, one Japanese colleague and me are all interested in education inequality, so we were in the same group and decided to do research on Korean High-School inequality issue. The topic is very interesting but also challenging to me. I had never known about the Korean high-school system and how to get into colleges for Korean students. Taking this chance, we read articles, looked into policies and discussed several times to fully understand the present situation of Korean High-school system and make a deep comparison among China, Japan and Korea. The whole process in collaboration with my international colleagues left me an unforgettable impression. I couldn’t think of any other methods that I could know public policies and systems directly and clearly other than talking with my intelligent Korean and Japan friends. Without any doubt, we established very good friendship between each other, too. During the last days in Japan, I participated in the collective Retreat of CAP 2019 to Aizu Wakamatsu. Although the trip lasted only for two days, we still visited a lot of places, listening to the reports given by government departments and consulting agencies regarding to “constructing smart city in Aizu Wakamatsu”. We also did our own research presentations. And plus, the happy experience at the hot spring hotel enriched the whole trip extremely. Within two days, I quickly became familiar with students from various countries, not only the current students from CAMPUS Asia Program, but also CAP alumni and other international students from GraSPP. All in all, I feel that the four months staying in Tokyo is so worthy. I owe my sincerest thanks to all parties who contributed to this program. Group Photo in Aizu Wakamatsu

Xuan Zhou

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I have been enjoying my life in UTokyo very much since the day I arrived at Tokyo: 2nd April 2019. Earlier in 2017, I came to Japan for a short trip and travelled across Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo. At that time, I was really surprised at Japan’s effectiveness of administration, the politeness of people especially drivers and so on. I thought that how wonderful it would be if I could live, study or work in Japan for some time. Then, I started to look for any opportunities back in PKU and finally got the information that there is a joint program among UTokyo, SNU and PKU. I was overjoyed and also lucky enough to be enrolled in the CAP program. I am deeply impressed about the way how UTokyo and GraSPP teach and foster their students. Unlike Peking University, the spring semester in UTokyo starts at a relatively late time–1st of April, which means that I could have adequate time to decide which course to take. The courses I chose are Microeconomics, Japanese Macroeconomic Policy, International Energy Governance, Law and Public Policy and so on. After the first week, my friend Coco and I were all surprised to know that most of our teachers are practioners. These courses are not easy, but they are definitely very helpful especially the Monetary Policy and Policy Analysis Using Japanese Macroeconomic Data. Professor Nakaso was Bank of Japan’s Deputy Governor and had been serving BOJ for almost 40 years. He always made detailed preparations for every class and is also patient enough to explain the basic financial principles in graphic detail to beginners. Most of the lessons he taught came from his own experiences during the several great financial crises, which differs greatly from what professors in PKU would teach. In general, I am deeply impressed and moved for his sincerity to students, passion for and professionalism in central banking. Apart from these excellent teaching faculties, I also enjoyed the studying rooms and student lounge very much. (Cherry blossom and my bike) ( 美味しい元祖丸メンチカツ in Kichijoji)

(Mitaka International Hall of Residence)

( View from Seminar Room E)

The Hiroshima trip is also wonderful. Here I am so grateful to Nose-sensei, Nachi-san and Nana-san, who have made a lot of considerate arrangements and have been taken care of us all the time. I really enjoyed staying in Hiroshima since it is a beautiful as well as historic city which is totally different from Tokyo. As time passes by, the two things which impressed me most are the spectacular scenery of Miyajima and the visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. On the second day at first I was not so touched by the pictures and recording in the Yamato Museum but later I was really shocked when we visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Until that day, I thought that for me and most Chinese students, the atomic bombing in Hiroshima was just one of the historic events learned in high school textbooks. In the museum, the pictures show how people died both in and after the bombing and I felt so depressed about that. It was the first time for me to know that to die is not the worst thing since people who survived in the bombing actually led a much tougher and more unimaginable life than we thought. Every life is honorable and there is neither nobleness nor lowliness in life. I wish that there wouldn’t be any wars and conflicts in the world. Miyajima is a romantic place where I will definitely come back again later. The shrine and its torii gate seem to be floating in the sea during high tide. They look especially spectacular under the blue sky and the endless sea. Besides, we also learned to make the delicious Momiji manju. (Miyajima)

(Itsukushima Shrine)

(Momiji-Manju Baking)

I did have a great time in Japan which I will never forget and I am really thankful to all our program faculty and staff members—Nose-sansei, Nachi-san, Nana-san, Mina-san and Megumi-san.

Na Tae Woong

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My life in Todai undoubtedly was an once-in-a-life experience with full of enjoyable moments and academic stimulations. As a participant of CAMPUS Asia program who spent one semester in Todai, I had a privilege to have several opportunities not only to develop more in-depth knowledge towards Japan and China through a series of informative lectures and constructive discussions, but also to socialize and build understandings with other friends in the same program. In this context, I would like to briefly share what I learned and subjectively felt through this valuable and unforgettable experience in Japan as a CAMPUS Asia program participant. First of all, the very first thing came into my mind when I thought about my life in Todai is its people. I’m so grateful to get to know such a nice and smart people in Todai. Especially, I remember staff members in administration office were always very kind and considerate since my arrival at Tokyo. Professors I encountered in class were also all well-prepared and enthusiastic in delivering lectures. Through these lectures, I was be able to build more understandings regarding my research interests, thus further developing my research. Lastly, the fellow students were the ones who gave me a lot of insights and stimulations. I could learn various different perspectives from students from diverse backgrounds, not to mention having lots of fun with them. Secondly, I enjoyed an opportunity to learn Japanese while staying in Japan. Since Todai offered various chances to learn Japanese with quality language classes, cultural events, language exchange program, most of CAMPUS Asia participants including myself had a great chance to learn Japanese by participating in these events whenever we want. For me, I tried to make the most of opportunities to learn Japanese by participating in Todai’s aforementioned programs. I took the course offered by Engineering School and had language exchange once a week with one of the Todai fellow students. As a result, I was able to enhance my language skills a lot and this substantially helped me in developing more in-depth knowledge and understandings about Japan and its people. Lastly, CAMPUS Asian Joint Course and programs included in the course such as field trip to the city of Hiroshima and special lectures helped me a lot in broadening my narrow perspectives and experiences. Professors from Peking University, Seoul National University, and Todai with their own special fields of study gave us lectures, and we had several chances to have constructive and active in-class discussion related to the issues. This experience actually provided me with lots of insightful lessons and chances to see different perspectives among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean students who seemingly share many similarities. Not only that, the field trip to Hiroshima and personal trips to places like Hokkaido, Hakone, Yokohama, Mt.Fuji, etc. all gave me certain lessons and joy. To sum up, I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful opportunity to have priceless experiences and good people while staying in Japan. Undoubtedly, this valuable experience was one important academic enrichment and would be a great help for further developing my future research. Thank you all for kind considerations during the stay. I definitely would love to come back to Japan in the near future.

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Driven by my passion for Japanese anime, visiting Japan has been a longstanding dream of mine. Thanks to the CAMPUS Asia Plus programme, I had the chance to turn this dream into reality last year by spending a semester studying in Japan. My time at the University of Tokyo was an unforgettable journey, marked by academic exploration, cultural enrichment, and the forging of deep friendships with fellow students. This report seeks to encapsulate the transformative experiences and lasting memories that define this remarkable chapter of my academic and personal growth. Academic exploration At UTokyo, I fully engaged in a diverse and stimulating academic environment. The broad spectrum of courses, especially those concentrating on energy and development economics, not only allowed me to pursue my specific interests but also deepened my comprehension of global energy and economic dynamics. Also worth mentioning is the CAMPUS Asia joint course, which delved into the practical challenges encountered by the Japanese government in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster. Collaborating with students from various countries, I examined the intricate issues surrounding the region’s recovery efforts. It could be said that this course provided a great platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and helped me better understand the complexities involved in revitalising communities after a crisis. Cultural enrichment Beyond the classroom, my time in Japan allowed me to explore the rich diversity of Japanese culture. Whether it was through anime, tasting traditional cuisine, or embracing local customs, I found myself fully immersed in Japanese culture. While in Tokyo, I actively navigated through the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, exploring historical landmarks, and participating in cultural events. Each cultural exchange was like a stepping stone, gradually deepening my connection with this country and increasing my appreciation for Japanese culture. Interactions and friendships One of the most rewarding aspects of my CAMPUS Asia experience was the opportunity to interact with students from various countries. These interactions transcended the academic setting, evolving into enduring friendships. Whether we were attending classes, sharing meals, or traveling together, my international friends and I created precious memories while exploring Japan’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity. I am confident that in the years ahead, our connections will endure, and we will continue to stay in touch, perhaps even planning visits to each other’s home countries. Overall, the CAMPUS Asia Plus programme at the University of Tokyo has been a remarkable chapter in my academic and personal journey. Academic rigour, cultural immersion, and cross-cultural friendships have collectively contributed to a holistic learning experience. I left Japan with a deep understanding of the country and a network of international friends that enriched my global perspective. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the CAMPUS Asia Plus programme for providing me with this valuable exchange opportunity. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

After the perpetual summer of Singapore, fall in Seoul offered a welcome respite from the scorching heat and humidity. The cool brisk breeze provided pleasant company among the striking foliage as I started my fall semester at GSIS, Seoul National University (Sep. – Dec. 2022). The transition was part of my ongoing journey through the nascent CAMPUS Asia Plus program, which adds LKYSPP NUS to the extant trilateral exchange between UTokyo, SNU, and PKU. caption id=“attachment_41699” align=“alignright” width=“300” Busan Sightseeing/caption I was drawn to the idea of joining the CAMPUS Asia Plus program because of its compatibility with my interest in foreign policymaking in the East Asian region – an interest that was sparked by my coursework at GraSPP and further amplified by my time at LKYSPP. In particular, I was pulled by the chance to explore the historical and political underpinnings of South Korea and Japan-ROK relations, which are a fundamental part of the geopolitical stability of the region. Coupled with my already existing interests in South Korean culture and language, GSIS became the natural destination to cap off my graduate studies. At SNU, I enrolled in two courses that provided a comprehensive exposition of the economic development and political history of the Korean peninsula, as well as a general course on international security. This was accompanied by a 15-week Korean language course and a boatload of awkward day-to-day conversations in broken Korean. The course workload was moderate and commitments undemanding, and the lecture styles similar to GraSPP. And, while GraSPP and LKYSPP heavily leaned toward a primarily Asian cohort, GSIS had a fair number of exchange students from Europe, Africa, and Central Asia. A defining part of my Seoul experience was also the job hunting that accompanied my studies. While I had missed the start of the Japanese corporate hiring cycle, fortunately, I was able to catch up by finding companies that conducted second batch hiring and taking full opportunity of both the Online and Boston Career Forums. In retrospect, I wish that I had started the process sooner. But, job hunting while studying abroad is not an impossible task, facilitated by remote interviews and the career forums that allow for an efficient hiring process. It is, however, a lonely affair. Although unburdened by the competitive pressures of finding employment, job hunting without peers can be difficult in finding information, discussing career plans, and preparing for interviews. And this is to say nothing of the mental burdens of the entire process. I am grateful to family and friends, both new and old, for supporting me throughout this process! caption id=“attachment_41701” align=“alignleft” width=“300” Dormitory room/caption Beyond academics and career pursuits, life in Korea was an immensely enriching experience. Not being able to speak the language made the day-to-day an exhilarating series of unexpected self-discoveries and the weeks were punctuated by good food, cultural activities, and breathtaking scenery. The dormitory was clean and functional and located near the GSIS building a comfortable walk away. While the comfortable autumn breeze was soon replaced by the biting winter cold, my time in Seoul remains full of warm memories. Looking back, I am beyond satisfied with my three years of graduate studies and the CA Plus program. I am grateful for the friends I made along the way, and the administrative support from the universities in making the program possible. I hope that future students will come away with the same sense of reward and fulfillment as I have from the CA Plus program. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

Having a background in psychology and sociology in undergraduate studies, I became passionate about studying Northeast Asian relations after participating in China-Japan-South Korea-related student conferences as extra-curricular activities a number of times. With my wish of majoring in Northeast Asian relations coming true, I entered GraSPP as a CAMPUS Asia student in September 2020, during the midst of COVID-19. Despite the experience being almost all online, I had the honor to spend a semester in Seoul, South Korea for the fall semester of 2022. The experience was especially rewarding, as it was my first semester to spend a face-to-face semester on campus, including my semesters at the University of Tokyo, and Peking University. Academics at SNU I focused on taking classes that would allow me to learn about South Korea/ Japan from the South Korean perspective, as I had been able to take classes on Japan and China both at Peking University and the University of Tokyo. As a result, I took classes on South Korean history, Japanese society and culture, and International Law. (And of course, the Campus Asia funded Korean language classes) I genuinely enjoyed studying at SNU, as extensive support was guaranteed to students- however, the class I enjoyed the most was the class on Japanese society and culture. Coming from Japan, I originally thought that there would be a lot of familiar material taught in the class. However, the class provided me with new insights into social issues/social structures of Japan that I had never taken into account. I was especially surprised learning about the politically “Ultra-right” group in Japan, and new research which was conducted to study this particular group. Extra-curricular activities at SNU caption id=“attachment_41697” align=“alignright” width=“300” At a meeting at GALF/caption I also had the honor to join an extra-curricular group called “GALF” (Global Asian Leadership Forum). Here, many students (including undergraduate and graduate students) coming from different universities in Seoul would gather and discuss various issues/topics concerning the Asian region. The best part of participating in this organization was the fact that I was able to build connections/friendships with people outside of my home university. I have continued relationships with them even after I returned to Japan. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

The CAMPUS Asia program gave me an opportunity to experience a different culture, education system, and even a different lifestyle. In GraSPP, there are many courses focusing on different areas we can choose from, including Politics, Economics, and Law. GraSPP provided us with a very open and diverse learning environment, and we have the opportunity to attend classes and discuss issues with students from different countries. I did group work with many of my classmates, we came from different countries, and our educational backgrounds and the political cultures of our countries were all very different, but when we thought about a problem together and wanted to solve it, we found that the differences made our collaboration more interesting and allowed us to think about academic issues from a wider perspective. I really enjoyed my course here and the interaction with students from different backgrounds, which has broadened my horizons. Besides, I took the CAMPUS Asia Joint Course and had classes together with students from Japan and South Korea. We discussed the future of the relations between the three countries, the public opinion in our countries, and even the stereotypes among the three countries. Such exchanges have deepened my understanding of Japanese and Korean politics, economy, and culture. We were also divided into four groups and went on a field trip to Nagano Prefecture and completed a group presentation with the help of Japanese government officials, which enriched our understanding of the Japanese government and the topics it works on. Living in Japan for five months gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and I fell in love with it. Japan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and history, and has a unique blend of traditional and modern influences. During my holiday, I traveled to Kyoto and Niigata. Kyoto’s maple leaves and temples were enchanting, and walking the paths of Kyoto was as if history is right before our eyes. Niigata was a land of snow, the days I was there were filled with snow and I was able to experience the aesthetic of solitude that Yasunari Kawabata writes about. All in all, I treasure the five months I was able to live in Japan and I think it will be a very precious memory in my life. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to share my experience with this wonderful program. In most cases, recounting own experience is a great way to organize one’s thought. By arduously collecting my scattered memories, encountered on this program, I would like to get started with writing sentences ahead. What do people imagine when they hear about “Asia”? Sometimes, challenging the prevalent notions can deepen our understanding of the world surrounding us even further. My main motivation to join the program was related to the question above. In our daily lives, we may take our identity as an Asian for granted. This makes sense because all the three countries, China, Japan and Korea are geographically located in Asia. Foreign people in other regions on the globe would distinguish people in these three countries as Asian based on the physical features. However, there remains some room for doubt. Things can always change quickly and never be the same. Up until now, Asian societies have undergone drastic changes, and the pace of this transformation seems to be accelerating. Even geographical notions are subject to change as well. The notion of ‘Asia’ might be just temporary for convenience. Its dynamism illustrates a vast array of possibilities for further transformations in diverse dimensions. In this period of “emerging Asia”, every action taken by Asian communities are coming to the attention of external players. Some scholars have pointed out the notable shift of gravity in the international arena from Europe to Asia-Pacific (or Indo-Pacific), labelling the 21st century as a century of Asia. Namely, it’s been long since the rise of China has ignited negative responses in many countries. While the Asian community is enjoying rising living standards and are envisioning their future development, it is also concerned about the potential conflict escalation in the region. Collisions over fundamental values, sovereignty and national security, regional hegemony, legitimacy in history have only complicated the interstate relations, leading to unresolvable dilemmas. In such a historic period, placing myself at the core of this crustal movement was an important factor for me to join CAMPUS Asia program. What kind of world is seen from the perspective of each of these countries? What is their process of thinking and how are their perceptions shaped in everyday life? What kind of changes interaction among students in CAMPUS Asia program will bring into our way of thinking about the involved states? Answers to these questions through my own experience in CAMPUS Asia program has far exceeded my expectations. caption id=“attachment_29665” align=“alignright” width=“300” Sun and Moon Towers in Guilin, southern China, where I traveled on my own/caption In Beijing, as a person from a country with different ideological value, the environment of CAMPUS Asia program has stirred my academic interests. A particularly profound impression was left by a class of a professor, who lost his friend in the1989 incident, and was critical towards the government. He seemed to be concerned, as a scholar, that he can’t express what he wants to deliver, deploring lack of freedom of speech. One crucial insight from him was regarding the US-China relations in the early 1970s, which is now considered to be winning statecraft against USSR by Nixon-Kissinger. However, it will be perceived as the worst foreign policy in the future, since it carelessly revitalized China, thus causing conflicts between them. Although thinking this way may be seen as a biased approach, re-interpretation of this historic diplomacy was a brain-teasing discussion point. Therefore, I became interested in the history of the mid-Cold War period in Asia and plan to research about related issues for my dissertation. caption id=“attachment_29668” align=“alignleft” width=“300” Burning Mt. Guang’ak, where Seoul National University located/caption In Seoul, one professor posed the following question “What is the Japanese dream?,” referring to the “Chinese dream (中国梦)” and the Korean dream, which is realizing the unification of the Korean peninsula. I managed to answer in front of many international students in the class, but I knew that it ironically showed non-existence of the Japanese dream. Although having a national dream would be vital for a vibrant society, Japan has come at a stalemate. Thereafter, this question sometimes comes up in my mind and reminds me of something important. Another professor made me consider the way I live. In the midst of severely worsening relations between Japan and Korea, concerning historical issues, in the latter half of 2019, he taught me the significance of academism. He made me realize that academism could offer potentially fair perspective regarding controversial issues, and contribute to the foundation of a future-oriented conversation, which will assist in challenging the bias stemming from misperception and misunderstanding of facts. Through his class, I had an impression that it would be hard for a person, as a Japanese specialist in Korea, to face criticism from own society over disputable questions, when insisting on his thought. An important thing that I learned from him is the importance of such a tough academic attitude. If you believe it’s meaningful to society, you should not give up on your ideas based on factual truth, against illusionary biases among the mass. Furthermore, owing to the timing of tension between the two countries, students in the seminar could participate in in-depth discussions with great attention, and thus we could exchange our views and obtain valuable insights. caption id=“attachment_29666” align=“alignright” width=“300” Beautiful sea at Peace Memorial Park, Okinawa, we visited as field trip, hoping the peace in this sea/caption Field trip experience is full of great cherishing memories. Apart from daily studies in the classroom, we could encounter literally breathtaking sceneries, and taste beautiful dishes and beverages in unfamiliar cities and countryside. Under such an environment, interaction among friends can bring invaluable insight, while also learning about new cultures, industries, and visiting important historical sites. Students could share a short but a long-lasting wonderful moment in every field trip to each three countries, making lifelong friends with common unforgettable memories. We enjoyed great seafood and local black pork in Jeju island of South Korea and got drunk with numerous Maotai bottles in Guizhou, China. Also, I will never forget the moment, at the Peace Monument in Okinawa, looking ahead astonishingly blue and beautiful ocean, making us consider future peace in the region. One more important thing I realized through this program is that, although it sounds a little ironic, to understand Asia we need to grasp the outside of Asia well. We are now witnessing the great-power confrontation in the international arena. This phenomenon cannot be limited to within Asia. Arguably, it has inter-regional and worldwide implications. I learned that it is also important to know how influential countries’ or regions’ perception of Asia. This realization came to me after visiting the base of the US Marine Corps in Okinawa, and witnessing a lot of the US national flags raised by Korean citizens in a demonstration at Gwanghwa-mun square, and through discussions among international students in Beijing. Communication with international students made me notice how they perceive the people who constitute Asia. A lot of African students learning Asian development in Seoul exemplified that Asia can be seen as a successful case of development to learn from. Asia cannot tell what Asia is without the outside of Asia. We need to go along with ever-changing greater diversity and dynamism not only inside Asia but also through interaction with the outside. (Even surprisingly, CAMPUS Asia, in actual sense, is just CAMPUS “North East” Asia!) To sum up, I would like to finish this short essay by noting the value of studying abroad. It can be an attempt to set yourself free from the values of your society. Sometimes, such liberty entails huge responsibility, solitude and toughness. It would be, however, one of the greatest joys to broaden your spectrum worldwide both physically and mentally, touching upon an uncountable number of values and colorful ways of living, while also encountering many wonderful people. I believe, when you have a hard time, all the cherished memories with good friends will always be a fanfare, encouraging you to pursue your own path in the future. Thank you. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

Before the beginning of the semester I have always been interested in cultural exchange and intellectual discussion with people of various backgrounds, and the CAMPUS Asia program (CAP) was the best program to find both of them. As I already befriended students from the University of Tokyo during my stay with them in Beijing, I really looked forward to visiting Tokyo and have my life there for an exchange semester. The administration and program officers were very kind and helpful throughout the process of registration and preparation for the new semester. I applied for a dorm room, received the required documents for visa, and packed myself with necessaries with the help of the officers. Taking the online courses Then came the COVID-19, however, and I could not visit Tokyo in person due to the travel restrictions and the concerns of my family. Instead, I started attending online courses. I felt sad about not being able to travel around Tokyo and other cities in Japan and to see my friends in Tokyo. It was a little frustrating to figure out how to register for the courses online and how to go through the administration process online, as I cannot receive personal advice from the advisers, officers, and fellow students. Nevertheless, all CAP students could finally and successfully go through all the processes with timely assistance and email replies from the advisers and officers. I sincerely appreciated such help.While some may be skeptical about the efficiency and effectiveness of online courses, I could learn and practice the course materials and contents as much as I would have taken offline courses. The online Zoom platform was very proper to use for lectures, presentations, and discussions. Both professors and students were very passionate to make the best out of the situation and utilized the Zoom platform, materials, and other devices to process lectures, presentations, discussions, team meetings, and even written exams.I was really surprised at how the econometrics exam could be held online with students actively participating in the exam session and uploading their scanned answers, while the professor and assistants readily evaluated and provided the feedback. Also, I was very touched by all the passionate students across the world actively and sincerely participating in the team meetings for group presentations. I was very proud to have and share such experiences with competitive and passionate members in CAP, and the University of Tokyo. After the end of the semester As a final remark, I sincerely appreciated all the experiences through online coursework this semester, with the help of and interactions with passionate people. Although we could not meet in person this semester, I felt all students from CAP and the University of Tokyo were very passionate about actively exchanging our experiences and ideas. I only regret that I could not enjoy the full CAP experience this semester but that was only due to COVID-19. In this sense, I would really appreciate more invitations from CAP to further discussions and activities even after this semester, and after the end of COVID-19. I feel that many other students with whom I had classes, discussions, and group projects would share the same feeling with me. I hope CAP can have further discussion sessions and projects in the future, and would really like to join those. I thank all the officers, professors, and classmates for their kind guidance and assistance throughout the program. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

I believe that the CAMPUS Asia Program is the best program for students who have profound interests in studying East Asian relations and aspire to build peaceful bridges among Japan, China, and Korea. Having completed exchange programs both at Peking University and Seoul National University, I believe that the CAMPUS Asia Program has the following three fascinating features: (1) Students can take various courses taught by prominent professors of the three prestigious universities; (2) Students can observe and understand current social issues outside class; (3) Students can make precious memories with other CAMPUS Asia members through extracurricular activities. In this essay, I will explain the above three points based on my study abroad experience at Seoul National University in Fall 2019. First of all, I enjoyed taking very well-contented courses taught by passionate professors at Seoul National University. My favorite course was “Studies in Korea-Japan Relations” given by professor Cheol Hee Park, who is an expert on diplomatic and political relations between South Korea and Japan. In class, Professor Park skillfully guided us to engage in active discussions about various issues, such as forced labor, comfort women, Takeshima/Dokdo, and trade frictions. The class consisted of about 20 students, including 10 Korean students and 3 Japanese students. It was very meaningful for me to exchange opinions with Korean students, especially under the current tense relations between the two countries. One of the most important lessons I learned from professor Park was that we should always obtain information from primary sources. For instance, when we discussed the forced labor issue, professor Park instructed us to look at the original texts of the Japan-Korea Basic Treaty of 1965 to examine how Korea and Japan differently interpret the Article and differently reacted to the verdict of South Korean Supreme Court decision in 2018. By analyzing the original texts, I was able to more objectively grasp the essential nature of the forced labor issue without being misled by secondary sources produced by the media. Under the guidance of the professor, I learned how to approach sensitive issues between Japan and Korea more professionally and logically. I greatly appreciate to the CAMPUS Asia Program for giving me such a great opportunity to learn from prominent professors and excellent students. Besides classroom learning, the CAMPUS Asia program enabled me to enrich my knowledge about the current social situations of South Korea. What surprised me most during my study abroad was South Korea’s protest culture. When I arrived in Seoul in September 2019, a peaceful candlelight demonstration was held at Seoul National University against the scandal over Justice Minister Cho Kuk. In addition, employees of the university’s student cafeteria temporarily suspended the dining room’s business to demand the improvement of their working conditions. As these examples show, it was common to see protest movements carried out in and outside the university. I was astonished and amazed by the South Korean people’s active involvement in those movements. Moreover, I witnessed the Boycott Japan movement organized by the South Korean public. With the deterioration of economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries, many South Korean people came to avoid buying Japanese products and cancel their trips to Japan. One of my Korean female friends told me that she is hesitant to travel to Japan even though she loves visiting Japanese historical sites and eating Japanese food. She was worried that others would judge and criticize about her trips to Japan through social media. Her story intrigued me to examine and write an essay about the motives, characteristics, and influences of the current tourism boycott movement happening in South Korea. In this way, the exchange program at SNU taught me the current social situations of South Korea. Last but not least important, I made unforgettable memories with wonderful CAMPUS Asia students through various activities such as field trips and workshops. In December, we went on a field trip to Jeju island for three days. During our trip, we visited museums and villages to learn about the history and culture of the island. We also enjoyed eating seafood and black pork while drinking Soju and Makgeolli. (one student pointed out that the purpose of this trip was intensive learning/intensive eating). One of my happiest moments during this trip was when I talked with my Chinese friend while lying down on a comfortable sofa at a seaside cafe. We exchanged our opinions about each other`s culture, families, and future careers. This trip surely strengthened friendship with other CAMPUS Asia students. Throughout this program, I had a fantastic time with my friends going out to town and having lunch and dinner together. The CAMPUS Asia program enabled me to meet wonderful friends from Japan, China, and Korea whom I can trust and respect for the rest of my life. To conclude, the CAMPUS Asia Program has given me amazing academic and social experiences that I could have never gained from other programs. The CAMPUS Asia program has strengthened my determination to contribute to peacebuilding among the three countries. Some students who are reading my essay might think that studying abroad in two countries would be hard and disadvantageous considering the job-hunting seasons, but I would like to emphasize that the CAMPUS Asia program will help you build the foundation of your future career if you are passionate about studying East Asian relations. To promote mutual understanding and maintain peaceful relations among Japan, China, and Korea, I hope more students will take part in this fascinating program. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

I love the ginkgo trees in the University of Tokyo. Fortunately, I came to Todai in the fall semester and witnessed ginkgo leaves changing from green to yellow, and finally falling across the beautiful campus. In retrospect, I feel that one semester has passed quickly, and my study life in Todai has been fulfilling.

In GraSPP, there are many courses we can choose covering different areas including Politics, Economics and Law. I do think the course framework of GraSPP is reasonable, considering that politics, economics and law are all useful for public policy and administration. In my home school, the majors and courses are more about international politics and international relations. But I am also interested in public policy for a long time which I hadn’t have chance to study. So, I cherish the chance to learn what public administration is systematically in Todai. The exchange year in Tokyo and Seoul is my last year of having classes as a student. I appreciate that I could learn some knowledge which can be more relevant to the job area that I’m supposed to do.

During the semester, CAMPUS Asia Students need to be divided into several groups and do a group research in the field of public policy and finally participate the selection to GPPN Conference. This year, the general topic is “inequality”. Two Korean colleagues, one Japanese colleague and me are all interested in education inequality, so we were in the same group and decided to do research on Korean High-School inequality issue. The topic is very interesting but also challenging to me. I had never known about the Korean high-school system and how to get into colleges for Korean students. Taking this chance, we read articles, looked into policies and discussed several times to fully understand the present situation of Korean High-school system and make a deep comparison among China, Japan and Korea. The whole process in collaboration with my international colleagues left me an unforgettable impression. I couldn’t think of any other methods that I could know public policies and systems directly and clearly other than talking with my intelligent Korean and Japan friends. Without any doubt, we established very good friendship between each other, too. During the last days in Japan, I participated in the collective Retreat of CAP 2019 to Aizu Wakamatsu. Although the trip lasted only for two days, we still visited a lot of places, listening to the reports given by government departments and consulting agencies regarding to “constructing smart city in Aizu Wakamatsu”. We also did our own research presentations. And plus, the happy experience at the hot spring hotel enriched the whole trip extremely. Within two days, I quickly became familiar with students from various countries, not only the current students from CAMPUS Asia Program, but also CAP alumni and other international students from GraSPP. All in all, I feel that the four months staying in Tokyo is so worthy. I owe my sincerest thanks to all parties who contributed to this program. Group Photo in Aizu Wakamatsu

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I have been enjoying my life in UTokyo very much since the day I arrived at Tokyo: 2nd April 2019. Earlier in 2017, I came to Japan for a short trip and travelled across Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo. At that time, I was really surprised at Japan’s effectiveness of administration, the politeness of people especially drivers and so on. I thought that how wonderful it would be if I could live, study or work in Japan for some time. Then, I started to look for any opportunities back in PKU and finally got the information that there is a joint program among UTokyo, SNU and PKU. I was overjoyed and also lucky enough to be enrolled in the CAP program. I am deeply impressed about the way how UTokyo and GraSPP teach and foster their students. Unlike Peking University, the spring semester in UTokyo starts at a relatively late time–1st of April, which means that I could have adequate time to decide which course to take. The courses I chose are Microeconomics, Japanese Macroeconomic Policy, International Energy Governance, Law and Public Policy and so on. After the first week, my friend Coco and I were all surprised to know that most of our teachers are practioners. These courses are not easy, but they are definitely very helpful especially the Monetary Policy and Policy Analysis Using Japanese Macroeconomic Data. Professor Nakaso was Bank of Japan’s Deputy Governor and had been serving BOJ for almost 40 years. He always made detailed preparations for every class and is also patient enough to explain the basic financial principles in graphic detail to beginners. Most of the lessons he taught came from his own experiences during the several great financial crises, which differs greatly from what professors in PKU would teach. In general, I am deeply impressed and moved for his sincerity to students, passion for and professionalism in central banking. Apart from these excellent teaching faculties, I also enjoyed the studying rooms and student lounge very much. (Cherry blossom and my bike) ( 美味しい元祖丸メンチカツ in Kichijoji)

(Mitaka International Hall of Residence)

( View from Seminar Room E)

The Hiroshima trip is also wonderful. Here I am so grateful to Nose-sensei, Nachi-san and Nana-san, who have made a lot of considerate arrangements and have been taken care of us all the time. I really enjoyed staying in Hiroshima since it is a beautiful as well as historic city which is totally different from Tokyo. As time passes by, the two things which impressed me most are the spectacular scenery of Miyajima and the visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. On the second day at first I was not so touched by the pictures and recording in the Yamato Museum but later I was really shocked when we visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Until that day, I thought that for me and most Chinese students, the atomic bombing in Hiroshima was just one of the historic events learned in high school textbooks. In the museum, the pictures show how people died both in and after the bombing and I felt so depressed about that. It was the first time for me to know that to die is not the worst thing since people who survived in the bombing actually led a much tougher and more unimaginable life than we thought. Every life is honorable and there is neither nobleness nor lowliness in life. I wish that there wouldn’t be any wars and conflicts in the world. Miyajima is a romantic place where I will definitely come back again later. The shrine and its torii gate seem to be floating in the sea during high tide. They look especially spectacular under the blue sky and the endless sea. Besides, we also learned to make the delicious Momiji manju. (Miyajima)

(Itsukushima Shrine)

(Momiji-Manju Baking)

I did have a great time in Japan which I will never forget and I am really thankful to all our program faculty and staff members—Nose-sansei, Nachi-san, Nana-san, Mina-san and Megumi-san. 申し訳ありません、このコンテンツはただ今 英語 のみです。 For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.

My life in Todai undoubtedly was an once-in-a-life experience with full of enjoyable moments and academic stimulations. As a participant of CAMPUS Asia program who spent one semester in Todai, I had a privilege to have several opportunities not only to develop more in-depth knowledge towards Japan and China through a series of informative lectures and constructive discussions, but also to socialize and build understandings with other friends in the same program. In this context, I would like to briefly share what I learned and subjectively felt through this valuable and unforgettable experience in Japan as a CAMPUS Asia program participant. First of all, the very first thing came into my mind when I thought about my life in Todai is its people. I’m so grateful to get to know such a nice and smart people in Todai. Especially, I remember staff members in administration office were always very kind and considerate since my arrival at Tokyo. Professors I encountered in class were also all well-prepared and enthusiastic in delivering lectures. Through these lectures, I was be able to build more understandings regarding my research interests, thus further developing my research. Lastly, the fellow students were the ones who gave me a lot of insights and stimulations. I could learn various different perspectives from students from diverse backgrounds, not to mention having lots of fun with them. Secondly, I enjoyed an opportunity to learn Japanese while staying in Japan. Since Todai offered various chances to learn Japanese with quality language classes, cultural events, language exchange program, most of CAMPUS Asia participants including myself had a great chance to learn Japanese by participating in these events whenever we want. For me, I tried to make the most of opportunities to learn Japanese by participating in Todai’s aforementioned programs. I took the course offered by Engineering School and had language exchange once a week with one of the Todai fellow students. As a result, I was able to enhance my language skills a lot and this substantially helped me in developing more in-depth knowledge and understandings about Japan and its people. Lastly, CAMPUS Asian Joint Course and programs included in the course such as field trip to the city of Hiroshima and special lectures helped me a lot in broadening my narrow perspectives and experiences. Professors from Peking University, Seoul National University, and Todai with their own special fields of study gave us lectures, and we had several chances to have constructive and active in-class discussion related to the issues. This experience actually provided me with lots of insightful lessons and chances to see different perspectives among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean students who seemingly share many similarities. Not only that, the field trip to Hiroshima and personal trips to places like Hokkaido, Hakone, Yokohama, Mt.Fuji, etc. all gave me certain lessons and joy. To sum up, I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful opportunity to have priceless experiences and good people while staying in Japan. Undoubtedly, this valuable experience was one important academic enrichment and would be a great help for further developing my future research. Thank you all for kind considerations during the stay. I definitely would love to come back to Japan in the near future. Pages :12345›

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