A Transformative Experience in Japan: Academic Growth, Cultural Insights, and Professional Development
7/10/20252 min read


From September 2024 to May 2025, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese academic and cultural life during a six-month exchange semester at Saitama University, followed by a three-month internship at the Goethe-Institut Tokyo. This period has been one of immense personal and academic growth — an experience that has shaped both my intellectual trajectory and professional aspirations.
During my exchange semester (September 2024 – February 2025), I enrolled in the garduate seminar Modern Japanese History, taught by Professor Roger Brown. The course offered a comprehensive overview of Japanese history between 1868 and 1945, a transformative era for the nation. Weekly discussions with fellow students and Professor Brown pushed me to think critically about historical narratives, power dynamics, and the interconnectedness of national histories. These conversations broadened my perspective significantly and marked a key milestone in my academic development.
As part of the seminar's assessment, I submitted a book review titled "A Long Friendship? Japanese-German Relations in the 1920s and 1930s", in which I critically examined three scholarly works focusing on the interwar period and the relations between these two countries at this specified time:
Kudo, Akira. Japanese-German Business Relations: Co-Operation and Rivalry in the Interwar Period (1998)
Law, Ricky W. Transnational Nazism: Ideology and Culture in German-Japanese Relations, 1919–1936 (2019)
Cho, Joanne Miyang, Lee Roberts, and Christian W. Spang (Eds.). Transnational Encounters Between Germany and Japan (2015)
This deep engagement with Japanese-German relations not only refined my analytical skills but also laid the foundation for my growing interest in transnational and intercultural dynamics.
In addition to my academic studies, I began learning Japanese through an introductory language course at Saitama University. Although challenging, it provided essential linguistic tools that greatly enhanced my day-to-day interactions and deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture. My travels across the country—from the bustling heart of Tokyo to the vibrant city of Fukuoka—allowed me to explore Japan beyond the classroom and engage with its rich history, cuisine, and regional diversity.
From March to May 2025, I completed an internship at the Goethe-Institut Tokyo, working in the Library and Information Department. My responsibilities included leading a weekly German conversation club for Japanese students, providing editorial support (including topic research, copy editing, and contributing to social media), and assisting with library services. This role significantly enhanced my intercultural communication skills and gave me firsthand experience in cultural diplomacy and educational outreach.
Looking back, my time in Japan has been both an academic and personal enrichment of the highest order. The combination of historical study, cultural immersion, and professional practice has solidified my desire to further explore the relationship between Germany and Japan. Building on these experiences, I now aim to pursue a degree in International Relations / Global Studies in Japan, focusing on diplomacy, cultural exchange, and historical memory.
I am grateful for the many individuals—professors, colleagues, fellow students, and friends—who have inspired me along this journey. I look forward to continuing this path with curiosity, openness, and purpose.