留学生だより
Ying Wei (SIPA)
Growing up in Asia, I have been asked several times why came back to the
region as an exchange student after only a year and a half at Columbia University,
and in particular, why Japan. As far as I am concerned, the answer is quite
straightforward. Having been involved in various international exchange
programs since college, I am always interested in exploiting different cultures
around the world. In Japan, the ancient culture has been well preserved,
along with the modernization of the society. The combination and contraction
of traditional and modern facets of the country is so charming that I decide
I have to experience it myself. In addition, as the growth engine for international
economy in the 21st century, Asia has been drawing much attention from the
world. Having learnt about Chinese economy and politics in my undergraduate
years, I believe it is quite beneficial to gain some insights from Japan,
the most developed economy in the region. Especially, since majority of
the discussions in academic and business world are about U.S. and China,
I find it interesting to develop some thoughts of the comparison between
Japan and China.
During my stay at the University of Tokyo, I not only learnt a lot from
the coursework but also from my fellow students. I took two case studies,
which help to build up the framework of Japanese economic reform since the
bubble burst in the 1990s. And from the class discussion, I better understood
what potential future policy makers in Japan were concerning about. For
instance, given the fact that the Japanese society is aging over time, much
discussion about the challenge in labor market and health care system was
conducted in class. Besides, new idea on innovation and venture business
development in Japan was another heating-up topic among the students. Considering
the unique culture and social context in Japan, the approach taken by the
students here differs a lot from experience of other countries. Hence, my
understanding of the problems in current Japanese society is deepened-or
even refreshed-after hearing the voice from the natives in the country.
Beyond the schoolwork, life in Japan is a lot of fun for international student.
The volunteers introduced by the school are so patient to help with the
language study and often offering useful advices on daily life in the city.
In addition, my traveling around the country and the two-week home stay
in Hokkaido showed me a vivid picture of local life outside the capital
city of Tokyo.
All in all, I believe the one-year at Todai is a most precious experience
for lifetime. And I highly recommended it to those whom are curious about
Japan-or Asian society in general since one could always meet Asian students
here-and considering building a future career in the booming market of Asia.