My academic journey toward a vision for inclusivity and sustainability
I have a strong passion for creating an inclusive, sustainable, and well-being-oriented world. During my undergraduate studies in Japan, I gained experience as a documentary director and conducted anthropological fieldwork in Southeast Asia. These challenges on diverse social and environmental issues deepened my understanding of “development” and “climate justice,” leading me to critically question the current notions of “inequality” and “well-being” and how to address them. To explore them, I believe strengthening international cooperation between developed and developing countries as well as among various actors has been more crucial than ever. I have become interested in how international public policies can play a pivotal role in analyzing the structural backgrounds of global socio-economic challenges and finding shared solutions for sustainable development.
These backgrounds took me to pursue a double master’s degree program between GraSPP and Sciences’ Po’s School of Public Affairs, majoring in “International Public Policy” and “Social Policy and Social Innovation,” respectively. This program perfectly satisfied my interests and would be a valuable asset for my future career and life. What’s more, with growing up as a Japanese in Japan and the USA and having experiences in documentary creation and research in Southeast Asia, a graduate-level study in Paris was the perfect addition for me to gain European and international perspectives.
Exploring policy and innovation at GraSPP and Sciences Po
At GraSPP, I’m enrolled in the International Public Policy Stream, where I am learning international development, particularly focusing on the Asian context and engaging in practical case studies. For example, I worked on a capstone project on the healthcare system in Cambodia and also published a blog post on the capital relocation plan in Indonesia. These case studies helped me comprehend the analytical theories I later learned at Sciences Po. Moreover, I made an amazing group of friends at GraSPP, and I am excited to reunite with them and my professors this fall semester.
At Sciences Po, I specialized in the “Social Policy and Social Innovation” stream. I learned the foundation of policy analysis and evaluation. I also participated in the discussions of the current social policy issues, and explored how we could enhance social and environmental impacts comprehensively together with various actors: governments, international organizations, investors, enterprises, NGOs, communities, academia, etc. This opportunity provided me with a pragmatic view of global collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. Particularly, I gained deep insights into the SDGs and their evaluation from the experts of the OECD, and also how impact investment would be influential.
Moreover, I had the chance to broaden my academic horizons through common courses and elective courses. For instance, the “Democracy in Crisis” course was unforgettable in the sense that the class made me think about European perspectives on global issues, which allowed me to contrast them with the East Asian and American views I have. “Urbanization and Social Policy Comparison in Paris and London,” was another eye-opening elective course. We examined the historical development and spatial transformation of these cities, considering how social and environmental issues have influenced shaping their development. The course compared the cities based on social themes such as inequality and gender, offering me a critical lens for approaching social policy-making at the urban level. These courses have broadened my perspectives and significantly influenced my career and the future I envision, highlighting how urban issues can be great catalysts for social transformation.
Classes at Sciences Po were quite challenging and intense. Pursuing a double degree in two years was not easy. However, I cherished this opportunity to immerse myself in academic learning. In the fall semester, my classes often ended late, around 9 pm, but I was always empowered by my friends who shared the same challenges. I am thankful for this opportunity to learn in this wonderful environment with inspiring friends and professors.
Shaping my future through career goals and global inspirations
Through my academic journey and encounters, I have discovered my dream of working on developing urban design for the future, where my expertise in development and social policy can all come together to be deployed. I believe that city design exactly lies at the intersection of both the public and private sectors, which is necessary to address social and environmental issues.
Additionally, I had opportunities to meet people from several international organizations such as the OECD, UNESCO, UN Geneva, and Global Fund. Mr. Mabuchi, at the Global Fund, was one of the global health leaders and gave a passionate speech at the entrance ceremony of the University of Tokyo in 2023. His passion and activities have inspired me since my undergraduate days, and meeting him in Geneva empowered me. These encounters motivated me to think about how I could contribute to making the world a better place and also shaped my long-term career goals.
I also had an opportunity to showcase my documentary film. While I had already presented my film in Japan, the USA, and Indonesia, it was a special moment to share it in Europe. It was a moving experience to realize again that the film was a catalyst for connecting people and fostering conversations. It made me re-realize the power of film and gave me confidence in my passion. I strongly felt that I would never forget this starting point of my interests and passion.
Reflecting on my journey in Paris
My one year in Paris was very special with the amazing friends I met. Without them, my experiences would have been entirely different. I will never forget the struggles we overcame together, our endless discussions, city walks, and reunions with old friends across Europe. Outside academics, I discovered a new favorite activity, which is cooking. I was impressed by the beautiful vegetables and products sold at Marché and the fresh bakery and pastry. Sharing and enjoying meals with friends brought me happiness and enriched my life. Witnessing the gradual preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics in the city of Paris was also memorable to me.
As a member of the student committee at the Canadian House (my dorm) at Cité Universitaire de Paris, I tried to create bonds among people through events like Thanksgiving and end-of-year galas. These events were incredible moments to meet passionate people who were working in diverse fields such as cinema, philosophy, satellite imaging, fashion, arts management, music, history, sociology, etc. Interaction with people from various backgrounds highlighted Paris’s multifaceted significance as not only a hub for international politics but also as a vibrant center for the arts.
My year in Paris has brought me profound personal growth and expanded my worldview. The historical cityscape in Paris is now layered with my own memories and emotions. I never forget when I went on the Seine cruise at the end of my studies. Every bridge we went under flashbacked each unique moment of my time: moments of struggle, sadness, and happiness. I noticed my tears dripping down my cheek. Although it was a year, so many moments were inscribed in the city.
After a year, I found a place I would love to return to. All the courses I learned, all the thoughts I pondered as I took a walk around the city, mostly under the cloudy winter sky in Paris, and the memories with my friends have profoundly changed and reshaped me and helped me find new goals and passions for my future. I am thankful for professors, administrative staff, friends, family, and all the people who supported my journey in a double degree program. Paris has become a precious chapter of my life.
