東京大学公共政策大学院 | GraSPP / Graduate School of Public Policy | The university of Tokyo

My Dear Fellow GraSPPers, Only a year ago, I was sharing classrooms with many of you, doing group projects in discussion rooms, exchanging greetings on the 4th floor lounge, and making close friendships. At that point, I already knew that I would spend my second year at Columbia University SIPA, thousands of miles away from Tokyo, counting on social media and long-distance calls to stay in touch. Never have I imagined that it would become an everyday routine a year later, where we must rely on online communicating and social distancing to keep up with the lives of our loved ones. Like yours, my life has completely turned around during the most intense and impactful months in recent global history where the continued impact of the coronavirus and the deepening economic recession is yet to be estimated. While this might have been the most uncertain period in our lives, I have witnessed the power of solidarity, unity, and hope that brought out the best in humanity and inspired many others to empower their communities. As I look back at my double degree years, I realize that the challenges I faced have shaped me to become a stronger person, as well as inspired me to change. Coming to Columbia with a 3-year-old child was one of the challenges – with no subsidized childcare from the university, I had to make last minute decisions whether to keep my child with me while bearing significant costs, or  to let him grow apart in Kyrgyzstan. I chose the first option and it propelled me on a journey to become an advocate for many student parents like myself and to start a SIPA Students and Families Alliance. It gradually ignited the formation of the Columbia-wide Childcare Affordability Initiative that demands affordable childcare options for all students regardless of their affiliation. This experience showed me that I was not alone in my hardships and by sharing it with others, I found allies and advocates who wanted to support me in this journey. [caption id="attachment_25683" align="alignright" width="325"] With the EU Special Representative for Central Asia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan at the UN event[/caption] SIPA was more than a platform to raise my voice; it helped me strengthen my academic, leadership, and networking skills I gained from GraSPP. Comprehending 500 pages of weekly readings, presiding over student organizations, attending networking events, and bonding with professors was a few things I got to do at SIPA. Unintendedly, I decided to take everything from my learning experiences, and deal with the challenges as they come by. Those were the toughest two years combined, but I survived. My motto now, unarguably, is “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”. The best part though was meeting incredibly smart, talented, and inspiring peers, who, I am confident, will go on to make the world a better place and I’m deeply grateful to GraSPP for allowing me to enjoy it twice as much. The last few months of my academic venture in New York City were filled with uncertainty, constant pivoting, and a whole lot of distant calls. We changed three apartments in two months, once living near the hospital with coronavirus patients and morgue trucks parked next to it. At a new place, we watched the elevation of racism, discrimination, inequality, and police brutality in the public consciousness and the unraveling of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and it is a living history lesson that I got to be part of. Had I not been selected for double degree, I would miss this opportunity, and not be a part of the small acts of solidarity like clapping the frontline workers at 7PM or singing along with New Yorkers every Thursday. New York has taught me to welcome differences, and to stand together in the face of adversity. [caption id="attachment_25684" align="alignleft" width="325"] Jazgul and her team presented their capstone project to the Client[/caption] A year ago, we were making plans to walk on the stage and celebrate our achievements. The pandemic changed it all, and it might have taken away our ceremony, but it will not deprive of our memories and friendships, nor erase all the hard work we put into these two years. We are all in this together and I would like to urge you all to embrace the new unknowns, the challenges they bring, but most importantly, to look forward to opportunities they might turn into. The world is continuing to suffer from multiple disasters and is in dire need of our talent, intelligence, and leadership. So, let us use this global pandemic as an opportunity to ignite conversations, to extend a helping hand to those in need, and to spark changes. Yours truly, Jazgul Kochkorova

My first opportunity to study at GraSPP was through the Campus Asia Summer Program a few years ago when I was on my master’s course at Seoul National University. Two short weeks were impressive that made me want to come back one day and study at GraSPP. After obtaining my master’s degree, I worked as a researcher specialized in Japanese economic policy at a Korean government’s think tank. Throughout two years of research on policy, I gained precious experiences on how research results reflect actual policy making, which got me more interested in focusing my career on it. It consequently led me to further my education for a PhD on policy research, growing as a researcher and collecting expertise. I wanted to infuse more of an international perspective for my research on my main academic interest of Japanese security. But, it was not easy to find the ideal school that would allow me to pursue it academically and practically. Luckily, I was reminded of GrasPP and found the doctoral program in GrasPP. The program, aiming to nurture highly skilled researchers with multidisciplinary and practical skills for policy-making, was perfectly suited for my interest. GrasPP doctoral program provides opportunities to interact, communicate and learn with internationally renowned researchers from all over the world. Also, the professors and staffs in this program are excellent, highly experienced, knowledgeable and supportive guiding you through your PhD thesis.  GrasPP is a place to grow academically through important issues that span over academic ones into everyday life. Especially interacting with students of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds helped immensely. GrasPP would be a considerable choice for anyone pursuing a career in the field of public policy.

― Tell us about how you came to study at GraSPP After graduating from a university in the Philippines, I spent one year working at a private power generation company and two years at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) before coming to Japan in August 2018. What first sparked my interest in pursuing higher studies was one of my professors during my undergraduate degree who had studied in Japan. He shared how his experience studying in Japan has changed his perspective and contributed to his personal growth and development. Actually, I had wanted to come to Japan straight after graduating, but unfortunately, that didn’t work out. So, I decided to build upon my experience first and worked in the government. I have attended the 2017 information session conducted by Nishizawa-Sensei in Manila, and I instantly became interested in the program as it offers an opportunity to learn law, politics, and economics at the same time. This multidisciplinary approach in formulating public policies and addressing different challenges is much needed in today’s world. Fortunately, one of the people I worked with was a GraSPP alumnus and has provided me good feedback and guidance. ―How are you finding GraSPP and living in Japan? My main interests are energy policies as well as policy processes and developments in Japan, and I am happy that GraSPP offers various English courses in those areas. With classmates coming from different countries and multiple backgrounds, GraSPP has provided an exceptional learning environment that helped me expand my current knowledge and widened my perspective on several issues. In terms of living in Japan, I love Japanese food and really enjoy my current life here. The people are very kind, courteous, friendly, and very helpful. Even those who cannot speak in English go the extra mile to help me by using translation software to communicate. This makes it a very good country for overseas students coming to study. I also like how Japan has four seasons, as opposed to the Philippines, where it is always hot. Fall is my favorite, as everything seems so vibrant and lively. So far, I have taken a trip to Hokkaido, Tochigi, Karuizawa, among others, and had wonderful experiences in each area. I also hope to visit the Kansai and Chugoku Regions before I graduate. ― So you have been keeping busy, both at GraSPP and farther afield? Having students from so many different countries and regions at GraSPP gives you a deep appreciation for diversity and makes it a great environment for expanding your horizons. I have joined the student union at GraSPP and have been an active participant in the hope of engaging with the other Japanese and overseas students. Outside GraSPP, I am the Vice-President for Student Welfare of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ), which is made up mostly of Filipino students studying at various universities around Tokyo. As part of AFSJ, I am active in supporting students who are struggling with an unfamiliar overseas lifestyle by organizing events and activities that gather Filipino students such as Welcome and Christmas Parties, Mental Health Seminar, Sports Festival among others. I am also an active member of the ASEAN Youth Network in Japan. ― What path do you intend to follow after you graduate from GraSPP? I intend to return to the Philippines after graduation to work for four years at NEDA. However, I also have a desire to teach and to support students and learn along with them. So, I would like to return to the academic world at some point. Beyond that, although it will take a long time, I would like to get a doctorate as well. I am currently acting as a TA for three classes at GraSPP, and I see this as a good practice for teaching in the future. Coming to Japan has changed my life enormously. It would have been hard to gain experience like this had I stayed in the Philippines, and that is why I want to expand my network while I am here in Japan. And, since I get so much enjoyment and happiness from working with and for other people, I want to pay it forward by supporting other overseas students and inspire individuals to go beyond their comfort zones and continuously challenge their selves.

The lecture on June 10, for the course of "Law and Public Policy" is canceled.

Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.

5/30（土）の授業は休講です

Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.

私は2019年8月からシンガポール国立大学リークアンユー公共政策大学院(以下LKY)に一学期間交換留学をさせていただきました。 GraSPPに入学する学生は英語も堪能で海外経験が豊富な方が多いと思います。また、学部時代に留学をしており、GraSPPで留学をすることをそもそもあまり考えていないかもしれません。しかし、世界でトップクラスの大学院に留学できるチャンスはなかなかなく、GraSPPが提供している留学プログラムは自分次第でたくさんの貴重な経験ができる素晴らしい機会になると考えています。少しでも留学を考えていたらぜひ挑戦してみてほしいなという思いで私のLKYでの経験を書きたいと思います。 授業 ３つのコースを履修しましたが授業前のかなりの量のリーディング、一コマ3時間の授業、多くのプレゼンがあり海外の大学の厳しさを身にしみて感じました。初めのうちは慣れない海外で語学力も完璧ではないので苦労したのですが「他人と比べてその人を評価するのではなく最初からその人がどれだけ伸びたかで評価する」と仰っていた、人として尊敬できる素敵な教授に出会え、一学期間を通して励ましていただいたことは自分の中で大きな糧になりました。 交流関係 LKYは約30カ国から学生が来ていたため、様々な文化、考え方を持つ人と交流し視野を広げることができます。また、周りの友人の優秀さ、人柄の良さに驚きました。授業では当たり前のように多くの予習をこなし、さらに積極的に課外活動もしている。世界トップクラスのフィールドで勝負していくにはまだまだだなと自分の未熟さを実感しました。 また、LKYに正規生として留学している日本人の方々とも仲良くさせていただきました。全員が社会人留学の方で私より圧倒的に人生経験が豊富で学ぶことがたくさんありました。そのような方々に刺激を受けながら、ともに学べるというのは大学院で留学する魅力だと思います。 生活 ドイツ、スイス、カザフスタンから来た同じ交換留学生と一つのユニットで共同生活をしました。時間がある夜はリビングでお酒を飲みながら談笑し、毎週一緒に家の掃除をした後にご飯を食べにいくなどとても充実した生活を送ることができました。プレゼンやレポートが立て続けにあった期間は部屋にこもりひたすら勉強をしていましたが少し余裕があるときは観光地に遊びに行き息抜きをしていました。また、近くにあるプール、バドミントンコート、バスケットボールコートが無料で自由に使えますし、大学院生でも部活等に所属することはできるため、週一で護身術をしていました。毎週のようにどこかのユニットでパーティーが開かれており金曜日の夜は眠れません笑(もちろん参加は任意です) 学校行事 LKYにはカルチュラルナイトと呼ばれる出身国ごとに出し物をするというイベントがあります。僕たちは他の日本人の方と一緒にオタ芸を披露しかなり盛り上がりました笑 またサッカー大会もあります。LKYの学生とスタッフに分かれて試合をするのですが監督や実況者もおり、試合に勝つとDeanから一人ずつ金メダルがもらえます笑 毎週有志で集まり、サッカーの練習をしていたこともあり、優勝することができました。 旅行 シンガポールから近隣の国へは時間も金額もかけず行くことができます。(シンガポールからクアラルンプールまで、バスを使って約800円で行けました。) リセスウィークという学期の中間にある授業がない期間に旅行に行くこともできますし、日帰りでマレーシアに行ったり、フェリーでインドネシアに行くこともできます。私は学期終了後に東南アジアを約一ヶ月バックパックしてから日本に帰国しました。 最後に ここの文章には楽しかったことを書きましたがつらいことも多くありました。前述の私の慕っていた教授は食堂で一緒にご飯を食べたときに「若い」からこそ多くのチャンスがあり、つらくても積極的に挑戦していくべきだと仰っていました。僕もまだ学生なので偉そうなことは言えませんが「若い」うちにたくさんの経験をし、価値観を揺さぶられることは大きな成長につながると考えています。この文章を読んでくださった方が一人でもその「若さ」を生かして大学院で留学するというチャレンジをしてみるのもいいなと思っていただければ幸いです。 最後にこの留学を実現できたのは多くの方々のサポートがあったからです。GraSPPの担当者の方、受け入れてくださったLKYの方々、支えてくれた家族、友人にとても感謝しています。改めてこの場を借りてお礼申し上げます。ありがとうございました。

Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.

新型コロナウイルス感染拡大により東京大学行動制限指針がレベル３へ引き上げられたことに伴い、今期の募集を中止することとなりました。 詳細は以下のPDFをご確認ください。 〔教育学研究科〕副専攻（Ｓ１Ｓ２）募集中止について

At the end of 2018, I was given more than 10 choices to do the exchange programme, and I didn’t hesitate to fill out the choice of GraSPP, because I think it would be interesting and worthwhile. And now, my stay in Tokyo proved my “hypothesis”.

The study at GraSPP is quite interesting, they offer a lot of general courses as well as many up-to-date case studies which are very specific and intriguing. These courses are very comprehensive. One advantage of studying at GraSPP is that at a public policy school, you can not only attend the class in international relations, laws, economics, but also something related to science and technology. This may be very unique at GraSPP or even in Japan. GrsSPP offers the chance of taking courses at Graduate School of Economics, Law and some of my classmates even took the courses offered by the Engineering School. The advanced science and technology in Japan make the academics think more about the merge of S&T with policy.  Apart from study, GraSPP provides a lot of support to the students in terms of job hunting and networking, career sessions and talks with alumni are held regularly, these are all good chances for international students for their future career and study.Besides, for international students, the university offers a lot of Japanese Language classes at the Language center as well as the Engineering School. For me, my Japanese improved a lot after the semester. Also, the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo is also full of beauty. Each school’s building has its own charm. The yellow ginko trees and leaves always attract people all around the world. The fountain in front of the central library is also appealing.

Apart from school, the life in Tokyo is also full of interest and convenience. The convenience stores (konbini) are everywhere and open for 24hours. The food in Tokyo is pretty delicious, you never need to worry about being hungry. The subways and public transportation can take you to anywhere you want. Tokyo can also satisfy all of your hobbies, from sports, animation to classical music or anything else. Tokyo is also full of tourist resorts, it is a city combining the modern and traditional elements. If you want to pray for a good luck, temples and shrines are located every corner of the city. If you want to look at the fascinating night scene of Tokyo, there are plenty of observation platforms in the city. And if you want to chill yourself, the peaceful parks are the best choices. If you are interested about reading this article, why not pay a visit to UTokyo and GraSPP? If my words didn’t convince you, how about experiencing these things yourself and then being convinced?

 

About two weeks ago, a coordinator at GraSPP asked me to submit a short report on the past two years and a half in the CAMPUS Asia program. It could be about my academic experience, cultural insights I had gained, or the people with whom I got to interact through the CAMPUS Asia program. All these three themes, as you can tell, were quite broad and I wasn’t sure where to start.

So, I referred back to the personal statement I had written for my CAMPUS Asia application and looked at what 2017 I was hoping to derive from this program. Apparently, I was quite ambitious. To borrow from my own words, I looked forward to “connecting and networking with people from different cultural backgrounds,” and to practicing “looking at issues from a contextualized perspective.” I also hoped to grow and gain practical cultural capital, and, as a result, encounter the new self.

Having completed my last semester of CAMPUS Asia this winter now should be an appropriate moment to evaluate whether I was able to achieve the kind of personal feats I had aspired to. Participating in the CAMPUS Asia program entailed continuous exposure to changes, and trying to adapt to those changes was a journey where not a day went by that I didn't learn something. As I studied in three oddly similar, yet drastically different countries, I got to engage with scholars and students from all walks of life, including non-CAMPUS Asia classmates. They reminded me just how many intellectual people are out there in the world and how the ways of seeing and understanding may be just as manifold. Regardless of whether in Tokyo, Beijing, or Seoul, I was rarely wanting in academically intriguing chats and thought-provoking moments. I can’t say for sure that I have fully internalized all those insights, ready to apply them whenever the need arises; however, I realize that having had such experiences on its own is an important asset for me. So, I am elated – and also relieved – to be able to say, yes, CAMPUS Asia did live up to my expectations.

In one way, however, the past two years and a half surpassed my expectations beyond measure: the quality and deepness of the friendships I was able to forge through CAMPUS Asia. Given the program’s short-term nature, where you go to school with different people essentially every semester, I was skeptical about the possibility of building relationships any more meaningful than acquaintances and networks. This surmise was quickly proved incorrect. On the contrary, living in an unfamiliar environment with an equally unfamiliar group of people turned out to be conducive to friendship. We were free from judgments, for we had little information, if any, about each other going in. We helped each other out whenever we could, for we – sometimes only – had each other to rely on. And, perhaps most importantly, we cherished our bonding time, for we knew those moments couldn't last. Now, I have friends I can hit up whenever I need someone to lend an ear to in all three countries (I hope they feel the same as well!).

For this precious experience, I have staff members at each partner school to thank. Figuring out varying requirements, curriculum focus, and the yearly schedule of three different schools was a struggle; I can’t imagine what administering the process of exchange and providing necessary support to incoming and outgoing students must have been like. So, thank you for this valuable opportunity. I hope more students get to utilize the CAMPUS Asia program to fulfill their expectations and needs.

< pictures of the sky from where I lived in Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul, respectively

 

 

I believe that the CAMPUS Asia Program is the best program for students who have a profound interest 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 interpreted the Article and differently reacted to the verdict of the 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 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 situation in 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 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 situation in South Korea.

Last but not least, 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 friendships 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.