After completing my undergraduate studies, I chose to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), with a particular interest in the CAMPUS Asia Program. This initiative brings together students from Japan, China, Korea, and Singapore to study public policy and deepen regional understanding through academic exchange. I spent one year in Tokyo, one in Seoul, and one semester in Beijing—a time filled with meaningful encounters, personal growth, and lasting lessons.
My interest in East Asian affairs developed toward the end of my undergraduate studies. Until then, I had focused mainly on international law and conflict resolution from a Western perspective. A year abroad in New York from 2019 to 2020 marked a turning point: through a course on East Asian politics and conversations with Chinese and Korean classmates, I became more aware of the gaps in mutual understanding within the region. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I remained on campus with other international students, including many from China and Korea. The solidarity we shared during that uncertain time left a lasting impression—it made me realize the potential for connection and cooperation across borders. These experiences, just before graduation, sparked a desire to explore regional policymaking more deeply. I chose to pursue that path at GraSPP through the CAMPUS Asia Program.
My first year at GraSPP laid a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth. I was welcomed into an open and collaborative environment, surrounded by classmates from a wide range of backgrounds—some with professional experience in areas like environmental policy or education, others like myself just beginning their journey in public policy. What stood out was the culture of encouragement: even as I grappled with unfamiliar concepts, I never felt out of place. Peers and faculty alike supported my learning, and day by day, I grew more confident in navigating policy discussions.
The CAMPUS Asia community further broadened my perspective. I connected with students from across the region, many of whom spoke multiple languages and shared a deep interest in East Asian cooperation. Inspired by these interactions, I began studying Korean and participated in the CAMPUS Asia joint seminar, where I built strong connections with fellow students through academic discussions, mock multilateral conferences, and field visits. These experiences emphasized the importance of communication and empathy in building trust—skills I carried with me into the next stage of the program in Seoul.
At Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), I set two main goals for myself: first, to deepen my understanding of Korea—particularly its policymaking landscape, Japan-Korea relations, and broader trilateral dynamics in East Asia—and second, to improve my Korean language skills. GSIS offered a wide range of courses that supported these goals, especially in international relations and regional cooperation. Outside the classroom, field trips to places like Gyeongju and Jeju provided valuable opportunities to learn about Korea’s historical heritage and natural landscape, giving cultural context to the policy topics I was studying.
A major highlight of my time in Seoul was interning at the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) through a partnership with GraSPP. This gave me firsthand exposure to the institutional side of trilateral cooperation and a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in promoting dialogue and collaboration among Japan, China, and Korea. After the internship ended, I had the opportunity to participate in the Trilateral Youth Summit, a TCS-hosted event that brought together students from the three countries for a regional diplomacy simulation. Engaging with peers in this setting reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people exchange in building mutual understanding.
Alongside these academic and professional experiences, I enrolled in a Korean language institute whose fee is covered by the program. While I still have more to learn, I made meaningful progress, and using Korean in everyday situations enriched my time in Seoul.
What made this chapter especially memorable were the relationships I built. Through the many opportunities that I had, I connected with peers who cared deeply about East Asian relations. Our thoughtful, often candid conversations on sensitive topics—including security and history—helped me better appreciate the complexities of Korean politics and the value of sustained dialogue. I came away with a more nuanced appreciation of Korean society and a renewed commitment to continued engagement. When the semester ended, I felt ready for the final phase of the program in Beijing.
My final semester at Peking University’s School of International Studies (SIS) was short but deeply enriching. I came with the goal of better understanding how China views its role in global affairs—particularly in relation to Japan and South Korea. Through coursework and field visits, I gained valuable exposure to China’s priorities and approach to international engagement. A trip to sectors such as electric vehicles, a key focus of national policy, offered insight into the country’s development model and governance structures. Visits to institutions like the New Development Bank provided further context on how China envisions its role in shaping regional and global cooperation frameworks.
As with my time in Seoul, what stood out most were the conversations I had with peers. While classroom discussions sometimes reflected the complexities of differing viewpoints in international dialogue, informal exchanges with Chinese classmates were thoughtful and illuminating. Many expressed a sincere desire to build mutual understanding and overcome misperceptions—sentiments that echoed what I had experienced in Korea. These encounters reminded me that across borders, young people often share a common hope for a more peaceful and cooperative future.
Although I still have much to learn, I am grateful to have joined GraSPP and the CAMPUS Asia program. I am far from being an expert on trilateral relations, but the decision I made at 22 has shaped my perspective and aspirations in lasting ways. The friendships and community I found through CAMPUS Asia, built across languages, borders, and sometimes differences of opinion, have taught me the value of dialogue and empathy. I will carry those lessons with me always, and I remain committed to contributing, however humbly, to a more connected and cooperative East Asia.
