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Three years ago, I joined the Master\u2019s program at GSICCS, Waseda University, and it was one of the most pivotal experiences I have had in my entire life. First, it is one of the few schools that offer specialized courses and seminars in animation studies. It also helps connect the students with international animation scholars and researchers. Learning at GSICCS gave me the opportunity to study what I am passionate about in an open and friendly environment created by the most supporting professors and inspiring colleagues.
\nMy research \u201cY\u014dkai in Contemporary Japanese Anime: Tracing Folkloric Depictions of Y\u014dkai in the World of Natsume Y\u016bjin-ch\u014d\u201d focused on the y\u014dkai depiction in manga and anime, and whether this depiction was related to the recorded Japanese folklore. During my fourth semester, I started job-hunting and applied to my favorite anime studios before finally landing a job at one of the prominent animation studios in Japan, MAPPA, Co., Ltd. Since graduation, I have been working as a member of the production development team, where we manage the planning and pre-production stages of anime titles that are yet to be announced to the public. The academic knowledge I gained during my years at Waseda, and the professional knowledge I am currently experiencing through my job have made me appreciate this type of art even more, and also feel grateful to the journey that made my younger-self\u2019s dream come true.<\/p>\n