During the summer of my first year at university, I participated in an on-site training SI program in South Korea that profoundly reshaped my values and marked the beginning of my current study abroad experience in the United States. Having been born and raised in Kumamoto with limited exposure to foreign cultures, this program was far more than a trip overseas—it was my first opportunity to view Japan from an outside perspective.
Visiting Seodaemun Prison and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) was particularly impactful . There, I experienced firsthand the differences in historical perceptions between Japan and South Korea, as well as the ongoing reality of division—insights that could never be fully understood through textbooks alone. The experience taught me the importance of going beyond the classroom and engaging directly with sources and individuals on-site, using all five senses to fully grasp reality.
Now, as a Japanese literature major, I am studying abroad at the University of California—known for its renowned programs in Asian Studies—driven by a desire to further explore Japan and East Asia’s international relations from multiple perspectives. Grounded in the mindset I cultivated through my time at WISH and my study abroad experiences, I aspire to become a bridge between people of different backgrounds and to promote mutual understanding across the international community in the future.
(School of Education Y.M.)
