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The path I took to achieve my dream: working hard with my peers who also aim to become lawyers

Yuna Kawamoto, 3rd year Professional Degree Program, Graduate School of Waseda Law School

At Toyama Campus Building No. 30

--When did you start thinking about going to graduate school?

Elementary school graduation album. Apparently, she was inspired to become a lawyer after watching the TV drama "Legal High" (Fuji TV) at the time.

I had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, and even wrote "I will become a lawyer" in my elementary school graduation essay. Therefore, I enrolled in Waseda University with the goal of going on to Waseda Law School (Law School) from the beginning.

There is a system in place that allows students to take the bar exam after a total of five years of studying School of Law law school and two years at law graduate school if they meet certain conditions. I wanted to get closer to my dream as soon as possible, so I took advantage of the three-year early graduation system and went on to law school.

* Waseda Law School has a standard three-year course for those with no law degree, and a two-year shortened course for those with law degree. Kawamoto is in her second year Waseda Law School because of the two-year shortened course, but she is in her third year of school.

--How did you prepare for the graduate school entrance examination?

In my case, I applied through special selection, so from my first year of undergraduate studies I focused on classes and exam preparation so that my GPA would not fall below the required level. From my third year of undergraduate studies, I prepared a document called a "statement" that summarized my reasons for wanting to apply and the type of legal professional I wanted to be, and also prepared for interviews.

In preparing my statement, I received help from a senior in my legal seminar. He showed me how to write it, and I reviewed it many times before writing it. In preparing for the interview, I first created anticipated questions and filmed myself answering them to brush up on my answers so that I could answer fluently. I think it's important to be able to explain the contents of your statement in your own words, even if they dig deep into the content.

--Please tell us about student life at graduate school.

When I first entered the university, I was painfully aware that I was one year behind in the amount of study I needed to do compared to my classmates who had graduated in four years. However, many of the Professor at Waseda's Waseda Law School also teach classes in the law profession course at the Faculty of School of Law, so it was reassuring to be able to continue my studies in a positive, unchanging environment.

Last year, in my second year, I had eight compulsory subjects in both spring and fall, and one elective subject for the bar exam. Preparation is essential for all classes, so I use my free time in class to prepare and review. In Waseda Law School, most classes are conducted in a way that Professor asks questions to the students, so it's a good training to verbalize my thoughts.

--Is there anything you are particularly focusing on at the moment?

The books include a collection of arguments on corporate law, a selection of 100 precedents, and a pocket version of the Six Codes. Many of Kawamoto's notes and memos are attached.

As part of my preparation for the upcoming bar exam, I am reorganizing my collection of arguments myself. Based on the cases I have dealt with in class, I am organizing and writing down the provisions, requirements, and reasoning. Rather than simply using a commercially available collection of arguments, I feel that this method of studying by writing each one myself and deepening my understanding suits me well.

--What do you find attractive about graduate school?

The best thing about this school is that there are peers who share the same goal of becoming a lawyer and Professor who support them, in other words, an environment that encourages hard work. I myself sometimes felt like I was going to give up on my law studies, but seeing my friends at law school working hard helped me regain my motivation.

In the lounge on the third floor of Building No. 27 Waseda Campus, where law school classes are often held. "You can study while talking, so I often use the lounge when I need to ask for advice or for group work," says Kawamoto (left).

--What are your future goals and what challenges do you want to take on?

In the upcoming curriculum, I will be taking classes where I will actually be involved in providing legal advice to clients at the university's law firm (Waseda Legal Clinic). I am looking forward to this rare opportunity, which is usually hard to come by as a graduate student.

I originally decided to pursue a career in law because I admired local lawyers who handled local cases, or so-called "machiben." After obtaining my attorney's license, I would like to join a law firm.

--Finally, please give a message to undergraduate students aiming to go to graduate school.

Some undergraduate students may have the impression that "it's cooler to pass the preliminary exam (※1) and take the bar exam than to complete law school." However, I can proudly say that law school is a place where you can learn much more than you think. Because you'll have friends and teachers, I would also recommend it to those who aren't good at working hard on their own. If you're aiming to become a lawyer, please consider the Graduate Waseda Law School!

(※1) The nickname for the preliminary bar exam. An exam to determine whether a candidate has the same academic knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge as those who have completed law school, as well as the basic knowledge of legal practice.

Graduate School Waseda Law School website: https://www.waseda.jp/folaw/gwls/

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Focusing on how serious I can be, I focus on research in information science, VR and music

Aki Kishimoto, 2nd year master's student, Graduate School Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering

At the Oikawa Laboratory in Building No. 59, Nishi-Waseda Campus

--When did you start thinking about going to graduate school?

I was enrolled in another university during my undergraduate years, and I think I started to vaguely think about going to graduate school when I was in my third year of undergraduate studies. In my fourth year of undergraduate studies, I joined a research lab and majored in information science with a minor in music. I liked music and belonged to a band student club, so I found research that combined information science and music interesting. Furthermore, in graduate school, I wanted to continue with the theme of music, but also tackle a new theme involving VR (virtual reality).

--You came from another university, but what made you decide to study at Waseda University's Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering?

I decided on Waseda because I could do research that combined information science, VR, and music, and because it was easy to commute to from home. I was particularly interested in the interaction (relationship) between people and music, so I chose Professor Yasuhiro Oikawa's laboratory, where I could learn about a wide range of acoustics-related themes. A professor who helped me out during my undergraduate years had completed graduate school at Waseda, and he encouraged me by saying, "I think this is a good fit for you." This was also a big help.

--How did you prepare for the graduate school entrance examination?

The exam consisted of a written test and an interview. To prepare for the written test, I focused on relearning my previous research and related knowledge while solving past exam questions. In particular, the essay required the ability to quickly summarize and verbalize one's own thoughts on the given topic. For that reason, I thought it was important to be exposed to a wide range of topics, so I made a habit of reading news articles related to various research fields.

For the interview, I prepared so that I could talk logically about the research I had done so far and what I wanted to do in the future. I also read papers written by Professor Oikawa to prepare.

--Please tell us about student life at graduate school.

A diagram of what kind of system we should build, drawn up when discussing with the professor

My research topic was not a continuation of my undergraduate thesis research, so in my first year of the master's course I focused on researching previous research. At the time, I had classes almost every day, which was tough, but the lessons I learned there are the foundation of my current research.

From the second year onwards, the time I spent on research increased dramatically. We have a seminar every Tuesday, where lab members give progress reports and presentations. The lab's computers can be operated remotely, so there are days when I collect data from home.

--What is your research topic?

With the theme of "How can we create an excitement in a VR live performance that is the same as an actual live music performance?", we have been researching the relationship between the sound source of a VR live performance and the amount of physical movement of the audience. Specifically, we have participants watch a live performance in a VR space and conduct experiments to measure the excitement based on the participants' physical reactions. It is interesting to see how the reactions change depending on whether there are other audience members in the VR space, and whether live music or CD music is played.

Photo on the left: Evaluation experiment conducted with collaborators in August 2023 (the equipment used in the experiment was Meta Quest 2 from Meta). By using a dedicated controller and connecting it to a PC, the system that Kishimoto built can be operated on a VR goggle.
Photo on the right: Summary of the results of analysis of data obtained from evaluation experiments

In addition, I have applied several times with the goal of presenting at an international conference, and this year I was finally accepted. This is my first time presenting at an international conference, so I am nervous, but I am looking forward to it.

--What are your future goals and what challenges do you want to take on?

After graduation, I hope to find work as a UI/UX designer (*2). I feel that my experience working on the research theme of audience reactions using VR and other technologies will be useful in UI/UX design that considers user reactions. I still have a lot to learn about UI/UX, but I would like to create designs that meet the needs of users and clients, such as ease of use and eye-catching features.

(※2) UI is an abbreviation for user interface, which refers to the point of contact between the user and the product or service. The aim is to create a design that is easy for users to use. UX is an abbreviation for user experience, which refers to the experience that users have through a product or service. The aim is to create a design that is enjoyable for users to use.

--Finally, please give a message to undergraduate students aiming to go to graduate school.

I hope that those who are considering going on to graduate school at Waseda from other universities will take on the challenge without feeling inferior. The fact that you have decided to take the entrance exam from another university and go on to graduate school is proof of your enthusiasm. Take the exam with confidence.

Some people may also have doubts about the significance of their own research. Especially when it comes to niche research, it's easy to think, "Is there any point in doing this?" However, future research will only develop if current research is there. It will never be a waste. I hope you will value how serious you are about your research and stick to the research you want to do.

Graduate School Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering website: https://www.fse.sci.waseda.ac.jp/

Interview and text: Akane Ichikawa (2017 Graduate of School of Culture, Media and Society)

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"Discover the joy of coming into contact with a world you never knew existed by taking advantage of the integrated undergraduate and master's degree completion system (4+1)"

Ai Hattori, Graduate School Graduate School of Sport Sciences Program, March 2024 Graduate

In classroom #79 on Building No. Higashifushimi Campus

--What made you decide to go to graduate school?

It all started when I heard about the "5-year integrated undergraduate and master's degree (4+1) completion system (※3)" at the information session after I enrolled in the undergraduate program. I like English, and I had originally thought about studying abroad at university. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the end of my first year of undergraduate studies, and I had to give up on my plans to study abroad. At that time, I remembered this system, and in my second year, I was able to receive a private Scholarship, which reduced my financial worries, so I decided to go on to graduate school, hoping to study at a graduate school for one year.

(※3) A system that enables students to complete their undergraduate studies (4 years of enrollment) or graduate studies (1 year of enrollment) in 5 years if they meet the required completion requirements.

-How did you proceed with the internal transfer from School of Sport Sciences to graduate school?

First of all, I consulted with my teacher. In the fall of my second year as an undergraduate, I joined a seminar with Professor Chizuru Sugiyama (Faculty of Sport Sciences Professor), and she asked me about going on to graduate school.

Professor Sugiyama encouraged me by saying "Why don't you give it a try?", so after I decided to do it, I started preparing early. Since the 5-year integrated undergraduate and master's degree (4+1) completion system required me to acquire 10 or more graduate school credits in my fourth year of undergraduate studies, I took the earliest exam of the three exam dates per year. I decided to take the exam in June of my fourth year of undergraduate studies, and submitted a research plan and had an interview.

--What was your schedule like after you decided to go to graduate school?

During my fourth year as an undergraduate, I prioritized my classes, which I studied as a minor in theater and performing arts, and the internship to obtain a curator's qualification, which required a fixed number of days and times for one year, while also looking for a job, which was very difficult. I spent the summer as an intern, and in the fall I focused on my undergraduate thesis, which I submitted in December. In January, I did my museum internship and looked for a job.

In my first year of master's studies, I tried to divide my classes well between the spring and fall semesters. In the spring, I had my final job interview, and I was able to get a job offer in mid-May. After that, I focused on my master's thesis and tried to keep a good balance.

January 2023: Museum internship (exhibition internship) for obtaining a curatorial qualification at Aizu Museum

--Is there a difference in learning between undergraduate and graduate school?

What's different from undergraduate studies is that there are many small-group lessons and discussions. Each student actively shares their opinions about their specialized research and learns from each other. Each student is very enthusiastic about their research, and I enjoyed researching and talking with them.

In my case, as an undergraduate, many of my classes were online due to the pandemic, so one of the best things about going to graduate school was that I was able to actually attend seminar camps. I was able to participate in the seminars of Professor Kohei Kawashima (Faculty of Sport Sciences Professor) and Professor Masayuki Ishii (Faculty of Sport Sciences Professor). In the Kawashima seminar, we all went to Karuizawa in the summer and to Seminar House in Izu Kawana in the spring to spend time closely together, and since undergraduate seminar students were also there together, I could feel the vertical connections.

With Kawashima seminar members at the Izu Kawana Seminar House. Professor Kawashima is wearing a hat in the center of the front row. Hattori is next to him on the right.

--What is your research topic in graduate school? Also, please tell us your future goals and specific career path.

With an introduction from Professor Kawashima, I will be moderating the SGU Health and Sports Science Center 10th Anniversary Symposium (October 2023) in English.

The theme is "Children's Dance Appreciation Education." I have been learning ballet since I was little and love dancing, and when I went on a homestay in high school, I learned that in the UK there are many opportunities to casually watch plays and other performances outdoors, so I decided to focus on dance and children's education.

I was able to look back at actual records of children's art appreciation in Japan and speak to professors from Faculty of Sport Sciences with various specialties, not only in dance but also in anthropology and history, which allowed me to learn and realize things from a variety of perspectives. Meeting classmates and teachers that I would never have met if I had not gone on to graduate school is a lifelong treasure.

From this experience, I realized the excitement of learning and the joy of making new discoveries, so I decided to get a job as a researcher at a private think tank. It's not the same as specializing in one field, but I think I'll be able to delve into various fields from a broad perspective.

--Please give a message to those who are interested in graduate school.

In March 2024, she served as Valedictorian the Graduate Graduate School of Sport Sciences Master's Program at Convocation

There were few people around me who were going on to graduate school, so I was a little worried. However, by taking the first step, I realized that I had friends and, with the support of the teachers around me, I was able to enjoy the joy of coming into contact with a world I had never known before. If you are even slightly considering graduate school, why not talk to someone first and then take the plunge and go for it?

Graduate School Graduate School of Sport Sciences website: https://www.waseda.jp/fsps/gsps/

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Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate School

Q. I'm curious about tuition fees and scholarships if I go to graduate school.

A. Comprehensive tuition fee information can be found on the Admissions Center website.

Waseda University also offers a variety of scholarships for graduate students. The Scholarships and Financial Assistance Section's website lists Scholarship, Scholarship schedule from application to acceptance, and Scholarship acceptance records (such as the status of acceptance), so be sure to check it out. In addition, there are many scholarship programs unique to each graduate school, and some have scholarship programs that can be applied for before enrolling. There are also a wide range scholarships available to doctoral students in all graduate schools.

Q. Two years seems like a long time to complete a master's degree.

A. Some graduate schools have a one-year master's program. In addition, some graduate schools have a "five-year integrated undergraduate and master's program" that allows students to take advanced courses while still an undergraduate and condense two years of learning into one year.

Q. I'm concerned about the employment situation.

A. Compared to undergraduate students, graduate students are expected to have even more problem-solving ability when job hunting. If you can acquire problem-solving ability through research life (setting your own problems, formulating hypotheses, verifying and analyzing, and compiling the results in papers and giving presentations), your range of industries to choose from will be significantly wider.

The employment rate and employment destinations of graduates from each graduate school are published on Career Center website (information for 2023 will be released around July) and on the website of each graduate school.

Q. After graduating from undergraduate school, I am considering getting a job and then going back to graduate school.

A. Many people start studying at Waseda University Graduate School after gaining work experience, and some graduate schools offer working adult entrance exams and AO entrance exams. Some graduate schools also offer night classes for students who want to study while working. Use Admissions Center 's dedicated website to find a graduate school that suits your lifestyle.

Detailed information about graduate schools is available on the websites of each graduate school. The Admissions Center website also provides a wide range of information about graduate schools, including entrance examination information.

▼If you would like to know more about graduate students enrolled in other graduate schools, please check out back issues of the related articles below!

[Next feature article preview] "Introduction to Philosophy" to be released on Monday, May 20th