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Q1: You are a graduate of an international high school in Japan. What motivated you to stay in Japan and choose PEARL?
During high school I learned that Japan suited me well, and my interest in exploring its traditions inspired me to stay in the country. Thus, I only applied to universities in Japan to immerse myself further in its unique culture and better understand its society. The key factor that led me to PEARL was its focus on global economics and its English-based curriculum, which aligned perfectly with my academic goals, while allowing me to continue my journey of cultural exploration in Japan.

Q2: You play the clarinet in the Keio Wagner Society Orchestra, a historic ensemble founded in 1901. Did you find it easy to fit in?
As the only foreigner and the sole PEARL student in the woodwind section, I faced several challenges in adapting at the beginning. The traditional hierarchy between upperclassmen and lowerclassmen in Japan, language barriers, and the demanding practice schedules were particularly strenuous to navigate. Nevertheless, these obstacles did not deter my passion for music.
Being part of this ensemble provided me with the invaluable opportunity to forge lasting friendships beyond the PEARL community and to establish strong connections across various departments and class years. A pivotal factor in my adjustment to the orchestra was the unwavering support from my friends who joined the club the same year I did, who were always ready to assist me with all their heart. Whenever I faced uncertainty, they promptly answered my questions and translated every detail without any hint of discomfort. Their support ensured that I never felt isolated and facilitated my natural integration into the group.
The commitment required to be a member is indeed substantial, yet it is undeniably worthwhile. I take great pride in being part of the Wagner Society Orchestra, and it is undoubtably one of the most rewarding circles I have joined at Keio. Given that members have to re-audition each year, it compels all individuals involved to approach practice with seriousness and professionalism. Furthermore, there are numerous skills that I have gained from fellow members. Not only do they possess exceptional instrumental proficiency, but they also exemplify perseverance, diligence, and effective communication skills, all of which are essential in any professional environment.
For international students contemplating participation in traditional circles, I advise you to never hesitate to approach the upperclassmen! Although it may feel intimidating initially to approach someone you have not interacted with before, taking that first step can not only help you resolve your inquiries but also allow your passion and effort to be recognized, even if your Japanese is not perfect. I also encourage you to take full advantage of their orientations and mixers for recruiting new members, as these events will give you valuable insight into what life within the circle is really like.

Q3: Can you tell us a little about your dorm life and the irreplaceable friendships you formed during that time?
Living in the Keio Motosumiyoshi International Dormitory during my first year was undoubtedly the best decision I made regarding my housing arrangements.
With seven PEARL upperclassmen already living in the dormitory before my arrival, I received full support and guidance. Their shared experiences in various PEARL courses greatly informed my decisions, from selecting the right circles to join to navigating academic challenges. As the only non-native Japanese speaker in our PEARL dorm group, I also benefited from their assistance with Japanese language issues.
Some of my favorite memories stem from the trips we embarked on during breaks or weekends. We enjoyed both short road trips and longer travels—hiking in Kamakura, immersing ourselves in nature in Karuizawa, and skiing in Niigata. Each of these trips was profoundly meaningful to me, irrespective of location or duration, as they deepened the bonds between us. Given that it was my first experience living independently while attending university, I initially feared feeling lonely in a foreign country without my family. However, the camaraderie within our dormitory friend group alleviated my concerns, as we were always ready to support one another through life's challenges. As a result, I formed the strongest bonds with my dormitory friends that resembled those of a family; we often found ourselves being mistaken for siblings during our travels!

(This interview is from April 2025.)