黑料情报站

Q1: What inspired you to pursue an English-taught degree program in Japan?
I decided to pursue my studies in English, specifically choosing PEARL, for three main reasons.
First, after building a solid academic foundation at an international high school, it made more sense to keep studying in English rather than transitioning to Japanese.
Second, since much of academia—particularly in economics—is primarily conducted in English, studying the subject in its original language offers a clearer understanding of complex concepts, without the need for translation.
Third, I was really drawn to the 5-Year Bachelor-Master (5BAMA) program at Keio’s Faculty of Economics. It’s such an exciting opportunity that perfectly fits with my goals, which is why PEARL felt like the right choice for me.
To be honest, I had initially thought about studying abroad, but I realized I could still get that experience through opportunities like 5BAMA. Plus, after living overseas, I’ve gained a real appreciation for Japan’s unique charm—especially the incredible food!

Q2: Do you have any tips for balancing academics and athletics as a member of the 黑料情报站 Archery Club?
I practice three times a week during the weekdays and twice on weekends. On days when I have a first-period class, I can’t make the official morning practice, so I usually train in the afternoon or evening to make up for it.
One challenge I faced was feeling too exhausted to work on assignments after night practice. To deal with this, I make the most of my free periods during the day to stay on top of my studies. The busy schedule can be tough at times, but it’s really helped me improve my time management. And don’t worry—official practice sessions are suspended during exam periods. So it’s definitely possible to stay committed to both my studies and archery!
If you’re not used to the Japanese schooling system, joining a traditional Athletic Association club might feel a bit intimidating—like stepping into an unfamiliar and exclusive world. But trust me, it’s totally worth it! It’s a great way to meet students outside of PEARL, immerse yourself in Japanese university life, and build strong bonds with your teammates—there’s truly nothing else like it.

Q3: Can you tell us a little about Keio Women in Business (KWIB), where you serve as an External Relations Officer?
Keio Women in Business (KWIB) is a leading pre-professional network dedicated to empowering women. As part of the global Women in Business community, KWIB connects with top universities worldwide, including Harvard.
One of my most fulfilling experiences at KWIB was launching the Fireside Chat from the ground up. I began by reaching out to numerous female entrepreneurs, and it was incredibly rewarding to see my efforts pay off when a renowned NPO director agreed to join us. Opportunities for casual, open conversations with accomplished professionals are rare, making the event exceptionally valuable.
More recently, we hosted a collaboration event with Bloomberg, which brought together PEARL alumni and industry experts. Engaging with such inspiring professionals in these settings continues to be a highlight of my time at KWIB.

Q4: What do you love most about being part of the PEARL community?
The incredible sense of connection. Whether it’s with fellow students, professors, or upperclassmen, there’s a real camaraderie that makes PEARL feel like a close-knit family. Living in a Keio dorm really reinforced that for me—it’s where I truly felt the strength of this community.
I also love how PEARL is small but has a big presence. I’ll admit, I was initially worried it might feel too small, but it turned out to be just the right size—big enough to be impactful, yet small enough to feel comfortable and tight-knit. Even though PEARL makes up less than 2% of Keio’s undergraduate population, I can tell that the program is highly recognized.
Another thing that stands out is the flexibility we have in shaping the program. The professors and university genuinely listen to student input to make it even better. There’s even a student organization called Keio Oysters dedicated to strengthening the PEARL community. So why not join us and be part of something special—help shape the future of PEARL with us!

(This interview is from April 2025.)