I was moved by the superb academic environment and detailed care

2017年7月5日更新

Ms. G.L. (Italian)
Master’s program
Humanities and Sciences, Comparative Studies of Societies and Cultures, Japanese Language and Literature

The reason to study in Japan

Popular culture and my encounter with Japanese literature

I was in elementary school when I became interested in Japanese culture. Just like many others, anime and manga were my initial introduction to the culture, but I started to read Japanese literature that was translated into Italian after entering high school. In Europe, works of Banana Yoshimoto and Haruki Murakami are very popular, which have influenced me to major in Japanese studies at the university in Naples. The universities in Naples and Venice are especially famous for their long history in the studies of Japanese literature.

I studied Japanese culture for three years in the university and widely read a variety of works by different authors. Then five years ago, I had the opportunity to study at a college in Tokyo as an exchange student. The year that I spent in Tokyo validated my decision to be the right one. I was introduced to the author Fumiko Enchi through my Japanese literature class which stirred my interest enough to write about her in my graduate thesis. This experience stoked my feeling to proactively study about Japanese feminist literature.

The reason for selecting Ochanomizu University

Studying in Japan became a reality through the exchange of emails with a leading scholar.

I enrolled in the master’s program at the university in Naples momentarily, but after being lost in the works of the 70s feminist writers of Minako Oba and Yumiko Kurahashi, I felt a strong desire to study in Japan again. Consequently, I began to gather information by visiting various websites of graduate schools in Japan.

My research area focused on “Japanese Literature from the Gender’s Perspective,” and when I made my initial contact with Ochanomizu, fortunately, I got in touch with a magnificent researcher who was simultaneously studying Japanese literature and gender. The presence of that professor served as a catalyst that turned studying at Ochanomizu University into a reality. Not just in Japanese literature, but a superb gender studies course offered by the University assured me that this was the best setting for me.

Student life at Ochanomizu University and its support

Moved by the kindness of professors and fellow students

What was most memorable after joining Ochanomizu University was the initial guidance I received. Other than the Japanese students, there was another international student besides me, and the instructor asked the other Japanese students to assist us in any way they can. I was really touched that they cared so much.

All the classes are held in Japanese, but if you have a certain amount of proficiency in the language I don’t think there is anything in particular to worry about. Of course, there were times in the beginning where I wondered if I understood what was going on in the classroom, but I would just ask other students or consult with them and they would help me out.

When I was an exchange student, there were many other international students and there was a tendency to talk in English, but here, including myself and other international students, we only speak in Japanese. I think this is one of the strong points of Ochanomizu University. Of course, there are times that I use English when the subject becomes too difficult, but since I am here to learn about Japan, I try to speak in Japanese as much as I can.

Life in Japan, cultural gap

The importance of tapping into the international support system

I think it is pretty easy to overcome some of the common cultural gaps seen in every-day life. Since many Europeans perceive Japan as a land of anime, it might be a little shocking if one is expecting that world (laughs).

Right now I share a flat with two other Japanese friends, but at the time of joining the University, I lived in the dormitory. Japan has its own system when it comes to renting an apartment, and I think it will be quite challenging if the first thing you do is to look for one when you come to Japan. Therefore, the option to live in a dormitory was very helpful for me in the beginning.

Ochanomizu University is equipped with an international student support service, and they are ready to assist you on issues besides academics such as matters on every-day life or visas. Furthermore, the tutor system offers detailed advice on academic life such as how to get a book that does not exist at the library from another university.

Events and travels that are hosted by the University are popular among the international students too. You are able to go to places that other foreign travelers are not able to go on the cheap, and you can watch Kabuki or learn how to put on a kimono. I have an interest in modern art, and Tokyo has got many museums and there are very interesting exhibitions. There is an added benefit of being able to enter the National Gallery or the Tokyo National Museum as an Ochanomizu University student for free.

My future

Spreading the greatness of Japanese literature to the world

In the future, I would like to be able to teach Japanese literature. There are well-known scholars of Japanese literature in the US and Australia, and I would like to broaden my scope beyond Japan and Italy. Besides the works of Banana Yoshimoto or Haruki Murakami, I want to introduce the works of feminist writers from the 70s that are not well-known in Italy. To achieve that, I think it will be best for me to keep studying at Ochanomizu.

Favorite spot caption

The self-professed coffee lover, Ms. G.L. says that one of her favorite spots is Café Fuu which is located in front of the main gate of the University. She takes a break in between classes with a book in one hand. She goes there at least once a week.

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