MARÍA

34, México

What is your education level?

University

What is your current (or most recent) job?

Art and Design Department Director and Mexican Traditional Music dancer.

When did you apply to come to Japan originally?

10 – Nov – 2020

Why does studying Japanese in Japan mean so much to you?

It has been one of my biggest dreams and goals since forever and I’ve been preparing and working so much since long time ago to achieve it, I know there is no other better way to learn a language than in the country where they speak it, and even though I already visited some places there, I want more than a tourism experience, I want to be able to talk to the local people, to learn more about their history, culture, places, food, been able to listen, read, speak, understand, I want to be and feel part of a country I really love. I want to explore so many places and I don’t want a language to be a limit for me, I want a full, complete respectful experience. Learning Japanese in Japan for me is the very first essential step that will open so many new doors in many aspects in my life, cultural, socially, touristically, in the working field and most important in my personal growth, it will allow me to continue growing in the way I want it knowing there is no limits and everything is possible if you really want it and if you really work on it. Learning Japanese in Japan means everything to me because it is the way I have been waiting and been working on to achieve it so I can prepare me to be able to live, learn and experience Japan and everything about it in its most complete and respectful possible way in fullness without language barriers.

How do you think that as a student in Japan that you will add benefit to Japan society?

I can bring an authentic and respectful link between Japan and Mexico creating an unique bond and bridge between two different but amazing cultures. I will show the colorful of my culture through the dance and traditions, describe the magic of the food and people from Mexico and my city, I’m always so happy to learn and to share.

What will it mean to you if there is another delay for students to be able to come to Japan?

As we know, the pandemia is changing 24/7. In my particular case all my plans have been moved again and I am taking the classes within a 14 hours difference from Japan, from 23:25-3:15, moving my current activities to an extreme schedule. Since I started the school application months ago I quit my job and boost all my effort moving to Japan; in that same line I am nothing more than concerned, anguish and feeble for all the news of the restrictions. Unluckily I had to stopped all my work life here and because we never have had any timeline my life has been in a limbo and on hold since the last year, I cannot been able to make any plans for my future, neither compromise with anything and I’ve denying opportunities in work and education all the way because I still don´t know when we are going to be allowed to enter japan, and honestly it has been mentally and emotionally exhausting, regardless I really hope lifestyle is going to improve for all.

Chamika, 30, Sri Lanka

I am waiting from April 2020 to get into my university as a self-financed student. April intake was postponed because of the corona situation. Then I was able to register for the September intake. However, because of COE delays, I couldn’t get in during the time Japan was open for students. My research is already on hold since I cannot perform the experiments needed for data acquisition. Because of this uncertainty, I now have to consider a Ph.D. topic change even after spending 8 months into my research. I left my previous job in 2019 January thinking I’ll be able to get in by April. Because I don’t know when Japan will start accepting students, I can’t apply for any other job positions either. There is a minimum contract period that I must complete before quitting all most all of the jobs. So my life is on hold since January of 2019. It is not an easy task to keep going [especially mentally] when you are already 30 and you have to depend on your parents for food and a roof over your head. At this point, I am prepared to accept any conditions imposed by the Japanese government if it means that I can start my research. Even something like quarantining in a paid embassy designated quarantine location in my home country before I come to Japan. So, total of one month quarantining is a possible action for me now at this point. That’s how desperate I am at the moment, and I know it would be same for many students who dreamt of studying in Japan. Another long delay will force me to drop my research dream and focus on a different path for the sake of my mental health alone.

July 16, 2021 No Comments

Giulia, 26, Italy

I have been studying Japanese for seven years. I spent the last year stuck at University, keeping paying taxes even if I finished all the exams in Winter 2020 just waiting for Japan to open and let me in, since I am trying to write my MA thesis regarding women contemporary literature in Japan.

May 27, 2021 No Comments

Lissette, 30, America

It is very important to learn first hand in Japan because it will let me keep pushing forward to learn. There is no better way to learn a language than in the country it comes from.

May 26, 2021 No Comments

John, 30, America

Studying in Japan has always been part of my dream. I wish to pursue not only studying and becoming fluent in Japanese, but to be able to build a life in Japan. I have visited many times and made many Japanese friends. Each visit has had a profound effect on my life, and I wish to be able to communicate fluently, in order to become a contributing member of Japanese society.

May 25, 2021 No Comments

Veronica, 25, Italy

I always dreamed of going to Japan as soon as I graduated in Japanese (which was last October). My goal is to improve the language, as I would like to become a translator in the future.

May 20, 2021 No Comments

Abhishek, 23, India

studying Japanese in Japan is means a lot to me because for me it’s always my dream to live and study in japan and experience their culture while enjoying student life which I always dreamed of.

May 20, 2021 No Comments