Interview Series - Insights from Students -

No. As a result of searching for the next research environment, I was accepted by my current supervisor. The fact that the supervisor was affiliated with the University of Tokyo in Japan came later. Although I heard that research could be conducted entirely in English, I wanted to enjoy life in Japan after coming here, so I started studying Japanese through online content. Later, due to travel restrictions during the pandemic, I began taking the General Course (2 to 3 times a week) at the Center for Japanese Language Education since I couldn’t enter the country.

While it’s possible to study through the internet or apps, participating in actual classes provides opportunities for real conversations with teachers and other students. That’s the most valuable aspect. I used to set aside 30 minutes every morning for studying vocabulary and grammar, but primarily, I focused on the Japanese language course at the Center. The course acted as a pacesetter for me.

For example, going to the movies with friends on weekends, watching Japanese anime in its original language, and exploring interesting restaurants in Japan offering tempura and sushi. When I wanted to make reservations, some places required a phone call instead of the internet, so knowing Japanese became necessary at such times.

In the beginning, it was certainly tough. Two years ago, when I ordered “one plate” of “tuna sashimi” for the first time at a restaurant, they brought out “mountains” of “tuna tataki” (seared tuna). There were many such small mistakes. However, just recently, when I went to Kyoto for research, a French researcher who was there expressed a desire to try kaiseki (traditional Japanese multicourse cuisine). I found a restaurant online that didn’t accept reservations through the internet, so I called and successfully booked a table. It was a moment when I felt my own growth.

Both. As I mentioned earlier, necessity comes from the fact that I need Japanese to eat out and interact with people in Japan. Curiosity, on the other hand, arises from my interest in things like anime.

I don’t agree with that. For example, in my seminar, Japanese students also give presentations in English, and others ask questions in English. However, when difficult questions arise and the student doesn’t understand English, discussions sometimes switch to Japanese. In those moments, I find it hard to grasp the meaning. There are times when I think it’s better to understand Japanese.

Yes, of course, that would be beneficial. However, when trying to delve into complex topics, it is still challenging. Concepts can be abstract, making it difficult. It’s natural to find it challenging since we are not native speakers, and I, too, face the same difficulty as a nonnative English speaker. Therefore, I imagine it would be better for everyone to cooperate, using both English and Japanese, to achieve better communication.

I’m currently considering applying for a postdoctoral position. The destination could be anywhere, both domestically and internationally. It might be France or Germany, for instance.

I will definitely continue learning Japanese. I’ve been studying Japanese for three years, but I haven’t taken the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), so I’d like to give it a try. Some preparation might be needed for that.

No, I haven’t. Whether I’d learn French or not would depend on the length of the project. If it’s about a year, I might not have the opportunity to learn French. However, if it’s three years, I would like to learn it properly.

If it’s around one year, I might leave France just when my French becomes somewhat proficient. But if it’s around three years, I think it would be enjoyable to know the language and make the most of it. It’s similar to my experience with learning Japanese.