JCC E-Magazine April 2023

Featured Article of the Month

In this edition of Kizuna Story, JCC speaks to Ms Kaho Hayashi, a student at Osaka Prefecture University studying Economic Data Science, who participated in the JENESYS 2022 programme. Learn more about her experience on the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) programme, and her advice to people who are interested.

Where is your hometown in Japan?

Osaka prefecture.

Tell us more about the JENESYS programme, which you participated in last year, and what you learnt and acquired through the programme.

JENESYS programme is a people-to-people exchange programme between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. It is designed to promote mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, while youths can learn various aspects of each other's countries.

In fact, I conducted a presentation to Singaporean students about the relationship between Japan and Singapore. It was a great opportunity for me to improve my presentation skills and English language ability, and at the same time, for the Singaporean students to learn more about Japan.

What is your impression of the Singaporean students whom you met during the exchange programme in Tokyo, and what did you learn from them?

They were very approachable and kind people. Even though I was unfamiliar with English, the Singaporean students, for whom English is their mother tongue, were patient with me. We discussed many topics, and we had a lot of fun talking about the World Cup that was being held at that time. The experience provided an opportunity to learn about what people overseas are interested in and how they think. Thus, taking an interest in international issues and debating them can help to broaden our own perspectives.

The view of the first sunrise from Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

With a friend I met during the programme

Have you ever been to Singapore?

No, I haven’t. Perhaps before, I would have given a commonplace answer such as "I want to go see the Merlion”. Of course, I still want to see the Merlion, and to visit the pool at Marina Bay Sands.

But now, I really want to meet the students whom I interacted with during the JENESYS programme again. They were very kind and I was very pleasantly surprised that they enjoyed Japan so much. I was very glad that they came to Japan in the first place. So now I would like to visit Singapore, and if possible, for them to show me around Singapore! Besides that, I would also like to dance with them, as our common hobby was dancing. I am also interested in trying bak kut teh with my friends.

Do you have any Japanese culture/place to recommend to Singaporeans? Why?

I honestly highly recommend any culture, and any place in Japan. However, many events and food are best enjoyed according to the seasons. In spring, we can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms, in summer we can enjoy fireworks festivals, in autumn we can enjoy the changing colour of leaves, and in winter we can fully enjoy snow activities.

If I had to pick one place to recommend, it would be Kyoto city. Kyoto city has both ancient and modern Japanese cityscapes, so I highly recommended it to those who want to enjoy both atmospheres.

Torii gate in Kyoto

Tell us more about the daily life of Japanese university students.

After the COVID-19 outbreak, online classes became the norm. This basically allowed me to take classes more freely.

As an example, here is my lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. I work part-time from morning to evening. Then I study from evening to night. During my study time, I watch university lecture videos, and study for certifications. However, I also have plans to hang out with friends and circle activities a few times a month.

Any advice to Singaporean students interested in studying in Japan?

I think the most important thing is to "try to speak up without fear.” I suppose that learning Japanese is very difficult. There are many major barriers to learning Japanese, such as the many types of characters and the many ways to read a single character.

But please do not worry. Japanese people are very fond of people from other countries, who are interested in Japan. Above all, Japanese people are very kind, and they will enjoy talking to you, even if it is just a few words.

My recommendation to break the ice is to ask, "What words are popular in Japan today?” By asking this, not only can you learn more Japanese, but you can also kickstart a conversation with a Japanese person.

Tell us about your future plans/dream.

Wearing yukata

I want to promote businesses that have a positive impact on society around the world. I am also very interested in working on overseas projects, having interacted with Singaporean students during the JENESYS 2022 programme, and having done an internship at a consulate in my own country.

Therefore, I hope to participate in projects in Singapore and other countries, and to contribute to the development of not only Japan but also other countries.

Any message or hope towards the relationship between Japan and Singapore?

Relationships between nations have been strengthened by government diplomatic policies. But in my opinion, friendships between individuals can only be established if each citizen takes an interest in one another. The participants of the JENESYS 2022 programme, including myself, have been able to build good relations with each other.

I encourage everyone reading this article to participate in Japan-Singapore exchange programmes, and to have personal interaction with each other. Finally, I hope that you will be touched by the kindness of Japanese people and become fonder of Japan.

Responding to questions and answers

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