During my high school years, I became interested in Japan because of Japanese anime, but it wasn't until I entered university that I started to think, "I want to study abroad in Japan."
After entering university, as I gained knowledge about Japan through my Japanese language studies, my curiosity about the country grew even more. For example, it was during this time that I was introduced by my Japanese teacher to the concept of "sato-yama" education program, which refers to Japanese primary and middle school students attending schools in rural areas surrounded by superb natural environment and experiencing rural life. In an era of rapid urbanization, it is truly admirable to see a society that values nature and seeks to impart this appreciation to the next generation. I was impressed to learn that Japanese people not only created some of the world's most prosperous cities and achieved post-war economic miracles, but also hold a deep respect for nature and be glad to coexist with it. What’s more, in my "Japanese News Analysis" class, I saw interesting news stories such as "foreign word litigation." Every news that shows me Japan's unique qualities felt like a portal into a new world, and my curiosity and interest only continued to deepen.
"Japan" is not just a concept in textbooks, but a real country where over 100 million people live there. Through my university studies, I came to realize that to truly understand Japan, I needed to immerse myself in the country and experience it firsthand. Thus, I have made the decision to study abroad in Japan, with the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese society and culture through firsthand experience.

I have spent the past six months in Japan. When I first arrived, I was filled with anxiety, not even knowing how to take the bus. However, the kindness of the Japanese people has been a saving grace. On my very first day in Japan, a kind, elderly lady helped me when I was lost. I will forever remember the umbrella she lent me and the warm smile she bestowed on that rainy day.
My experience at school has also been incredibly heartwarming. In my first class, my Japanese language skills were still developing, and I struggled to keep up with the teacher. Just when I was wondering how to cope, a fellow student lent me her notebook. Her generous act made that first class go smoothly, and her enthusiasm provided me with the courage to approach school life with a positive attitude. The support I received from my Japanese classmates in other classes deeply moved me. It's truly wonderful to be surrounded by such kindness.
The teachers at school have made the classes enjoyable and almost magical. Their teaching has been captivating, and I can't help but be completely engaged. During the previous semester, I took a variety of classes, broadening my horizons. Among them, the Japanese literature class stood out, as it revealed to me the depth and beauty of Japanese literature.
Participating in club activities has been an essential aspect of my school life. Initially, I was concerned about fitting in and participating fully, but the enthusiasm of my fellow club members quickly dispelled my worries. I joined the Children's Literature Research Society (Dōbun), where fellow literature enthusiasts gathered for discussions, creative activities, and critique sessions. They always encouraged me to share my thoughts actively, and before I knew it, I had formed meaningful friendships. Whenever I'm at Dōbun, I feel a comforting warmth that makes it feel like home, and I'm truly grateful to be a part of it.
Apart from my school life, I've explored various parts of Japan to gain a firsthand understanding of Japanese society. From Kobe to Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and beyond, I've used the sensibilities honed at school to experience Japan in a profound way. The delicate balance between humans and nature, cities and countryside, young and old people is something that truly characterizes Japanese society, according to my friends at Dōbun. This, they say, is the essence of Japan's "Shinto," and it has been an invaluable learning experience.
In these past six months, I've learned, connected with various people, explored different places, and witnessed the real Japan beyond what's found in textbooks. It has been an immensely valuable experience. As I look ahead, I'm committed to making the most of the remaining months, ensuring they are filled with meaningful experiences and deepening my understanding of this beautiful country.

As time swiftly passes, the culmination of a year-long study abroad experience is drawing near. Reflecting on this period, I've encountered a myriad of experiences, making each day fulfilling and rich.
The faculty at Kobe University's Faculty of Letters is notably distinguished. Through their teachings, my curiosity for knowledge has been gratified, deepening my understanding of Japan. In the field of Japanese literature, I vividly felt the juxtaposition of tradition and avant-garde in modern Japanese literature. Exploring works by authors like Yukio Mishima and Kenzaburō Ōe, I sensed the anxieties prevalent in post-war Japanese society, and the aesthetics of traditional Japan transmitted through words.In sociology and human geography classes, I learned how Japanese scholars introduced and cultivated Western theories while concurrently developing unique Japanese theories, applying them to Japanese society. Particularly, the study of homelessness in Japan from the 1990s to the early 21st century revealed aspects such as support initiatives, exclusion, public space privatization, and the expansion of neoliberalism. Through courses in Japanese ancient literature and history, I gradually understood the origins of the Japanese spirit and culture. It resonates with the idea of "looking into history as a mirror, illuminating the past to understand the present.” Additionally, professors imparted methodologies for historical and ancient literature research. In class, I learned to discover problems from a plethora of literature, seeking clues to answer them—a valuable academic research skill. In Chinese literature classes, I read Chinese works from an unprecedented perspective. The development of feminist studies in Japan, coupled with the exploration of Chinese literary works from a feminist standpoint, opened a door to an entirely new world. Courses in Western art history and English literature shed light on how Western aesthetics influenced Japan and how Japanese scholars perceive Western beauty. This openness, inherent in the Japanese, might be a crucial characteristic contributing to modern Japan's prosperity.
Beyond classroom learning, I accumulated cherished memories. Participating in the Children's Literature Research Club at the university's cultural festival in November was both exhausting and tremendously enjoyable. In addition, enjoyable memories such as hosting a New Year's Eve party, visiting Nishinomiya Shrine for the first shrine visit of the year, and skiing at Yogo Kogen, those delightful memories have colored my life.
Upon returning home, I will treasure the memories of this year, considering them as precious treasures. I plan to leverage what I've learned to contribute to the friendly relations between China and Japan. In the future, not only as an exchange student but also as a master's or doctoral student, I intend to return to Japan for further studies. Through academic exchanges, I aspire to be a bridge connecting China and Japan, contributing to the development of both nations.