Hyogo University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific

2024『Accepted』

  • Name:ZHOU, H [ 中国 ]

  • Acceptance period:Apr. 1, 2024 ~ Sep. 30, 2024
  • Acceptance university:神戸芸術工科大学
  • University enrolled:中国美術大学

Opportunity of the studying abroad, purpose

The reason for studying abroad inspired by two main factors. Firstly, the dream of studying in Japan has been with me since high school. I was captivated by various Japanese variety shows, which introduced me to the diverse cultures, customs, and stories of famous individuals across different regions of Japan. My journey with the Japanese language began in kindergarten through watching Japanese animations for children, fostering an early familiarity with the language. Additionally, I've always had a fondness for ‘かるた’, a facet of Japanese culture.Majoring in graphic design in college, I developed a profound interest in Japanese typography. Secondly, Japan's design disciplines are remarkably forward-thinking. The chance to interact with renowned Japanese designers and animation celebrities, such as Yoshimaru Takahashi and Sadao Tsukioka, who have lectured in China, further fueled my desire to study in Japan to connect with eminent designers.

The purpose of my study abroad encompasses four goals. Firstly, as an undergraduate majoring in visual communication design, I possess a strong desire to delve into Japanese culture and the history of graphic design. Japan's excellence in the field of visual communication and the opportunity to study Kanji design as a graduate student promise a wealth of knowledge and cross-disciplinary insights. Secondly, I am eager to attend lectures by celebrated designers like Kohei Sugiura, to gain a deeper understanding of their theories and designs. This will allow me to innovate in Sino-Japanese graphic and typography design from a multi-dimensional perspective, integrating modern science and technology. Thirdly, my ongoing project, the ‘Kanji Triennial Exhibition’, explores the 'Worldview of Kanji'. Studying abroad will broaden my perspective in interpreting Kanji from artistic and technological viewpoints. Lastly, Japan's wealth of precious literature on pattern and text design in visual communication will support my research and help expand my experience and knowledge, contributing significantly to my academic publications on Sino-Japanese design during my graduate studies.

Experience while studying abroad

Time has flown by quickly, and I'm now in the mid-to-late stages of my exchange study abroad. When I first arrived, I made many plans, and now the feeling of implementing them one by one is incredibly rewarding. If I were to describe this phase of my exchange experience in one word, I would choose "fulfilling." I believe these youthful experiences will always be cherished in my memories.Next, I'll reflect on three aspects: academics, daily life, and social activities.

Firstly, academically, the daily course offerings have been meaningful, covering not only my major but also other fields comprehensively. Meetings with professors have been particularly enriching. I feel fortunate to have such responsible mentors who provided constructive feedback and guidance on my graduation project, immensely aiding my writing of tens of thousands of words and conceptualizing specific directions for my design. Visits to the National Diet Library allowed me to access primary sources and advance my research through various channels.Secondly, in terms of daily life, from initial curiosity to gradual exploration, I've immersed myself in various aspects of Japanese culture. In addition to integrating into daily life, I've visited many places, from numerous regions in Kanto to the distinctive landscapes of Kansai, including shrines and famous coastlines. The weather in Kobe, notably cooler compared to the summer heat of July, has been delightful. Evening walks along the coast, feeling the cool breeze, have been very pleasant. I've attended several concerts by Japanese singers and groups, broadening my horizons, and I look forward to exploring more technology exhibitions and engaging with cutting-edge societal developments in the future.

Lastly, regarding social interactions, I've been fortunate to encounter very friendly and kind friends from Japan, China, and Korea. Whenever interesting activities arise, I actively participate, joining the photography club and taking part in several club activities, which have brought me closer to my Japanese friends. We've captured many meaningful moments in photos and organized events that have been truly worthwhile. I'm grateful to my friends who have accompanied me and the teachers who have provided me with much assistance. In conclusion, I will cherish the remaining half of my time here even more. In September, I'll join my mentor in activities with Taiwanese students, and besides showcasing my work at school exhibitions, I've been encouraged by teachers to participate in design competitions, aiming to create value through action.

Results of study abroad, future goals

Time flies; the exchange program has come to an end in the blink of an eye. During this period, I met many outstanding and kind friends, participated in Sino-Japanese-Korean cultural exchanges, visited numerous famous Japanese sites and regions, and experienced many interesting and unforgettable moments and events. There are many emotions and feelings worth commemorating. I will now provide a detailed report, divided into three parts: academic progress, daily life experiences, and campus life.
Firstly, from an academic standpoint, I recall the early days on campus, witnessing the graduation ceremony of seniors in March, and then experiencing our own entrance ceremony in April. It was a moment of reflection on the changing of the old guard, with fresh faces joining the school each year, new students striving and seeking knowledge. The student population nurtured by the campus was ever-renewing and steadily growing. It was the season of cherry blossoms bloom, enhancing the beauty of our surroundings, making the campus cherry blossoms as unrealistically beautiful as those depicted in comics. In such splendid scenery, I familiarized myself with the campus layout, cherishing learning opportunities in the study rooms of postgraduate buildings. The weather in May and June was conducive to studying, marking the end of spring and the arrival of summer. Listening to the cicadas and stepping into seminar classes, I endeavored to complete every report. Regular report writing during this period improved my Japanese. Professor Huang provided me with meticulous guidance and teaching, genuinely caring for my learning progress. With the summer vacation approaching in July and August, I made good use of library resources; the school library was like a treasure trove filled with valuable books, and visiting the National Diet Library yielded a great harvest of research materials.
Next, regarding daily life, I visited numerous regions, immersing myself in the diverse cultures and atmospheres of Japan. In the Kobe area, I visited Ikuta Shrine, Kobe Bridge, took trips to Shirahama in Wakayama, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Kitano Ijinkan, Rokko Mountain Ranch, enjoyed Suma seaside park and beaches, went fishing at Shiota with a friend, and visited Awaji Island twice, finding joy in driving around with friends. In the Kanto region, I explored Ueno, Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Roppongi, Odaiba, Chiba, and visited Yokohama and Kamakura twice. In Kansai, the Osaka area offered exhibitions at the Nakanoshima Museum, numerous concerts at Osaka Castle, and vibrant shopping in the Abeno district. In Kyoto, I visited Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Kamogawa, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Sanzen-in. Wearing a yukata to see the Yodogawa fireworks, participating in Gozan no Okuribi, attending the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto were enriching cultural experiences. In Nagoya, places like the Tokugawa Art Museum were visited. These areas, each with their unique cultural heritage, significantly broadened my knowledge and interest.
Lastly, concerning campus life, I joined the photography club, where I engaged in numerous activities, using my Sony camera extensively. From capturing rare animals at the Prince Zoo to harmonious interactions with club members, I made many friends. Japanese friends were exceptionally warm, often mindful of our feelings during weekend outings. A Korean senior organized a self-driven tour to Awaji Island, offering a unique experience different from school-organized trips, with the blue ocean shores of the island providing therapeutic views. In the supporter program, we organized a Sino-Japanese-Korean cultural exchange event, discussing cultural differences with students from various majors through games, feeling a great sense of accomplishment and significance as one of the organizers. Finally, I participated in an academic exchange event with a university in Taiwan, completing a poster design soon to be displayed and exhibited at a Taiwanese university. I am deeply grateful for the exchange program and the assistance of teachers, enriching my exchange experience. I will treasure these wonderful memories, further my studies, lay a solid foundation for future cultural accumulation, extend my gratitude!