Student Voices 2027 #002 Faculty of Economics

My interest in economics was sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a situation where school closures were decided just as I was entering high school, I witnessed the stagnation of society and felt a desire to study "economics" as the foundation that supports society as a whole.

My area of expertise was the "sciences," specifically mathematics. Leveraging this strength, I became interested in the style of economics that deciphers social movements through quantitative analysis. However, in Japan, where the Faculty of Economics is often classified as a "liberal arts" department, there are currently few universities where one can study economics from a mathematical perspective right from the start. Among them, the Keio University Faculty of Economics offered a course where I could study economic theory and mathematics first (see p.19), which met my interests.

One of the strengths of the Faculty of Economics is the opportunity to learn under professors who are highly regarded in various fields of economics. Because I can encounter cutting-edge research and insights connected to the real world, rather than just textbook content, I can feel that the discipline is something "alive."

In my seminar (Kenkyukai), I am working on academic research that combines marketing and behavioral economics, based on statistical analysis. I believe the environment, where an authoritative professor provides guidance and graduate students from the same seminar offer support, is second to none. A distinctive feature is the ability to conduct joint research with companies. It is an invaluable experience to be able to analyze "raw data" accumulated by actual companies and proceed with research while engaging in discussions with them, even as an undergraduate.

The diversity of the students is also a major attraction. Through daily interactions with students from various backgrounds—including different hometowns, interests, and future goals—I am exposed to many perspectives that I never had myself. For me, coming from a regional area and a small community, it is a very stimulating environment.

For extracurricular activities, I am putting my efforts into a pop orchestra club called "Keio Ensemble Famille." A characteristic of this club is that students take the lead not only in performance but also in management, creating everything ourselves from planning concerts to managing the schedule on the day of the event. Through these activities, which also cultivate the ability to collaborate as a team, I have gained my greatest asset: "friends."

My future goal is to become someone who can deliver value to each person I interact with while engaging with a variety of "people." One reason I came to think this way is my experience studying behavioral economics. Learning that "people do not always act rationally and make choices that cannot be explained by logic alone" sparked my interest in people themselves.

As you become a university student, the "freedom" to choose for yourself increases. As a first step, I hope you will make your own choices regarding your entrance exams and achieve something fulfilling. I am sincerely rooting for you.

This article was published in the university guide for prospective students, "Guidebook 2027."

The latest guidebook is available as a PDF or digital pamphlet. Please check the "Guidebook" webpage.