Confronting Ignorance

Before I knew it, five years had passed at the Graduate School of Law.

Looking back, my aspiration to go to graduate school originated from a vague interest I developed during an undergraduate class on the political and economic history of Japan. The theme was the relationship between the state and labor behind economic growth. After graduation, I was able to come to Japan and pursue my studies at the Graduate School of Law, which has a tradition of area studies. I have continued my studies and research for two years in the master's program and then three years in the Doctoral Programs, focusing on the political process of unemployment measures in 'socialist' China. The more I immersed myself in the academic world, the more I realized how unscholarly I was from an academic point of view, but on the contrary, I came to feel the joy of observing and analyzing the world from the perspective of political science.

For me, graduate school is a place where I can sincerely confront my own ignorance and the curiosity that stems from it. And the Graduate School of Law provides the best research environment to pursue this. My academic advisor, of course, and all the professors always provide enlightening guidance and opinions. I also get a lot of stimulation and inspiration from my fellow graduate students, with whom I engage in friendly competition daily. In addition to this, there are the rich historical materials housed in the library, the diverse symposiums that invite renowned scholars from Japan and abroad, and the research grant system within Keio that supports overseas research and my life as a researcher—all of these not only provide a solid foundation for my research life but also offer a flexible space to expand my perspective and thinking.  

I feel happy to be able to confront my own ignorance in this excellent environment and to continue my studies and research, using it as fuel for my growth.