A TV program sparked a passion that continues to fuel my endeavors

――What inspired you to enroll in the Faculty of Foreign Studies at Sophia University?

My interest in international development and cooperation began in elementary school, and I hoped to study abroad in a developing country while at university. This was why Sophia University—with its extensive exchange programs—was my first choice. I was also drawn to special courses taught by professionals in the field of international cooperation.

I chose the Department of Hispanic Studies for several reasons. During a one-year high school exchange program in New Zealand, I became friends with students from South America, which made me want to gain a deeper understanding of their language and culture. I also appreciated that the department allows students to take courses across different faculties, offering a well-rounded academic experience.

――What first inspired your interest in international development?

It began with a TV program I watched as a child that introduced life beyond Japan. I still remember being shocked to see a boy in Africa around my age who was working to help pay for his younger sister’s wedding. “Were children really working? Were they really getting married?” The questions came all at once. Although I had visited the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam on family trips, we had mostly seen the tourist side. The program prompted me to question what I had taken for granted.

I started researching on my own and later joined a study tour to the Philippines during the summer of my third year of junior high school. Seeing poverty up close turned that initial shock into a sustained resolve to contribute to international development.

――Studying abroad was one of the reasons you chose Sophia. Where did you study abroad, and why did you choose that location?

After speaking with senior students, I explored several possible destinations. Ultimately, I chose Mexico because I wanted to challenge myself in an environment with few Japanese or other Asian students. It was also an opportunity to ask myself whether I truly had the determination to pursue a career in international development.

Reaffirming my commitment to developing countries and securing employment while studying abroad.

――How did you feel about your study-abroad experience?

During my ten-month stay, I experienced firsthand the unreliability of basic infrastructure.  The shower would suddenly turn cold, the gas supply sometimes stopped without warning, and the traffic between my neighborhood and the city center was often extremely congested. As small everyday inconveniences accumulated, I came to realize just how many things we take for granted in Japan do not hold true in developing countries. At the same time, these experiences made me appreciate Japan’s advantages more deeply and strengthened my determination to pursue a career that helps bridge these gaps.

――How did you carry out your job search to make your dream come true?

I am grateful to the Japanese expats I met in Mexico during the study-abroad program. They supported me in many ways—from reviewing my application documents and helping me practice interviews to offering advice on the overall job-hunting process. I met with employees from Marubeni Corporation several times, and each of them treated me sincerely and took my aspirations seriously, even though I was just a student. Their attitude made me want to work with them, and I felt that Marubeni Corporation would be the place where I could grow the most.

Thanks to online tools, I was able to continue my job search even while in Mexico. Being the only Japanese student at the university I attended also helped, as it allowed me to focus on job hunting without feeling pressured by comparisons with others.

――Could you tell us about your future dreams?

I hope to work on developing and improving infrastructure in developing countries—an area whose importance I came to understand firsthand during my time in Mexico and Southeast Asia. Infrastructure such as road construction and maintenance, and the management of water and sewage systems, has a direct impact on people’s daily lives.

Looking ahead, I want to explore new ways of supporting developing countries by creating models that balance profitability with social contribution. My goal is to help open up new possibilities for sustainable development.

――What message would you like to share with current students?

There were times when I felt discouraged, overwhelmed by the excellence of people around me. My department was also demanding at times, and balancing my studies was not always easy. However, completing my study-abroad program in Mexico became a major source of confidence and gave me the strength to persevere through the challenges of job hunting.

When you face difficulties, staying focused on the task right in front of you can sometimes lead to unexpected and positive outcomes. I hope others will keep pushing forward as well—you never know how far it may take you.

So even when facing a challenge, you should focus on tackling each task in front of you, which may result in things taking an unforeseen turn for the better. Keep up the good work and good luck for the future.

There were times when I felt discouraged, overwhelmed by the excellence of the people around me. My department was also demanding at times, and balancing my studies was not always easy. However, completing my study-abroad program in Mexico became a major source of confidence and gave me the strength to persevere through the challenges of job hunting.

When things get hard, focusing on the little steps you can take right now can lead to good things in unexpected ways. I hope you’ll keep doing your best—you’re capable of more than you think.

A trip to South America with a friend

During my study-abroad program, I traveled through Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia with a friend from the Department of Hispanic Studies who was studying in Colombia. This photo was taken at the Uyuni Salt Flats, which we visited toward the end of our trip. During the tour, I had the chance to interpret between a local guide who didn’t speak English and several English-speaking tourists. It was a moment when I truly felt how much my Spanish had improved— and it made me genuinely happy.

※Please note that the content of this article is correct as of October 2024