To broaden students' exposure through experiencing life in a different environment and integrating themselves into foreign cultures while acquiring academic knowledge, the Department of Japanese Studies arranges its major students to participate in a one-year study exchange in partner universities in Japan. The partner universities include those first-tier institutions, for instance Kyoto University, Osaka University, Waseda University, Hitotsubashi University and Meiji University. Since 1992, the Department has sent over 780 students to Japan under the one-year exchange programme.

Going on exchange for one academic year is challenging – leaving home country, experiencing all kinds of cultural difference and adapting to new environments. Three students who spent a year in Japan in 2013-14 shared with us their experience.

A rewarding exchange in Japan!

Mr Ho Wa Hing recalled in fondness his experience in supporting an anime exhibition last February while he studied at the Meiji University. He joined the team led by Prof. Morikawa Kaichirou and supported the exhibition of Prof. Kaichirou's original drawings. He enjoyed the preparation work despite the tough tasks involved. He, as a comics and animation lover, felt blessed to have such an opportunity, which was rare in Hong Kong, to work closely with the renowned production firms on original drawings. He also put what he learned into practice by providing translation assistance to foreign visitors at the exhibition.

The profound friendship established with his peers was one of his greatest rewards. He also learnt the way the Japanese people managed things, from preparation to trouble shooting. The exchange also reinforced his interest in Japanese popular culture which he wanted to develop a career in. This fruitful experience enriched his life and it would not happen if he didn't embark on the exchange in Japan.

Ho Wa Hing (the 2nd from the left in the second row) and his teammates at the anime exhibition

The joy and satisfaction beyond words

Mr Chan Long Siu Calvin joined the exchange programme at the Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. Besides classroom learning, he also took part in a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as Japanese Cultural Festival, new students' orientation, and the activities organized by the Photography Society. These gave him an eye-opening experience.

In particular, joining the Photography Society added colour to his campus life. During the time, he accompanied with his teammates of the Society to travel and take photos of various sites in Japan. He not only built up friendship with them, but also had chances to practise his Japanese when interacting with local people. The joy and satisfaction of having his works selected for display at the inter-university photo exhibition was beyond words.

Calvin concluded that the exchange gave him a very fulfilling and promising experience. "I have never had such an experience in Hong Kong. The exchange was rewarding: Not only did I improve my Japanese, but I also made friends from different countries. The friendship and good memories will be with me forever." He remarked.

Calvin (the 4th from the left in the second row) and his teammates of the Photography Society

Understanding culture through sports

Mr Choi Pui Fung went for exchange at Waseda University. Apart from taking regular language courses, he also actively participated in many different activities and events, such as Mochi making classes and Gakuensai. His exchange life was fruitful and full of joy. His most remarkable experience was the participation in the sprint team of the Athletics Club. Seemingly not as "reputable" as other traditional Japanese clubs such as Kyudo (射術) and Sado (茶道) clubs, the Athletics Club has actually over a hundred years of history. He co-worked with other club members for the operation of the club. Despite being an exchange student, the intensive training that he received was no different from other club members. He had three-hour training daily for six days per week. For each training, he needed to spend three hours commuting between the Tokyo campus and the training sports ground in Saitama. He also received the winter training with other members in cold weather, a scenario commonly found in Japanese drama and anime.

He was inspired by the determined and serious attitude of Japanese people in dealing with their work. He also felt the influence of the sempai-kouhai system (Japanese seniority-based status relationships) on various organizations, such as education institutions, sports clubs, business firms, and social organizations. The valuable experience has enriched his study life, "If I did not go to Japan for an exchange, I would not have the experience of joining the winter training camp in Chiba and competing with other top athletes in Tokyo."

Choi Pui Fung (middle) received a souvenir from his teammates in the sprint team at the BBQ farewell party