Preparation for my Dream
‘One day, I will live in Japan and work with Japanese colleagues.’ After graduating with a science degree in Australia, I returned to Hong Kong to work and save toward this goal. However, my ambition wasn’t simply to “go” to Japan. To be fully prepared for the challenge, I wanted to arm myself with professional skills and academic background. With this vision in mind, I applied for the Master of Arts in Japanese Studies (MAJS) at CUHK.

Beyond the classroom
The greatest appeal of the MAJS program is its diversity. It offers not only deep academic insights into history, society, and culture but also practical courses in language, education, and business skills that are directly applicable to both professional and daily life.

During my two years as a part-time student, I gained far more than just textbook knowledge. I was fortunate to meet classmates with prior experience living in Japan and professionals who used Japanese daily in their careers. Moreover, engaging in exchange programs with Japanese university students and participating in Study Trips allowed me to envision life in Japan more vividly.

Beyond the Dream
After graduating from MAJS, I moved to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa. I joined a venture company, and the following eight years flew by. Currently, I serve as the COO of a Japanese company—a true realization of the dream I once held. In my personal life, I met and married a Japanese national. All of these experiences made me feel a deep connection (“En”) with Japan. The foundation I built during my time at MAJS is what truly connects my past aspirations to my present success.

To those about to study at CUHK
MAJS is a place that transforms your passions into strengths. Believe in your potential and pursue your interests without reservation. As long as you remain true to what you love and strive for excellence while enjoying the journey, I am certain a brilliant future—one beyond your imagination—awaits you.

The year I spent at MAJS was one of the happiest moments of my life. Before I left my job to join MAJS full-time, a colleague told me that I would meet companions who share similar passions, and I can confidently say that this has proven to be true. You will meet knowledgeable professors, dedicated staff, and most importantly, like-minded classmates. Not only did I have the opportunity to deepen my understanding of Japanese sociology, linguistics, and even architecture, but I also made valuable friends with kindred spirits. Studying at MAJS has undoubtedly enriched my life both intellectually and personally.

My time in the MAJS Programme was life-changing. What I loved most was the supportive teacher-student relationship. Devoted teachers provided personalized guidance and led insightful discussions in such a welcoming classroom environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts. Beyond the classroom, Japanese cultural workshops, orientation gathering, alumni sharing sessions, and the study trip gave us many chances to communicate with native speakers and exchange students, while building enduring friendships and a strong sense of community among our diverse cohort. This journey sparked my lifelong passion for Japanese Studies and broadened my perspectives. I wholeheartedly recommend MAJS to anyone seeking deep insights into Japan.

Whenever talking about MAJS, I was always being reminded of my happy days in CUHK. Among various topics provided by MAJS, what impressed me most was Japanese people’s uniqueness in thinking, in particular aesthetics. MAJS not only broadened my knowledge of Japanese culture, but also enchanted me with a lot of attractions of Japan to an extent that I went to Japan for further study. After graduation from Doshisha Business School in Kyoto in 2020, I started to prepare for setting up my eco-friendly flower shop in Osaka. I am very excited about having a real touch of Japanese’s aesthetics.

Owing to my deep fascination with the Japanese language and culture, I pursued a Master’s degree in Japanese Studies at CUHK. This program not only expanded my understanding of Japanese history and culture, but also provided me with the opportunity to connect with fellow classmates who came from diverse backgrounds but shared a similar passion for Japanese language and culture. Coming from a legal background, I have always been intrigued by politics. It was during my MA studies, particularly through a course on international relations of Japan, that I found inspiration to pursue a Ph.D. focused on studying the constitutional revision of Japan. The research conducted for my Ph.D. thesis eventually led to its publication as a book.

I have been in love with the Japanese language and modern culture since secondary school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my master’s studies at CUHK, where I had the privilege of learning from inspiring lecturers and professors who enlightened me in every way. It was also important to connect with a group of classmates who shared the same enthusiasm for Japanese culture as I do, and build a strong network among us.

After graduating, I spent a year living in Tokyo, where I was able to apply the knowledge and insights gained from my master degree to practical situations. I could effectively integrate what I have learned from my course to enhance my job performance. My enriching experiences at CUHK has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in my career path.

Throughout my studies in MAJS, I found the program comprehensive and interesting. The stereotype of Japan in my mind was completely changed and I had a new scope on traditional and modern culture of Japan. After graduation, I decided to take a PhD program to indulge in researching Japanese intellectual history and philosophy.  During the five-year study career, I was glad to have the opportunity to participate in academic conferences and publish in journals. All these let me understand better the connotation of research and the role of a scholar. These also enhanced the advancement of my mind and thorough detailed thinking.

Whether you are a would-be Japanese Studies scholar or a Japanese culture enthusiast, this MAJS Programme would definitely quench your thirst for knowledge of the country’s culture and traditions, and help you build a strong foundation in this area of study. The professors’ research interests, academic backgrounds – in Western countries and Japan – and language abilities together made the Department an ideal place for me to pursue my academic passion and prepare for further study.