Interview with participant (from Republic of India)

We interviewed Mr. PK from India, who participated in the " Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program " as a participant.
The Coast Guard Policy Program is a collaborative program between the Japan Coast Guard and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). The program is designed for Asian coast guard agencies, and participants study at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo from October to March and at the Japan Coast Guard Academy in Hiroshima from April to July, returning to Tokyo in September. The program is a one-year program at two campuses.

My name is Pushpendra Kumar Upmanyu, also known as PK, I joined the Indian Coast Guard in 2015 and am a member of the Coast Guard Aviation Division. My home country India is a very beautiful country located in the Indian Ocean region and has the 4th largest coast guard in the world. I am honored to represent my country in this honored Coast Guard Policy Program.

I learned about the maritime field and areas related to international issues. I participated because I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain knowledge about current and historical international issues along with maritime issues, as my knowledge of international issues is lacking. I also learned how to write, read, and critically analyze papers.
The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives participated in the Maritime Security Policy Program as JICA trainees. We also had a lot of help from Japanese participants. Seven in total, very good friends.

I had heard many stories from my seniors who had been through this program before, so I was prepared for the cultural differences before coming to Japan.
Therefore, I did not experience much culture shock. However, I was more surprised than shocked by the punctuality of the Japanese transportation system.
Also, since I am a vegetarian, I had a hard time finding vegetarian food in the beginning. But since coming to Tokyo, I have found many Indian, vegan, and Japanese restaurants that have expanded my food choices. I especially love vegan ramen.

I had a great time at Disneyland! I visited Disneyland one of my holidays, but I think one day is not enough to enjoy all Disneyland has to offer, not even a week, or even a year...! I want to go back as many times as I can.
I really enjoyed both the city life in Tokyo and the peaceful life in Higashi-Hiroshima. I am a vegetarian and have food restrictions, so I had more options for eating out in Tokyo than in Higashi-Hiroshima. However, I was able to spend time in Higashi-Hiroshima cooking for myself and enjoying Indian tea with JICA Chugoku members.

I love the Japanese people's mutual respect for each other. The culture of greetings, the Japanese way of speaking, and politeness were great learning experiences for me in Japan. I want people in my country to know about the Japanese culture of mutual respect because I believe that being polite to others makes one's life happier.

I was very nervous. Prime Minister Kishida sat just in front of me and we made eye contact. After my speech, I was able to shake hands with the Prime Minister. I was nervous, but I think I gave a good speech. Meeting a foreign prime minister is not an experience that many people get to have. Therefore, being able to meet the Prime Minister of Japan was an experience of a lifetime.

I plan to continue my career in Coast Guard work in the I am involved in aviation and do search and rescue and coastal patrols. I also have shipboard assignments. When I become a senior officer in the future, I would like to come back to Japan. By that time, my Japanese course mates will also be senior officers. I would like to meet them and further promote international cooperation.

India and Japan have many cultural similarities and many Indians come to Japan. I hope that we can maintain and develop a healthy relationship between the people of both countries.
There are many Indian restaurants in Japan, but not many Japanese restaurants in India. I would like everyone in Japan to go out to India and create cross-border business relationships.
And I want everyone in Japan to travel to India and experience the beauty and culture.