Experience of studying in Japan and expectations for JICA-DSP

Dr. Edwin P. Mhede（Tanzania）

Present Post：Commissioner General, Tanzania Revenue Authority（TRA）
Destination of Study：National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies（GRIPS）, Tokyo
Courses：Master’s and Doctor’s Studies

When I was pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree at Sokoine University of Agriculture（SUA）, Morogoro, Tanzania, I heard about the working culture of the Japanese. I was told, “Japanese work very hard. Their stronghold of economic development is attributable to high-productivity and high-product quality from within the paradigm of multifaceted innovations leading to firm-level adoption of efficient manufacturing and agricultural technologies”. After contemplating the foresaid, I became inquisitive, and in fact, I kept on consulting a series of economic literature and history, about Japan. In turn, I thought studying in Japan could be an opportunity for me to learn more about this country. Then, in 2008, my determination became a reality. After attending written examinations and oral interviews and JICA Tanzania Office, I was awarded JICA scholarship to study Master course at GRIPS. The first day I entered Japan, I got a clear impression that Japanese were respectful. The same did not change throughout my stay in Japan. Foods were somehow new but healthy. The environment are splendid and hospitable.

Admittedly, I appreciate Japanese learning environment. This is why even after completing my Master course in 2010, I returned to the same University（GRIPS）in 2013, under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology（MEXT） scholarship, for my Doctoral studies. University offers, to new intake, a chance to stay in a dormitory and provides clear guidance on how to acclimatize and socialize with the Japanese lifestyle. Schooling in Japan make students feel full of hope, not only a hope to graduate from academics, but more importantly to accumulate hands-on skills to compete in the national and international labor markets. The learning and teaching environment between students and distinguished Professors, along with the help of tutorials has created quality learning abilities and accountability. Research undertakings are of high quality and well-grounded to offer empirical evidence to help end-users of the analytical findings thereof make informed policy decisions. I appreciate to JICA for extending scholarship to me and to those interested to acquire advanced degree level of proficiency. In so doing, such scholarships are opportunities for JICA scholars to learn about the wisdom of Japan’s economic development and transferring the same, with modifications, to our countries too. For example, while at GRIPS, I learned Kaizen, a bottom-up approach to inducing high workplace productivity and product quality. Subsequently, I enjoyed implementing Kaizen in Tanzania’s manufacturing firms. Presently, my current organization plans to further strengthen the implementation of Kaizen in our offices with the view to improve services to our taxpayers.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend others to consider studying in Japan. It is a unique study destination to guarantee learning and make you educated. If anyone get scholarship to Japan or you are a graduate student, you will have an opportunity to continue your research activities with former Professors. Even after my successfully earning my Ph.D. from GRIPS, I have been working together with my Professors to publish articles in highly reputable international academic journals. In this way, you will remain connected to Japanese scholar and friends.

Dr. OM Romny (Cambodia)

Present post: Director General, Institute of Technology of Cambodia
Destination of study: Japanese Course, Hokkaido University and Graduate School of Engineering, Kitami Institute of Technology (Master’s and Doctor’s course)

Since adolescence, I've heard about the Japanese people working hard and praising the quality of the products with modernizing industries. Though about this, I felt like going to study in Japan. Then, in 1993, the ambition came true, I was awarded Monbusho scholarship to Hokkaido. I got first impression that Japanese were respectful, and it did not change through whole my stay in Japan. Foods seem new to some dishes but lovely. Environment and scenery are clean and vary seasonally.

I admire Japanese learning environment. University offers to new intake a chance to stay in a dormitory and provides clear guidance on how to live and how to socialize. Schooling skills make students feel full of hope. The learning and teaching environment between students and teachers, along with the help of tutorial system has created quality learning abilities and accountability. I am proud of these and appreciate to the JICA-DSP for initiating, providing scholarships, offers graduate school degree programs and opportunities to learn about the experiences of Japan’s modernization.

As alumni to Japan, I strongly encourage, if anyone get scholarship to Japan or you are a graduated student, you will have an opportunity to continue your complementary education; learning adaptation to handle a broad scope of work; a strong persistence and good analytical thinking in leadership; a good relationship and teamwork; and you will have Japanese friends.

Mr. Daniiar Imanaliev (Kirgiz Repupblic)

Present post: Head of Strategic Development Policy Department, Policy, Economy and Finances of the Presidential Administration
Destination of study: Graduate School of Economics, Ritsumeikan University

I had a unique experience of studying in Ritsumeikan University in 2010-2012.

These years of studying in Japan have left a significant impact on my personality and understanding of economic processes that are currently taking place in the world and my home country - the Kyrgyz Republic. Observing the Japanese economy’s history one of the things I admired was - how the Japanese created today’s democratic state by gaining and using knowledge from other countries and simultaneously valuing its own traditions. I believe that developing countries have much to learn from what Japan has overcome in the last century. Likewise favorable academic atmosphere in Japanese universities I would like to highlight safe and comfortable living conditions in Japan in general.

Therefore I highly support launch of JICA-DSP program and have no doubt that all the organizational and technical aspects related to the program will be performed in the best way, as it always happens in Japan.

In conclusion, I’d like to encourage all international scholars that want to study in Japan to use this outstanding opportunity to become acquainted with the history, culture and economy of this amazing country.