“Inside the World of JICA Students (Part 5)”

At JICA Tokyo, we regularly feature JICA Scholars. We will sequentially share interview articles with international students conducted by Japanese university students participating in the JICA Internship Program.

Inteviewer :　SUGASAWA Aina（Sophia University）

We interviewed Ms. Lindiwe from South Africa, who is currently studying at Niigata University. With prior experience working at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Competition in her home country, she is now pursuing a doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics. Her research focuses on the impact of climate change on agriculture and sustainable solutions to these challenges. Together with her internationally diverse classmates, she is committed to advancing studies that will support the future of agriculture.

Ms. Lindiwe's time in Japan offered invaluable insights, beginning with adapting to significant differences in language and climate. While adjusting to Niigata’s challenging winter was demanding, she embraced the unique experiences it offered. A particular highlight was the warm interactions with residents. Through social gatherings, marathon events, and introductions from friends, she connected with many Japanese people, particularly seniors. These encounters fostered mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and opportunities to share stories about South Africa. She was profoundly touched when graciously invited into several Japanese homes for a meal, an experience that significantly enhanced her sense of community. She is deeply grateful to God for the richness of this experience and the opportunities it provided.

Another meaningful discovery, shared by her mentor, was the concept of "IKIGAI." Though new to her at the time, she was profoundly moved by its significance, finding purpose through the intersection of what one loves, what the world needs, and how personal experiences can contribute. Ms. Lindiwe hopes to embody and uphold this philosophy as she moves forward in her life.

Looking ahead, Ms. Lindiwe is determined to start with small, manageable steps she can take on her own, eager to foster stronger connections between local communities and businesses in Japan and South Africa. A current challenge is linking with companies interested in Africa, given limited interaction opportunities during her studies. Despite this, her passionate commitment to building these relationships continues to intensify.
Her involvement in the organizing team for Youth TICAD9, hosted in Yokohama in August 2025, underscored the vital importance of fostering reciprocal relations between Japan and Africa. Ms. Lindiwe firmly believes the relationship should not be viewed as one-sided. Given Africa’s expanding population and vast resources, she advocates for increased engagement by Japanese companies. She sees this as a two-way investment where both parties give and benefit simultaneously, bringing mutual gains in areas such as technology, knowledge exchange, commerce, and human resource development.

This interview with Ms. Lindiwe was an opportunity for me to reflect on Japan from a new perspective. Her parting message-“Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges, and keep traveling”—left a lasting impression. True to those words, her story, filled with encounters and bold steps, was truly inspiring. Through this conversation, I even found myself thinking, “I want to visit South Africa!” It was a privilege to experience her warmth and hear her remarkable journey.