My Memories of Japan:

I made my second academic-voyage (I did my Master of Law from Tohoku University, Sendai in 2003-2005 under MEXT) to Japan in October 2010 under MEXT Scholarship Program and was enrolled in the Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University as a research student. Later on, I got admitted into the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), Osaka University in April 2012 as a PhD student and completed my PhD in March 2015. Thus, I had the opportunity to experience two leading Japanese universities in four years and a half.

My days both in Kyoto and Osaka were really wonderful as my family accompanied me this time. I recollect many faces and their great supports at this moment that made our stay more enjoyable and fruitful. I cannot but mention the names of my Japanese professors- Satoshi Machidori Sensei at Kyoto University and Toshiya Hoshino Sensei at Osaka University, their love for me and care for my academics.

It is really difficult to prioritize what I liked most in Japan: at Schools, enthusiasm of teachers and students in academics; at streets, helpfulness and politeness of the Japanese people; in nature, sakura no hana (cherry blossom), momiji, yuki (snowfall); at works/shops, their dedication and professionalism; at food-courts, o-shushi, shashimi, udon, kyoyasai, tempura, yakimono, natto, o-cha, and, of course, onigiri; and finally, at home, their hospitality and friendliness.

Our family life in Japan had been colorful as we had many friends in Kyoto and Osaka. We can never forget the benevolence of my friend Yamamoto-san and his family, our next-door neighbor Okonogi-san (my son’s Japanese “dadu”), Sayem mama and Mazhar- to name a few.

Last but not least, as a “sempai” I would recommend prospective students (who dream to study in Japan) to master over, at least, functional Japanese language ability. Then you will find your stay in Japan more enjoyable, comfortable, fruitful and funny.

Let us work for strengthening the Japan-Bangladesh “Comprehensive Partnership” in years to come.