"Don’t Wait for Opportunities. Create Them": How Japan Redefined My Education and Life

“Don’t wait for opportunities to come. Create them.” This philosophy resonated deeply with my journey, as the transition was both thrilling as well as challenging. Japan was the first country I had ever travelled to outside India. It was stepping into a whole new world. My parents accompanied me at the initial stage, and the process of settling down went smoothly because we settled up my hostel and many other logistics.

Culturally, Japan felt both familiar and different—the shared emphasis on family, respect, and traditions resonated deeply. However, adapting to practices like Onsen culture or the linguistic nuances required patience and openness. Over time, I embraced these differences, which helped me find my way into Japanese society. 

My inspiration to study in Japan was from my first visit during the JENESYS 2.0 exchange program in 2014. Witnessing the smooth blend of new technology and deep-rooted cultural traditions in Tokyo impressed me a lot. That inspired me to see in India the future where new technology would be blended along with heritage. Moreover, the availability of English-taught chemistry programs in universities like Tohoku University further strengthened my decision to pursue higher studies in Japan. 

Scholarship and admission process I received multiple scholarships, including the Japanese Government’s MEXT scholarship, which covers tuition and living expenses. For most scholarships in Japan, the selection criteria focus on GPA, achievements, motivation statements, and occasionally a test or interview. My advice to prospective students is to research scholarship opportunities early and consult your prospective universities. Focus on building a rounded profile that not only includes a decent academic record but also other experiences that you can connect with your purpose or goal. Also, reach out to alumni, if possible, for guidance. 

So for my undergraduate program admission process, I submitted my CBSE Class 10 and 11 scores, followed by a written and oral science test conducted in New Delhi. The level of questions for science majors is at par with the CBSE Class 12 level, and therefore I would recommend reading your school textbooks thoroughly. The test focuses more on the thought process than actual answers, so it is helpful if you study the derivations of formulas and develop a logic towards approaching a problem. 

While the visa process was smooth, having a confirmed admission letter significantly eased the process. The charges are also extremely reasonable. Campus life and academic environment, The university environment has been welcoming and supportive. While my courses were in English, I could make many friends on the campus who encouraged me in Japanese cultural activities, which greatly helped me adapt. Over time, I’ve built meaningful friendships that transcend national boundaries, and this sense of belonging has been deeply rewarding. 

While I talk about the Japanese education system, especially at Tohoku University, it emphasises discipline and provides various tools to facilitate innovation. While the foundational knowledge I gained in India helped me keep up academically, the system here pushed me to think critically and independently without worrying about any of the bureaucracy when conducting research. Professors are approachable, and students are encouraged to take ownership of their research and projects. This supportive environment allowed me to start initiatives like the university’s first English language student newspaper, ‘The Sentinel.’ 

Embracing life away from home 

Homesickness is something everyone living far from home has to deal with, especially when the festive season is around the corner. One of the ways I dealt with it was through cooking and inviting my friends over the dinners. It helped me share Indian food, which was not just limited to naan and butter chicken. This made me rethink my roots deeply; video calls with my family and close friends have also been comforting. 

Initially, I struggled with identifying groceries, especially leafy vegetables and meats, as I wasn’t familiar with the packaging and labels. Learning basic Japanese and exploring local markets helped me overcome this challenge. Accommodation-wise, the hostel provided by my university was well organised, and any administrative hurdles were promptly resolved by the staff. Japan is extremely precise about my administrative process, which overall ensures a high quality of life even in student hostels. 

My go-to food is fish. The variety of fish available in Japan is different from India, but at the same time, having grown up as a Bengali, it is a strong memory of home. So, I usually buy pieces of fish and simply pan-fry them with salt and pepper. It’s easy, wholesome, and comforting. 

The author holds a PhD in Chemistry with a specialisation in Biophysics from Tohoku University, Japan.

Advise prospective students to manage their finances: Budget wisely: Track your expenses, and prioritise needs over wants. Explore scholarships: Look for both university-specific and external scholarships. Learn cooking: Preparing meals at home can significantly reduce food expenses. Public transport: Use trains and buses, which are efficient and affordable. Cycling is a great option too. The author holds a PhD in Chemistry with a specialisation in Biophysics from Tohoku University, Japan.