Why Japan?

Japan has fascinated me from the moment I have heard about it. Throughout the years,
various things have encouraged my interest in the country. Back in grade school, I was amazed
by how such a small Asian nation managed to conquer and occupy many countries during the
Second World War. I was further impressed when I learned how they quickly recouped from the
war to become an industrial and eventually an economic giant. In high school, I was obsessed
with their popular culture especially J-pop and anime. These were the channels that buoyed my
interest in the country. For a long time, they were my main sources of information about Japan.
Presently, I am intrigued by their sociology, language, and traditional performing arts.
The main reason I yearn to study in Japan is to learn more about its citizens. First, I
would like to get a feel of their current society. Second, I hope to know the values and beliefs
they have that affect how they act. I want to understand the intricacies influencing how the
average Japanese think and behave. For example, what are their thoughts on the reinterpretation
of the Article 9 of their Constitution by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe? On a deeper level, what are
the factors that influence their opinions? In relation to this, it is widely known that the Japanese
are peace-seeking folks. Is this really true? If it is, then is this inherent? Is this behaviour
somehow exacerbated by their role in WWII?
The kind of answers for the aforementioned questions is hard to comprehend using just
books and articles. It is imperative that I -being the one who seeks these answers- interact and
connect with the Japanese to be able to satisfactorily answer these queries. I have to talk to them
and to observe them going about their daily lives. In order to do this, I need to be in the same
place they are in, Japan. Additionally, in the process of studying and interacting with the
Japanese, I can improve my language skills and develop my interpersonal skills. I had taken
basic Japanese lessons in the university but was unable to continue due to various constraints.
Another reason why I want to study in Japan is that it would give me the opportunity to
observe and probably learn their traditional performances such as Noh and Bunraku. Last
semester, I was fortunate enough to take Japan Studies 100 wherein we were briefly introduced
to these traditional arts. Since then, my interest in these art forms was piqued. As of now, I am
participating in after class sessions with the Noh and Bunraku Ensemble of the Center of
International Studies in the university.
Studying in Japan would certainly enrich my knowledge in Japanese society but my goal
does not stop there. I also aim to improve my understanding of the Filipino society by comparing
and contrasting both countries. By identifying our similarities and differences, deeper insights
about both countries can be gained. For instance, despite of our similar beliefs in animism
centuries ago, how and why did we develop differently? While rigorous search in history books
may be able to explain how these changes came into effect, they cannot fully illustrate how the
differences bleed through the lives of the citizens of both countries. In order to do so, it is
necessary that one must experience the daily lives of average people in both countries.
I believe that given the opportunity to study in Japan, I can gather knowledge which I am
willing to actively share to my fellow countrymen. On the other hand, I can also spread
knowledge about Filipino practices and values. The experiences I may accumulate can render me
deeper insights, not only about Japan but also about the Philippines. These will definitely affect

my perceptions and ideas, which may be beneficial to me and to the academe through my future
studies.