Friends of Japan Series: My Japanese Adventure - Kimberlyn Bacchus

My name is Kimberlyn Bacchus and I travelled to Japan via the MEXT Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design. I lived in Tokyo for 3 years- one year as an independent researcher studying traditional and contemporary Japanese architecture and two years as a full time graduate student at Meiji University in the International Program in Architecture and Urban Design. My course was offered in English so I had no difficulty attending classes and maintaining the high standards that I set for myself for my academic career. The courses were very interesting and informative, and having lecturers who were all active experts in their respective fields resulted in very relevant projects and activities. There were also many international workshops, allowing me to work with fellow students from around the world. I especially enjoyed being at the Nakano Campus where there is the popular Broadway and Sun Mall.
 

I have had an interest in Japanese culture, traditions and design for as long as I can remember so I took full advantage of the opportunity of living there and tried to experience everything that Japan had to offer. My particular interest in architecture led me to visit notable buildings in Tokyo- such as the 1964 Olympic Gymnasium in Yoyogi by Kenzo Tange, and also buildings in Yokohama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and many other places. In addition to notable contemporary and modern architecture, I took every opportunity to visit temples to observe the beautiful craftsmanship. I also witnessed, and sometimes participated in, numerous festivals. My favourite festivals were the Roppongi Bon Odori, the Aomori Nebuta, and the Edogawa Fireworks festival where I wore yukata along with my friends.
 

I made many friends from Japan and other countries, many of which I am still in contact with to this day. Some of these new friends were made at school, while many others I met at different activities, such as English Teaching Camps, trips to various towns, climbing Mt. Fuji and even at Zumba exercise classes. Tokyo was constantly bustling with activity so there was always something new and exciting to do or see and new friends to be made while doing so. I also taught English to some kids on Saturdays, befriending my students and fellow teacher as well. I had learned enough Japanese to be able to shop and explore and have basic conversations so I never hesitated to go outside and see what was happening. I lived in Odaiba, an area known for malls, amusement parks, concert halls and general entertainment, at the Tokyo International Exchange Center so there was excitement almost every day and an amazing boardwalk with views of Tokyo Bay that was so serene at night.
 

I would encourage anyone who wishes to further their studies to apply for the MEXT Scholarship and study in Japan. The costs covered and the stipend provided by the scholarship was more than sufficient for living comfortably as a student. One of the most amazing aspects of this scholarship is that there is no limit to what subjects you can study. Also, there are several schools in Tokyo offering degree programs in English so you don’t have to worry too much about the language barrier being a problem for your studies. My experience in Japan with MEXT was absolutely life changing and I truly enjoyed living there, I am sure you will have a great time as well.


Friends of Japan Series: My Japanese Adventure (Japanese Embassy Facebook)


Friends of Japan Series Archives