I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Tokyo for the fall and spring semesters at Keio University. As a Japanese and History double major with a minor in Education at UC San Diego, I aim to become a high school Japanese language teacher in the U.S. My coursework at Keio included a combination of Japanese history, culture, and language-related classes, allowing me to explore my academic interests in a culturally immersive setting.
In my application for the Chris Borton Scholarship, I mentioned my excitement about taking Japanese linguistics courses—something not offered at UCSD. Unfortunately, the course was canceled, which was disappointing. However, I was able to take nearly all the history-related courses I had hoped for. With the support of Keio’s excellent faculty, my passion for Japanese history deepened significantly. There is so much to learn, and my classes gave me a strong foundation to build upon. As I traveled to various regions and prefectures—Kyushu, Tohoku, Chūgoku, Kansai, Okinawa, and areas surrounding Tokyo—I was able to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world experiences. Talking with locals and hearing their stories gave me a richer understanding of Japan’s regional histories. These encounters made history come alive and inspired me to consider incorporating Japanese history as a course in my future teaching career.
Beyond Japan, I also had the chance to travel to Korea. While indulging in delicious baked goods and Korean cuisine, I took time to learn more about the Korean War—an event that is often underrepresented in East Asian history courses, both at UCSD and Keio. This experience broadened my understanding of the region and encouraged me to think more globally about the historical narratives we teach.
Outside of academics, I was involved in club tennis and collegiate pickleball at UCSD and hoped to continue both in Japan. Initially, I joined the tennis circle at Keio, regularly attending practices and social gatherings. However, I gradually realized that I didn’t feel a true sense of belonging. It was a difficult experience that made me question myself, but it also taught me an important lesson: I don’t have to fit in with every crowd—and that’s okay.
In the spring, I shifted my focus to pickleball, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of my time in Japan. Pickleball is still a relatively new sport here, with about 5,000 players nationwide, but it is growing rapidly. I became deeply involved in Keio’s newly founded pickleball circle, participated in tournaments across Tokyo, helped organize events, and even appeared in national news features and photoshoots. In July, I will proudly represent Japan in the Asia Pickleball Open—something I never imagined when I first arrived. Unlike in the U.S., where I had only competed individually, I found a true community here. Seeing working professionals pour their energy into the sport after long hours on the job inspired me deeply. Although the level of competition is not as high as in the U.S., the commitment and passion of the players are second to none.
I also explored other interests, joining pottery and flower arrangement circles and working part-time at a sweet potato specialty café for three months. Even when I didn’t feel entirely at home in these spaces, I learned that it’s part of the journey to find the people and communities where I truly belong. It reminded me that connection takes time, and that being different doesn’t mean being alone—it just means you’re still discovering where you fit.
Living in Tokyo has been an incredible experience. If I didn’t love surfing in San Diego and dream of teaching in the U.S., I would seriously consider living in Japan long-term. Tokyo is a clean, safe, and convenient city with countless communities and opportunities. While Japan is a relatively homogenous country, my experiences—particularly in the pickleball world—showed me that there is more diversity in people’s backgrounds, values, and lifestyles than one might expect. I believe that anyone, with curiosity and an open mind, can find their place here.
Studying abroad in Japan has given me countless meaningful memories and life lessons. It has reaffirmed my passion for education, strengthened my love for history, and helped me grow into a more resilient, reflective, and open-hearted person. I will carry these experiences with me into my future career as an educator—and far beyond.