My Experience in Japan as a Japanese Government Scholarship Student (By: Mr. Lindon Kohama)
2025/3/21
Lindon Kohama
Scholarship recipient in April 2023 – March 2026
Post Graduate, International Research Student
Majoring in International Relations
I applied for the MEXT scholarship for many reasons – some practical, others personal – but most of all, my ambitions were driven by a craving to satiate my curiosity for new heights and new experiences. I had never stepped foot in Japan before I applied for this scholarship, so when I learned of this opportunity, I was eager to give it a shot. Through the much-appreciated guidance of family and work colleagues, I was able to successfully embark on this enterprise to pursue a master’s degree in International Relations. Now, I take this opportunity to appeal to those who are also contemplating pathways for higher education. In the succeeding text, I expand on a few insights into my experience as a MEXT scholar in Japan in the hopes that this piece may impassion other Palauans to undertake this voyage.
First, the more obvious motivation to opt for this scholarship is to experience and explore Japan. It is one thing to visit as a tourist, but there is no better alternative for truly immersing in the depth, richness, flavor, texture, and splendor of Japan than by living here. There are many finer contours of this country that can only be captured in this way: the local izakayas downtown, the electrifying matsuri shows in the summer, or rejuvenating trips to the onsen in the winter. Moreover, each city and prefecture unveils new sights and sounds from the cerulean seas of Okinawa to the viridian forests of Aichi to ancient treasures in Kyoto. It would be an injustice to attempt to capture the essence of Japan in this short essay, but simply put, it is a world unmatched and unparalleled in its own right.
Beyond the many marvels that lay in store, another meaningful reason is the enriching academic experience. Here, I emphasize how the learning environment and the academic resources lend to the cultivation of the student not only as a beneficiary of knowledge, but more importantly, as a contributor to the arts and sciences. Counsel from sensei’s and peers have nurtured my critical thinking and analytical skills in the way I interact with scholarly literature. More specifically, the courses offered in my program are tailored such that students could extract lessons from Japan’s development path, which in turn could be applied to Palau and other developing countries. More significantly, I have also been given the space and encouragement to research the issues and themes that are more relevant to Palau’s context. In this way, I seek to then contribute to my country’s development and literature someday.
The last glimpse into the scholarship that I would like to share from these past two years regards perspective. The scenery you encounter, the people you meet, the trivial moments in daily life - these have introduced new perspectives about Japan, my field of study, and also about myself and my capabilities. The elevation of any pupil’s personal growth – myself included – necessitates such exposure to different ways of thinking and insights. And that is something that cannot be derived from the comfortable or familiar. It must be pursued and then earned. With this program, I believe that such an opportunity is presented.
As a final word to those who are curious about this program, I would like to say that the application process is very straightforward and the kind staff at the Japan Embassy are very helpful in this regard. Additionally, the benefits provided through the MEXT scholarship will help to facilitate your future educational experience. The first step is to apply and the next is to explore the opportunities that await you in Japan.
Scholarship recipient in April 2023 – March 2026
Post Graduate, International Research Student
Majoring in International Relations
I applied for the MEXT scholarship for many reasons – some practical, others personal – but most of all, my ambitions were driven by a craving to satiate my curiosity for new heights and new experiences. I had never stepped foot in Japan before I applied for this scholarship, so when I learned of this opportunity, I was eager to give it a shot. Through the much-appreciated guidance of family and work colleagues, I was able to successfully embark on this enterprise to pursue a master’s degree in International Relations. Now, I take this opportunity to appeal to those who are also contemplating pathways for higher education. In the succeeding text, I expand on a few insights into my experience as a MEXT scholar in Japan in the hopes that this piece may impassion other Palauans to undertake this voyage.
First, the more obvious motivation to opt for this scholarship is to experience and explore Japan. It is one thing to visit as a tourist, but there is no better alternative for truly immersing in the depth, richness, flavor, texture, and splendor of Japan than by living here. There are many finer contours of this country that can only be captured in this way: the local izakayas downtown, the electrifying matsuri shows in the summer, or rejuvenating trips to the onsen in the winter. Moreover, each city and prefecture unveils new sights and sounds from the cerulean seas of Okinawa to the viridian forests of Aichi to ancient treasures in Kyoto. It would be an injustice to attempt to capture the essence of Japan in this short essay, but simply put, it is a world unmatched and unparalleled in its own right.
Beyond the many marvels that lay in store, another meaningful reason is the enriching academic experience. Here, I emphasize how the learning environment and the academic resources lend to the cultivation of the student not only as a beneficiary of knowledge, but more importantly, as a contributor to the arts and sciences. Counsel from sensei’s and peers have nurtured my critical thinking and analytical skills in the way I interact with scholarly literature. More specifically, the courses offered in my program are tailored such that students could extract lessons from Japan’s development path, which in turn could be applied to Palau and other developing countries. More significantly, I have also been given the space and encouragement to research the issues and themes that are more relevant to Palau’s context. In this way, I seek to then contribute to my country’s development and literature someday.
The last glimpse into the scholarship that I would like to share from these past two years regards perspective. The scenery you encounter, the people you meet, the trivial moments in daily life - these have introduced new perspectives about Japan, my field of study, and also about myself and my capabilities. The elevation of any pupil’s personal growth – myself included – necessitates such exposure to different ways of thinking and insights. And that is something that cannot be derived from the comfortable or familiar. It must be pursued and then earned. With this program, I believe that such an opportunity is presented.
As a final word to those who are curious about this program, I would like to say that the application process is very straightforward and the kind staff at the Japan Embassy are very helpful in this regard. Additionally, the benefits provided through the MEXT scholarship will help to facilitate your future educational experience. The first step is to apply and the next is to explore the opportunities that await you in Japan.