Kobe Institute of Computing

“What kind of story can a single photograph tell?”

Last week, the Department of Japanese held its Graduation Presentation. Ten graduating student representatives each selected a photo they had personally taken as the starting point for reflecting on their two-year study abroad experience and personal growth. Through images, they gently unfolded their individual stories.

Stories Told Through Photographs

Among the many presentations, several themes left a particularly strong impression.

“Growing in Japan”

Using a group photo taken in the classroom with classmates, the student reflected on encounters with peers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. “I discovered the world in the classroom,” the student shared. By listening and understanding to diverse values, the student expressed the confidence in carrying this broadened perspective onto a wider stage in the future.

“Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight”

Inspired by a photograph of a Daruma doll (a traditional Japanese doll), the student shared about the spirit of “fall seven times, stand up eight.” Even after setbacks, one must rise again—because success often comes only after regaining strength and determination. This message resonated deeply with many students, reflecting their own real experiences as international students in Japan.

“Cherishing Every Encounter”

Set against the backdrop of Kobe Port on a cloudy day, the student compared life’s meetings and partings to the journey of ships—they enter the harbor to rest, yet must eventually set sail once more. Every encounter leaves behind memories that become the strength to keep moving forward.

Concluding Reflections

In the concluding remarks, the department chair noted that many presentations revolved around the theme of “failure.” However, it is precisely through these firsthand experiences that setbacks become essential nourishment for growth. After graduation, challenges and difficulties will continue to arise, but how one rises again after falling will shape the direction of the future.

Special Performance by the First-grade Students

At the end of the event, first-year students perform the famous Japanese song, “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana (The One and Only Flower in the World)”. The song’s message—that every person is unique and that there is no need to compare oneself with others, but instead to bloom in one’s own most beautiful way. Served as the warmest blessing for the seniors who will soon graduate next month.

Looking Toward the Future

Each photograph was not merely a frozen memory, but a starting point toward the future. May all graduates carry the growth and resilience of these past two years with them as they bravely step into the next chapter of their lives.

Relative Links

• Department of Japanese (2 years / 1 year 6 months Course)
• Facebook Page (College of Computing, Kobe Institute of Computing)