Class Presentation of the Department of Japanese
At the end of every semester, the Department of Japanese holds a class presentation where students have the opportunity to showcase what they have learned. Last month, the second-year students held their graduation presentations. This time, it was the first-year students’ turn to take the stage.
How the Presentations Work
The first-year cohort is divided into two levels: the Beginner Level (approximately JLPT N4 level) and the Intermediate Level (approximately JLPT N3 level). Every student took the stage one by one to deliver a short speech in front of the whole class.
After each student finished their presentation, the teacher set aside a few minutes for classmates to ask questions and share written feedback. At the end, the class voted to select the top three presenters, who are called to the front to receive a certificate and a prize.
Below are some of the most memorable moments from each class.
“A Message to My XX-Year-Old Self”
The topic for Beginner-level students was “A Message to My XX-Year-Old Self.” Each student chose a particular age (either in the past or in the future), and shared their most heartfelt thoughts with that version of themselves.
- To my 18-year-old self:
“You failed a grade and had no goals for the future. But it’s okay — you can let go of the past and start over. Don’t give up!” - To my 16-year-old self:
“I used to be scared of things I didn’t know. But I learned that if you just try, anything is possible!” - To my 17-year-old self:
“What is happiness? Even when you’re tired, even when you’re alone — if you treasure every moment and give your best, I think that’s what happiness is.” - To my 27-year-old self:”Have you figured out your career? Not everything comes together at once. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time — it will work out.”
These students come from different countries, different ages, and different backgrounds. They looked honestly at themselves, put their thoughts into words, and shared them in Japanese. Behind every story is a real life and their determination to move forward.
When you feel lost someday, we hope you remember the words you said to yourself on this day.
“One Kanji to Represent Your 2026”
The Intermediate-level students reflected on their past year of life and study in Japan, and chose a single kanji character to represent their hopes or goals for 2026.
- 「作」(tsukuru – “create”): Planning to start a blog this year and hoping to connect with more people. A year of expanding horizons through “creating.”
- 「闘」(tatakau – “fight”): A battle to grow beyond yesterday’s self. The fierce fighting spirit behind this character came through loud and clear.
- 「強」(tsuyoi – “strong”): Wanting to become as strong as his father. Not comparing themselves to others, but focusing on becoming a stronger version of himself.
- 「変」(kawaru – “change”): Not being afraid of change. The courage to embrace and seek change is the most powerful driving force of all.
- 「空」(kū – “emptiness”): A life lesson drawn from the Buddhist concept of Shiki soku ze kū — “form is emptiness.” Hoping to become a person of greater inner peace and calm.
Each kanji chosen carries within it the journey these students have walked and their hopes for the future. We wish every student a fulfilling year working toward the goals they’ve set for themselves.
Learn from each other and grow together
With the end of the presentations, another semester has come to a close. These events are more than just an assessment of individual Japanese ability — they are a shared occasion for the whole class to participate, cheer each other on, and grow together. The feedback and applause from peers carry a warmth that is different from the guidance they received from teachers. We believe that feeling of being truly seen and supported by their classmates is exactly what keeps everyone moving forward.
See You Next Semester!
April will be the start of a new semester. We hope everyone carries the confidence and friendships built this semester forward, continuing to walk the path of Japanese language learning side by side!
