Student Interview with Chen Kuangyang | ISI Japanese Language School

Chen Kuangyang

From Macao
Tokyo-Takadanobaba Campus

Meiji University, Graduate School of Arts and Letters, Geography Program
Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Admitted

Hello, Chen! Could you please introduce yourself to everyone?: I am from Macao, where I have studied and worked since childhood. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and watching anime. I came to Japan to study in October 2024 and am currently studying Japanese and specialized subjects at ISI Japanese Language School and JUQ.
How did you first hear about ISI?: While searching for a Japanese language school in Macao, I came across ISI at a study abroad fair. That's where I learned about JUQ, ISI's specialized admissions support program. Seeing so many students achieve excellent results and gain admission to their first-choice schools gave me confidence in the program, so I decided to enroll in the ISI + JUQ course.
What brought you to Japan, and why did you choose this university and field of study?: After graduating from the University of Macau, I began working in accounting. However, I had always dreamed of studying abroad. I had long enjoyed traveling to Japan, and during one of my visits, I began to wonder what it would be like to actually live there. That inspired me to start preparing to study in Japan.
After graduating from the University of Macau, I began working in accounting. However, I had always dreamed of studying abroad. I had long enjoyed traveling to Japan, and during one of my visits, I began to wonder what it would be like to actually live there. That inspired me to start preparing to study in Japan.
Could you walk us through your overall preparation process for the entrance exams?: Including my language test preparation, I began studying Japanese and English three years ago while working full-time. A year ago, I scored 167 on the JLPT N1 and 845 on the TOEIC, which gave me the confidence to come to Japan. After arriving in Japan, I spent the following year preparing for the entrance exams. I dedicated more than six months to building my academic foundation in the field, followed by two months developing my research proposal and searching for a prospective supervisor. During the final three months, I focused on preparing specifically for the interview and written examination.
What challenges did you face while preparing for the entrance exams, and how did you overcome them?: There were honestly too many to count, but the biggest challenge was the language barrier. Although the specialized courses at my preparatory school were taught in Chinese, I had to write my research proposal, email professors, and complete both the interviews and written exams in Japanese. I think expressing your thoughts clearly in an unfamiliar language is one of the greatest challenges international students face. However, there are no shortcuts when it comes to learning a language or building knowledge. The only way is to make steady progress, one step at a time. The best advice I can give is to use Japanese as much as possible. Try not to rely too heavily on translation apps in your daily life. Don't worry about making grammatical mistakes—just keep speaking Japanese and get used to using it. It is also important not to remain only within Chinese-speaking circles.
In addition, although this may not apply to everyone, I returned to school after working for two years following my university graduation, changed my field of study, and challenged myself by applying to graduate school. Because of that, it was not easy to readjust to student life and start learning an entirely new discipline. At first, it was very difficult, but by believing in myself and continuing to move forward one step at a time, I eventually realized that I had overcome those challenges.
Could you tell us about your specific research topic?: My research proposal is titled “Rethinking the Competition and Coexistence Between Anime Pilgrims and Local Residents: A Case Study of the ‘Neso-Tsu’ Community in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.” In simple terms, my research examines the relationship between anime pilgrims and local residents at anime pilgrimage destinations in Japan. This was not the topic I originally intended to pursue. When I first came to Japan, my only goal was to prepare for graduate school, so I thought it would be enough to have a general research direction. I initially told my professor that I wanted to study social issues such as neijuan (involution) and tang ping ("lying flat"). However, my professor immediately dismissed the idea, saying that my thinking was still too superficial. Instead, my professor encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my own interests and the phenomena surrounding them. Following that advice, I visited places that interested me and shared my observations and discoveries with my professor. Through those discussions, my research direction gradually took shape. From there, I began building my knowledge step by step by studying the relevant theories and literature.
The instructors at JUQ were a tremendous help in every aspect of my preparation, including organizing my ideas, learning theoretical frameworks, and improving my writing. I took the one-on-one course, which gave me plenty of opportunities to talk with my instructor. This allowed the instructor to gain a clear understanding of my situation and accurately strengthen the areas where I was lacking. Although it was a one-on-one course, Ms. Cao's teaching style never made me feel pressured. She explained the theories behind various phenomena through concrete examples, making them much easier to understand. Thanks to her, the entrance exam preparation process was not just filled with pressure—it also became a journey through which I gradually built confidence in myself.
Could you tell us what the university's internal entrance examination was like?: The content of the written entrance examination varies from one university to another, so it is important to prepare by studying each school's past exam questions. I took an examination in geography. The test included not only questions on specialized knowledge but also questions related to current regional issues and public policies. These types of questions require applicants to stay informed about current affairs and be able to analyze them. One question I remember was: “Using a specific example, analyze a contemporary energy issue from the perspective of human geography and relevant theoretical frameworks.” Answering this question required more than just the knowledge learned in class. It also required integrating my own knowledge with an understanding of real-world social issues. Overall, I believe that humanities students should read not only the news but also analytical articles and commentaries on current affairs.
Although the interview format varies somewhat from one university to another, it is generally conducted as a one-on-multiple interview, with one applicant being interviewed by several faculty members. The interview usually begins with questions based on your research proposal, such as "What motivated you to pursue this research?" or "What is the significance of your research?" This part is designed to assess both your Japanese communication skills and your understanding of your own research. It is the most important part of the interview, so you should never give the professors the impression that you are unfamiliar with your research proposal. Since these are questions you can prepare for in advance, thorough preparation will allow you to answer them with confidence. After that, the interview may move beyond the scope of your research proposal. Professors often ask questions that you are unlikely to have prepared for. For example, they may ask, "How do you think your research relates to my research?" or "What do you think motivates Chinese tourists to travel to Japan?" This part of the interview evaluates your breadth of knowledge, your ability to think on your feet, and your analytical skills. If you encounter such questions, the most important thing is not to panic. Be honest and say, "Could I have a moment to think about it?" Then, take your time to break the question down and think it through step by step. If the question is about a field that is completely unfamiliar to you, it is better to answer honestly, "I don't know." Trying to bluff your way through with made-up answers may leave the professors with the impression that you are either insincere or lacking in ability. Instead, honestly acknowledging your limitations while expressing a willingness to learn will leave a much better impression. The best way to avoid finding yourself in this situation is to build a solid understanding not only of your own research but also of the related issues and knowledge surrounding your field.
More specifically, during my interview, I was asked, "Many studies in this field in Japan have chosen Oarai Town as their case study. Why did you choose Numazu City instead?" I answered, "As you mentioned, I reviewed a large number of previous studies, and many researchers have indeed chosen Oarai Town as their research site. However, according to one study, only slightly more than 20% of visitors to Oarai had visited the town eight or more times. In contrast, a report published by the Numazu Shimbun in March 2019 found that nearly 60% of visitors to Numazu had visited ten or more times. Since my research focuses on repeat visitation, I concluded that Numazu City would be a more suitable case study for my research." I believe that being able to recall these key data points and demonstrating a clear rationale for my research was one of the biggest factors that helped me gain admission to graduate school.
Do you have any advice for younger students who have already come to Japan and are preparing for their entrance examinations?: I understand that many applicants choose universities based on their prestige or their own academic qualifications. Some decide on a university first and only then choose a professor or research topic. My advice, however, is to first clarify your own interests and ideas—in other words, the direction of your research—before choosing a university. You should never pursue a research topic that does not genuinely interest you. Passion is one of the qualities professors value most, and without it, it is difficult to sustain your motivation throughout your studies. That is why you should begin with a research topic that truly excites you. There are countless prestigious universities and outstanding professors, but your passion is something that is uniquely your own.
Looking back on your journey to getting accepted, what three keywords best describe your entrance exam experience?: Hard work, Perseverance, Confidence
Needless to say, hard work is essential. Applying to graduate school in Japan is by no means an easy journey, but it is certainly not one without an end. Don't let the fact that you have a safety school become an excuse to ease up on your efforts. Keep imagining the future that lies beyond your hard work, and let that vision give you just enough pressure to stay motivated and keep going.
Perseverance. Every day, you'll find yourself surrounded by unfamiliar characters and sitting through lectures that you can barely understand. It's only natural to feel discouraged or even begin to doubt yourself. After deciding to pursue graduate school, I lost count of the nights when I felt like I was on the verge of tears. It's okay to feel down or disappointed. But if you're aiming for graduate school, please don't give up. The rewards of success are worth every hardship along the way. Believe in that, and keep your eyes on the person you're becoming each day. If you do, you'll be able to persevere through one year—or even two.
Confidence. I believe that trusting yourself is one of the most important things you can do. At the same time, it's probably the hardest. The more you study, the more you realize just how much you still don't know. Even so, believe in your own worth. Believe in the research proposal you have written, and most importantly, believe in yourself—the person who has persevered and continued to work hard every step of the way.

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