ZHOU, Yaoxuan

Home Institution: China Academy of Art Host Department: Department of Imaging Arts and Sciences September 2025 to January 2026

My exchange program at Musashino Art University (MAU) was an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. I was truly honored to be the first exchange student from China to attend MAU. Taking classes and participating in seminars here has been an invaluable milestone in my life.

As this was my first time living in Japan, the support from the International Team, especially Mr. Koga, was instrumental. They guided me through the visa process and other complex procedures with great care. Furthermore, the student dormitory was a lifesaver; it was affordable, included utilities, and even provided a bicycle. This environment allows exchange students to focus on their studies with total peace of mind.

The curriculum is remarkably flexible. With the help of the International Team, I was able to join the "Environmental Ecology" course and specialized seminars that aligned with my interests. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Participating in a creative competition organized by MAU and Capcom was one of the highlights of my stay.

The frequent opportunities for presentations at MAU significantly improved my Japanese language skills and self-confidence. Initially, I was very nervous about presenting my work in Japanese and doubted my own creativity. However, the positive feedback from professors and peers taught me the value of exchange and open communication. I can now confidently express my ideas in Japanese, a growth that has empowered me both personally and professionally.

Meeting and spending time with fellow exchange students from around the world was another highlight of my journey. Exploring Tokyo together and experiencing the city’s culture and entertainment created memories that I will cherish forever. It made the entire exchange experience truly worthwhile.

I am certain that the experiences I gained at MAU will have a lasting positive impact on my future career and life.

My experience at MAU in Tokyo,
To whom it may concern, my experience at Musashino Art school, Tokyo. MAU, is first of all a wonderful campus, with many beautiful and inspiring architecture, and a library which is beautiful and full of interesting books, even if you do not speak Japanese. As a Fine arts student, the structure was very easy and helpful. As someone who works very freely and to the toot their own horn, I enjoyed that we had 2 dedicated days where professors would come to talk. I really enjoyed the diversity of the professors, as there were so many, it was nice to get a little from them all, just to talk and understand what and why one is doing what one is doing. I really liked this difference from UDK, instead of only having 1 professor who is concentrated in your area, it's good to get some more perspective. The studios themselves were very similar to the ones in Berlin, an open room and you figure out where you belong with the other students. The environment is good, the students are kind and are willing to help, there is just unfortunately a huge language barrier which is an interesting obstacle, yet would also be nice to easily understand each other. It is up to the students to connect, and most are shy, so if you are not super outgoing and do not speak Japanese it will not be the easiest to make friends. On the other hand, there are of course students that do speak English and with them it was very pleasant, they were very open minded, friendly and helpful! The open weekend where students sell their work and have a festival is very sweet and also another way to reach out to your peers, which I really enjoyed. As for the other international students, they were also very kind and the ones that were interested in reaching out did so as well. It would have been nice to have another organised event at the end where we all meet again. As for life in Japan, it is very different yet very singular to any big city. Lots of people, noise and colors everywhere. It is very overstimulating and exciting, but for someone who is easily stressed I think it would not be the most ideal place for them. Thankfully we have our phones that translate and show easy ways to get from place to place. The people of Tokyo are not the easiest to talk to but if you need help for anything, people are very patient and take their time to show or help you in any way! I really appreciated that. If you end up in the right areas and use your translation app to communicate with those who don't speak English, you can get good local recommendations and have very wholesome interactions. The people of Tokyo are not rude or closed off, they are just very shy and mind their own business, I think everyone just needs to be reached out with more and they are very kind. There are lots of stories I have heard that in Tokyo people do not care for others or that there is a bully culture/ passive aggressive attitude in general. I cannot speak for everyone or the world of business, but on the streets, in cafes and restaurants, people are there. Of course you will get some glances from people because as a westerner there are some rules we just don’t abide by or even think are necessary, but here it’s normal and being formal, polite and distant and respectful is normal. Rules here are respected. In Berlin this is very very different. Something you have to accept is that if you don't speak good Japanese you will not make a lot of Japanese friends, unless of course they speak English, or your native language. The best way to handle obstacles I would say is to try your best, have patients and always ask for help. Do not be shy to express what is bothering you, it's normal that you are in Japan! The most difficult thing in the university was just that the planners were oddly translated on my translation app, so ask from a native Japanese speaker who speaks good English as well to tell you what exactly it says, sometimes things get mumble jumbled. Honestly, the economy currently is very cheap for westerners so yes there are so many things to buy, which is hard sometimes, you have to contain yourself, but the basic needs of food and living cost are so reasonable, there are dollar stores, there is good food everywhere, yet if you are vegetarian or vegan you might have a hard time always finding something on the menu, so you might have to be ready to pay more for that. Always save extra money for traveling a bit around Japan . My favorite places were outside of Tokyo, the nature is amazing. Overall I had a splendid time in Japan and it brought me such a wonderful new perspective on the world and was so interesting to finally see the media I have been consuming online for years and seeing that it is also normal and extremely wonderful.
Best Regards,
Elke Biesendorfer

OJALA, Antti Eemil

Home Institution: Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture Host Department: Department of Creative Innovation September 2025 to January 2026

The opportunity to live in Japan and study at Musashino Art University is something I can now describe as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. It did not always feel easy or clear, but I would not change a day of it. Despite the preparations with learning the language and familiarizing myself with local customs, nothing can fully prepare you for the reality of living in a new country. What this exchange taught me was how to become more comfortable with uncertainty and to trust that things will eventually work out. These are lessons I will carry with me throughout my professional career as a designer.

The planning of my studies began in early July, when I was invited to a Zoom meeting with professors to discuss about the autumn semester at MAU. During this meeting, I learned that the first term would mainly consist of project-based courses, many of which were industry–academia collaborations. These projects varied widely in both topic and location. All of them sounded fascinating, but with guidance from the professors, I was able to choose the most suitable option for me. For anyone joining the Social Innovation program, I can highly recommend participating in any of the industry–academia projects.

MAU’s Social Innovation program is located at Ichigaya campus, which is quite far from Takanodai campus and student dormitories. This made me feel somewhat separate from main campus activities and other exchange students, especially since I lived in a private apartment in Koenji. However, I also appreciated this situation. Ichigaya campus is closer to the city center and many of the cultural and social activities Tokyo has to offer, and commuting from Koenji was both easy and affordable. As a smaller and more condensed campus, Ichigaya was very easy to navigate, and both students and faculty were highly approachable.

Overall, the teaching style at MAU differs noticeably from what I have experienced thus far. Classes feel more open-ended, and professors place strong emphasis on understanding students’ thinking processes. Rather than focusing just on final outcomes, there is a clear emphasis on the journey and reasoning behind each solution. Many of the courses I took included workshops and service design methods, which provided excellent opportunities to collaborate with other students, even when language barriers were present. However, with the help of applications like Google Translate and UD Talk, navigating these situations became much more manageable.

Another particularly interesting aspect of studying at MAU was the professor’s approach in design challenges. In many Western universities, the focus is often on identifying problems to solve, whereas at MAU the emphasis is on recognizing and seizing opportunities. This felt more positive framing and opened a whole new way of approaching design projects.

Even though Tokyo offers endless opportunities worth exploring, I would still encourage traveling outside the metropolis whenever possible. The autumn semester includes clear breaks between terms, which gives enough time to explore regions beyond the most obvious destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka. Shinkansen trains provide excellent connections between prefectures, and in some cases domestic flights can also be an affordable option. Among the places I visited, I can especially recommend Kyushu Island, the onsen town of Beppu, Kanazawa and the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima.

Thank you, MAU and Japan, for all the memories. I hope to return sooner rather than later.

SCHMID, Sonja Anna

Home Institution: Universitaet der Kuenste Berlin Host Department: Department of Imaging Arts and Sciences September 2025 to January 2026

I am writing this experience report from my shared house in Eifuku, still hardly able to believe that my exchange semester at Musashino Art University (MAU) has already come to an end. It was without question one of the most exciting and enriching periods of my life.

At my home university in Berlin, the University of the Arts (UdK), I study Visual Communication with a focus on Moving Images. At MAU, I was enrolled in the Imaging Arts and Sciences program under Professor Charles. At the beginning, I felt overwhelmed by the wide range of interesting courses available, including Media Art, Image-based Space, Drama, Image Computing, Animation, and Photography, most of which are even offered in two different versions. It took some time to understand the system and make the right choices.

During this process, the exchange coordinator Yuma Koga and research associate Hikari Watanabe were incredibly supportive. They helped me with every question I had and went far beyond what I would have expected. Their kindness and availability were invaluable and made settling in much easier.

Academically, MAU differs significantly from UdK. The university operates on a six-day week, and the semester is divided into two quarters, meaning that students choose new courses halfway through. Unlike UdK, where I usually work on one major project per semester, the shorter project timelines at MAU encouraged me for experimentation and intuitive working methods. I found this highly refreshing.

In the first quarter, I took a Photography course with Prof. Suganuma. The class was small, hands-on, and beginner-friendly, culminating in an independent photo project. Although photography was new to me, the supportive atmosphere made it an ideal introduction to working beyond film.

In the second quarter, my main course was Image-based Space with Prof. Yamasaki, which included a special collaboration with Mr. Sato Yusuke from the advertising agency Dentsu Japan. One of our tasks was to produce a one-minute commercial for the well-known Japanese IN Energy Drink. Anyone who has seen Japanese advertising knows how inventive, bold, and often humorously unconventional it can be. Working closely with a leading figure in the Japanese advertising industry was an incredible honour. Weekly one-on-one supervision and short deadlines encouraged us to experiment freely and pursue bold ideas.

Due to my limited Japanese skills and the fact that many professors and students speak only limited English, I sometimes struggled to fully express my ideas and follow classes. Future exchange students should be aware of this challenge and ideally prepare with Japanese skills beforehand. Fortunately, MAU provides translators: students who speak both Japanese and English, to support exchange students. I was assigned two wonderful student assistants who helped me greatly throughout the semester.

Alongside my main courses, I attended weekly Japanese language classes and a weekly seminar with Prof. Christophe Charles throughout both quarters. This seminar was very open in structure and changed every week, including group discussions, guest lectures, project presentations, workshops, and a particularly inspiring one-week seminar by David Toop. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the exchange between students and professors felt very open and inspiring.

Beyond academics, I greatly enjoyed the MAU campus. The facilities are excellent, including a delicious cafeteria, a charming bakery, and an impressive library designed by Sou Fujimoto. The campus atmosphere was very special, and students from different departments were open and kind.

I chose to live in a shared house in Tokyo rather than on campus, which resulted in long commuting times of about 1.5 hours each way. While this was often exhausting, I would still always choose living in the city. Tokyo itself became a major source of inspiration, and I valued the independence and experiences it offered outside of university. In my free time, I visited Sento (traditional Japanese public baths), Galleries, Kissaten (traditional cafés), and explored the city through long walks. During the break between quarters, I traveled to Kyushu, one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, and took weekend trips nearby. Japan’s nature is breathtaking, and I highly recommend traveling whenever possible. Additionally, students attending MAU in the winter semester can experience its large and inspiring Art Festival.

My advice for future students: Learn as much Japanese in advance and be prepared for the language barrier. Also time passes very quickly, so find a way to capture your experiences. But most importantly, enjoy your time at MAU. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am more than grateful for the experience and all the people I met along the way. Thank you!

I was lucky enough to be accepted into the exchange program for MUSABI in 2025. I have been wanting to do this exchange since the start of my studies in Germany, with the hopes to learn more about Japanese design, especially interior and spatial design. I was welcomed into the department with open arms. Professor Ito helped me choose the perfect curriculum for my semester in Tokyo, so I had nothing to worry about throughout my stay and with the amazing language support provided by Chihiro Aizawa, I was not missing out either. I was looking forward to the assignments and even without much experience, Professor Ito told me to just partake and do my best, without worrying about the things that I am not able to do. That took a lot of pressure of me and made the assignments a lot more enjoyable.

Overall I grew immensely through my semester abroad at MUSABI. I made a lot of great friends, learned Japanese way more than in Germany and were able to get a focus on the way I want to study in the future as well as my future work in general. Therefore it is easy that my semester here was life changing and I would always do it again if I got the chance! There are some things I wish I would have done differently tho:

1. Living in the dorm is cheap, easy, comfortable, clean and close to the campus. However - it is on the outskirts of central Tokyo. So it will take you up to two hours to get into central Tokyo. Depending on your assignments and what you want to do/how you want to spend your semester abroad, this can be annoying.
2. Japan is still expensive so try to get as many scholarships as possible and save money at least a year in advance.
3. Learn Japanese!!! There are people who speak English MUSABI (especially staff) but if you want to connect with students and make friends, Japanese is necessary, at least the willingness to learn.
4. Eating vegan or vegetarian is a lot more difficult than expected in Japan. Either you have to cook yourself or search for specific places (that often are more expensive and more central).
5. You will be heartbroken when you have to leave and will go home with an emptiness inside that can never be filled, no matter how many Gachapon you open.
6. You won’t regret it and will learn a lot so take it all in!

HA, Gyeongjun

Home Institution: Hongik University Host Department: Department of Design Informatics September 2025 to January 2026

I have always had a deep interest in Japanese art and design. This interest inspired me to apply for an exchange program, and fortunately, I was accepted into Musashino Art University. It turned out to be a truly valuable experience.

Back in Korea, I majored in UX/UI, so I joined the Department of Design Informatics to study a similar field. The students there were incredibly welcoming. My advisor, Professor Shiraishi, was especially supportive in helping me adjust and explore various opportunities. Interacting with students from diverse majors—such as manga, illustration, video, typography, and 3D modeling—was instrumental in broadening my creative horizons. I particularly enjoyed the third-year seminar and the design research class. Preparing for the seminar exhibition with my classmates remains my fondest memory.

During the semester, we had a two-week autumn break, which coincided with the school festival. I participated in the student art market, selling original works with friends from my department. It took a lot of time and effort, but it was equally rewarding.

On days without classes, I traveled extensively. Tokyo is vast and full of unique spots. Even now, as I prepare to return to Korea, I still find myself thinking about the places I didn't get a chance to visit. Among the places I did see, the Japanese shrines were the most memorable. It was fascinating to see how these religious spaces are so naturally integrated into daily life.

Most of all, I cherish the people I met. Spending time with students from different countries—taking classes, working on assignments, and preparing for exhibitions together—was the most enjoyable experience of my life.

I used to be the type of person who preferred stability over new challenges. Because of this, I hesitated a lot before applying for this program. However, during my six months at Musashino Art University, I met so many people and gained so much through various experiences. Now, I am very glad that I applied. If anyone is having similar doubts, I highly recommend going on an exchange program.

CAMPAGNE, Anique Van Lookeren

Home Institution: Pratt Institute Host Department: Department of Japanese Painting September 2025 to January 2026

I felt that my classes were very inspiring and immersive – I was part of the second year Japanese Painting department, and I had the privilege to witness the many processes of how traditional Japanese painting works. I learned about the various types of pigments and how they are made and used in paintings. I received constructive feedback from my professors, which challenged me to find new ways to express myself through my art. I had an excellent student tutor to help me understand the lessons explained, providing me with a deeper understanding of the instructors. I had a Japanese class in which I not only learned basic grammatical skills and vocabulary, but also thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the classroom.

Walking around campus was one of my favorite parts of coming to MAU, because every day gifted me with a different view of the sky, moon, and trees. The MAU library is beyond incredible with its sleek exterior and cozy, expansive collection of novels, literature, movies and more. In the cafeterias, the environment is relaxed and cheerful, with many students gathering to have lunch. By the end, I felt confident to enter with the knowledge that I will always have company while I eat. The Musabi Art Festival held in late October was such a memorable experience, with an abundance of students selling original merchandise like jewelry, clothes and stickers, plus food stalls with delicious snacks and live music. There were detailed parades and floats that the students created themselves. I felt that Musabi students were passionate, hard-working, and friendly.

My commute to MAU was always wonderful, no matter the time of year. I loved having a bike, and on warmer nights in September, I would have great views of the sunsets after class. The Tachikawa station area is highly accessible, with buses going there every 10 minutes. During my free time, I was able to make a trip to Karuizawa, a town north-west of Tokyo, where my friend and I explored the nature, cuisine, and small-town feeling of rural Japan. This was a great opportunity for me to step outside the bustling, touristy streets Tokyo and into the calmer, slower-paced atmosphere of Japan’s small towns. I also had the chance to visit Kamakura, where I indulged in delicious street food and toured many shrines. My dorm (which was assigned to me through my home university) was very cozy and comfortable, with a small kitchen and even a cable TV. It is situated in a quiet part of Tachikawa and I felt very safe.

Because I don’t speak fluent Japanese and can only understand a few sentences, it was hard at first to make new friends. That is why I urge anyone who is planning on visiting/studying in Japan to dedicate some time learning basic introductory phrases. But even with this language barrier, I could still find companionship in my Japanese peers, by speaking slowly, and using other ways to communicate, whether that be through music-sharing, gifts, or just hand signals. Additionally, I believe that it is important to speak up for yourself when you don’t understand something. People’s willingness to help you in Japan is incomparable to other places I have traveled.

When I was still in my first month in Japan, I had a sense of urgency to see and do everything all the time. As the weeks moved along, I realized that this was not realistic. Although it is important to spend your time wisely, remember that you are there for the authentic experience of university life in Japan. You can find meaning in the less-touristy sides of Tokyo, whether that be exploring a nearby park or taking a walk in a quiet neighborhood.

KIM, Jungmin

Home Institution: Hongik University Host Department: Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft Design September 2025 to January 2026

I would like to share my experiences at Musashino Art University. When I decided to become an exchange student, my primary goal was not merely to enjoy Japan as a tourist, but to fully immerse myself in the life here. While traveling is certainly a valuable experience, I had a stronger desire to go beyond the campus walls and directly encounter the reality of living in Japan. For this purpose, MAU was the perfect place.

There were reliable supporters who helped me put down roots in this unfamiliar land. Mr. Koga and Ms. Takahashi from the International Team erased the uncertainty often felt by outsiders with their meticulous care, while Professor Tanaka in the Industrial Design Department added depth to my perspective as a major. In particular, the various industry-academia collaboration classes I took with Professor Tanaka were invaluable opportunities. They allowed me to step outside the academic framework and have my projects evaluated from the viewpoint of actual Japanese corporations. The time spent intensely agonizing over designs based on professional standards served as a great stimulus, which naturally led to a serious interest in pursuing a career in Japan.

The time spent outside the classroom helped me grow just as much as the intense major classes. During my free time, I would visit the Media Library to watch films I had been wanting to see, or visit high-quality exhibitions at the on-campus museum to broaden my cultural horizons. After filling myself with static learning, I would hop on my bicycle and head outside. Whether hanging out with friends or pedaling alone through the alleyways of Tokyo, feeling the seasonal air, these moments made me feel like a true 'resident.'

As I pack my bags to return to Korea, I find myself with four large boxes. Just as my luggage has grown since I first arrived, experiences and emotions that cannot be learned from textbooks have piled up inside me. My semester at MAU was a time that expanded both my practical design sense and my cultural vision. More than that, it gave me the resilience to enjoy life at my own pace, even in an unfamiliar environment.

Ashlee Lok-Yee Fong

Home Institution: Pratt Institute Host Department: Department of Industrial, Interior and Craft Design April 2025 to July 2025

Visiting Japan has always been a dream of mine, so studying and living here for half a year has been a life-changing experience. I came hoping to gain new perspectives in industrial design, while also taking classes I don’t have access to at Pratt Institute, such as glass and ceramics. Being enrolled in classes across the craft, industrial, and interior departments allowed me to meet students from different disciplines and grade levels. Even though I’m not fluent in Japanese, both students and teachers were kind, helpful, and understanding. Through these experiences, I developed new skills and pushed myself outside my comfort zone while growing as a designer and a person.

I gained knowledge simply by observing other students’ work and noticing the differences in design styles. Pratt focuses a lot on group critique and thinking outside the box, whereas in Japan, they focus more on user functionality and technicality. These are all valuable when designing a product, but it was a mindset change that I had to adapt.

Visiting museum exhibitions, cultural shrines, and even clothing stores also broadened my perspective. Of course, there were cultural and educational differences I had to balance, but shared experiences, from class dinners to conversations with Japanese and other exchange students, helped me build unforgettable connections.

I also had the chance to explore different parts of Japan, such as Okinawa, Hakone, Kamakura, and Kyoto, and experienced vibrant city life and peaceful suburban areas. Despite it raining at times, I have vivid memories of the bike rides home chasing the beautiful pink sunsets, feeling the wind in my face, and hearing the cicadas. Even the Musabi campus itself brought me peace, with its views of Mt. Fuji and its koi pond. Everything seemed more colorful, and I found comfort in the little things. Joining clubs like volleyball and the glass club allowed me to form new hobbies outside of my department and connect with more people outside of class. There truly is no place like Japan — and no place like Musashino Art University.

For future exchange students, I highly recommend learning as much of the language as possible; it will make your experience even more meaningful, and take time to travel outside of Tokyo to explore the beautiful places Japan has to offer. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me and made this unfamiliar place feel like home. I hope our paths can cross again someday.

Ching-Yang Lee

Home Institution: University of Arts Berlin Host Department: Department of Architecture April 2025 to July 2025

Starting off my exchange semester at Musabi in April, we were greeted on the Takanodai campus with typical Japanese spring weather: Plenty of rain, but the trees in front of the library by Sou Fujimoto were in full bloom and the sakura petals flew around in a pretty picturesque hanafubuki fashion. I was looking forward to studying in Japan, not only because of my personal longstanding interest in Japanese architecture, but also because of the very different university experience that Musabi has to offer from my home university in Berlin.

The first thing that struck me was how the campus functions as a self-sufficient hub for creativity with basically all you need as an art and design student just around the corner, from Sekaido, a free-of-charge copy center and a Risograph station available to all students to a decent bakery for early classes and a konbini for late-afternoon energy recharges. There are a lot of fascinating places to discover on campus as well, I was particularly amazed to see the koi-pond for students of Japanese painting and amused to encounter other animals such as goats and chickens in different corners – in a way, being at Musabi felt like diving into a small world of its own with many interesting people and a lot of methods of making art and design that were new to me. The facilities on campus also had a lot to offer, I enjoyed the exhibitions held in the university museum or the occasional class presentations popping out in the common spaces, but there is also an impressive chair collection and a collection of Japanese folk-cultural items. Most of all, I spent a lot of time in the library where it was easy to draw, study, or write in a focused atmosphere for hours on end, or to explore its extensive collection of books on design, crafts, and architecture in both Japanese and English – preferably on one of the designer chairs in every other corner of the library. Being used to studying in the city, I really liked being away from the buzz for a change, the natural environment of the campus always felt soothing, even better when you can easily bike to and back from the dorm along the Tamagawa stream.

In terms of the classes, the initial meeting with the teaching staff of the architecture department before the start of the semester was very helpful. They had recommendations, but were mostly open to my interests and I could freely choose courses from the second, third, and fourth years. On top of that, it was a huge advantage as an exchange student to be able to participate in courses across study programs as well so by the end I could complement my architecture classes, which were mostly lecture-based, with a hands-on ceramics class from the industrial design department. Starting into the semester as the only exchange student in my department, two student tutors for different classes were assigned to me who quickly became important social contacts in this new environment.
The studio culture here is quite different though, as the assignments are mostly carried out alone, not in teams, setting up for a more competitive work mode. I was a bit surprised to learn that most of the projects followed a conventional structure and were focused more on the output than on the process. However, the studio I chose had a very unique approach to architectural design that combined sculpturing and artistic collaging with more conventional space planning. We had a lot of discussions on aesthetics and on more fundamental aspects of space design that were deeply inspiring and thought-provoking to me. It was a new and challenging experience, but I learned a great deal and thanks to it, I discovered a lot of nice antique and used bookstores in and around Tokyo along the way. A special experience was also to go on small excursions with the studio, for example private house tours by the designing architect which were a great opportunity to get a closer look at some highly interesting small houses Tokyo is famed for.

To anyone coming for an exchange to Musabi, I would encourage you to choose classes outside of your comfort zone or specialty, it is stressful to learn new things and appropriate new perspectives while it might seem easy for the regular students, but I found it truly rewarding as well. In the same breath, I would recommend learning as much Japanese as possible in order to benefit from your course contents and not having to rely solely on your student tutors/translators. Having studied enough Japanese before the exchange to navigate through my classes, it helped me during my design critiques and in interacting with fellow students. But also outside of the university, knowing a certain level of the language unlocked so many fun and intriguing exhibitions, events and social contacts that I would have otherwise missed out on.

Apart from the life on campus, Tokyo by itself is, of course, a rich source of inspiration with lots of places to discover, but living on the outskirts has proven to be no less enriching. I especially enjoyed hiking in the mountains, biking to the nearby lakes or doing trips to seaside towns in Kanagawa prefecture as summer approached near the end of the semester.

My list of buildings I want to visit, places to travel to and topics to explore in Japan has only gotten longer, but the semester at Musabi has been an incredibly memorable, albeit complex experience of learning about another culture and of personal growth. For that, I’ll always be grateful and it only leaves me with a stronger wish to visit again soon.