We recently connected with Natasja Jacobs who has just returned from a year Tokyo, and has shared some of the highlights with us. 

Last academic year I had the exciting opportunity to study for a year at a Japanese university in Tokyo, as part of my Japanese and History of Art degree at SOAS. From the fiery red Japanese maple in autumn to the delicate cherry blossom in spring, I was able to immerse myself in Japanese language and culture, enjoying plenty of sushi and matcha along the way.

Studying Japanese had not always been an ambition of mine. I loved learning languages from a young age but only started to consider the idea of studying Japanese during my art GCSE, where I became interested in Japanese woodblock prints. Through my time at Bury Grammar, I was able to explore my interest in Japan by researching the Japanese tea ceremony for my EPQ (extended project qualification) backed by the incredible support I received from the languages department who encouraged me to pursue my love of languages in higher education.

Some people were surprised that I chose to study at SOAS over more ‘prestigious’ universities with higher grade requirements. However, when I did my research, I found that the SOAS library was one of the most important academic libraries in the world regarding the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. I also found that companies looking for Asian and African language skills recruit from SOAS specifically. In fact, it was through my university careers page that I found my part-time job tutoring English to Japanese children living in London. This is to say, although prestige can be advantageous, it does not always make a particular university the best choice, so it is worth researching properly beforehand.

On the History of Art side, my lectures were regularly conducted in the British Museum amongst other museums across London, where I was able to attend lectures led by curators and art industry professionals. I particularly appreciate that the History of Art curriculum at SOAS focusses on Asian and African arts, rather than the European History of Art curriculum more typically studied in the UK.

From the start of my degree, the year abroad was a great motivation to get stuck in with learning the Japanese alphabets as well as Japanese customs and etiquette. Although I found getting to grips with the language in my first year challenging, it was also very rewarding, particularly when I was living in Japan. Although my vocabulary was quite limited when I arrived, I was able to stutter through basic interactions such as ordering at restaurants and talking to cashiers, which felt like a monumental achievement at the time. From struggling to recognise toothpaste in the supermarket, to making Japanese friends at my university’s track and field club, my year abroad allowed me not only to make giant leaps in my language learning but also to experience a new cultural point of view.

Some highlights include experiencing the seasons, exploring shrines and temples in Kyoto, strolling through the snow in Hokkaido and watching the sunset from a tropical island in Okinawa. I also loved going to Japanese baths with my friends and discovering new areas in Tokyo via the amazingly clean and punctual trains. Although, the trains are so quiet and relaxing that the risk of falling asleep (and in my case missing the stop entirely) is high. Of course, it is impossible to talk about Japan without mentioning the food, which did not disappoint. With ramen bars, conveyor sushi, okonomiyaki restaurants, shops selling Japanese sweets, Korean barbeque and matcha cafes, not to mention the standard Japanese 7/11, the variety of cuisine available in Japan was definitely a highlight.

Now that I have completed my year abroad, I will return to London for my final year in September. I hope to write my dissertation about the Japanese painting artist Uemura Shoen, whose works I was able to see in person whilst in Japan. I look forward to completing my studies and exploring career options in Japan and the UK.

To any student considering Japanese, or another relatively uncommon subject, but worried it might be too unusual, remember that choosing a less common path can offer a unique and valuable perspective. Throughout my degree, people often questioned my choice because it was niche, and in the beginning that sometimes made me doubt myself. Now, as I approach the end of my studies, I can confidently say I made the right decision. My genuine interest kept me motivated to work hard and persevere when things became difficult.

Looking back, I have no regrets about following my interests and I am very grateful for the support I received at Bury Grammar which gave me the confidence to go down this path. I would urge any student to follow their interests, even if they are unconventional.