I first learned about SJMC Japan in the winter of 2023 when Dr. Gilbert D. Martinez was looking for students interested in the program for the summer of 2024.
I was extremely interested in joining, but at the time, it was financially out of reach. After that I attended Martinez’s media law class and realized I really enjoyed studying under him. This is when I knew I had to be part of the SJMC Japan 2025.
I went into this program knowing it would be my first time traveling internationally. I saw it as a chance to truly experience another culture while furthering my academic journey and as a way to stand out in the future by having something truly unique to show to potential employers.
I have been interested in Japan since an early age, first through children’s anime like Yu-gi-oh, Digi-Mon and Doraemon. While not solely Japanese, my mother had a lot of Buddhist imagery like Hotie also known as the “Laughing Buddha” in our home. I then got into Japanese video games like Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, Devil May Cry and Legend of Zelda.
Later ,I became interested in Japanese history and architecture of the warring states period and Tokugawa period. All of these things made me want to visit Japan for years, so I can see the culture that’s led to the creation of so many things I’ve enjoyed first hand. I truly didn’t know what to expect from traveling across the world to visit Japan. I knew the best thing I could do is go in with an open mind and good attitude.
I can easily say my expectations of Japan and the SJMC program were blown out of the water. My time in Japan was a balancing act of enjoying the program and enjoying outside stresses.
But the parts of the trip that left the biggest impression on me were exploring Miyajima Island, exploring Tokyo at night and participating in the tea ceremony.
During my day on Miyajima, my breath was taken over and over again, from walking off the ferry and immediately seeing the sika deer on the island to walking along the coast towards Itsukushima Shrine seeing the giant Torii Gate in the water to going through the dark underground tunnel in Daisho-in Temple that’s said spiritually to rebirth those who walk through it and visiting the eternal flame with our guide Akutsu Michio-san and climbing to the top of Mount Misen with him. And eating lunch with him after.
During the last night in Tokyo, I chose to explore and walked around the city for four hours. I enjoyed walking from Shinjuku to Asakusa solo and just seeing people going about their everyday lives. And seeing how quiet the most populated city in the world was at night.
And in Kyoto, when we went to the traditional tea ceremony, it was such an amazing experience getting to wear a yukata and seeing the intricate customs of a real tea ceremony, and how long it takes not only to prepare but also participate in.
All of these experiences help me feel like I walked away with a better understanding of Japan, and I feel like I have been given the tools to travel internationally in the future. From talking to students at the University of Tokyo to the representatives of the Yuri Group, I believe I have a better understanding of daily life in Japan. I walked away with a better understanding of Japanese politics and journalism.
Between the two courses I’ve taken with Martinez and Professor Jon Zmikly, I am able to further build my portfolio. I am so grateful to be part of this program and only hope that my gratitude has been communicated throughout the program.
These two weeks have been one of, if not the most, exciting part of my life. It meant the world to me. I am already planning my next visit to Japan. I made so many amazing memories and new friendships.
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