Tia-Shae Igarashi_

A Facebook Ad That Changed My Life

“Only about 20 students accepted from around the world” — the moment I saw that line, my life began to move.

I was living in Melbourne, Australia, when I discovered MJSP through a Facebook advertisement. I had been following pages related to Japan out of interest, and this ad happened to catch my eye.

I wasn’t actively considering studying abroad. But my personality of “loving challenges” pushed me forward. I thought, “If I get accepted, I have to go” — so I applied and was accepted. That’s how my life in Hokkaido began.

Why Hokkaido?

Actually, Hokkaido’s location was a big attraction for me. My hometown is in a year-round tropical climate where we grow sugarcane. Having always dreamed of snow, Hokkaido was the perfect place for me. Even now, I look forward to every winter.

I researched other Japanese universities, but I couldn’t find a program as unique as MJSP. Being able to study in both English and Japanese, a new program accepting only international students — all of this stimulated my curiosity.

Starting from Zero Japanese

Before enrollment, my Japanese level was such that I couldn’t even hold daily conversations. During the period between acceptance and enrollment, I made efforts to familiarize my ears by constantly playing Japanese music and dramas at home, but I needed to learn grammar from scratch.

“Aren’t you anxious about not knowing Japanese?” people often ask, but MJSP’s curriculum was designed exactly for that. Learning Japanese while studying Japanese history and culture in English. Gradually increasing Japanese classes, and eventually being able to take courses in the Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law.

What particularly stands out is Professor Ito’s Japanese class. He taught us things not found in textbooks — Japanese common knowledge and the fascinating aspects of kanji. That knowledge still helps me when writing documents at work today.

Life Support — Struggles at the Supermarket

Life in a new country was harder than I imagined. Especially in the beginning, I couldn’t even tell the difference between seasonings sold at supermarkets. Potato starch, mirin, cooking sake — I couldn’t read the kanji and didn’t know how to use each one. I would go to supermarkets with fellow international students, consulting each other, “What is this?”

But the teachers kindly listened to even these daily life concerns. Because there was an environment that supported not just academics but also everyday difficulties, I could focus on my studies with peace of mind.

Flexible Curriculum Design

MJSP’s great appeal is the freedom to choose what you want to study. With my future career in mind, from my third year onward, I focused on Japanese language classes. I also actively took courses in the Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law. Initially, specialized terminology was difficult, and three of us classmates would take classes together, then review the content afterwards.

But through such efforts, the gap with Japanese students disappeared. I obtained qualifications and steadily acquired the knowledge necessary for employment in Japan.

Job Hunting in Japan

Job hunting was a series of new challenges.

Japanese job-hunting culture — recruit suits, multiple rounds of interviews, various styles from pressure interviews to casual conversation-like interviews. Concepts completely different from overseas, such as “mass hiring” and “doki” (同期, same-year cohort). I was confused at first, but each experience was interesting.

My axis was “working in Hokkaido.” I participated in internships in various industries including SE and banking, and ultimately decided to join North Pacific Bank.

There were difficult times during job hunting, but the teachers constantly supported me. They consulted with me on interview preparation and taught me about Japanese job-hunting culture. I never had to worry alone.

Career at North Pacific Bank — Pioneering as the First Foreign Regular Employee

When I joined, I was the first foreign regular employee at North Pacific Bank.

This was a big challenge, but at the same time a big opportunity. Precisely because there was no precedent, I could actively communicate my desired field and build my career.

Currently, I work in the International Division on financial crime prevention and legal compliance. Reading legal texts and judging gray areas — this is difficult work even for Japanese people, but I could take on this job because of the Japanese language skills I developed at MJSP. Furthermore, I obtained ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), an international qualification, deepening my expertise.

At the same time, I can leverage my English strength. Being able to directly understand foreign laws, economic conditions, and geopolitical information in English is a great advantage.

After I joined as the first foreign regular employee, foreign new employees now join almost every year. Creating a precedent and opening the path for those who follow — that’s also one of the rewards of this job.

Almost all my colleagues are Japanese, but I’ve had no communication difficulties. I became close with three people assigned to the same building, and I’ve built good relationships with all my cohort members.

Bonds That Continue After Graduation

MJSP’s appeal is the connections with people that continue after graduation.

Because it’s a small group of 20 people, the bonds with classmates are very strong. Even six years after graduation, we still regularly keep in touch. Because everyone has had similar experiences, we can understand and support each other.

My relationship with teachers also continues. Every year, I’m invited as a guest lecturer to Professor Ito’s class to talk about my job-hunting experience to junior students. If I have any troubles, I can always consult — MJSP has such a warm community.

To Those Aiming for MJSP

If you’re hesitating about applying to MJSP now, my advice is one thing.

Take the challenge.

Even if you can’t speak Japanese, it’s okay. Support systems are in place.
 Even if Hokkaido is cold, it’s okay. You’ll be captivated by the beauty of snow.
 Even if you’re anxious about employment, it’s okay. Teachers will fully support you.

At MJSP, you can study freely according to your interests. You can polish skills in both Japanese and English. And above all, you can build lifelong bonds with people gathered from around the world.

What you can do before enrollment is to start studying Japanese. Even a little exposure to Japanese will make your learning after enrollment more fulfilling.

And after enrollment, actively challenge various things. Part-time jobs, internships, various classes — everything becomes valuable experience. Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, even if you’re not good at keigo (polite language), don’t worry. You can grow while making mistakes.

What you gain at MJSP isn’t just a degree. Life experience in Japan, a career foundation, and lifelong friends — all of these shape your future.

We’re waiting for you in Hokkaido.