Graduation 2024 September
Jan 15, 2025
Four students from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) and The University of Electro-Communication (UEC) successfully completed the Joint Doctoral Program for Sustainability Research (JDPSR) this spring and summer.
Here are some highlights from the graduation ceremony and the words from the graduates.
Please share your memories from your doctoral program.
I completed my doctorate thanks to everyone who supported me on my long journey. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Takeuchi, who provided guidance, my research fellows, who allowed me to connect online, and my family, who have supported me for many years. Professor Takeuchi helped me with the various problems I faced in continuing my research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout my studies, I learned the importance of tackling a single question simply while also grasping how the international community's complex issues are connected to various problems. I am deeply grateful for Professor Takeuchi's mentorship enabled me to capture the essence of my research by analyzing it from multiple perspectives.
Reflecting on my postdoctoral journey, completing a PhD required dedication, hard work, and effective time management, which demanded careful planning and discipline. However, it was not always easy.
From now on, I am committed to leveraging the knowledge and experience I have gained the ability to make meaningful contributions to society and academia. I will apply my skills to create a positive impact and embrace new challenges as I continue to grow. I take pride in my contributions to JDPSR and look forward to making even more significant impacts. (Naomi)
Please share your memories from your doctoral program.
A special thanks to my principal supervisor, Takeuchi sensei, for organizing the informal meetings, which provided students with opportunities to discuss research findings and get comments and contributions from fellow students. I would also like to extend a special thanks to the JDPSR team (teaching staff). Some of my best memories were the Saturday classes, the visit to Shin Koganei Lake in 2023, and the conference held at UEC the same year, where I did a poster presentation that led to an article publication. (Achille)
Please share what you have learned through your doctoral program.
・Be humble
It's a journey where you are expected to discover things from the experts.
・Trust and listen to your supervisor
Even if you know, listen and apply the instructions. It was near the end of the doctoral program that I realized that my supervisor was right in reshaping my title/topic several times.
・Spend much time in the laboratory or graduate room
Dedicate at least 4 to 6 hours per day (excluding the weekends, which are for relaxation Onsen or Parties) to reading and writing. (Achille)
Please share your memories from your doctoral program.
In July 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I arrived in Fuchu City, Japan. My first three months were lonely, and I had almost no social interactions. I found myself overwhelmed—not only by the demands of my PhD program but also by the cultural shock of adapting to life in Japan. Thankfully, not long before I began to settle in, with the unwavering support of my research supervisor, Prof. Takeuchi, a man of few words but full of wisdom, passion, and knowledge. His tireless mentorship, encouragement, and kindness were a guide to my PhD. I will always be deeply grateful to him.
Reflecting on the JDPSR, the journey was both challenging and rewarding—a bittersweet experience. I learned that a PhD is a personal journey that requires resilience and must be taken step by step. I also learned to nurture and celebrate progress, be gentle with myself, cheer myself on, and always journal and reflect. I also learned that while time management is essential, relaxing, reading, and working hard remain key to a successful journey. (Etuwete)
Do you have any words of encouragement for future applicants？
Balancing research and family time could be challenging at times, but prioritizing both your research and your family will bring immense fulfillment. Once you graduate, you’ll look back with pride. (Kamran)
Congratulations on your graduation!
We look forward to the future success of all the graduates!