Graduate Student Affiliates
Adam Parker, 1st Year Masters of Global Affairs
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I have always been interested in Japanese history, art and fashion. I also believe that Japan has an important opportunity to take a leadership role among liberal democracies in East Asia. As China seeks to increasingly assert its interests among its neighbouring nations, Japan’s economic, military and soft power will be critical to maintaining peace and prosperity in the region."
Ben Faust, 1st Year Master of Global Affairs
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to become a student affiliate of the Centre for the Study of Global Japan because I have a keen interest in understanding factional politics—of which Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the country’s long-term ruling party, stands as one of the foremost examples among major nations. I am also deeply interested in global security issues, particularly Japan’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific and its shifting defence posture, as well as how these developments shape its relationship with Canada. As part of the CSGJ, I hope to continue following these dynamics while gaining deeper insight into Japanese politics and society. I am also eager to continue to engage with Japanese experts and officials to help foster meaningful, person-to-person connections that strengthen the relationship between our two countries."
Gary Tetreault, 2nd Year Master of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I have lived in Japan over roughly 3 years, 1 year studying and 2 years as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)."
Thomas Yue, 1st Year Masters in Public Policy
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to join CSGJ because Japan has very special modernisation experiences, and I am passionate about the culture and history that it has. I am looking forward to attending CSGJ events!"
Undergraduate Student Affiliates
Rie Aiyama, 2nd Year International Relations, Contemporary Asian Studies, & Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"My interest in Japan stems from my identity as a third-culture kid, being fully Japanese by nationality but having never lived there in my life. As a CSGJ Student Affiliate, I hope to expand my existing understanding of Japanese culture, history, and its contemporary politics, while providing a regional focus for my academic pursuits in international relations."
Cailey Aitkenhead, 2nd Year Political Science & Public Health
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to become a CSGJ student affiliate because my family has a long history of working in international affairs and living abroad. Several of my relatives lived in Japan for extended periods, and their experiences heavily influenced my interest in understanding Japan's political landscape. I am extremely excited to be a part of CSGJ as a student affiliate!"
Sakura Armstrong, 3rd Year International Relations, Book and Media Studies, & Creative Expression and Society Minor
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Being from Japan but raised mostly in the States, I have always been interested in learning more about Japan. After moving back to Tokyo for my senior year of high school I took a course on Japanese contemporary society and it inspired me to further study Japan and join CSGJ. As an affiliate I hope to supplement my learning in International Relations and meet people with similar goals and interests!"
Leo Yao Chen, 4th Year Political Science & Contemporary Asian Studies
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I'm extremely interested in the study of geopolitics and international relations, with a focus on the Asia region. I am curious on the country of Japan's politics and hope to expand my knowledge and network in the field of political science as well as Munk School as a member of the CSGJ Student Affiliate Program."
James Jiang, 1st Year Master of Arts, Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Studying Japan is like waiting for your favourite manga's weekly Shonen Jump release. Every week, there's something new to explore — some new plot twists or extra layers to the main story. I joined the student affiliate program because I want to be the first line to hear about this dynamic, ongoing story of Japan. CSGJ allows me to study and learn more about the real—and exciting—world of Japanese politics."
Mia Kamikubo, 3rd year Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Biology, & Immunology
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Having grown up in Tokyo for nine years, I have always had a deep appreciation for Japanese food and culture. However, I realized that my understanding of Japan's politics and history was limited. Through the CSGJ program, I hope to deepen my knowledge of Japan, not only academically but also by engaging with diverse perspectives from professors and peers."
Rayn Lakhani, 1st Year Munk One & Contemporary Asian Studies
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Japan's influence on the global stage stems from its unique blend of cultural traditions, economic power, and technological advancements. I want to explore how Japan's historical trajectory, from its rapid modernization and how this has shaped its contemporary global standing. By focusing on Japan, I aim to analyze the nation's development both in terms of its economic policies, such as its export-oriented growth and technological innovation, and its sociocultural contributions, which include art, media, and diplomacy. Examining Japan offers a rich case study for understanding how a nation can balance deep-rooted traditions with globalized modernization, and I believe studying this balance can provide insights into sustainable development, international relations, and cultural exchange in a globalized world."
Sophia Lenkov, 3rd Year Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I've always been interested in and had an appreciation for Japanese politics and culture. As a Japanese Canadian Political Science student, I had the opportunity to take a course on Japanese politics and immediately was drawn to further study the rich political history of Japan. I wanted to become involved with the CSGJ as a student affiliate to further expand my understanding of Japanese affairs."
Ka leng Charlotte Lo, 4th Year International Relations, Public Policy, & Book and Media Studies Minor
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I've long been captivated by the intricacies of East Asian affairs, and CSGJ provides an amazing platform for me to learn more outside of the classroom and stay connected with peers with similar interests."
Jack Orr, 1st Year History & Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to become a CSGJ student affiliate because of my interest in East Asian politics and history, specifically in post-World War II Japan. My personal research and work with a Johns Hopkins historian furthered my interests in contemporary Japan in high school, and as an affiliate, I want to further develop these interests with other like-minded individuals."
Sarah Padwal, 2nd Year International Relations, Peace Conflict Justice, & Contemporary Asian Studies
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture. After taking a Japanese language course in high school and working for a cultural exchange company, I became even more interested in Japan. As a student affiliate, I hope to expand my knowledge about Japan through events and conversations with academic scholars, and I look forward to meeting other students who share my interests!"
Emily Qin, 4th Year Contemporary Asian Studies, Health & Disease, & Immunology Minor
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"As someone who is passionate about learning about contemporary East Asia, I am eager to deepen my understanding of Japan's dynamic role in the world. The opportunity to engage with the diverse community of scholars and peers that the CSGJ offers excites me, as I seek to learn more about Japan's influence on international affairs, culture, and society. I believe that this program will provide invaluable insights that will help me become a more informed global citizen and that I can apply to my future professional endeavors."
Esther Sicat, 4th Year Sociology & Political Science Majors & Religion Minor
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I took POL307 with Professor Lipscy and found the course fascinating as I learned more about Japan’s unique political system and its position in the global community. Japan’s technological innovation, economic influence, and impact on pop culture demonstrates the crucial role Japan plays in shaping contemporary society and influencing global trends across many spheres. I’m interested in learning more about Japan’s rich culture and history in greater depth, as well as how Japan has become a leading nation and maintains a positive reputation worldwide."
Maya Tran, 2nd Year International Relations, Contemporary Asian Studies, & Economics
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to become a CSGJ student affiliate because of my interest in contemporary Japanese politics and culture. In my first year I was able to take a politics course on East Asia that discussed some history of Japan. Additionally, I’ve been able to take some courses that delve into Japanese politics in contemporary Asia. I hope that through the student affiliate program I can learn more about Japan and get to know people with a shared interest!"
Miray Waki, 3rd Year Political Science & Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity Majors
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
I'm passionate about social justice, specifically migrant and disability justice, and I think it's important to learn about these issues in a global context. I am hoping to learn more about justice work in the Japanese context from my peers and experts in the field.