The Centre for the Study of Global Japan (CSGJ) Student Affiliates actively represent and engage with CSGJ throughout their academic journey at the University of Toronto and beyond. This diverse group of students interested in Japanese culture and politics support our mission by fostering a greater understanding of contemporary Japan, and have exclusive access to opportunities and our networks.
Interested in joining the community?
As a student affiliate, you will have the opportunity to:
- Attend invitation-only events
- Be featured on the CSGJ website and social media
- Lead future student initiatives related to the Centre
- Submit written reflections to be published on the CSGJ website
- Earn a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) Credit for your participation
To join us, you must:
- Be a current U of T student (undergraduate & graduate)
- Commit to attending at least two CSGJ events per academic year
- Have demonstrated interest or experience related to Japan (this can be demonstrated through Japan-related coursework, time spent in Japan, or a brief written statement explaining future plans to engage with Japan)
Current affiliates
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)."
Young Luk, 5th Year Political Science & Urban Studies
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I've been interested in comparative politics since coming to UofT, and have always been interested in East Asian and Japanese politics. I hope that, as a CSGJ student affiliate, I can further develop these interests."
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!"
Izumi Ando, 4th Year Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"As a Japanese international student in a specialized STEM field at UofT, I wanted to joing CSGJ's student affiliate program to learn more about how innovation, research, and science/technology policy influence one another, especially at the interface of Japan and the 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."
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!"
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."
Chris Coates, 4th Year Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I’ve been interested in many aspects of Japan since early childhood. After finally visiting Japan and taking a 1-year working holiday to Tokyo in 2016, I have since tried to preserve some connection to those interests, while resuming life in Toronto. After selecting Political Science as a major, completing POL307 with Professor Lipscy and really enjoying his class, joining the CSGJ seemed like an appropriate decision."
Nicholas Arruda, 5th Year History & European Affairs & Political Science Minor
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Japan has always been a fascinating country to me. I am intrigued by its rich history, unique culture, and its politics. As a student affiliate I have the opportunity to further study Japan in an enriching setting."
Jackie Pang, 5th Year Political Science & East Asian Studies
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Japan has occupied a special place in my heart since childhood. Academically, I have a strong interest in Japanese politics and international affairs. Joining the CSGJ will open new opportunities for me to further my understanding of Japan."
Reem Baghdady, 5th Year Political Science & Psychology
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"From a young age I have always appreciated Japanese culture and language, and I involved myself in Japanese speech competitions, language meetings, and generally involved myself in the Japanese community where I lived. At UofT, I decided to take on political science as one of my majors, and the Centre for the Study of Global Japan is an intersection of my passion for Japan and political science. My work as an executive member and leader of the University of Toronto Japan Association brought me to get to know the Centre better and the people involved, and I am very happy to be a student affiliate!"
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."
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."
Joseph Choi, 4th Year Criminology, Political Science, & Sociology
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"As a student passionate about public service, policymaking, and academia, I believe studying Japanese politics and its role as a "harbinger state" offers valuable insights into future political issues involving economics, demographic change, social transformation, and international relations. Japan's unique approaches provide critical lessons for effective policy decisions and global governance strategies. Engaging with these insights at the Centre for the Study of Global Japan will enhance my ability to contribute to informed, evidence-based policymaking and foster deeper international collaboration, particularly between Canada and Japan, building on my passion for understanding global political dynamics and contributing to public service."
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."
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."
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."
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!"
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!"
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."
Mari Isogai, 2nd Year Masters of Public Policy
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I would love to meet and talk to people who share the same interest and culture, discuss how we can effectively convert our unique skills and experiences into wonderful initiatives that would lead to improved well-being for everyone."
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!"
WE ARE ALWAYS WELCOMING NEW STUDENT AFFILIATES! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY.
Contact the Events and Program Coordinator:
csgj.munk@utoronto.ca