Student affiliates represent and engage with CSGJ for the duration of their studies 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.
Current affiliates
Kristi Deki, 4th Year Ethics, Society, and Law & Minors in Contemporary Asian Studies & Psychology
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to become a CSGJ student affiliate because I've always had an interest in Japanese politics and culture. As someone who spent most of her childhood in Tokyo, I hope that becoming a part of CSGJ will help me expand my current understanding of contemporary Japan by examining the country through an international perspective."
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."
Flor Martinez-Seeber, 5th Year Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to become a CSGJ student affiliate because I want the opportunity to expand my knowledge of contemporary Japan politics and government systems ."
Samantha Moura Novais de Quadros, 4th Year Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies & Philosophy
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I've always had a keen interest in Japanese culture and language. I see being a Student Affiliate as an opportunity to explore other topics and widen my knowledge of the country's history and politics. I also look forward to getting to know other students and creating meaningful connections with faculty."
Dania Asahi Ogie, 2nd Year Master of Science in Planning
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I was born in Japan and spent my childhood there; however, my understanding of Japanese politics lacked depth – simply being from a place is not enough to grasp the complexities of politics and diplomacy there. I wanted to become a CSGJ student affiliate to develop and expand my knowledge of the place I am from."
Jackie Pang, 4th 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."
Una Vulevic, 4th Year Political Science & European Studies
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I’ve always been interested in Japan from a cultural standpoint, but I’ve enjoyed learning more about the country from a political/historical point of view."
Thomas Yue, 4th Year Contemporary Asian Studies & History
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!"
Elva Tsz Pui Yung, 4th Year East Asian Studies with Minors in Contemporary Asian Studies & Political Science
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I began to learn Japanese in high school and that was the first time I officially became in touch with studies related to Japan. I then found myself having a big interest in Japanese studies so I decided to major in East Asian Studies in my undergraduate. Now I am in my third year of study, the past two years doing East Asian Studies deepened my interest in Japan studies, and I would like to further be in touch with the Japanese affairs and connect with like-minded people."
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
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 taken, or currently be taking, at least one course related to contemporary Japan at U of T (or equivalent), or have participated in the Kakehashi Project
WE ARE ALWAYS WELCOMING NEW STUDENT AFFILIATES! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY.