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.
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."
Adley Ho, 2nd Year, Master of Public Policy
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I have been fascinated by the history and culture of Japan since I was young. I have visited Japan multiple times and always wanted to go back. Being a student affiliate of the CSGJ can allow me to further my interest in Japan and complement my Master of Public Policy studies."
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."
Reem Baghdady, 4th 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!"
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 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)
WE ARE ALWAYS WELCOMING NEW STUDENT AFFILIATES! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY.