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, 1st 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, 2nd 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, 3rd 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."
Emma Beserman-Murlender, 5th Year Political Science & Bioethics
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"My time abroad gave me a deeper appreciation for East Asian societies, sparking my interest in East Asian politics particularly."
Ka leng Charlotte Lo, 3rd 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, 3rd 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, 4th 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, 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!"
Suha Kazmi, 3rd Year Economics & Public Policy
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I have always been deeply interested in comparative politics and recently gained a profound interest in Japan’s global impact. Through the CSGJ, I hope to explore my intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom and deepen my understanding of Japanese culture, politics, and economics. I look forward to engaging with and building a network of fellow students, faculty, and other professionals committed to advancing multidimensional perspectives on Japan to the wider international community!"
David Daigneault, 3rd Year Peace, Conflict Justice & International Relations & Economics Minor
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I have a keen interest in the Asia-Pacific, specifically looking at the intersectionality of economic development and security studies. Being from Hong Kong has deepened my interest in foreign relations in the region, especially Japanese foreign policy and Sino-Japanese relations."
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."
WE ARE ALWAYS WELCOMING NEW STUDENT AFFILIATES! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY.
Events and Program Coordinator
csgj.munk@utoronto.ca