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.
Affiliate Alumni
Katie Bolissian, M.P.P. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"While my interest in Japan first started with fine arts, it strengthened when I began taking classes about Japanese politics and learning about the country's important role within international organizations. Becoming an Affiliate was the perfect supplement to my learning and allowed me to join a diverse community with similar academic interests!"
Katie is also an alumni of Japan's Kakehashi Project (2022-2023 cohort).
Amelia Gipp, B.A. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I have been interested in Japan and it's culture for several years now and it thought it would be fun to learn more about the country and its history through an accessible centre like CSGJ."
Amelia is also an alumni of Japan's Kakehashi Project (2022-2023 cohort)
Erica Matsui, B.A. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"As a Japanese-American student, I want to understand Japan’s outlook and approach to political issues and how they contrast with the ‘Western’ perspective I have been taught."
Taisei Inoue, B.A. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to be a CSGJ student affiliate because my interests lie in Japanese public and foreign policy and I want to enhance my understanding of how policies in Japan are perceived and received globally."
Arnaud Nsamirizi, M.G.A. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Working in an Izakaya gave me exposure to a lot of Japanese nationals and culture, which sparked my interest in Japan. After taking courses on Japanese politics and participating in the Kakehashi exchange program, I became even more invested in understanding Japan's affairs and its people. Joining the CSGJ will certainly give me opportunities to further my understanding in contemporary Japanese issues."
Arnaud is also an alumni of Japan's Kakehashi Project (2019-2020 cohort).
Mei Kanda, B.Sc. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I became interested in the education system and gender bias in STEM fields through being involved in STEM student organizations in Japan and Canada. By joining the CSGJ student affiliate program, I believe that I can share with many people the differences between the modern Japanese and Canadian education system and to think about solutions to gender inequality."
Jai Singh, B.A. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I had a wonderful time in Prof. Phillip Lipscy's Japanese Politics class at U of T, and I wanted to further my involvement in the academic discourse concerning Japan."
Leo Teng, B.A. '23
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"The uniqueness of Japan politically has always fascinated me, and I look forward to developing those interests further through CSGJ events."
Leo is also an alumni of Japan's Kakehashi Project (2022-2023 cohort).
Bailey Irene Midori Hoy, B.A. ‘21
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Being Japanese-Canadian, I’ve always been interested in the relationship between Japan and the rest of the world. After participating in the Kakehashi Project, I was inspired to get more involved with CSGJ and with like-minded people!"
Anvesh Jain, B.A. ‘21
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I became a student affiliate to widen my understanding of Asian security dynamics, particularly Indo-Japanese, SinoJapanese, and Korean-Japanese relations. I've been to Japan twice - I have a deep fondness for the country and want to better study its politics, people, and constitutional structure."
Vanessa Biklo, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I took Professor Lipscy's class in my third year and I was immediately intrigued and fascinated by Japanese politics and culture. I wanted to become a student affiliate at CSGJ in order to learn more about Japan-Canada relations and Japanese politics and to create meaningful connections between faculty and other students."
Christal Cheng, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"As the global landscape shifts eastward, I am interested in how Asian states are reinterpreting the international system, relations between Japan and its East Asian neighbours, and how the world is grappling with Asia’s rise. Becoming a CSGJ student affiliate enhances my studies and allows me to be more engaged in the conversation pertaining to contemporary Japan."
Cheryl Cheung, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I wanted to make the most out of my final year at U of T by diving deeper into the areas that have interested me throughout my undergraduate career. My interest in the experience of youth in contemporary Japan was sparked by Professor Clark's course on Asian Youth Cultures. There is no better way of meeting others who share this interest than by becoming a CSGJ student affiliate."
Jenny Liu, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Japan is special to me, as my father works there and I used to spend summers in Osaka. I took Professor Lipscy’s class on Japanese Politics and attended a CSGJ seminar, and I got more interested - I became a student affiliate to attend more events and enhance my understanding of Japanese politics."
Aisha Shafaqat, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"Japan has such an interesting political-economic history, and I am interested in exploring the nation’s contemporary challenges and successes through conversations with my peers and thought-provoking lectures."
Abena Somiah, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I heard about CSGJ when I took Professor Lipscy's course, and have been looking to get involved ever since! I am passionate about Japanese culture and want to acquire more knowledge about the country and its current issues."
Brian Wu, B.A. '22
Why did you join the Student Affiliate Program?
"I joined because I'm eager to learn more about Japanese politics and East Asian international relations, and how scholars approach the current issues facing this exciting region."
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.