by Itsuki Umeyama
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Chou, whose generous support through the Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship, administered by Friends of UTokyo, Inc. (FUTI), made a meaningful difference in my graduate studies. I entered the Ph.D. program in Political Science at the University of Michigan immediately after graduating from the University of Tokyo, and this support was especially helpful in covering my relocation expenses. Many people hesitate to pursue new experiences—not only due to fear of the unknown but also because of the financial burden such decisions can bring. From that perspective, the scholarship lifted a major source of stress and allowed me to begin this new chapter of my academic journey with confidence.
My first year in the Ph.D. program has been the most transformative period of my life. It has truly changed me. Before starting, I had broad interests in certain topics but wasn’t sure if I could commit to them throughout my academic career. Now, I’ve discovered a research question that I care about deeply, one I am committed to pursuing for the long term. This turning point came during a conversation with one of my professors. We were discussing my research ideas when she said, “You can do well studying your own country because you understand where its problems lie, and that’s where strong political science research begins.” Her words gave me a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
I’ve never followed a conventional path—starting with being a high school girl in a rural area aspiring to attend the University of Tokyo. That experience, among others, has shaped my perspective. Because I’ve often stood outside the mainstream, I’ve learned to see the world differently—a quality that helps me identify overlooked or hidden social and political issues. Currently, I’m studying the lives of Japanese repatriates who returned after the country’s defeat in 1945—people often forgotten in the chaos of the postwar period.
Alongside my academic growth, I’ve also formed good friendships. The Ph.D. program in the
U.S. welcomes anyone with a passion for research, resulting in a student body that is not only ethnically diverse but also rich in life experiences. Many of my peers worked before entering the program. Hearing their stories—why they left their jobs to pursue academia—has been
eye-opening and deeply inspiring.
Thank you again for supporting me financially. Because of your generosity, I was able to experience this wonderful and life-changing first year in the Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan.
