Dr. Kovani Maria

"A lifetime experience"


In 2006 I moved to Tokyo for my doctoral studies at the Graduate School of Language and Society of Hitotsubashi University. My research was in the field of translation studies and focused on the translation from Ancient Greek to Modern Japanese language. Of course, long before I went to Japan, I have started learning the Japanese language and culture by taking private lessons, and it was after my undergraduate studies when I decided that I was ready to start my own research on translation from and to Japanese language by entering a Master course. My Master’s dissertation was titled “Translating the Japanese Politeness” and based on translation of Japanese fairy tales; in other words, it was a research on translation from Japanese to Greek language. After my graduation, I wanted to complete my studies in the field of Japanese translation and therefore applied for a MEXT Scholarship.

One of the steps that I had to take, besides sitting for the written and oral exams of MEXT, was to find a University that specialized in what I was intending to do. Thanks to the information (e.g. a list of all universities in Japan), which I received from the Japanese Embassy in Greece, I didn’t have to spend any time on the Internet researching the right universities, but my only duty was to contact the universities and professors whose expertise could help me conduct my research. In less than 2 months, I got an acceptance letter from the Dean of the Graduate School of Language and Society of Hitotsubashi University, Pr. Keisuke Kasuya, who became the supervisor of my thesis.

Even though, I was studying the Japanese language for at least five years before leaving for Japan, when I came to Tokyo, I realized that there were many things that I didn’t know about Japan, neither its language. As for the language, and considering the fact that I was applying for a doctoral course in Japanese linguistics, I decided to follow the advice of my professors at Hitotsubashi University and participate in the Japanese language courses offered by the university to foreign students. So, during the first year of my studies, while I was still kenkyuusei (research student), I was taking language and undergraduate courses while working on my doctoral research and studying for the doctoral entrance exams. Obviously, following such a schedule was quite hard from time to time, but it gave me the opportunity to learn a lot of things about Japan and also communicate with other foreign students who were dealing with the same language problems as I was, and therefore they could help me. After a year of intensive Japanese courses, I managed to enter the doctoral program and concentrate on my research.

To be honest, I can’t emphasize enough on the importance of having Japanese people as your guarantors or emergency contacts, when dealing with Japanese banks or any other companies. And it is also important to have Japanese friends, people of your own age, who will give you a few hints about Japanese culture as it is today. For me, meeting Japanese people was really easy, since I was a student at a Japanese national university, which means that almost all students were Japanese. Being a member of the same circle, participating in the same activities helps you master the language, and have a better understanding of the Japanese mentality. Also, as a student of a Japanese university you often have the opportunity to participate in trips within Japan organized by the university, and therefore at a very low price. You can also take part in cultural events such as traditional festivals or dances, in free lessons of traditional forms of art, or many other extracurricular activities.

A very important asset of being a MEXT Scholar is that you don’t have to worry about financial problems. The amount of money provided by MEXT will help you with your daily needs (transportation, food, rent etc.), and with your expenses covered, you will have more time to study, learn and focus on your goals. Of course, if one of your goals is also working in a Japanese environment during your studies, you can always apply for a work permit at your local immigration office, and search for a part-time job in your field of studies. Either way, thanks to the Scholarship, working will be a choice and not an obligation.

What I realized during my stay in Tokyo is that living in such an international city means one thing; you can never get bored! Tokyo is undoubtedly a modern city with impressive skyscrapers, luxurious department stores, numerous museums, exhibition centers, and amusement parks, but it has also kept its traditional features. Cultural events, concerts, and festivals are happening all year long, and all you have to do is decide where you want to go! In spring time, you can enjoy yourself by taking a walk or having a picnic under the cherry trees; on a hot summer day, you can just take the train, go to one of the nearest beaches, and lay on the sand; in autumn, you shouldn’t forget to visit at least one of the famous koyo spots; and during winter, you would have a great time relaxing in an onsen. The list is endless and whatever you decide to do I am sure that Tokyo won’t fail you!

One of the things that I loved the most was the delicious Japanese food. There are so many traditional restaurants where you can have a high quality meal at a very reasonable price. Japanese cuisine is characterized by variety, covering all tastes. Personally, my favorite dishes were ramen and okonomiyaki, but if you love fish, I am sure that you will be thrilled with sushi, sashimi, and tempura, and if you prefer meat you will probably spend your lunchtime at yakitori restaurants. Finally, if you are under the impression that Japanese food isn’t that spicy, you shouldn’t forget that even sashimi could be very spicy with just a little wasabi. The main difference between Japanese and Greek cuisine is that Japanese cuisine is so much lighter than Greek, and therefore no matter how much you eat, you can always have a little bit more.

Japan may be far from Greece, but is very near to all exotic Asian destinations. From Japan you can travel to other Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, or Korea, without having to spend a lot of money. With everyday flights from the major Japanese cities to almost every other Asian country, and just in a few hours, we can be at any tropical island or city in Asia. After you finish your studies you will be faced with a dilemma; staying in Japan to work or returning to Greece, whatever your decision will be I am sure that you won’t regret it. Thanks to this experience you will definitely broaden your horizons, enrich your knowledge, and see the world from a different perspective; and these are qualities, which will be proven useful at any professional environment.

My final piece of advice for any future scholars will be to enjoy your staying in Japan to the fullest, take advantage of all opportunities you will have, and get ready for a lifetime experience!