EI YADANAR MAUNG

Voices of International Students

Oct 16, 2025

School of Humanities and Culture, College of Japanese Language and Culture

From Myanmar

At the Entrance Ceremony for the Fall Semester

What sparked your interest in this university?

I imagined my ideal university life as one where I could live close to nature, ride a bicycle around campus, and make friends with people from different academic backgrounds while broadening my perspectives. I felt that the University of Tsukuba was the place where I could truly experience all of this. Another reason is that it offers a program where I can study my field of interest, Japanese language and culture, in depth while engaging with students and professors who share the same passion. This rich combination of environment, diversity, and academic opportunities made Tsukuba the best choice for me.

What aspects of Japanese culture or customs surprised you? How did you adapt to them?

I was surprised by how fast people walk here, especially in train stations during rush hours. Everyone moves so fast that, at first, I felt nervous because my pace was much slower. Another surprising difference was the awareness of pedestrian priority. In my home country, cars usually take priority, so when I crossed an intersection without traffic lights, I often waited to pass. However, in Japan, even though pedestrians have the right of way, I sometimes stopped and waited, which confused drivers. There were even moments when both the driver and I kept waiting for each other for a few minutes. Now, I've become more used to daily life in Japan, and I've also adjusted to these differences.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

Life at the University of Tsukuba is both fulfilling and inspiring. The campus is surrounded by nature, and the ability to move around easily by bicycle makes daily life convenient and enjoyable. I am also encouraged by the many students who are passionate about their studies, which motivates me to pursue my own goals. Living in Tsukuba City is also enjoyable, as it offers a calm and pleasant lifestyle in a natural setting. It is also well known for its many ramen shops, which makes it an ideal place for me as a ramen lover.

With Kozumi, the official mascot of the University of Tsukuba's Sports Bureau, at the SOHOSAI (School Festival)

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

I hope to enjoy a fulfilling student life while deepening my knowledge and skills in my field of study. I also aim to establish a Myanmar Student Association as part of the university community, which will serve as a platform for introducing Myanmar's culture, traditional cuisine, and customs to the wider university community. By sharing these aspects of my country, I hope to reach not only those who are already familiar with Myanmar but also many others who are curious to learn more. By contributing in this way, I hope to make my time on campus both meaningful and impactful.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

The University of Tsukuba stands out because of its diversity. The campus provides an environment where I can connect with international students from different countries, along with Japanese students representing all parts of Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Through these interactions, I have been able to experience the variety of dialects and customs across Japan. What I also value is being in an environment where many students are passionate about their own studies. Their dedication inspires me, and I am grateful that Tsukuba also allows me to explore subjects beyond my own field of specialization.