VICTOR MASSAKI NAKAGUCHI

Voices of International Students

Feb 02, 2026

Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology

From Brazil

What sparked your interest in this university?

What initially drew me to the University of Tsukuba was its strong reputation as one of Japan's top public universities, known for world-class research and a global environment. I was also impressed by how many international faculty members work here, giving students the chance to learn from people with diverse backgrounds. As a descendant of Japanese immigrants who came to Brazil, I arrived in Japan through a JICA program aimed at developing Nikkei community leaders. Because Tsukuba is a partner university of the University of São Paulo, where I graduated, it naturally became my first and only choice. My former mentor also recommended my current supervisor, as they had worked together in the U.S., which made the decision even clearer.

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

One thing that surprised me about Japan is how comfortably it lives between the past and the future. Sometimes you see cutting-edge technology, but at the same time, traditions and cultural practices are carefully preserved. This balance is fascinating to experience. Because my grandparents immigrated to Brazil from Nagasaki Prefecture in the 1960s, I grew up surrounded by Japanese food, culture, and values. That background made my adaptation much easier. Instead of struggling, I often find myself helping other international friends understand certain customs or daily habits. Living in multicultural environments has always been part of my life, so embracing these differences feels natural and even enjoyable.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

What I enjoy most about the University of Tsukuba is its welcoming international atmosphere. Staff and faculty genuinely try to support students, and even when language barriers appear, people always make an effort to communicate and help. It creates a very warm feeling of belonging. The city of Tsukuba itself also has a great balance—it's peaceful and not as hectic as larger cities, yet it has everything we need for a comfortable daily life. And when I do feel like experiencing the fast-paced excitement of a big metropolis, Tokyo is just a quick train ride away. This combination of calm living and easy access to urban energy makes the region especially appealing.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at Tsukuba, I hope to focus on growing both academically and personally in a way that feels meaningful. My main goal is to complete my PhD research with solid, thoughtful results and, hopefully, publish work that genuinely contributes to my field. I also want to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and learn from their perspectives, since the international environment here makes that very easy. Outside academics, I hope to join activities that help me stay balanced, make good memories, and feel connected to the community. Overall, I simply want to look back and feel that I used my time here well—learning, sharing, and enjoying the experience.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

What makes the University of Tsukuba special to me is the freedom it gives researchers to explore ambitious ideas. That freedom has shaped my own path, especially as I work to become one of the leading reference in my field. The international atmosphere here has also pushed me to grow—talking with people from so many backgrounds constantly challenges my thinking and inspires new approaches. I've always felt supported, whether through research guidance, language-learning help, or staff who genuinely try to make students' lives easier. And with its calm environment yet easy access to Tokyo, Tsukuba is the perfect place to focus and create. It's a place that allowed me to dream big and actually move toward those goals.