【FILA】Accepted to Graduate School!
Yoko Murai (4th year)
Congratulations! Could you tell us what led you to decide to pursue graduate studies?
Thank you very much. The reason I decided to pursue graduate studies is that I became deeply interested in the field of ethics and wanted to study it more thoroughly. I have always enjoyed learning new things since my junior high and high school days, so even as a first-year university student, I felt that I would rather continue on to graduate school than enter the workforce immediately after completing my undergraduate degree.
At that time, I had no idea which field I wanted to pursue, but as I studied a wide range of subjects in FILA’s liberal arts program, I vaguely hoped that I would eventually find an area I truly wanted to research. After returning from my FILA study abroad program, I gradually started to find philosophy- and ethics-related courses interesting around the fall semester of my second year. Among the various academic fields, I began to feel that this discipline best suited me, as I tend to think deeply about things in my daily life.
I struggled with the decision of whether to apply to graduate schools overseas or in Japan, but since I also had the experience of an exchange program earlier this spring, I ultimately decided to remain in Japan for my master’s degree so that I could stay grounded and focus on my studies here.
What kind of future do you envision after entering graduate school? Also, how would you like to make use of your experiences at FILA?
I am still uncertain about my path after entering graduate school, and I am currently torn between two major options: pursuing a doctoral program or starting job hunting and entering the workforce. As I work on my research for my master’s thesis, I hope to determine whether I truly want to continue on to a PhD program.
In short, I believe that my experiences at FILA will be immensely valuable in many ways. Being part of FILA and studying in its environment allowed me to significantly improve my English skills during my first and second years. This improvement has become an essential strength when reading academic papers for my research.
Moreover, philosophy and ethics are deeply connected to the fields I encountered broadly through liberal arts studies—economics, international relations, business administration, sociology, and others. The foundational knowledge I gained in these areas during my undergraduate studies is something I consider a major asset. Additionally, through studying abroad, interacting with international students, and taking CCU (Cross Cultural Understanding) classes, I learned to cultivate a broad, culturally sensitive perspective. Building on all of these experiences, I hope to grow into a researcher who can study ethics from a truly global point of view.
What is your favorite memory from your time at FILA?
It’s honestly difficult to choose just one favorite memory from my time at FILA, but I would say it is meeting friends who encouraged and supported each other. During my first year, it was truly challenging to manage all my assignments in English, daily classes, part-time work, and personal life. However, thanks to FILA, I met friends whom I deeply respect and who are active on a global scale. By encouraging one another, I was able to achieve many of my own goals.
In my third year, I was also active in the FILA student council, and I felt I could fully take on that responsibility thanks to having reliable peers by my side. Even during my long-term study abroad program at FILA, including my first homestay, there were many challenges and worries, but because I was not alone, I was able to overcome them!
Finally, a message to prospective students!
I was also a prospective student myself until quite recently, so I experienced the unique loneliness of exam preparation, the anxiety of having no one to rely on, and the feeling that I could only trust myself and work steadily. However, I believe that entrance exams are not just a solitary struggle. It’s extremely important to know how to rely on those around you, how to take breaks and maintain your best condition, and how to act in a way that leaves no regrets. I sincerely hope that you gather as much information as possible and take care of your mental health while giving your best effort!
One of the great things about the Faculty of International Liberal Arts is that it is the smallest faculty at Soka University, which creates a warm, close-knit atmosphere where everyone knows each other or is friends. There are always people you can rely on, so let’s support one another and do our best together!
Yoko Murai
Hometown: Osaka
Main Field of Study: Ethics
Supervisor: Professor Robert Sinclair
Favorite Phrase: “The heart is what matters most”
Favorite Book: Man’s Search for Meaning
Hobbies: Going out with friends, listening to music, watching movies, talking with people
Soka University Faculty of International Liberal Arts SNS【Instagram / Twitter】
We are posting information about an introduction of current and alumni students, events, and much more about the FILA on Instagram and Twitter!
