Drawing strength from his studies and encounters at Soka University, he joined Japan's largest general trading company.

Mr. Yamanaka entered Soka University with a pledge to "become an individual who wings their way out into the world." Looking to his future, he enhanced his qualities as a talent capable of playing an active role globally through programs such as the Global Leader College (GLC), as well as the Economics Faculty's International Program (IP) and HOPE (Honors Program in Economics). Splendidly fulfilling the pledge he made before entering university, Mr. Yamanaka took a new step this spring as a trading company employee at Japan's largest general trading firm. We spoke with him about his various activities during his student years and the appeal of Soka University.

Please tell me why you chose to major in economics and what your study topics are.

When I entered the university, I made a pledge to "become an individual who wings their way out into the world." To achieve that goal, I believed I needed not only language skills but also expertise, so I chose the Faculty of Economics, where high-level learning combining "English x Economics" could be realized through the International Program and HOPE.

The learning I gained in the Faculty of Economics can be broadly divided into four areas: (1) basic economic theory, (2) practical English skills, (3) critical thinking skills regarding data and statistics, and (4) an inquiring mind to keep asking "Why?" In particular, through the Honors Seminar in HOPE, IP, and Professor Jun Masui's seminar, I was able to acquire knowledge of micro- and macroeconomics, an understanding of inequality and unfairness, and the foundational language stamina needed to keep up at my study-abroad destination. Encountering behavioral economics in the seminar and deepening my thoughts on how to reflect economic theory in reality also became a learning experience connected to my future.

When and why did you decide to apply to the Global Leaders College (GLC)?

I learned about the existence of GLC during the spring semester of my first year when I took Professor Fumiko Haga's "World Business Forum." In class, alumni working on the frontlines of the international stage gave lectures, and because all of them mentioned the word "GLC," I came to aspire to GLC, wanting to become like my seniors.

What kind of learning and experiences did you gain through your long-term study abroad program in your third year and your participation in the international student conference "HPAIR"?

Something I had been aiming for even before entering the university was long-term study abroad. For my study-abroad destination, I chose the University of the Philippines, where I could make use of the English skills I had cultivated while seeing the reality of developing countries and disparities with my own eyes. During my 10-month study abroad, I centered my coursework on environmental studies and community development studies. By actually visiting impoverished communities, I gained a learning experience that cycled between theory and practice. Additionally, I experienced a four-month internship at a local startup company. I acquired the mindset that "work is not something given to you, but something you create," and I was also greatly influenced by the sight of employees in their early twenties, just like me, running around positively to build businesses.
Furthermore, the international student conference "HPAIR" is an "intellectual exchange" where students and business professionals from various countries openly discuss issues in the Asia-Pacific region over five days. I became interested after learning that GLC seniors had participated, taking part as an attendee in my third year and as part of the hosting and management side alongside students from the University of Tokyo in my fifth year. There were frustrating moments when I felt my lack of ability, but I received great courage from meeting members who carved out their own paths in academics and research despite constraints such as financial circumstances and international situations.

When did you start thinking about your career after graduation?

I began to be conscious of my career path starting with the "World Business Forum" I took in my first year. Listening to the story of an alumnus working at a general trading company during that class, I became interested in the function of trading companies to "resolve society's problems through matching supply and demand."
On the other hand, the opportunities to face my mission as a working adult and my purpose in life were provided by events hosted by the Career Center. At the job-hunting boot camp I joined after returning from studying abroad, I was able to spur myself on after falling behind due to study abroad. Receiving strict yet warm encouragement from seniors working at trading companies at the Global Company Networking Gathering is also something I can never forget.

What aspects of the general trading company where you worked were appealing to you? Also, what do you think is the secret to receiving a job offer from such a popular company that many students aspire to work for?

At the general trading company where I work, the employees I met during interviews were truly attractive as people, and everyone was someone I felt strongly drawn to. Among them, I felt a good compatibility with myself. Furthermore, there is an established culture of working on businesses with a mid- to long-term future perspective, placing importance on whether a decision or challenge "serves society." I also found it attractive that the company's values aligned with those I discovered at Soka University.
In the feedback I received after the selection process, four points were cited as my evaluated strengths: "visionary planning power," "execution power," "ability to involve others," and "integrity." I am convinced that this result was possible entirely because of all the connections that supported my challenges during my student days.

How did the people you met during your student life influence you?

I believe the greatest appeal of Soka University lies in its "humanistic education." It is difficult to explain humanistic education in a single phrase, but I understand it as "becoming a person who can unconditionally think of the other person more than oneself." In that respect, a culture of "making juniors superior to oneself" is deeply rooted at Soka University, creating an environment where busy seniors and alumni devote their time and affection free of charge. I believe the richness of encounters with such people is something that exists nowhere else.
Looking back on my own student life, I received humanistic education from every single person—seniors who served as GLC mentors and career support staff, alumni, and professors—through their demeanor and actions. Of course, there were times when they spoke strict words to me. However, I was encouraged many times by words that came from resolve and affection, which became a driving force that made me think, "Alright, let's start from here." The encounters themselves with people who were strict yet overflowing with affection, and who rejoiced in my growth and challenges more than anyone else, are the treasures I gained at this university.

What supported Mr. Yamanaka's student life, during which she challenged herself in various ways?

My feelings of gratitude toward my family and the desire to repay them have served as a major motivation. I grew up in a household that was not financially wealthy, and as the youngest among my siblings, I was the only one allowed to attend private high school and university. Having always felt grateful for being sent into an environment where I could achieve what I wanted to do, I spent my student life with the mindset that "I must do everything I can to the utmost" and "I should challenge everything I can."
My mother raised me brightly and cheerfully despite having severe congenital glaucoma and a limited field of vision like passing a thread through the eye of a needle. Amidst this, during my job hunting, my father was diagnosed with cancer, and my feelings akin to impatience grew stronger, wanting to produce results quickly to put him at ease. In such circumstances, precisely because I was blessed with connections with people, my desire to grow into a person who can repay kindness, and my challenging spirit to transform from a Taker into a Giver, became my driving force.
With such a background, I tended to get overly tense and strain myself in everything, but around the time I started job hunting, I came to feel that "things do not go well when you are tense." During interviews at my current workplace as well, I realized that I could reveal my true self without getting nervous in a harmonious and bright atmosphere, and now I try to be conscious of the importance of "relaxing."

What are some of your most memorable experiences from your time as a student at Soka University?

Discussing overnight with GLC peers toward the goal of "making the world a better place" and taking walks on the green campus to refresh myself remain fond memories. Since I like working out, I also frequently attended the on-campus training gym. Weight training is great because you can face yourself and compete with yourself. Even while acutely feeling your own immaturity, if you continue your efforts, results will surely return. That is its greatest appeal.
During my study abroad in the Philippines, because I had decided to update my personal bests in all aspects, I put my full effort not only into studying but also into weight training. Being able to bench press 120 kg just once is one of my unforgettable memories in the Philippines.

Please tell me about your dreams and goals for the future.

　 As a member of a general trading company, I want to challenge the reduction and rectification of world inequality and disparities. My own family roots and encounters with people in the Philippines and Hawaii support this desire. While there are numerous unresolved issues, I believe that if important stakeholders hold hands in an appropriate manner, we can move toward solutions.
To that end, aiming to become an individual needed by society and to remain an existence that can reach out a helping hand when necessary, I will continue to refine my expertise.

Please give a message to your juniors who are aiming to enter Soka University.

I would like to present everyone with Soka University's statement, "Discover your potential." To tell the truth, Soka University was not my first-choice university. When I entered, I cannot say I felt 100% happy. However, at this university, I met people who believed in me more than I believed in myself, and I received the power to take a step forward to meet my yet-unseen self. Through exchanges with students from other universities and at my study-abroad destination, I have realized that Soka University's environment of "making juniors superior to oneself," as well as the richness of its study-abroad programs and on-campus initiatives, are values that other universities do not have.
Now, various choices are expanding for high school students. Precisely because of that, aren't there many people struggling because they cannot find their own path? The humanistic education at Soka University gives you the power to find what you want to do and take a step toward realizing it. Whether you have something you want to do or haven't found it yet, I hope you will come and study at Soka University.