Project paves the way for more Kenyan students to study in Japan

Dr Midori Daimon undertaking a Japan Education Program in Kenya. [Courtesy]

It's a well-known fact that Kenyans have a thirst for education that rivals any country in the world. This insatiable hunger for knowledge explains why education claims the lion's share of our budget, why classrooms are bursting at the seams at every level, and also why the dropout rate at the university level in Kenya is very low, even compared to developed countries.

It speaks of a desire for education so deeply embedded in a nation's collective psyche it qualifies as a default setting.

In a country where access to high-quality education has become an increasingly prized asset, it's no surprise that Kenyans are displaying a growing interest in pursuing their studies abroad.

Regrettably, this eagerness has also exposed a dark side, where unscrupulous individuals seek to exploit this desire. We need look no further than the Uasin Gishu County scholarship fiasco to witness the consequences of such unscrupulous scams. This unfortunate incident has left hundreds of parents and aspiring students in a state of destitution and anger after investing their life savings and hopes in a fraudulent scheme.

While the United States, Europe, and Australia have traditionally been popular destinations for Kenyan students seeking an international education, there is a growing yet often overlooked trend that holds immense promise for aspiring scholars: studying in Japan.

In recent years, Japan has emerged as a promising educational destination for international students, including Kenyans seeking quality education and cross-cultural experiences. With a growing number of English-taught programmes and an increasingly diverse academic environment, Japanese universities are attracting students from all corners of the globe.

Fortunately, in this era of expanding educational opportunities, there have emerged trustworthy professionals with impeccable qualifications such as Dr Midori Daimon, the Study Abroad Coordinator at the Study in Japan Global Network Project. With a Ph.D. in Area Studies, a firm grasp of Swahili, and a deep familial connection to East Africa, Dr Midori brings an anthropological perspective to understanding the cultural exchange between Kenya and Japan and to helping students find their ideal place in what has effectively become a global campus.

The Study in Japan Global Network project serves as a comprehensive resource hub for aspiring students, providing vital information about the different scholarship options, universities offering English-taught courses, and the necessary requirements for successful applications.

With a wide array of scholarships available, including the prestigious MEXT scholarship, Japanese universities offer a gateway to excellent academic opportunities for Kenyan students. Dr Midori emphasises the variety of scholarships accessible through the Study in Japan programme, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, enabling students to pursue their academic goals without financial burdens.

"We call it the MEXT Scholarship. MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The scholarship includes an air ticket, a generous monthly stipend and of course, the tuition fee is waived. It is the best scholarship for higher education offered by the Japanese government," explains Dr Midori.

"But these days," she continues, "there are so many other scholarships offered by Japanese universities so it depends on where you are admitted."

Dr Midori, who came to work in Nairobi after lengthy stints in Uganda and Zambia, says Kenyan students in Japan are uniquely positioned to serve as cultural ambassadors, dispelling stereotypes and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

On the other hand, she says Japan offers a unique perspective for Kenyan students seeking international exposure and a foothold in a globalised world. In this vein, she sees the Study in Japan Global Network Project as a valuable platform for the kind of cultural interaction that will broaden the horizons of Kenyan students and Japanese youth: "I think young people in Japan and Kenya can benefit from getting another view of the world. I believe after they study together they will contribute to making a better future," she says, with the conviction of a lecturer.

Dr Midori, who works at the Nairobi Branch of Hokkaido University Africa Office, had a predictably detailed response to the question of whether students are required to return to Kenya upon completing their studies or if they have the option to remain and work in Japan: "In recent times, there are no strict mandates, and the MEXT scholarship, in particular, does not impose any specific obligations, such as requiring students to return to Kenya. However, there are certain conditions to consider. For example, if you receive a scholarship which requires you to get study leave from where you work, you should return and contribute to your community," she explained, adding:

"Yet, if a scholarship does not specify these conditions, you have considerable freedom to make your own choice. It's worth noting that as our society is grappling with a declining population and an ageing demographic, there's a growing need for more workers in Japan."

Studying in Japan is becoming increasingly popular across Africa. Currently, there are about 203 Nigerian students studying in Japan and 191 and 180 from Kenya and Ghana respectively. Dr Midori says they are keen to grow these numbers. She invites interested students, their parents, and guardians to visit the Study in Japan for Africa website for handy tips and step-by-step guides on how they get a leg-up with their desire to get a global education in Japan.

"Comprehensive information about how Kenyans can Study In Japan is available at studyinjapanforafrica.com," she explains.

However, Dr Midori is upfront about the fact that studying in Japan comes with its share of cultural adjustments. The climate, language, and societal norms can be unfamiliar to Kenyan students. Midori offers insights into these challenges and highlights the adaptability of Kenyan students.

"I have spoken to many African students who have studied in Japan and what they say about the weather is it's always advisable to do some research about what the weather is like at the University where and when you will be admitted. The weather in Japan is a bit different from Kenya. When it's cold, it is very cold and then when it's hot, it's very hot. But most of the African students I know have adapted very well to the weather," says Dr Midori.

The Japanese language, although distinct, shares some phonetic similarities with Swahili, making pronunciation accessible to Kenyan students.

Dr Midori emphasises that while writing Japanese can be challenging, a focus on spoken language aids communication and helps students integrate into Japanese society. Furthermore, Kenyan students often find language exchange partners in their respective universities, fostering an environment of mutual learning.

"About 1,400 graduate programmess and 150 undergraduate programmes are fully taught in English. But if they can speak Swahili, which has a pronunciation similar to Japanese, it's easy to learn the Japanese language," she says.

In addition to linguistic adaptation, Kenyan students in Japan navigate cultural nuances. While Japan is a welcoming country, Dr Midori says that the unspoken societal rules can sometimes pose challenges.

"Japanese society operates on certain unspoken rules," she explains the mother of two, adding: "In Kenya, if you do something wrong, more often than not, someone will tell you without hesitating. But in Japan, if a foreigner does something wrong most Japanese people wouldn't say anything. That is often our style which means some foreigners don't quickly pick up, culturally speaking, what is wrong and what is right."

Dr Midori, who is married to a Ugandan and speaks fluent Luganda, advises aspiring students to be open-minded and adaptable in order to develop a keen understanding of Japanese culture. Her insights shed light on the intricacies of Japanese social interactions, preparing Kenyan students for an enriching and immersive educational experience.

"If you have an interest in Japanese culture and if you love adventure then Japan is the country for you to come and study," says Dr Midori as we conclude the interview.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Japan is emerging as an exciting and promising destination for Kenyan students.

By unlocking scholarships, fostering cultural exchange, and developing adaptable graduates, the Study in Japan programme bridges continents and gives Kenyan students the opportunity to embark on a life-changing journey of higher education.