He Haolun
Graduated from Takadanobaba Campus
Graduate School of Kyoto Seika University
Admission to Graduate School of Humanities, Division of Humanities
- Why did you decide to study in Japan?
- I majored in International Economics and Trade as an undergraduate, but my interest in Japanese culture and lifestyle led me to decide to study abroad in Japan after graduating from college. After a year of preparation for the entrance examination, I was accepted into the Master's Program of the Graduate School of Humanities at Kyoto Seika University.
- How is your college life now?
- Most of my life in graduate school consists of three things: classes, presentations, and completing assignments. There are five students in my lab, and the relationship between professor and student is equal in research. Professors advise me on major directions for my research and recommend books related to my research.
I am interested in magic tricks and am currently in graduate school studying films about witchcraft. My main focus is on two films by Christopher Nolan, "Memento" and "The Prestige," which I am studying from a psychoanalytic perspective.
I have experience managing a university magic circle and performing external magic performances when I was an undergraduate student. I am currently expanding my network of contacts in the field of magic by interacting with Chinese magician in Japan. I plan to seek an internship in the field of art performance until graduation. - What is the appeal of Kyoto Seika University?
- Kyoto Seika University is one of the most famous art universities in the Kansai area.
The quiet environment and artistic atmosphere of the campus is appealing and allows students to experience art in a natural way. The university provides funds for students to hold exhibitions, which is a wonderful environment for art-oriented students. - What are some of the things you have to adapt to in your university life, especially as an international student?
- It is about overcoming your communication difficulties. For example, some students do not interact with others because their Japanese is not good enough, or they continue to stay alone because they are not good at socializing.... Some international students have the idea that they need to improve their Japanese to a high level before interacting with Japanese people, but interacting with Japanese people is the shortcut to improving your Japanese. After all, as long as you are in a foreign country, I think it is important to get out of your comfort zone and actively interact with the outside world.
- How did you feel about your own college entrance exam?
- What impressed me was that I submitted a video introducing myself and my work (if in the field of art) as part of my application to Kyoto Seika University. If you pass the initial screening, you can proceed to the interview. Japanese language ability and attendance rate are also very important and you cannot let your guard down.
Once you have made a plan and jumped into a foreign country, you should boldly take on challenges and act accordingly. If you do your best without forgetting your original intention, you will have no regrets even if you fail. - What are your plans for the future?
- I would like to stay in Japan for an extended period of time and work in the magic business. I am also a traveler by nature and like to live in different cities. I lived in Tokyo when I was in language school and now I live in Kyoto, but I may move to another city in Japan in the future.
