Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, so there are advanced construction technologies and seismic structures. Although Turkmenistan occasionally experiences earthquakes, they are extremely frightening when they occur.1) I was curious about how Japan has tall buildings despite daily earthquakes and how they are constructed. That's why I wanted to study architecture in Japan.

Before coming to Japan, I thought the Tokyo Skytree was amazing. Recently, I watched a video about it on YouTube and was once again impressed. This is because it is said to be one of the safest places in Japan, even during a major earthquake. The Tokyo Skytree has a central pillar called a "shinbashira" that is resistant to shaking, and the base is designed with seismic isolation structures. Therefore, it is said to be safe even during an earthquake of magnitude 7.

I'm currently researching the modern architectural history of Turkmenistan. During the first three years, I took various classes and developed an interest in design. However, when choosing a laboratory, I was told that if I were to write a thesis, it would have to be in Japanese, which might take me a lot of time.
My current professor in the laboratory specializes in architectural history. Having studied in the UK, he can provide guidance in English, so I decided to conduct my research under his supervision. He often sketches buildings and believes that "you can't truly learn architecture without using your hands." I find his teaching methods align well with my own learning style. I have always enjoyed drawing, and I think that actively sketching buildings, rather than just taking photos with a smartphone, helps me understand and remember them better.

I took the Turkmenistan government's scholarship program exam. To take this exam, I needed TOEFL or IELTS scores. In 2019, when I was a high school student, I took the TOEFL exam and also participated in the government exam, which I passed.
The program included a list of the top 1000 universities abroad, with options in Turkey, the USA, South Korea, Malaysia, the UAE, and Dubai. However, most universities had already closed their application periods. So, I applied to all the universities that were still accepting applications, and eventually, I received an "Acceptance Letter" from Tokai University.

I enrolled in the Japanese Language Course for International Students at Tokai University in 2019. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, my studies were delayed by a year. During that time, I used books and textbooks that I could download from the internet to study hiragana, katakana, and simple phrases. I also watched Japanese movies and dramas.
In addition to studying Japanese, the Japanese Language Course for International Students included subjects like physics and mathematics, which are necessary for admission to Japanese universities. That part was also quite challenging. I studied Japanese to an intermediate level, enough to enter university. I can say that was also a struggle.

First of all, I find kanji difficult. Additionally, the use of honorifics and the ambiguity in the Japanese language can be challenging.
I can read and write simple kanji, but I'm not as confident as a native Japanese speaker. As a foreign student, I don't feel much pressure to use honorifics like a native speaker, but I do use them when appropriate.
The ambiguity in Japanese, such as not being direct when refusing something, is also challenging. For example, Japanese people often say "That's a bit..." and leave it at that to avoid hurting the other person's feelings. While this is normal for Japanese people, it might be quicker for foreigners to be direct.

The Japanese classes in the Japanese Language Course for International Students were initially online, and I enjoyed the teaching and learning methods of the online course "Marugoto+."2) I also studied a lot using the textbook "Minna no Nihongo."3)
As for apps, I think the most famous one, "Duolingo,"4) is fun for learning. "HelloTalk,"5) an app that allows you to converse with native speakers, is also very useful.

My university club activities and the university festival were memorable. I joined a club called TICC (Tokai International Communication Club), which is like a volunteer club that does various things. The main activities include supporting international students, promoting international exchange, and helping children with foreign roots. At a community center near Hadano Station, we have an activity called "Niko Niko Teaching," where we help children with their homework and teach them Japanese and English once a week. During the university festival, we set up a TICC booth and made and sold chocolate bananas. I was in charge of selling, and it was busy but fun.
Besides TICC, I joined another club for drawing, called the Art Research Society. I go there about once a week to draw my favorite pictures, and we have exhibitions several times a year where I display my drawings.
Apart from that, I have good memories of traveling with friends and spending quality time together. The most memorable trip was driving to Osaka with senior students from Turkmenistan during winter break. Only one senior could drive, and his legs got tired, so we stopped and stayed along the way, taking three days to reach Osaka. The memory is of "going to Osaka," but I don't have many memories of sightseeing in Osaka itself (laughs).

Meeting not only Japanese people but also other international students was a great experience. I believe my perspective and worldview have broadened significantly, which is the best part. Additionally, being able to see modern architecture firsthand and experience the latest technologies has been very rewarding.

I think it's the politeness of Japanese people. Their way of speaking to avoid hurting others is wonderful. Also, the fact that trains and buses run on time is incredibly impressive.

I think the most challenging part was not understanding the Japanese language well enough. The saddest part was feeling homesick and wanting to see my family when I first arrived. Everywhere I looked, there was the Japanese language and kanji, and I found myself wondering why I came to Japan.
When I first arrived, I wasn't at a conversational level, so there were many days when I didn't speak at all. My day would end with just one phrase at the supermarket: "Fukuro ire masu ka? (Do you need a bag?)" "Daijoobu desu (No, thank you.)"
During that time, everything was online due to COVID-19, and I didn't have many friends. Initially, I felt lonely, but once in-person classes started, I joined clubs and made many friends, and things naturally became more enjoyable.

Some people approached me first, while I also initiated conversations. What I realized is that Japanese people can be shy or reserved, and they often don't start conversations themselves. It depends on the person, but generally, if you don't make the first move, they won't say anything.
Since I wanted to talk, I would start conversations with phrases like "The weather is nice, isn't it?" or ask questions like "What is this?" to get the conversation going (laughs). I believe communication is very important. The classes of the Japanese Language Course for International Students were very helpful.

After graduation, I will return to my country and work at the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan. They are the sponsors of my scholarship program. In the future, I want to be involved in international projects in the field of architecture. I especially hope to connect the technologies of Turkmenistan and Japan to create something valuable.

My advice for those who will study in Japan is to thoroughly study Japanese. If you study Japanese well, your studies and life in Japan will go smoothly. Additionally, communication is important. For example, when you come to Japan, communicate with Japanese people, talk to them, make friends, and understand them better.
I recommend taking an interest in local culture and festivals in Japan and participating in them. By doing so, you can understand Japanese culture and people better. It's important to value connections with people.