Voices of the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Recipients: Hector Bjoljahn Hougaard
2020/12/3
| Name | Hector Bjoljahn Hougaard |
| University and affiliated department | Osaka University, Graduate School of Engineering Ph.D student in Cryptography |
| Study period in Japan | 2018 - 2021 |
| Your last education in Denmark | Master of Science in Mathematics, University of Copenhagen |
Q1 What made you interested in Japan and why did you want to study in Japan?
Growing up, whenever I met something interesting or cool, almost exclusively, it would be from Japan. I slowly became interested in the culture, language, and food of Japan and decided I would definitely visit. Due to my field of specialization, Japan was naturally a possible study destination. I found a couple of researchers here that were researching exactly what I wanted to for my PhD and I also knew about the MEXT scholarship from talking to other Japan-interest mathematicians. A perfect opportunity, I thought.
Q2 How is it like to study in Japan? What kind of research have you been working on?
I have been researching cryptographic protocols based on a new and exciting primitive called Elliptic Curve Isogenies. Cryptography based on this primitive seems to be secure, even against Quantum computers! It has not been easy though. I have had many troubles with my advisor, troubles that made me question coming to Japan and even attempting a PhD. These troubles were brought on by a difference of expectations from both parties and as well as cultural differences. We have learned to take advantage of each other’s strengths however, so I should be able to obtain my PhD degree in the end. What kept me going was everything else in Japan, my daily and social life.
Q3 About Japanese language: How do you describe the level of your Japanese before and after studying in Japan? How much has it improved?
Before coming to Japan, I had a basic understanding of Japanese. I could construct simple sentences and knew fundamental vocabulary. I only knew Hiragana, Katakana, and a few, essential Kanji. Now, I am easily able to communicate, even on the phone, completely in Japanese! I work on my Kanji reading abilities every day, so I can see a definite improvement, even on a monthly basis. Even my non-Japanese speaking family, hearing me speak Japanese over the phone, have told me that they can hear that my Japanese has become more relaxed and fluid. Given a few more years, I believe I should be able to become fluent, if only I studied more grammar!
Q4 Any advice or tips for those who would like to improve their Japanese skills during their stay in Japan?
Think and speak Japanese, as much as possible. Use your Japanese in every possible scenario. Use it when buying groceries or any other mundane activity. Get Japanese friends/acquaintances with whom you only speak Japanese. Most importantly, do not be afraid to fail or make a mistake. Japanese people tend to switch to English as soon as they see you are a foreigner, but if you start speaking in Japanese first, they will keep speaking Japanese, even if you make tons of mistakes. It is not about being correct, but about being understood. Already in my third month here, I had made a Japanese friend with whom I spent entire days only speaking Japanese. Did I get tired and have a headache each time? Yes. Was it worth it? Definitely!
Q5 What did you enjoy the most during your stay in Japan?
This is almost an impossible question to answer. Everything outside of my academic life, I suppose. I have enjoyed every single experience I have had in Japan (except for a few notable instances). Every day is an adventure here. I do not think I could get tired of it for a decade or even two decades.
Bicycle trip to Okayama
Q6 How would you like to use your experience of studying in Japan in the future?
Firstly, I plan on extending my stay here up to a decade. The amount of friends, experiences, and skills I have learned here have allowed me a unique opportunity, and I intend to make full use of it. Secondly, my academic achievements should allow me to continue in my field, which I fully intend to do, as long as I can stay in Japan, ideally in Osaka. Thirdly, Japan and the Japanese people will always hold a dear place in my heart and I would like to interact with the Japanese community in the future, regardless of where I am.
Q7 Messages and advice for those who want to study in Japan in the future? Any tips and advice on living in Japan, homesickness cure, etc.?
Practice as much Japanese as you can before you get here as it will give you more opportunities to interact with Japanese people and experience Japan in a deeper way. Be mindful of the culture here, for example the fact that Japan has a very authoritarian culture where your senior’s word is law. I do not mean that you have to adhere to it, as you are not Japanese, but it helps to understand where conflicts can occur. When living here, do not take it for granted. Go on adventures, even if they are just walking down a new street or going shopping. Do not say no to events or invitations. Each one is unique and wonderful. A sure cure for homesickness is to make sure you bring a cookbook from home as well as any unique ingredients (spice blends, etc.) and then make some of those recipes. Perhaps a care package from home once in a while too.
Q8 Anything you would like to share with readers.
Explore as much as possible, alone as well as with others, and be adventurous! Stay away from groups of foreigners, especially those in the university, as they tend to bunch together from fear of interacting with the unknown and instead cling to the known. I have seen too many people not enjoy their time here because they cling to what they know, rather than experience what is unknown.
Persimmon fruits and green tea Home-made marinated tuna on rice
"Shooting star" Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka "Purple sky" Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka