Voices of Members
Here are comments from KIP members on why they joined KIP and what they gained through various activities. The members’ age varies from high school students to young professionals, and you can see different perspectives depending on their backgrounds.
The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Law, Third-year student
For me, the KIP forum is a valuable opportunity to meet leading experts on a wide range of social issues and policies, from economics, education, and science to politics, diplomacy, and defence. We can hear from those who are not easy to meet, such as those working on the frontline or in leadership positions in companies, research institutions and governments. KIP is also a valuable place to deepen my understanding of various social issues, and to practice ‘thinking’ and ‘discussion’ while interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds with different age backgrounds. Through discussions with other members, I can learn new perspectives that I had no idea, correct weaknesses in my opinion and brush up on it.
The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Agriculture, Third-year student
At KIP, I am fortunate to work alongside humble and ambitious members, regularly taking part in organizing forums, projects, and regional studies. Through committee management, I believe I have gained flexibility in adapting to changing environments. I enjoyed an invaluable experience in incorporating unexpected opinions, comparing them with my own views, and making new proposals, which is a skill essential in any field. I am pleased that I can enter society after making these social common sense and experiences as my strengths while I am a student.
Keio University, Faculty of Law, Fourth-year student
I feel that I should have started earlier, practicing thinking logically about what is happening in society and sharing it effectively in front of others.
Doshisha International High School, Second-year student
As a high school participant, keeping up with the advanced lectures and the subsequent discussions among university students and young professionals is challenging. But from a different perspective, this means there’s nothing but learning. Every single thing that happens at KIP is new to me, and everything becomes a valuable lesson. Speaking up in such an environment requires courage, but since there are no right answers in KIP discussions, I have gradually become able to ask questions and express my opinions. I believe KIP is the best environment for challenging ourselves and growing.
Ph.D. Program at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
KIP is like a dojo (training center) for me. People with diverse expertise, from fields of liberal arts to science, gather at KIP, providing constant opportunities to learn and discuss a wide range of topics. Through forums, projects, and other activities, I could not only learn how to input new information but also to output my own opinions. This has been an invaluable experience for my current research activities. Furthermore, learning the fundamentals of communication, such as replying promptly and being punctual, has also been extremely beneficial. In recent years, Japanese politics and culture have drawn significant attention from abroad. Applying my KIP experience, I continue to learn about Japan and share insights while living in Switzerland, consciously positioning myself as a person well-informed about Japan with a global mindset.
Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, First-year student
Through interacting with KIP members, who possess diverse knowledge and perspectives, I learned both the challenges and joys of discussion by striving to express my own opinions and understand theirs. Furthermore, the monthly forums cover a wide range of topics, requiring me to personally engage with each one every time I participate. The knowledge gained here has become a bridge, expanding my horizons and increasing the number of topics I find interesting in my daily life. At first, I became a member of KIP with a little curiosity, but now it has become an incredibly important place that enriches my student life.
Employee at a consulting firm
I believe there are common traits among those who can grow, whether as college students or young professionals. These are the ability to express their own opinions based on sound reasoning and the capacity to receive feedback from others and make necessary adjustments.
The University of Tokyo Graduate School, Second-year master’s degree
As global challenges mount, it is becoming increasingly important to engage in discussions and collaborate with young people worldwide. Through my graduate studies abroad, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of developing an international perspective and the ability to discuss issues, as well as gaining a deep understanding of my own country’s challenges and acquiring sufficient communication skills. I recommend acquiring these skills early on.
The University of Tokyo Graduate School, Second-year master’s degree
Having entered a graduate program in the sciences, I feel that opportunities to think about and discuss topics outside my specialty have been decreasing year by year. Even so, KIP remains a valuable presence that stops me from narrowing my perspective solely to my own field of expertise.
Jichi Medical University, , Faculty of Medicine, Second-year student
I believe KIP’s greatest appeal lies in the opportunity to engage in discussions with people from diverse backgrounds. At our monthly forums, I can exchange views not only with students from a wide range of majors, people I wouldn’t normally interact with just attending my own university, but also with young professionals active in various fields and highly motivated high school students. Exposure to the diverse perspectives and sharp insights of our members has heightened my sensitivity to issues unfolding in society. I’ve developed the habit of forming my own opinions daily, and I’m sure that I’ve become better at articulating my views clearly in discussions.
Employee at a consulting firm
KIP members come from diverse academic backgrounds, leading to varied post-graduation careers and fostering connections across industries and generations. I joined KIP during my student years and gained incredibly rich experiences. Now, as a graduate, I work at a consulting firm while continuing my membership in KIP as a young professional. The skills and debating abilities cultivated during my student years at KIP have proven immensely valuable in my professional life. Furthermore, the connections with my highly insightful peers from KIP remain a tremendous source of strength. Participating in KIP events after graduation allows me to gain inspiration and learn extensively from both working professionals and students. As a place to broaden my horizons through discussions with people from diverse backgrounds, KIP continues to be a valuable learning environment even after entering the workforce.
