Kimono Researcher - Saskia Thoelen

Saskia Thoelen, currently Assistant Professor at Bunka Gakuen University, looks back at her two-time MEXT experiences.

Name: Saskia Thoelen 

Alma mater (university): KU Leuven 

Current affiliation: Bunka Gakuen University 

Where did you study in Japan ((1)university name (2) city located in):
2012-2013: Shinshu University, Matsumoto
2015-2020: Bunka Gakuen University, Tokyo

General atmosphere of the city you stayed in:
Matsumoto: small, local, warm atmosphere, surrounded by lovely people
Tokyo: Big & busy. At first overwhelming, but I gradually started to understand the charms of the city, and found out that it’s just a gathering of small villages.
 
Research theme:
Mitsukoshi department store’s promotion of Art Nouveau kimono 

Monthly housing costs (approximate):
Matsumoto: 30.000 yen
Tokyo: 85.000 yen
 
Monthly living cost (approximate):
Matsumoto: 80.000 yen
Tokyo: 200.000 yen
 
Period of studying in Japan:
2012-2013: one year (Nihon kenkyusei)
2015-2020: 2 years + 3 years extension

• What is your background leading up to Studying in Japan, and what is your background till now (after your study in Japan)?

I started university with Japanese studies at KU Leuven, and did a one year exchange in Matsumoto in 2012. After returning to Belgium and completing my Masters degree in Japanese studies, I first completed my degree in Japanese teaching, before I went back to Japan in 2015 to do a second Masters at Bunka Gakuen University to prepare for a PhD in fashion studies. After finishing my Masters, I continued to the PhD program, and finished my degree in 2020.
After graduation, I was hired by my university as assistant professor, where I currently still work. I am affiliated with teaching at the same Masters program that I was a student at between 2015 and 2017.
 

• What was your experience like and how was it when choosing the school to apply in Japan?

In both cases (in 2012 and 2015), rather than me choosing the school, the choice was made for me. When applying to scholarships, I was offered the MEXT Nikken sei scholarship, which was affiliated with Shinshu University. In the beginning I wasn’t sure how to feel about the university, but the moment I arrived in Matsumoto, I was welcomed by teachers and fellow students, I entered a student club and spent one of the most happiest years of my life there. I still look back to that year with fond memories.
In 2015, when I wanted to continue my studies. When I discussed this with the co-supervisor who I had asked to help supervise my thesis during my first Masters, my supervisor proposed to me to study under her at her university, which was Bunka Gakuen University. Thus, rather than choosing the school, I chose my supervisor. I learned a lot during my years at Bunka, and was lucky to be able to work close with my supervisor. It is thanks to her expertise and advise that I was able to graduate within the set time of 3 years.
 

• What was your experience with applying for the MEXT Scholarship, taking the examinations and passing them?

My case was a bit special, as I was a recommended student for the Nikken sei scholarship, and thus did not have to do any interview at first.
During my application in 2014, I initially failed the interview, and thought that I wasn’t going to pass the examination. However, one of the candidates resigned halfway during the process, and I was called back to continue my application. Luckily, my supervisor and Bunka Gakuen University were swift in accepting me as a new student candidate, even though there was not much time left before the deadline, and I had no problem with passing the following rounds.
In both cases, it was quite an interesting process, but overall a good experience.
 

• Did you study the Japanese language? If yes, how did you manage?

Yes, I studied Japanese studies at KU Leuven and was thus already fluent before I went to Japan. I do need to say that studying there definitely gave me the opportunity to further hone my language skills, as I was able to obtain the N1 Japanese certificate, as well as wrote my entire PhD thesis in Japanese.
 

• How did you prepare yourself for studying abroad?

I mostly focused on developing my research theme, as I wanted to proceed to the PhD and complete my PhD program within the set time period.
 

• How was your life in Japan?

I definitely have had many great experiences here. Having studied Japanese culture before visiting definitely made living here and experiencing everything in real life more special. Of course, there have been ups and downs, but being a student in Japan was definitely a wonderful experience. Thanks to MEXT, I didn’t need to worry about school fees, and the scholarship even gave me the leeway to explore different regions of Japan, to experience and learn things from different sensei outside of the university, which made the experience even richer.
  

• What is your current job, and where do you see yourself in your future career?

Currently I work as an assistant professor at Bunka Gakuen University.
I hope to remain in academia for a while, and to continue researching kimono and its developments in history and the present. I hope to spread more knowledge about kimono through multiple media not just limited to the academic world though, and hope to reach a wider audience so that more people will get to know kimono, its fashion system and its wonderful culture.
Part-time I work for NHK world, where I am a reporter for programs such as Trails to Oishii Tokyo and Dive in Tokyo. I hope to continue doing this work too, and hope to be able to develop a program introducing kimono culture too in the future.
 

• Could you leave a message for those who are aiming to study in Japan or interested in applying for the MEXT Scholarship?

Follow your dreams and don’t give up. When you get the scholarship, make the most out of your time in Japan. Learn and experience as much as you can, so you can become a bridge for both countries. But don’t forget to treasure each moment.