PEARL Student Voices Hankun (Will) Zhou

I’d go with the seminar system, or what we often refer to as “zemi” in Japanese. It’s basically a small, specialized class led by one professor that you stick with for about two years, usually during your junior and senior years. Most students apply for a zemi in their sophomore year, and once you’re in, it becomes a big part of your academic life.

The seminar (zemi) system is designed to help students start their academic research journey with clear direction and purpose. Over the two-year program, students are gradually introduced to research methods and gain a deeper understanding of their field. This experience helps them decide whether they want to continue their studies, such as pursuing a master’s degree. Zemi classes also include regular presentations, giving students many chances to improve their communication skills by presenting their ideas, learning from experience, listening to others, and receiving feedback from both professors and classmates. Each zemi brings together both junior and senior students, creating a great environment to meet new people and build connections beyond your usual circle.

In addition, the zemi professor usually acts as your academic advisor for your graduation thesis. By completing the seminar and successfully finishing your thesis, students earn 12 credits over two years, or roughly the equivalent of six regular courses.

I decided to join one because of my strong interest in economics and my desire to engage in academic research. I also wanted to challenge myself to produce a graduation thesis so that I would have something I could look back on with pride as a meaningful achievement from my undergraduate years.

As for why I chose Professor Sasahara’s seminar in particular, it was largely influenced by my experience in his International Economics course during my sophomore year at Hiyoshi campus. I found him to be an excellent instructor. He explains complex concepts clearly, is good at communicating in English, and brings a lot of enthusiasm to his teaching. His classes were both engaging and easy to follow, which made learning enjoyable. Because of that experience, I felt confident that joining his zemi would be a great opportunity to continue learning under his guidance over the next two years, especially while working on research projects and my graduation thesis.

Learning in Professor Sasahara’s seminar is a gradual, step-by-step process. In our junior year, we focus on empirical research, especially econometrics, through small group projects. Working in teams allows us to collaborate closely, solve problems in real time, and learn through trial and error.

As I mentioned earlier, the seminar is highly presentation-based. Each group presents several times each semester, receiving feedback from both classmates and the professor. We also learn by observing senior students’ presentations, which helps us understand how to approach research questions and structure our work.

As we build our skills, the format shifts. In senior year, we move on to writing an individual graduation thesis with greater independence. While junior-year topics are selected from options provided by Professor Sasahara, thesis topics are self-chosen, subject to his approval.

In terms of structure, the first five or six sessions are lecture-based, covering econometrics and practical tools like Stata and LaTeX. After that, classes mainly revolve around student presentations, with occasional lectures on topics such as thesis writing and using AI in research.

Overall, the seminar leans more toward discussion and interaction than lectures. Students are actively engaged, and the atmosphere is supportive and collaborative. Professor Sasahara is approachable, and the group maintains a strong sense of community through activities like informal monthly dinners.

Professor Sasahara’s seminar has taught me a lot, both academically and personally. I’ve built a solid foundation in econometrics and research, and through group work, I’ve also learned how to collaborate, stay organized, and solve problems with others.

The hardest part was getting started with research. At first, I felt completely lost, especially using tools like Stata for regression analysis. It took a lot of trial and error, and I learned by making mistakes. I still have plenty to improve, but once you get used to the process, it becomes much more manageable.

The most rewarding moments are when everything finally clicks—when your model works and you get meaningful results. That sense of progress makes all the effort worth it.

If you’re on the fence about joining a seminar, I’d say it’s definitely worth considering. If there’s a professor whose classes or research interest you, go for it. Professor Sasahara's seminar has been a really valuable and memorable part of my university experience.

(This interview is from April 2026.)