Your Guide to Meiji

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Adrian Morris

Alabama United States of America, Madison
School of Global Japanese Studies- 4th year
1 Year Exchange Student from University of Alabama

Oh-Meiji, Oh-Meiji

Adrian Morris
F

rom childhood, I’ve always been connected to Japan and Japanese sub-culture. I remember watching Speed Racer and Gatchaman on Cartoon Network and thinking they were American made cartoons. The term anime did not exist for me then. Later games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man infiltrated my daily life, yet I was still unaware Japan was changing my life. Finally, as I entered high school I began reading mainstream manga like Naruto and Death Note. Japanese sub-culture has been present throughout my life and shaping the way I view the world and the vision of my future.

I’ve always been a plain country boy from Madison, Alabama in America. I spent my time playing sports, playing video games, and unknowingly watching anime. However, I spent majority of the time playing video games and baseball.

Studying Japanese did not factor into my life until I entered college at the University of Alabama. I entered the beginners Japanese class with no intention of continuing. I never wanted to translate manga, anime, or games; but I wanted to see what learning the language was like. However, I continued to take Japanese classes. Long story short, I am now studying as an exchange student at Meiji University in the Department of Global Japanese Studies.

I chose Meiji not because of its high rank, but because it was one the only school Alabama had an exchange with in Tokyo. In fact, I’m the first student from Alabama to study at Meiji. My connection with Japanese sub-culture, or Cool Japan, is what has led me to Japan. Since high school I decided to study toward becoming a game designer. Studying in Tokyo has kept me close to the center of Japanese video game culture and the industry itself.

Being in Japan has opened my perspectives on story and design because of Japan’s distinct look and culture. Nothing captures Tokyo’s partly moss, stone neon lit buildings scattered throughout the city. I enjoy seeing the city breath green and gray while I’m riding the train. You feel as if the past, present, and future have been connected. It’s inspiring.

I live in Meiji’s Izumi International House which is located 5 minutes from Shinjuku and 10 minutes from Shibuya. Because of this easy access to the JR Yamanote train line I’ve been able to move throughout Tokyo’s wards and explore. While I still haven’t explored every ward, I’ve been visiting video game studios.

Each studio has lead me to a different ward in Tokyo. My most exciting memories have come from visiting these companies who have given me years of memorable adventures. Many are scattered throughout Tokyo and trying not to become lost while locating them via Google Maps or my cell phone taught me how to navigate the train lines and the city.

Visiting Cyber Connect 2 led me to Oimachi in Shinagawa-ku. I was fortunate to talk with the president in Japanese for about 15 minutes. It wasn’t perfect, but I was able to convey my thanks to him and his staff along with presenting them with souvenirs from Alabama. A thought I’ve always had is that I want to be able to work with other designers and convey my opinions to them without a translator. This was the first time I saw my dream. Other studios I’ve visited include From Software, Square-Enix, Q Games, UTV Ignition Entertainment, and while I was in Korea I went to Pentavision.

These are moments you can’t replace, and they are moments that can allow you to pursue your dreams and careers if you want. I’m grateful for these opportunities.

Meiji has a many circles, or clubs, students can join. I recommend you join a circle. It’s a great way to make friends who share a common interest, learn the language and culture, and explore more of Tokyo. If you can join take one of Meiji’s zemi classes, or seminar class, you’ll be rewarded as well. While both are hard work, they are fun and expand you knowledge. Learning should be fun.

The circle I joined, Level-Up, was formed to unite those who want to create games, and together we create games. I can honestly say these are my closest Japanese friends that I will be connected to for life. They are the reason I want to return to Japan and work. My zemi, led by Yukari Fujimoto Sensei, has taught me more about manga analysis, manga culture, business, and manga characteristics than I ever thought existed.

For a person who has only traveled across the world once, flown twice, and only visited 6 southern states, life in Japan has been rewarding. I’ve seen Goku, Ichigo, and Naruto’s voice actors stand on the same stage and wish me Merry Christmas, I’ve seen the city lights of Hakodate in Hokkaido, I’ve walked the streets of Densha Otoko, and finally confirmed the existence of the Gundam RX-78. I thank God for the chance to study abroad.

Even with the ups and downs you will experience continue to work hard and face each challenge piece by piece. Japan is a big puzzle worth piecing together.

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