Discovering What You Love in a Multicultural Environment
APU Student Portfolios
PROFILE
Kazuki Hirasawa
*Interview conducted in January 2026.
A University Experience That Transformed My Perspective and Expanded My Horizons.
Surrounded by Countless Seeds of Curiosity, I Gained Real-Life Experiences and Moved on to the Next Step.
JOURNEY
The Journey to Discovering What I Love
-
Grade
10 Participated in an Exchange Program at a High School in Canada -
Grade
10-12 Transferred to N High School in Search of a New Environment - Enter APU Entered APU, Where Diversity Thrives
-
APU
Year 1 Discovered the Fascination of Mathematics Through “Introduction to Economics” -
APU
Year 2 Rediscovered My Interest in Languages During University Life -
APU
Year 3 Realized the Importance of English During My Exchange Program in Taiwan -
APU
Year 4 Researched English-Focused Startups in Professor Fujita’s Seminar
What were you like in high school?
During my first year of high school, I spent two months at a Canadian high school through an exchange program. The experience opened my eyes to a wider world, and I later transferred to N High School in search of a new environment where I could be myself. Although I sometimes felt restricted by the mindset that academic performance is the most important measure of success, which still exists in Japan, I was optimistic that I could handle university entrance exams if I worked hard enough. While enjoying my favorite video games, I paced my studies and daily life on my own and earned the credits needed to graduate.
What made you decide to enroll at APU?
My father encouraged me to apply to APU. Since diversity is an integral part of the university's culture, I felt that even my somewhat unconventional background would be welcomed there. After enrolling, I truly realized how much freedom students have to pursue their interests. There were countless engaging classes, and during my first year, every experience felt fresh and eye-opening.
What was the most memorable class you took after enrolling at APU?
“Introduction to Economics.” I was fascinated by the idea that human behavior, such as consumption patterns, could be represented and analyzed through numbers. Things that had always seemed abstract to me suddenly became tangible and understandable, which was incredibly rewarding. Mathematics was not a subject I had been particularly good at, but that may be why I was so impressed by its ability to explain the world. The course also taught me an important lesson: even if something is not your strength, perseverance can help you overcome the challenge.
How did your interests evolve after that?
University life gave me countless opportunities to encounter new ideas and experiences that became the seeds of my interests. I have always loved languages, so in addition to the required English courses, I also took classes in Korean and Chinese. I enjoyed discovering the unique beauty of each language and culture. I also remember being pleasantly surprised at how much I could communicate when I went out for meals with my Korean friends. Those kinds of discoveries and moments of joy made learning languages especially rewarding for me.
What experience during your time at university led to a major realization for you?
My exchange program in Taiwan during the first semester of my third year was one of the most transformative experiences of my university life. Whether in academics or business, it made me realize just how important English is. That realization eventually led me to research startups with a focus on English. Moreover, through interactions with people who had experienced worlds I had never known, I came to appreciate the wide range of possibilities available for my future career path.
Was there a particular course or professor that inspired the topic of your graduation thesis?
In the first semester of my fourth year, I took a required course called Global Management (Capstone), in which students work alongside industry professionals to solve real business challenges. Through this course, I came to appreciate the importance of data analysis and learned that even when people speak different languages, discussions can progress smoothly when they are grounded in a common set of visible numbers. This experience further deepened my interest in data-driven decision-making. Since I was also a member of Professor Masanori Fujita’s seminar, where startup businesses are a key area of research, choosing a thesis topic related to startups was a natural step. I ultimately decided to use data analysis as the primary methodology for my research.
What did you write your graduation thesis on?
I researched the factors that contribute to startup success using a quantitative approach, analyzing country-level data and evaluating outcomes through numerical measures. In particular, I focused on the impact of English proficiency and examined how it influences startup performance across different countries.
How do you reflect on your four years at APU?
When it comes to my outlook on life, it may sound like a cliché, but university taught me just how vast the world really is. Before coming to APU, differences in perspectives and customs among international students were something I understood only in abstract terms. However, by interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and building mutual understanding, I gained a much clearer and deeper understanding of how others see the world. It felt as though the resolution through which I viewed things had been greatly sharpened.
Another significant area of growth was becoming able to think more concretely about my goals and future. I learned to identify what I needed to do to achieve them and what kinds of support would help me along the way.
What are your plans after graduation, and what are your goals for the future?
I will pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom, where I plan to learn how to apply the data analysis skills and research experience I have developed to real-world business contexts. As for what lies beyond that, I still do not know for certain, but I am excited to see how graduate school will broaden my perspectives and help me continue to grow and evolve.
Do you have a message for prospective students?
APU is a place where you can gain truly real-life experiences. Everyone here comes from different backgrounds and follows their own path, so even if you fail once or twice, it is never the end of the world. It is also perfectly okay if you do not yet know what you want to do in the future. What matters most is the environment you choose, the people you meet, and the experiences you have. If you stay committed to what is in front of you and do your best each day, opportunities will open up and your path will gradually become clear.