Discovering What You Love in a Multicultural Environment
APU Student Portfolios
PROFILE
Ato Kakikawa
*Interview conducted in January 2026.
A University Where Learning Has No Limits Taught Me the Importance of Self-Management.
The Challenges I Faced Abroad Became Opportunities for Growth Through a Change in Perspective.
JOURNEY
The Journey to Discovering What I Love
- Child Born in the United States and Developed an Interest in Life Abroad
- JH/HS Studied Abroad in Hong Kong and Was Drawn to the Beauty of High Fashion
- Enter APU Chose APU for Its International Environment
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APU
Year 1 Developed an Interest in Marketing and Entrepreneurship -
APU
Year 2 Pursued Marketing as a Way to Create Value -
APU
Year 3 Studied People, Human Resources, and Organizational Behavior in France -
APU
Year 4 Joined Professor Kamei’s Seminar, a Leading Expert in Marketing
What were you like in high school?
I was born in the United States and spent part of my childhood there, which sparked a lasting interest in life abroad. As a result, I chose to attend a high school that emphasized foreign language education. During high school, I spent one year studying in Hong Kong, where I was immersed in an English-speaking environment. That experience helped me develop strong self-management skills and become more independent. In addition, after attending a fashion show, I became fascinated by the beauty and creativity of the world of high fashion.
What made you decide to enroll at APU?
While studying in Hong Kong, I took business classes that inspired me to learn more about the field, and I initially planned to attend a university in the United States. However, I had to abandon that plan because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, I heard that APU graduates were doing exceptionally well at a company where my father worked, which sparked my interest in the university. With its internationally accredited business programs and student body made up of around 50% international students, I found myself naturally drawn to APU and decided to enroll.
How did you find university learning different from learning in high school?
I believe that university comes with greater freedom and more opportunities to develop expertise, but also greater responsibility. To maintain the quality of your learning, there are times when you need to take the initiative to approach professors with questions or seek advice. You must also manage deadlines, prioritize tasks, and allocate your time effectively. Through these experiences, I learned to take greater responsibility for my own education.
Did your interests change or expand after enrolling at APU?
I had always been interested in marketing and entrepreneurship. As I expanded my knowledge through my studies, I gradually realized that marketing was the path I wanted to pursue. I came to understand that marketing is not simply about selling products or services. It is a field that creates and delivers value while contributing to the growth of both businesses and society. This is what I find most appealing and rewarding about it. Through case-study-based learning, where I applied the knowledge I had gained in class, I was exposed to diverse ways of thinking. These experiences not only helped me grow but also motivated me to continue learning and developing my skills.
What was the most memorable experience during your time at university?
One of the most memorable experiences during my time at university was my one-year exchange program in France, where the Luxury Management course I had specifically hoped to take was ultimately not offered. Although I was initially disappointed and close to giving up on my original plan, I chose to change my perspective. Before leaving for France, I had taken a course on human resources and organizations that I found particularly engaging, so I decided to focus my studies on topics related to people, such as human resources and organizational behavior. This experience taught me that, by changing your perspective, you can discover valuable opportunities even in unexpected situations. It was a significant realization that I could only have gained through experiencing the challenge firsthand.
What Classes or Professors Influenced Your Choice of Undergraduate Thesis Topic?
In Professor Kamei’s seminar, I had the valuable opportunity to propose marketing strategies directly to advertising agencies and their clients. The experience showed me that real-world business is far less straightforward than I had expected, and it made me keenly aware of the gap between academic theory and practice. This inspired me to include a practical dimension in my undergraduate thesis as well as an academic one.
What did you write your graduation thesis on?
My thesis explored how the rise of social media has led consumers to increasingly avoid content that is clearly identifiable as advertising, and examined how brands can encourage more posts and engagement that enhance their image in a natural and authentic way. Since I had already secured a position in the fashion industry, I chose a research topic that would be directly relevant to my future career and professional interests.
How do you reflect on your four years at APU?
I have become much more likely to ask myself “why” about everyday events and interactions with others. I now take an interest in things that I might once have overlooked, think more deeply about them, and often share those thoughts with the people around me.
Another fond memory is the year I spent at AP House, the student dormitory, after leaving my hometown. We stayed up late helping each other with assignments, shared meals, woke our friends up in the morning, and supported one another in countless ways. Looking back, it was the place where I built the foundation for my university life and created some of my most meaningful memories.
What are your plans after graduation, and what are your goals for the future?
I will be joining a Japanese fashion brand, where I hope to play a role in connecting Japan with the global market. While supporting smooth communication and business relationships with overseas clients and partners, I also aspire to bring new perspectives and approaches to the industry's PR and marketing efforts whenever the opportunity arises.
Do you have a message for prospective students?
APU supports students in taking on challenges for the sake of learning and personal growth, rather than for job hunting or external recognition. Thanks to that environment, I was able to grow freely and pursue what truly interested me. Challenges are not the only measure of success, but I encourage you to value yourself, explore your interests and passions, and fully enjoy your time as a student.