MEcon/DEcon（英語によるプログラム）修了生の声

One of the main factors influencing my decision to study at SU was the presence of highly reputable faculty members with extensive experience not only in academia but also in policy-oriented research. I was particularly impressed by their research, which addresses real-world economic challenges in developing countries. Additionally, I had found the high level of support provided by the International Office and the rich opportunities to experience Japanese culture at SU. During my time at SU, I developed valuable professional skills and significantly expanded my global network. I formed lifelong friendships with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Studying at SU has truly enriched my life, broadening both my personal and professional horizons through meaningful connections with both Japanese and international students.

Policymakers in resource-rich countries frequently face substantial fluctuations in fiscal revenue and need to design appropriate mechanisms to manage and stabilize fiscal dynamics. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of fiscal policy effectiveness is essential for informed policy formulation. In my research, I focused on evaluating the effectiveness of fiscal policy in supporting macroeconomic stabilization in resource-rich economies. To offer practical insights, my research explores the fiscal frameworks and policy outcomes in resource-rich, small open economies through a series of empirical studies. One key finding from my work is that fiscal measures aimed at enhancing the supply side--particularly through increased public investment and reduced labor taxation--tend to yield more favorable outcomes for long-term macroeconomic stability than demand-side measures such as household subsidies, lower consumption taxes, or increased government consumption.

Furthermore, I also conducted an analysis of Natural Resource Funds (NRFs) across 41 resource-rich countries to evaluate how effectively these funds have achieved their designated objectives. My study categorizes NRFs into three types--stabilization, investment, and savings--and finds that governance quality is a critical factor in the success of each fund type. High levels of governance significantly improve the likelihood that these funds will fulfill their intended purposes.

I had the honor of being mentored by Professor Hiroyuki Taguchi, a highly respected economist with extensive experience at the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan, where he was responsible for shaping national economic policies, and served as the Vice President of the Policy Research Institute at the Ministry of Finance, Japan. His rare combination of practical expertise and academic insight greatly enriched my learning. Although the core direction of my research remained steady, his deep knowledge and experience helped me explore the subject more systematically. From formulating research questions to publishing in academic journals, I benefited from consistent guidance through regular meetings and direct communication. He provided support at every stage - research proposal development, methodology selection, data analysis, preliminary findings, workshops, and journal submission. As a result, I have acquired substantial knowledge in my field during this academic journey.

Throughout my research, I have developed strong analytical and empirical skills by conducting various studies assessing real-world policy issues. Estimation techniques and simulation tools which I applied and mastered through my research have significantly strengthened my ability to evaluate policy effectiveness using both theoretical frameworks and practical evidence. Moreover, the research enhanced my capacity for critical thinking, policy analysis, and data interpretation - skills that are essential for making sound economic and development policy. I also gained valuable insights into the importance of governance in achieving fiscal policy goals, which deepened my appreciation for the institutional dimensions of economic stability. Therefore, this research journey has not only enriched my academic knowledge but also prepared me to engage with practical policy challenges, making meaningful contributions to the field of development economics and public finance.

My decision to pursue studies at Saitama University, and more broadly, to embark on a journey to Japan, stems from a childhood experience that has left an important impact on my life. When I was nine years old, I had the opportunity to take part in the student exchange/homestay program to Sapporo, Hokkaido, facilitated by the Nairamdal International Children's Center. This eye-opening experience has sparked a lifelong aspiration to return to Japan for my education. Among the universities in Japan, Saitama University emerged as the ideal choice. Its distinguished faculty, whose expertise resonates with my research interests, captured my attention. Furthermore, the university's involvement in the JDS scholarship program, which I am fortunate to be a part of, enhances the feasibility of my educational pursuit.

The title of my research was "Exploring the Role of Central Bank Independence and Monetary Policy Communication in Achieving Price Stability." The significant contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis, which not only considered Mongolia's unique circumstances but also incorporated data from various other countries. My prior experience working at the Bank of Mongolia provided invaluable insights for this research. The study aimed to understand the impact of central bank independence and monetary policy communication on the deviation of Consumer Price Index-measured inflation from the central bank's target. To achieve this, we employed a relatively novel approach--the IAPOC index. This index comprised 225 questions categorized under three main pillars. This research specifically focused on two pillars, namely 'Independence and Accountability' and 'Communications.' A total of 182 questions from these pillars were meticulously analyzed, offering a detailed and nuanced perspective on the subject.

During my pursuit of a master's degree in economics at Saitama University, I had the privilege of being mentored by Professor Nakagawa Shinobu, a distinguished economist with an impressive background, boasting over 30 years of experience at the Bank of Japan, including a senior role, and an accomplished tenure as a senior economist at the IMF. While the initial research direction remained consistent, my supervisor's invaluable guidance prompted a deeper exploration of my investigations. These efforts culminated in the honor of presenting my research at the 2023 research conference of the Bank of Mongolia. I am pleased to share that my work achieved second place at the conference, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey.

I had certain experience working with various statistical software tools prior to this research. However, during the course of my study, I delved deeper into these packages and their user tools,

enhancing my proficiency. Additionally, the advanced econometric course, coupled with extensive reading materials, proved instrumental in constructing my model and addressing issues related to heteroscedasticity, skewness, and kurtosis.

Even though the findings are inconclusive, the result indicates that central bank independence and monetary policy communication contribute to monetary policy decision-making and implementation. Notably, the statistical significance of both variables increased when the policy rate was applied. This underscores the importance for central banks in respective countries to not only maintain but also strengthen their independence and communication strategies, thereby enhancing the transmission of monetary policy. Moreover, a key insight gained from the research is the recommendation for central banks to adopt a unified approach to defining core inflation indicators. This approach not only improves the efficacy of policy interventions but also facilitates meaningful cross-country analysis.

I decided to study at Saitama University's graduate school for several compelling reasons.

First and foremost, the university's commitment to academic excellence and the high quality of its teaching were major factors in my decision. Saitama University has a strong reputation for delivering a top-notch education, and I was particularly impressed by the dedication of the faculty members in ensuring that students receive a rigorous and well-rounded education.

Additionally, the support provided by the International Office played a crucial role in my choice. The staff at the International Office were incredibly helpful and patient in addressing my inquiries and concerns. Their willingness to assist and their responsiveness to questions demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that international students have a smooth transition and a positive academic experience.

Studying at Saitama University also presented a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture. I was excited about the chance to explore Japan's rich cultural heritage, learn the language, and engage with the local community. This cultural exposure adds an enriching dimension to my educational journey.

Furthermore, the professors at Saitama University are known for their dedication to their research topics. Their commitment to advancing knowledge in their respective fields was inspiring to me. I believe that working alongside such dedicated scholars would provide me with valuable insights and a stimulating intellectual environment for my research pursuits.

In conclusion, Saitama University's strong academic reputation, the exceptional support from the International Office, the opportunity to explore Japanese culture, and the commitment of the professors to their research topics all contributed to my decision to study at this esteemed institution. I am confident that my time at Saitama University will be a rewarding experience.

I conducted my research on the evolving relationship between brands and consumers in the context of the e-commerce era. Specifically, I explored how this relationship has changed and how consumers perceive and measure brands in the digital age. To investigate these questions, I employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to test the hypotheses I had formulated.

The research process was both rigorous and intricate. It began with the careful selection of the research topic and the development of research questions. From there, I collected and analyzed data, conducted surveys, and engaged in structured interviews. These methods allowed me to gain comprehensive insights into the changing dynamics of brand-consumer relationships.

Through this research experience, I learned that conducting research is a meticulous and demanding endeavor. It requires unwavering dedication and substantial effort, from the initial stages of selecting a research topic to the later phases of writing and presenting the research findings. It has also reinforced my belief in the importance of perseverance and continuous learning, especially for those who aspire to work in research-related fields.

I always regard it as my honor to enter SU, it had always been my dream university. With excellent and gentle professors, superior geographical location, beautiful campus environment and friendly atmosphere towards international students, SU is the best public university in Saitama prefecture and is one of the 5S universities in Japan.

The school is very humanistic, it has not only provided me with air ticket subsidies, but also tuition free scholarships and JASSO government scholarships. My study in Japan has been accompanied by the comprehensive and generous support of government schools and tutors , I am very grateful for all this.

My research topic is the main factors that affect the inflow of foreign direct investment into the market in China. It focuses on the impact of market size, labor cost, education investment, scientific research investment and industrial structure on China's foreign direct investment.

My research plan when I was enrolled and my current graduation thesis did not share the same topic. After one year of basic knowledge learning, I had great curiosity about the FDI research direction recommended by my tutor, So I decided to make it my research topic and explore it further.

The research process starts from the understanding of basic knowledge and the determination of key words of the research project. After consulting a lot of literature including several times of finding and solving calculation errors, I finally determined the model. In order to provide enough data for the model to obtain the most accurate research results, I searched for a large number of professional and accurate data through various channels. During the inspection of the model, I found and solved some problems with the help of my tutor. The final model results are generally in line with expectations, but there are also some unexpected results. Both of them were very enlightening to me and provided me enough logical support to complete the summary of the paper and the writing of policy recommendations.

For the record, as for the graduation thesis, every seminar held with my tutor has benefited me a lot. I enjoyed learning interesting knowledge and rigorous scientific research logic. If I have the opportunity, I will certainly choose to discuss and study academic issues with Mr. Asada.

As we all know, Japan has a fast-paced working atmosphere that may conflict with my study in time.

I am still in a freelance state and have enough time for study and research. If I need to find a formal job, I will first choose a job related to my major, which can greatly reduce my distraction. I will also avoid work that requires a large number of business trips or long-term overtime at night. Sufficient time is necessary for research and learning.

Fortunately, I have already adapted it in China. From May to August in 2021, I completed my internship in a state-owned enterprise in Shanghai. The work was very busy, but I was also successfully studying for a master's degree while completing my work tasks. Just like some professors have other social identities and jobs outside the campus, I believe that with excellent time management and diligence, I can also balance work and study well.

I consider the research experience of master's study as a great wealth for me. I have not only expanded a lot of knowledge about the economy and gained a deeper understanding of the country's public policies, but also deepened my understanding of the world, which makes me feel very enlightening. Moreover, it has also cultivated my ability to solve problems.

The process of research is the process of my further self-development through thinking and applying knowledge: observe the laws of world economic development, find interesting problems, then search for relevant information, integrate resources, analyze problems, find out my knowledge deficiencies, conduct purposeful learning, and finally solve problems.

For example, when my model results showed that one of the factors affecting the inflow of FDI in China does not match my early prediction, I was confused. Then I realized that in the previous prediction and estimation, I may have neglected some variables and influencing factors. After reviewing a lot of materials and discussing with my tutor, I finally solved my doubts and found new ideas in the later paper writing.

This is not only about academic research itself, but also the process of my self-training and becoming a problem solver, which enables me to solve problems rationally and systematically when encountering difficulties and challenges. Academic problems are also the epitome of life problems. I believe that in the process of becoming an excellent scholar, I am also becoming an excellent social person. I cherish the opportunity of further in-depth study and self-improvement, and always look forward to new challenges.

I chose to enter graduate school immediately after graduating from my university because I like the major of studying in college and it's a wise choice to keep that passion alive. Besides, I can have a better acquirement of professional knowledge of micro and macroeconomics as well as international trade while studying in the graduate school of humanities and social sciences at Saitama University. The truth is from these courses not only can I improve my understanding of the frontier issue in the economic field but I met more students from countries all over the world with different backgrounds, which totally enriched my daily life and multi cultural knowledge.

I did interesting research in a branch of the smart aging field. To be more specific, I want to explore how well the aging people understand the way the young generation use to travel. For example, do elderly people know how to use a car-hailing application such as uber in the United States or DIDI in China? Also, if they know can they use these applications smoothly? What kind of factors will make them feel more comfortable adopting this kind of car-hailing service?

From this research, I know how to design a reasonable questionnaire and how to use data analysis software to screen, process and analyze the information obtained from my survey. In addition, I also read a lot of papers in the process of writing the thesis. From this perspective, I can have a general understanding of the development of the car-hailing field in different countries. In the process of reading the literature, I also learned how to quickly find the data and materials that I may need. Most importantly, my supervisor gave me a lot of useful advice during my two-year research, and I think it is very necessary to keep a regular communication with supervisor to make sure the research going to a right direction.