New Year, New Connections: MEXT Scholars Came Together in Kansai & Tokyo
NewYear, New Connections: MEXT Scholars Came Together in Kansai & Tokyo
Starting a new year in Japan can be exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel quiet, cold, and a little lonely, especially when you’re far from home. That’s exactly why the MEXTScholars Association (MSA) kicked off with New Year gatherings in two regions—Kansai and Tokyo—to remind us that we’re not alone in this journey.
And what followed? Warm conversations, new friendships, lots of laughter, and the kind of comfort that only fellow scholars truly understand. Some were genuinely surprised by how many MEXT scholars live nearby—proof that sometimes, community is closer than we think.
Kansai Region: Snow Outside, Warmth Inside
Venue: Ten Shiba Gate, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
⏰ Time: 5pm onwards
Despite it being the coldest and snowiest day of the season, the Kansai New Year Gathering saw an amazing turnout- 29 out of 32 registered participants (around 90%)showed up. That alone says a lot about how much people wanted to connect.
We began outdoors with a short introduction about:
->The event
->The newly formed Kansai MSA team
->Future plans for the region
Everyone introduced themselves, followed by a super fun icebreaker session led by our Vice-Head, Andrés, which instantly set a relaxed and friendly tone.
Tokyo Region: First Meet, Lasting Impressions
Venue: Hobgoblin Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
⏰ Time: 8pm onwards
The Tokyo New Year Gathering took place atHobgoblin, and the response was just as encouraging.
All 25 seats were filled, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
The special perk was that the first 10 people to arrive received a FREE drink.
But, everyone got MSA merch—pins, keychains, stickers. Since people arrived at different times, a brief introduction was given about 40 minutes into the event, explaining the purpose of MSA and why gatherings like these matter.
Most attendees were Master’s and PhD students, many of them, in their first year in Japan or attending their first-ever MSA event, and judging by the smiles and energy in the room, it certainly won’t be their last.
Once inside the venue, the evening naturally turned into hours of conversations—about research, life in Japan, homesickness, food, travel, and everything in between.Although the event officially ended early, most people stayed back until late, simply lost in conversations and laughter!
🌱 Why Events Like TheseMatter:
Events like these aren’t just about food or venues.
They’re about finding people who get it; turning unfamiliar cities into friendly spaces and building a support system beyond the lab or classroom.
📸Photos from both events say it best—smiles, conversations, and a room full of scholars who showed up for each other.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant to attend an event—this is your sign. Come as you are. You might just leave with new friends, new confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Here’s to more gatherings, more regions, and a stronger MSA community acrossJapan.
See you at the next one. 😊
WhereScholars Connect: The Purpose Behind MSA Gatherings
At the heart of these gatherings is the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA)—a community built to ensure that the MEXT journey is not just academically enriching, but also personally meaningful. MSA exists to encourage scholars and alumni to share their stories, challenges, and successes, creating a space where experiences turn into learning and connections turn into lifelong networks. By bringing together scholars, alumni, and wider stakeholders through social and cultural events, we aim to foster international understanding beyond classrooms and laboratories. Events like the New Year Gatherings in Kansai andTokyo reflect this vision in action: they create moments where strangers become friends, where isolation gives way to belonging, and where a diverse group of scholars begins to feel like a global family—empowered to grow, collaborate, and lead positive change together.
