Dr. Benjamin Amoah, who stayed in Japan from January 27, 2019 to February 11, 2019 as a special visiting lecturer of ASC-TUFS, wrote his essay about his experience in Japan. During his short stay, he gave lectures for undergraduate students of TUFS as a winter intensive course, and at two seminars, one at TUFS and the other at Kyoto University. It was a great opportunity for us to welcome him because we could strengthen our network as Africanists, and also he gave students new perspectives on their studies. I hope he can come back here soon and stay longer.

Here is his essay.

I am a Research Collaborator to Dr. Kazue Demachi. The purpose of my visit was to serve as a Foreign Researcher and Guest lecturer of Development Finance in the winter intensive seminar. My trip was sponsored by the African Studies Center (ASC) of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS).

I arrived at Haneda Airport late night to a welcoming cool breeze in the month of January, as a first timer is Japan coming from the tropical region of the world. The cold weather implied was my first experience, nonetheless the nice limousine drive from the airport to my arrival hotel at Mikata where I had a good night sleep relaxed me to the wonderful period I stayed in Japan.

The following day I had to go through arrival official formalities at African Studies Center (ASC), this was really quick as everything had been arranged awaiting my arrival and confirmation. In no time all I needed to function as a guest lecturer under the ASC was supplied and I could fit into the system, an indication of Japanese efficiency.