What’s your background?
I’m a creative director specialising in brand identities inspired by Japanese culture, travel, and nature. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in spatial design at Musashino Art University, I founded my own design company and have since worked on museum exhibitions, hotel development, and regional branding projects. While studying on the IPM, I continued managing projects remotely in Japan.
I began learning English after turning 30 and joined the IPM at 32. I’m fairly sure that my IELTS score was the lowest of anybody in the class at the time — but I can now study at postgraduate level, which shows how effective IPM is.
Why did you choose to study IPM at UCL?
To study at a UK postgraduate level, you need a very specific type of academic English that you cannot acquire through language schools or online lessons in your home country. I spent three months at a language school in London but soon realised it wasn’t enough to reach an academic standard.
Determined to progress to a UK Master’s, I searched for a programme that would strengthen my academic English, and that’s how I found IPM. Unlike many who apply after submitting Master’s applications, I applied mainly to gain the academic experience itself. After speaking with alumni, I became convinced that UCL’s IPM was the most rigorous and serious option. Its central London location — convenient, safe and enjoyable — was another major attraction.
How is the UK education system different to your home country?
It felt completely different. Compared with the Japanese system, UK education is much more interactive. If you sit passively and wait to be called on, you miss many learning opportunities — something that Japanese students often struggle with.
At IPM, small and diverse classes of non-native speakers created a supportive environment for practising active participation. I also learned the importance of presentations, group work, and academic writing in English. Many skills expected at UK postgraduate level were not part of my previous education, so I was grateful to develop them before starting my Master’s degree.
Which degree are you studying now and what is it like?
I’m now studying the Anthropology and Professional Practice MSc at UCL, where I explore how anthropological thinking and methods can be applied in the design industry.
Classes are typically seminar-based. We read several academic papers in advance and then discuss them with the lecturer. The most challenging part is contributing actively in fast-paced discussions with native English speakers. To keep up, I prepare thoroughly, read critically, and connect theories to my professional experience.
My English is still a work in progress, but I treat graduate school as an extension of IPM. I never rely on Japanese translations, I read everything in English, and I use AI tools effectively. What I enjoy most is how immediately applicable the learning is — I use it directly in my design practice and in the classes I teach at a Japanese university.
How has the IPM helped you in your degree?
The postgraduate programme is demanding, and I don’t think I could have managed it without IPM. The course taught me how to read academic papers efficiently, manage references with Zotero, organise ideas through mind mapping, and build strong foundations in critical thinking, presentations, academic writing, and group work. Many theories and key terms I now encounter were first introduced during IPM.
The programme gave me a balanced combination of transferable skills, practical knowledge, and the academic mindset needed for postgraduate success. If it sounds like I’m advertising IPM, it’s only because it genuinely helped me.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the IPM and how did you overcome it?
Balancing work and study was by far the biggest challenge. I continued working remotely for clients in Japan, which was extremely demanding due to the time difference. I worked from early morning, attended classes during the day, and spent evenings doing both work and study.
Ideally, I should have been fully immersed in English, but switching constantly between Japanese and English limited my exposure. Still, I achieved high scores and graduated with distinction. One strategy that helped was creating AI-generated podcasts summarising lectures and readings, which I listened to during any free moment — commuting, cooking, even in the bath.
For professionals considering IPM, I strongly recommend taking a break from work if possible. Without a job, the workload is manageable, and you have more time to enjoy societies, public lectures, and other experiences that make UCL special.
What advice would you give to future IPM students?
If your listening skills need improvement, start preparing early using British English resources — BBC Learning English, or even entertainment shows like The Traitors. Listening is the one skill you cannot “pause” or check during class, and recordings are not allowed.
Arrive in London at least two weeks before the course starts. You’ll need time to settle, find accommodation, and buy essentials. Some classmates had serious housing issues and had to move during IPM, which was very stressful.
It’s also important to build good relationships with classmates. We had home parties, lunches and café meetups, which became some of my favourite memories. Don’t stay only with people from your own country; getting to know classmates from different backgrounds helps you develop the open-mindedness needed for studying and living in the UK.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?
I had very little free time, but I still enjoyed everyday moments of life in London: parks, brick alleys, quiet churches where you can have tea, and small galleries. Even an ordinary walk feels special in this city.
Near my home was a lovely canal, and one of my favourite memories is sitting there with classmates, all of us toasting together. Even without attending many events, simple moments like walking, cooking, or having tea with friends made my time meaningful.
Where did you live during the IPM, and how was your experience?
I lived alone in private accommodation, which suited me because I’m an introvert and needed a quiet space to recharge. Many students enjoy shared housing for the social aspect, so it depends on your personality.
I chose Clerkenwell because I planned to stay in the UK long-term. It was convenient for commuting to both the main campus and East Campus, and I loved the peaceful walks and local cafés. I also enjoy the surrounding eastern areas like Angel, Shoreditch and Barbican.
What is it like to live and study in London?
London is a wonderful place to live and study. I originally planned to return to Tokyo after graduation, but after a year and a half here, I can’t imagine going back.
For Japanese students, London is surprisingly easy to settle into. British communication styles feel familiar — even the timing of saying “Sorry!” matches how we use “Sumimasen!”. People are friendly but respect personal boundaries.
I love London winters. The city has a quiet, forest-like atmosphere, and studying in one of its many libraries with a warm cup of coffee is deeply comforting. The food scene is fantastic, and cooking at home is affordable thanks to inexpensive vegetables and well-stocked Chinese supermarkets offering Japanese and Korean ingredients.
The NHS has also been excellent. Through UCL-arranged GP registration, I’ve found it easy to manage my health here.
