Class: 2026
Concentration: Computer Science
House: Currier
Hometown: Singapore
Japan-related experience: 2024 Summer Internship Program in Japan (self-arranged track with Sony Interactive Entertainment)
What connections to Japan, if any, did you have before coming to Harvard? The first time I wanted to start learning Japanese was when I was 10 years old. I was a huge Pokémon fan, and back then, the games were released in Japanese months before the English versions - so, being an impatient kid wanting to play the new games as soon as possible, I convinced my parents to let me start learning Japanese. Ironically, by the time I could read Japanese well enough, they started releasing the games globally at the same time!
What drew you to Japan, and how did you decide on participating in the Reischauer Institute's internship program? How did you decide on Sony Interactive Entertainment's Learn and Bloom program in particular? Given my interest in the video game industry and my experience with Japanese, working in Japan has always been on my radar as a career option. When I discovered Sony Interactive Entertainment's Learn and Bloom internship program, I was incredibly excited. It aligned perfectly with my profile - they were seeking CS majors in their first or second year, studying at non-Japanese universities, and bilingual in English and Japanese.
The opportunity to work with Sony PlayStation, a major player in the gaming industry, was something I knew I couldn't pass up. However, there was one hurdle: due to visa restrictions, I couldn't receive a salary in Japan. This is where the Reischauer Institute's internship program stepped in, providing the crucial financial support I needed to make this opportunity a reality.
What was daily life like? I lived in Mizonokuchi, Kanagawa, a 15-minute walk from the station, with a total commute of about an hour to Sony City in Shinagawa. The morning rush on the trains was quite an experience - the sheer number of people packed into each car was pretty astonishing at times. At the internship, our main task was the end-to-end development of a product for the PlayStation ecosystem. Our days were filled with various meetings to update the team and stakeholders on our progress, interspersed with focused work on the software itself. During our breaks, the interns would often play multiplayer games to decompress - though some might argue that the Tetris competitions were anything but relaxing.
Lunch at the employee dining hall was always a highlight. Each day featured about 8 different entree options that rotated daily; it was amusing to see employees congregating in front of the display outside the dining hall, contemplating their choices with deep concentration.
After work, I often explored Tokyo with my co-interns or met up with friends visiting the city. Many evenings culminated in karaoke sessions, which quickly became a favorite activity! The proximity of my apartment to an affordable karaoke chain (just a minute away) made this habit both convenient and potentially dangerous for my wallet and sleep schedule.
What are some highlights from your summer? One standout experience was attending BitSummit in Kyoto, an indie game event. I took the shinkansen there, which was fun in itself, and the event was incredible - seeing so many creative indie games in one place was really inspiring and energizing. Another highlight was the biweekly "Play Events" organized by our internship program. These activities ranged from immersive theater to city-wide escape rooms and trampoline parks. They were not only fun but also gave us insight into different forms of entertainment, which is valuable in our industry.
Was there something that surprised you about living in Japan? I was genuinely surprised by how hot Tokyo gets in the summer. Coming from Singapore, a tropical country, I thought I was prepared for hot weather. But Tokyo's summer heat was intense. By 8 AM, it was often already around 30C (86F), climbing to about 38C (100F) by noon. The urban environment seemed to make it even hotter.
What advice do you have for others considering going abroad? Try to find a balance between being culturally aware and being comfortable! At first, I was overly conscious of how people perceived me, my imperfect Japanese, and whether or not I was following all the etiquette rules correctly.
Give yourself time to adapt to the new customs. It's important to show respect and follow culturally significant practices, but don't be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. Talking to locals can be really helpful in understanding the culture better and easing into your new environment.
Do you plan on continuing to stay involved with Japan while at Harvard? If so, how? I'm still exploring my options, but I'm glad to have Japan as a potential path for my future, especially in game development. At Harvard, I've gotten to know the Japanese language preceptors quite well, and I plan to keep attending their events - it's a great way to stay connected to the language and culture. Beyond that, I'm open to opportunities that come up and help me maintain my connection to Japan.