Diamond Life Editorial Department picks up recommended articles! Introducing them by theme.
This time, we will be bringing you popular articles from the series “Learn about Japan from Harvard’s intellects” that received a particularly strong response from Diamond Online member readers. Students from Harvard Business School visited Japan on a study trip. What surprised or impressed you while visiting various parts of Japan?
“/>At Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto (Courtney Montgomery in the center of the photo) = May 24, 2024, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Photo provided by Courtney Montgomery
From May 19th to 27th, 2024, approximately 120 Harvard Business School students visited Japan on a study trip called “Japan Trek.” This study trip is planned and run mainly by Japanese students, and is extremely popular at Harvard Business School. One participant, Courtney Montgomery, said she had “never been outside of North America” before. What impressed her most about her training in Japan?
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At Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto (Mr. Swapnil Lad is second from the left) on May 21, 2024, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto Photo provided by Swapnil Lad
Swapnil Lad, who also participated in the study trip. When he came to Japan, he went to a certain place first. What was the “unexpected thing” you were most looking forward to during your stay?
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Commemorative photo with Dai-ichi Life Holdings Chairman Seiji Inagaki at Dai-ichi Life Hibiya First (Karl Kester is fifth from the left in the front row) = June 20, 2024, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (C) Sayuri Uemoto
In June 2024, 33 Harvard Business School faculty members visited Japan on a study trip. According to Professor Karl Kester, who served as the organizer for this study trip, approximately 70 teachers requested Japan as their training destination. Why are Harvard faculty members paying attention to Japan now? We also spoke about what he felt at Dai-ichi Life Holdings, one of the companies he visited this time.
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Harvard Business School has produced many of the world’s super elites. In these classes, “Japan” is often used as a teaching material. In this series, Chie Sato, who is active as a writer and consultant, interviews Harvard University professors.
Through thought-provoking interviews such as “Why do we teach about Japan (companies)?” and “How can Japan contribute to the world?” students will learn “Japan Theory” taught by Harvard intellectuals.
**How does the text use personal anecdotes and Expert Opinions to build credibility and engage the audience?**
## Interview: Harvard’s Insight into Japan
**Introduction:**
Welcome to “World Today News,” where we delve into global perspectives and insights. Today, we have a special treat. Joining us are two individuals who have provided us with firsthand accounts of Harvard’s engagements with Japan: Courtney Montgomery, a Harvard Business School student who recently participated in the “Japan Trek” study program, and Professor Karl Kester, a Harvard Business School faculty member who led a faculty delegation to Japan. Welcome to you both.
**Section 1: The Allure of Japan for Harvard Students**
**Interviewer:** Courtney, you mentioned this was your first time outside of North America. What sparked your interest in Japan specifically, and what aspects of Japanese culture surprised you the most during the “Japan Trek”?
**Courtney:** (Responds with insights into her personal motivations, highlighting aspects of Japanese culture that stood out to her)
**Interviewer:** Professor Kester, you mentioned that approximately 70 Harvard faculty members requested Japan as their study trip destination. What underlying factors are driving this keen interest in Japan amongst your colleagues?
**Professor Kester:** (Elaborates on the reasons behind the strong interest in Japan within the faculty, potentially mentioning Japan’s economic model, unique cultural values, or specific industries)
**Section 2: Unexpected Discoveries and Lasting Impressions**
**Interviewer:** Courtney, during your trip, you discovered an “unexpected food” that you became quite fond of. Can you tell us more about that and what made it so appealing to you?
**Courtney:** (Shares her experience with the unexpected food, discussing its flavor profile, cultural significance, or personal connection)
**Interviewer:** Swapnil, you chose to visit a particular place first upon arriving in Japan. What was it about this location that drew you in, and what made the experience so memorable?
**Swapnil:** (Shares his experience, focusing on the reasons behind his choice and the lasting impression the place left on him)
**Section 3: The Global Significance of Japan**
**Interviewer:** Professor Kester, your faculty delegation visited various Japanese companies, including Daiichi Life Holdings. What lessons or insights did you glean from these interactions that you bring back to your Harvard classroom?
**Professor Kester:** (Discusses concrete takeaways from the company visits, highlighting unique Japanese business practices, management philosophies, or contributions to global industries)
**Interviewer:** Professor Kester, as you look towards the future, what role do you see Japan playing in the global landscape, both economically and culturally?
**Professor Kester:** (Offers his perspective on Japan’s potential contributions to the world, emphasizing its strengths and unique qualities)
**Conclusion:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your invaluable perspectives on Japan. Your insights provide a fascinating glimpse into how Harvard intellectuals are engaging with and learning from this dynamic nation. We hope this conversation sparks further curiosity and deeper understanding of Japan’s multifaceted role in the world.
Thank you for joining us on “World Today News.”
