Simon Tu

Why did you choose Japanese Studies at CUHK Faculty of Arts?

I did my second master’s degree in Japan, and my research topic was about Japanese volunteers who contributed to a contemporary art festival. My study that time directed me to publication authored by a professor at the Department of Japanese Studies, CUHK. As a reader-cum-graduate student, sometimes you can instantly find from a text whether the author is someone you wish to be your next dissertation supervisor. That was the beginning. After I left Japan, I was fortunate enough to be able to work in this very department as a research assistant for a period, and I had the time to consolidate my thoughts. These experiences eventually led me to my final decision.

What did you enjoy most at CUHK when studying Japanese Studies?

First of all, it is a small and close-knit department, and I enjoy the friendly interaction between students and staff members every day. Moreover, library resources here are truly great and invaluable for graduate students and researchers. Understandably we do not have as many Japanese books as we can find in a good Japanese university, but other than that it is superb.

Can you tell us your most valuable memories of studying Japanese Studies?

There were several graduate students in my department who conducted anthropological research in Japan, and we formed a strong bond. We shared the difficulties we faced in our respective field sites, listened to each other, and comforted each other. The most valuable memory was that, once, we traveled from different cities in Asia to gather in Leiden in the Netherlands for a panel presentation. We met one of our professors – in Europe! – and shared an Indonesian dinner together. I shall never forget that dinner.

How your education prepared you for your career?

I did four degrees in my life, and without any of them I would not have been equipped to teach in a university. Furthermore, I find the graduate teaching assistant system in Hong Kong is important. PhD students are so occupied by their own research, while the system provides an early opportunity for us to reflect on our teaching.

What is your current role, where is it and what brought you to it?

I am currently Lecturer in the Department of Japanese Studies, CUHK. Before that, I taught and continued my research as a postdoctoral fellow; I also taught a course for the BA in Cultural Management programme of CUHK. The early teaching experience is instrumental in my career development.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I shall continue my teaching and research about Japan, in particular Japanese arts in community development. Nowadays there are many attempts to bring arts into conservation and revitalisation projects in Hong Kong, and I also wish to contribute my experience in Japan to this area one day.

From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?

An arts degree will neither bring us a fortune nor lead us to hunger. It broadens our mind, and lets us experience the diverse colours, sounds, and values in the world. It makes us think and reflect. This does not only allow us to live a richer life. It provides us with more options when we negotiate our lives in the fast-changing – and sometimes brutal – world. This is from my experience of having four arts degrees and a music diploma.

What advice would you give to our current students?

It is okay not to be okay. Be hopeful, and never give up.