Sahoko Kaji, Professor
Specialty: International Macroeconomics (Interviewer: 小原・馬場)"Compare Japan and European economies!"
Q.What is the research that you specialize in?
Compared to the United States, the economic society of Europe is closer to that of the Japanese
economy. The purpose of my research is to study what is happening in Europe and to analyze it
as a reference for Japan, and vice versa to explain to the people of Europe what is happening inJapan. Examples of similarities between Europe and Japan include sustainability in the social
security and fiscal deficits due to the aging of society and sustainability in terms of theenvironment. This is a problem common to all developed countries. The U.S. is flexible andready to accept rapid change, but Japan and Europe are similar in the way they are not very
fond of rapid change.
"Emphasis on interactive classes created together with students!"
Q.Please tell us about your educational philosophy.
There is an expression called spoon-feeding, but I try to educate people in a manner that does
not result in spoon-feeding information. In other words, we emphasize interactive classes
rather than just one-sided lessons from here. I try to create opportunities for students to think
for themselves and ask for information from us, and I try to give classes so that students noticewhat information they need and actively ask for it, rather than providing information
unilaterally from here. (Why is the seminar fully in English?). The fact that all seminars areconducted in English is also something that the students discussed and decided. In today'sworld, if you can communicate in English, your work options will expand greatly. Thestudents noticing this decided to have the seminar conducted fully in English. Since it is adecision made by the students, I would like to actively promote it. Even if you can only speak
English, it is meaningless if it is not accompanied by content, so I think that interactive classes
are important.
"I want you to get into the habit of always using your head."
Q What do you look for in a second-year student who wants to apply to theKaji Seminar?
I want you to get into the habit of always using your head. But I think there are some people
who say, "I don't know what to do even if I am told to use my head." I think it's important forsuch people to practice taking in a lot of information. For example, if your stomach takes in a
lot of food, it will digest it hard, but in the same way, when the brain receives a lot ofinformation, it tries to sort it out. So at first, just intake as much information as possible andstuff it in your head. You should imagine your brain having various folders and every time
new information enters your head, you put that information in the appropriate folder. The setof folders in one's head is unique to that person. With practice, you will be able to analyze andsort information with your own unique method. To conclude, it is important to take in a lot of
information and create a set of folders.
"You should use your time carefully!"
Finally, please give a message to the 2nd year students
Don't be afraid to be different from other people. In the world from now on, the different thebetter. I want them to do what they want to do without being afraid of being different fromother people. Make the most of your time now! The university years are a time when you haveso much free time that you can say that you will never come back when you go out intosociety. If you train your brain greedily now, it will be easier later.