The articulate, well-spoken 4^th Year Bachelor of Science in Informatics and Computer Science Japanese student Mbithe Nzomo is excited about her two week study tour to Japan, a land whose language she delights in learning.  Having sat for her first Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level N5 and passed, and winning the 8^th Annual Japanese speech contest early this year, Mbithe is among 6 participants from Africa and 55 participants from across the world, privileged to attend this fully funded tour.  

 

Mbithe’s journey to participate in this tour started after her speech contest, where she was invited for an interview by the Japan Foundation- Kansai, who are in charge of offering the Japanese tour dubbed; Japanese – Language – Program – for- Overseas – Students (Outstanding Students) – 2015.

 

The embassy on behalf of the foundation call people for interviews and select those who will participate in a 2 week study tour program in Japan. The aim is to reward people who have demonstrated excellence in learning the language, to tour japan and be encouraged to further their studies there.

During the interview Mbithe answered all her questions in Japanese to impress the panel. Some of the interview questions she was asked were geared towards finding out what she intends to do when she gets to Japan and what she is currently doing to enhance her Japanese language. Mbithe also sang for the panelists in Japanese – an activity that stemmed from her participation in an embassy singing competition – Nodojiman the World, (a Karaoke singing competition for Japanese songs) where she won an award under the most beautiful performances category.

 

Mbithe’s passion for Japanese started in highschool when she learnt about Anime’ through her friend who encouraged her to watch Naruto- a Japanese Anime; she fell in love with the music in Naruto and as a result desired to learn the language. In 2011 a year after highschool, Mbithe enrolled in a Japanese college where she learnt Japanese basics that pricked her interest further. As she explored university options, she was drawn to Strathmore University because they offered Japanese language which she wanted to learn further.

When we were asked to choose the language we will take, mine was a no-brainer, I knew am taking Japanese from the word go. Our teacher Mr. Ian Wairua was also a great teacher as he made learning the language fun. He also urged us to take the JLPT tests, and even helped me study ahead as I took the test months before I was through with the actual course.

The tour program will involve participants attending Japanese lectures, participating in home visits to learn and interact with Japanese families, and engaging in cultural activities such as; trying out the traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy and even dress ups, in traditional Japanese wear. The program will be held in Kansai, though the team will travel to Kioto, Hiroshima and Osaka to visit the towns and learn more about their cultures.

 

After the enlightening tour Mbithe’s hopes to get a scholarship to study her masters in Japan, where she will use the skills learnt especially in technology to contribute to the improvement of our country Kenya. 

 

Together with her two friends Mbithe started a blog on the culture of Japan for those interested in learning about the culture. To view the blog click here.

 

Congratulations Mbithe on this achievement.