What made you choose the ParisTech Fondation Renault Masters in Transportation and Sustainable Development?

This master’s program is perfect for me. I'd already studied sociology in Tokyo and covered problems of trade and transport infrastructures in developing countries. Historically, France has a lot of ties with third world countries. I already knew Paris, having spent a year here on an exchange program between my university and the Paris Institute of Political Science. 

The course lasts 17 months. Did you find it difficult to settle in?

No. We had the opportunity to get to know each other on our discovery trip and the intensive one-month French course. There are around 20 students in my class – 5 Japanese, 4 Koreans, 6 Brazilians and 5 Russians. Cultural and linguistic differences aren’t a communication barrier for us. The fact that we’re all foreigners in France brings us together.

What does your internship at Renault involve?

I work at the Technocentre in the Environmental Policy Department. My job is to compare environmental attitudes and policies in Europe and Japan. For example, environmental protection doesn’t mean the same thing in France as it does in Japan. The goal is for Renault and Nissan to arrive at a common understanding of environmental and health issues. I’m also monitoring possible changes in European environmental legislation so that Renault can prepare for them.

How has your vision of sustainable development changed?

Sustainable development means sharing natural resources with future generations so it is definitely an ideal to strive for. But achieving it is easier said than done! For example, we are reducing pollutant emissions from vehicles, but car buyers are increasingly going for big models. So ultimately, one cancels the other out. However, European companies are moving faster than Japanese companies in terms of environmental protection. 

What are your plans for the future?

As soon as I finish my internship, I’m going back to Tokyo to complete my studies. Then I’d like to get a job in the international division of a Japanese firm working in trade and transport. Either that, or I'll continue studying for a bit in the United States or the UK so I can discover other new countries! 

How will you look back on these 17 months in France?

Paris is a great city. People of different ages mix a lot here, whereas in Japan everyone keeps to themselves. The only downside is that the pecking order here is sometimes a little too strict. But the atmosphere is fantastic!

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