From Africa, With Purpose

Joan Sisole from Kenya opens up about her study journey in Japan. She explains why she shifted from agriculture to medical anthropology, and how that connects to a project on elderly care back home. Joan’s advice is clear: “Be prepared—culturally, emotionally, and mentally.” She shares language insights, her chopstick-practice story, and how small habits help you adapt to a new culture. If you’re...

Ghanaian veterinarian Francis shares why he left home on a JICA scholarship to chase a PhD in Japan. You’ll hear how his work on “ tick-borne diseases ” in dogs could save pets on two continents, how “ Japan is advanced… with equipment to do high-level research ”, and what it’s really like when “ the weather here is very, very, very cold ”. Francis ends with a simple motto—“ Embrace the journey ”—...

In this inspiring episode of From Africa, With Purpose, we sit down with Kingsley Ikpa-Agodo, a master's student from Nigeria currently studying at Tottori University, Japan. Kingsley shares:○His first impressions of Japan 🇯🇵○The pressure to succeed and the power of self-belief○The mindset difference between moving "with pressure" and "with purpose"○Why he chose Japan—and w...

In this episode of From Africa, With Purpose , we sit down with Stephen Cooper , a passionate geologist from Liberia and current PhD student in Japan. Stephen shares his honest journey—growing up in a system with limited infrastructure, struggling to find graduate programs in Liberia, and finally making his way to Japan through JICA. He speaks about: The contrast between daily life in Liberia and...

In this episode of From Africa, With Purpose , we meet Randrianirina Roger Galois , a Master’s student at Akita University from Madagascar, who shares his story of perseverance, culture shock, and deep purpose. From his amazement at Japan’s cleanliness to how AI is shaping his research in mining informatics, Roger speaks honestly about the differences in education systems, job scarcity in Madagasc...

In this first episode of "From Africa, With Purpose," we sit down with Rangarirai, an assistant professor originally from Zimbabwe, currently teaching at a university in Japan. Rangarirai vividly recounts his first impressions of Japan—from the impeccable cleanliness and outstanding service to cultural differences such as punctuality and consideration for others. He also discusses his ac...