Mariko Okawa

The club enjoyed a delightful talk by Mariko Okawa from Kyoto in Japan, a student in the second year of a PhD in modern history at St Andrews University who had been introduced to Rotary by way of the Christmas Lunch which the Club hosts for students away from home and subsequently joined the Rotaract Club.

Mariko told us about herself and her family. Growing up in a household spanning three generations which is traditional in Japan, had a profound influence on her. Her grandfather was an interpreter who brought colleagues and friends from abroad to the house so she became curious about the world to the extent that she had schooling in the USA and Britain. She completed a university degree and postgraduate qualification in Japan in English Literature and was really caught up in British culture and history. She spent two years in Oxford doing a pre-Masters course and then came to St Andrews to do a Masters in Modern History. Now as a PhD student her research focus is on the nineteenth century British Constitutional Monarchy with a particular interest in Queen Victoria’s reign and the importance of her gender in the relationship with government and Prime Ministers. Mariko emphasised the importance of culture and tradition in Japan as it is in Britain, particularly dance as an expression of etiquette and manners.

In conclusion, Mariko suggested that education in Japan is more passive than active and in Japanese culture being silent or reticent is considered respectful whereas in Britain she needs to put herself forward more which she finds challenging but rewarding as it brings a sense of achievement. She praised Rotaract as providing  a window on the world beyond academia.

In proposing the vote of thanks, Ann Baird touched on the expanding role of women in Britain and elsewhere.