Young Researchers Team – 2026

Hello! My name is Kokoa Yamashiro, and I am a fourth-year student of International Communication at Okinawa University in Okinawa, Japan. I study languages, intercultural communication, and global social issues. I got interested in other countries at the age of eight, which inspired me to start learning English. I am also interested in learning Spanish and French because I enjoy discovering different languages and cultures. My hobby is traveling. I enjoy visiting new places and experiencing local food, cultures, and languages both in Japan and abroad. I especially love my home, Okinawa. Every summer, I enjoy visiting Okinawa’s remote islands. In the future, I hope to make a positive contribution to society by helping others. I believe that every new experience helps me grow, so I always try to challenge myself and continue learning. Thank you for reading our article!

Hello! I am Yu Yonamine, a third-year student of International Communication, also at Okinawa University.  Lately, I’m into spending time with my friends, and recording those memories with a camera or in a diary. I major in Japanese and English language education in order to become a teacher. I am also interested in Peace Study. I believe that connecting the world through learning a language helps make a more peaceful future. That is why I want to teach language to children. I joined the “Peace Now! Okinawa 2025” peace study program for college students and as the only member from Okinawa I thought about how to share my ideas. We researched and discussed peace for the first time. In the future, I’d like to share my experiences and knowledge; especially of my home of Okinawa’s history.

Hello everyone! My name is Miku Fukuhara. I was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan. I am a student at Okinawa Christian University, majoring in English Communication. Last year, I studied abroad in Australia for 6 months. It was a valuable experience because I improved my English and learned about different cultures. Since then, I have become even more interested in communicating with people from different backgrounds. I enjoy traveling, watching movies, and visiting cafés with my friends. I hope to travel to many more countries in the future and continue learning about different cultures.

Hello. My name is Yuna Tamai, and I am a student at Okinawa Christian University. I was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan.My hobbies are taking walks while listening to music and playing with my cats. Last year, I stayed in New Zealand for one year on a working holiday. Living in another country helped me see how special Okinawa is. It also made me realize that I should learn more about Okinawa’s history and culture. I hope to use what I learn to help pass on Okinawa’s history and culture to future generations.

Hello my name is Shota Hemmi. I am 18 year-old and am currently studying at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Japan in the Department of Global Studies. I love talking with people who have curiosity about the world around them. I enjoy thinking about something ridiculous, travelling, listening to music, and trying something new. I appreciate your effort reading through my report, and hope you have learned something valuable.

Hi! My name is Mahohoma Pamela and I am 31 years old. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe in the rural areas of Chivi South in Masvingo province. I became a double orphan at an early age when my grandmother Melania Foromera took over the burden of raising me. My education was entirely funded by the Zienzele Foundation. My career plan was to be a nurse, but nature has its own way of raising people, and l ended up as an Early Childhood Development teacher. I trained at Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo and finished my studies in 2025.

I am a mother of one boy named Tashinga Makovore. I love my work, and l enjoy being with children and by all means empowering them with appropriate life skills. During my spare time l do gardening to enhance my life and also read books for adventure. I am happy to participate in this YGRP as it opens an opportunity to change lives through this exposure. My hope is to encourage and motivate youths from different backgrounds and situations to be courageous and strong enough to face their challenges and overcome them.

Hello everyone! My name is Sen Sonita. I am 29 years old. I work as a teacher of English at Cheasim Chamreounroth High school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With 10 years of experience in teaching English to Elementary students, I am truly passionate about helping my students build confidence in speaking and using English in their daily lives. I strongly believe that English is a powerful key that opens many doors to new opportunities and different cultures. In my free time, I enjoy embroidering on fabric, traveling, admiring unique architecture and building designs and trying new delicious foods. I also love reading books and listening to music. I am excited to connect with new friends and share knowledge through this platform!  Thank you very much for inviting me to be a part of this research.

Hello everyone! My name is Bimal Khatri. I am 24 years old and a second-year student in the Department of Global Studies at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Japan. I am originally from Pyuthan, Nepal. I came to Japan to learn about Japanese language and culture and to broaden my understanding of global issues.

I am particularly interested in global peace, conflict, peacebuilding, education, and international relations. I believe that understanding the experiences of people affected by conflict is important for building a more peaceful world. Through my studies and community activities, I have become especially interested in how education and dialogue can contribute to peace and create better opportunities for future generations.

In my free time, I enjoy playing football and cricket, learning about different cultures, and meeting people from different backgrounds. I am very happy to have the opportunity to participate in this research, listen to different experiences, and share knowledge with others. Thank you very much for inviting me to be a part of this research.

Hello everyone! My name is Le Thuy My Y. I’m 21 years old and currently a final year student majoring in Culture and Tourism at the University of Science and Education – The University of Danang. I live in Da Nang, a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam. As someone who is passionate about Vietnamese history and culture, I have always been interested in learning about the traditional values of my country. Through this project, I hope to share the story of Vietnam’s struggle for independence with people from around the world. I am very happy and honoured to be part of this meaningful project.

Hi everyone! My name is Tran Nguyen Hoang Anh. I’m 21 years old and currently in my final year of the Culture and Tourism program at the University of Science and Education, the University of Danang. Growing up in Da Nang has given me many opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of central Vietnam, which has inspired my passion for exploring and preserving traditional values. I believe that culture is not only a reflection of the past but also a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds. That is why I’m excited to join this project, where I can contribute my knowledge, learn from others, and help introduce the beauty of Vietnamese culture to an international audience. Thank you, and I’m delighted to be here with all of you.

Hello everyone! My name is Shin-Hung Chen, and I am 22 years old. I live in New Taipei City, Taiwan, and I am currently studying at Fu Jen Catholic University, where I am double majoring in Religious Studies and Sociology.

I believe that the social sciences are essential to understanding human beings and the societies we live in. As I approach graduation, I am also considering whether to continue my studies at the master’s level and further explore the questions that interest me.

Outside of my studies, I am very passionate about films and novels. In my free time, I also enjoy writing short reflections and personal essays. I hope that through research, reading, and writing, I can continue to better understand people, society, and the different ways we experience the world.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to take part in YGRP and to share my work here. Perhaps we may have the chance to meet again in another place or through another project in the future.