Yes, the time has come. My research at the University of Tokyo will officially end on March 31st, 2007. Technically, that means I have another thirteen days until my tenure as a research student is finished, but in actuality, I’m already done:
I’ve written my thesis (in both English and Japanese) and my advising professor even said it was rather interesting! Blood, sweat and hundreds, if not thousands, of hours studying was poured into my thesis. I’ve done my part and earned my hefty scholarship, thank you very much!
I’ve turned in all my paperwork. The Japanese are great fans of useless paperwork – one such form, when translated into English, was entitled “Intent to Drop Out of University”. Now, apart from the fact that research students are not considered to be the same as registered students (we’re not allowed to register for classes, don’t get credit for attending classes or doing coursework, and are not allowed to receive the HUGE 50% student discount on transportation), as a Japanese Government Scholar I was told that if I remain a research student (instead of pursuing a Master’s Degree) my visa is limited to two years. The University knows this. The Japanese Government knows this – they’re the ones who pounded it into me when I first arrived. I’m not a degree seeking student, and therefore only LOOSELY associated with the school. My research period, as defined by the Japanese Government, is over. Finished. Complete. How, IN ZEUS’ FREAKING NAME, can I drop out of the University if that’s the case? Huh? HUH??? …I don’t know…And no, it doesn’t make sense to me either.
I’ve attended the “Going Away Party”. That was rather fun, actually. More than I thought it would be, thought I didn’t really like the fact that I paid $40 for a few scraps of sashimi, a mouthful of salad and a couple of beers. WTF???
I’m free! Yes, finally free of all the weighty obligations and expectations that come with being a Government Sponsored Scholar. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve really enjoyed being here in Japan, have learned a great deal and am tremendously thankful for the Scholarship I received. But there were some things that were just so incredibly annoying that I am very glad to be free of it all.
Now, I can focus exclusively on my book, which is going very, very well. I finished the rough draft and am doing the necessary editing/rewriting that accompanies this stage of development. The story is, as J. K. Rowling would say, “growing in all sorts of strange and wonderful directions”. I am REALLY excited about polishing it off and sending it to publishers and literary agents in the States, which should be sometime in the next month. Hopefully, they will consider it worthy of publication. Wish me luck!
