It’s hard to believe four years have passed since I nervously logged on to meet the first fall Stanford e-Entrepreneurship Japan cohort. As I prepare to start my fifth year and reflect on the recent fall course that concluded in February, I am filled with a profound sense of growth and gratitude. Each year has been a journey of learning and discovery, not just for my students, but for myself as well.

Seeing the growth and development of my students over the course of just four months has been incredibly rewarding. From timid beginnings to confident presentations and impactful research papers, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing their transformation firsthand. Students not only engaged with complex social issues intellectually but also connected with them on a deeply empathetic level.

Koki Ukai shared his thoughts on the course. “While I thought I knew about the society we live in, participating in this program made me realize that the world is filled with much more complex issues that have not yet been addressed or even recognized. Stanford e-Entrepreneurship Japan has broadened my perspectives to be aware of these problems and taught me the power of social entrepreneurship in tackling them.”

The course underscores the role of empathy in problem-solving via design thinking. But one of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned from my students is the importance of empathy and vulnerability in creating a supportive learning community. This year, in particular, I was inspired by the way students embraced these values, sharing their personal stories of loss and hardship with courage and openness. Some students also initially hesitated to broach sensitive topics due to emotional discomfort. However, upon hearing their peers’ presentations, they recognized the value of sharing their perspectives on difficult topics to raise awareness about these issues. Their willingness to be vulnerable with one another fostered a sense of connection and solidarity within our virtual classroom. 

To further emphasize the significance of sharing our stories, I invited guest speakers to practice mindfulness with the class. These moments of openness created a safe space for students to express themselves authentically and recognize the common humanity that binds us all together. And it has reinforced my belief in the importance of nurturing not just academic skills, but also resilience, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility.

I also never cease to be amazed by the innovative ideas and boundless energy that my students bring to the table. Their fresh perspectives and willingness to think outside the box and being a part of a student’s “aha moment” inspire me to push the boundaries of my own thinking and how I approach teaching. 

Yuzuka Seto also shared her thoughts. “Participating in Stanford e-Entrepreneurship Japan has imbued my Sunday mornings with anticipation, and has brought me invaluable insights and experiences. When I shared my passion-driven ideas and inquiries with Ms. Bryant, she graciously introduced me to a film aligned with the subject. The film not only expanded my perspectives and deepened my interests but also enabled me to discover a sense of purpose and responsibility in a new field.” For our student-led session, Yuzuka, along with Aylie Guyodo Oyama, gave a lesson on Single Mothers and Child Poverty in Japan, which was unfamiliar to most students.

I’m humbled by the lessons I’ve learned from my students and the impact they’ve had on me as an educator and as a person. Teaching this course has been a transformative experience, and I look forward to many more years of inspiring the next generation of social entrepreneurs. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported this program. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Gary Mukai and Mr. Yusuke Ed Matsuda for their vision and leadership and our fall Stanford e-Entrepreneurship Japan donors, Noriko & Norman Chen and Mako & Andy Ogawa, for their continued support. I’d also like to thank Maiko Tamagawa Bacha and the eEntrepreneurship teaching team for their help in shaping this course.

Stanford e-Entrepreneurship Japan is currently accepting applications for fall 2024.

Stanford e-Entrepreneurship Japan is one of several online courses offered by SPICE.

To stay updated on SPICE news, join our email list and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.