"My interest in East Asia began in my predominantly Japanese American community, but it truly deepened at Penn. Here, I’ve been introduced to various cultures through friends, sparking a fascination with East Asian history. Interning in Japan through Penn Abroad’s GRIP program also gave me firsthand insight into the unique cultural dynamics of working in Japan. From studying Korean Popular Culture to taking several semesters of Japanese, I’m excited to continue exploring the diverse histories and traditions across East Asia. Through the FLAS fellowship, I am focusing on advancing my Japanese language skills. I’m particularly interested in researching the influence of East Asian culture on Western pop culture, especially in music, and exploring the underlying reasons for its widespread appeal."