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This page provides you with FAQ based on questions collected from past applicants (last update: Oct. 12, 2025). If you have any question not listed here or if you are interested in further discussing some of the Q&A, feel free to email me at yagihashi[at]hosei.ac.jp to set up a zoom appointment
GENERAL
Q: What is Zemi all about?
A: Great question! Zemi is something that is quite unique about Japanese universities. People often learn in large-size classroom, so there tends to be less interaction among faculty and students. Zemi provides rare learning opportunity for students to complement regular class.
Q: How do people choose zemi?
A: Basically, you follow your own topic of interest. However, I also understand that it is pretty difficult to make up your mind when you are in the sophomore year. My zemi accepts people from a wide range of fields of subject as long as they are loosely related to economics
Q: I have several zemis that I am interested in. How should I pick one?
A: My suggestion is to talk to the faculty directly and seek for his/her opinion.
Q: I am not good in Japanese. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, as long as you are willing to improve on your Japanese, we accept any IGESS students with poor proficiency. In the past we had several students who were not so good in Japanese. However, they were academically successful and also found lots of Japanese friends along the way (also see "Language" below)
ACTIVITIES
Q: What does Yagihashi zemi do?
A: In your sophomore year, you will learn the basics of conducting research as well as start planning about your future career after graduation, in your junior year, you will study about your specific topic of interest, and in your senior year you will write your graduation thesis. My research topic is mainly macroeconomics, but I am quite interested in different fields of economics, as you can see from my past research record.
Q: I am currently interested in a topic that is not listed in your zemi flyer. Can I still apply to your zemi?
A: No problem. If you have any concern, you can talk with me before sending me the application.
Q: Do you put more emphasis on research compared to, say, presentation?
A: Yes, the basic flow is that you conduct some research first, then present it in front of your zemi audience. However, you will surely acquire some presentation skills along the way. By the way, you are more than welcome to present your work in English.
Q: What is international macro?
A: It is one area of macroeconomics. You will learn it in the "open economy" section in many of the conventional macro textbook (e.g., Mundell-Fleming model). In graduate school you will learn another model called the New Open Economy Model, which is more state-of-the-art. In the past, I have done some research on the international business cycle transmission
Q: Do you use game theory in your zemi?
A: Not in my main zemi (held in 4th period), but this year there is a group of junior students who are studying game theory in sub zemi (self-study group held in 5th period). If you find other zemi members who are interested in game theory in your cohort, you can initiate sub-zemi even in your sophomore year.
ORGANIZATION
Q: How does the regular class work?
A: the designated time slot is 4th and 5th period of Wednesday. 4th period are for both sophomore and junior students. 5th period are preserved for groupwork (e.g., sub zemi, debate prep).
Q: Is the class held face-to-face?
A: We have high-flex option, which means you can attend both via zoom or face-to-face. Most sophomore students attend face to face, whereas some juniors utilize online option because of the job search that starts around summer.
Q: What day of the week are you planning to hold your zemi?
A: my first choice is Wednesday, second is Thursday and third is Tuesday. It wil be determined in February of each year
Q: Are you going to do sub-zemi?
A: yes, it is organized by junior students. Sophomore students who are interested in particular topic can join.
Q: I have other extracurricular actities that takes up my time. How much time do I have to attend other than the designated time for zemi?
A: I am trying to keep activity outside zemi hours (4th &5th period) as little as possible, so that you can engage in other activites during the academic year. There are a few zemi events during the year that I encourage you to attend. If you need special accomodation, please let me know when you apply.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Q: Do you plan to host any events?
A: In the past, we had barbeque parties and summer camps on the off-days. I'm hoping to make zemi a comfortable place where everyone feels safe and have fun to speak out. However, attendance to these events are not mandatory
Q: do you plan to have a field trip?
A: We did a one-day field trip on several occasions. Each group chooses the visiting site based on the interest of the members.
Q: Do you plan to have inter-zemi?
A: In the past, we did a casual one with CUNY Brooklyn students via zoom, two with Nii zemi and one with Jay Tanaka zemi. Both Japanese and English was used as the common language.
Q: Do you plan to host a zoom conference with foreign students?
A: I think that this is an excellent idea. I am thinking of bringing my former colleagues in the States and research friends working in different countries aboard.
Study Abroad 🌏
Study Abroad 🌏
Q: I’m interested in studying abroad. How can you help me?
A: I’d be happy to guide you! I can share advice on applying to graduate schools in the U.S., since I’ve helped many students before by writing recommendation letters and supporting them through the process. Hosei also offers study abroad programs while you’re still an undergraduate. Many of my zemi members join, so you’ll have plenty of peers to share experiences and information with.
Q: I’m planning to join the Study Abroad Program in Spring. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely! That will be a wonderful experience to bring back to our class. In fact, many of our members have already done so in the past.
Q: I want to study abroad for a year during my sophomore/junior/senior year. Can I still apply to Yagihashi zemi?
A: Of course! When you come back to Hosei, your seat in the zemi will be waiting for you.
Q: I plan to go to graduate school. Can you write me a recommendation letter?
A: Yes, I can. But first, you’ll need to complete an honor thesis under my supervision.
Honor Thesis 📘
Honor Thesis 📘
Q: Do I need to write an honor thesis?
A: If you’d like to stay in the zemi as a senior (for IGESS students, for the second semester as a senior), then yes. But don’t worry—you can decide later.
Q: I’ve never written an academic paper before. Can I really do it?
A: No worries! I’ll guide you step by step, so you won’t be alone.
Q: I’ll be job hunting in my final year. Will that conflict with the zemi?
A: That’s fine. If you have an interview, you can miss a zemi session—just let me know your schedule.
Selection Process 📝
Selection Process 📝
Q: How do you choose students?
A: You’ll need to submit your CV/resume (any format) and transcript. I’ll consider multiple factors. If you’re unsure whether my zemi is a good fit for you, we can chat over Zoom/Cluster.
Q: How many students will you accept this year?
A: Up to twelve from the Japanese program and three from IGESS. Numbers may vary depending on the year.
Q: What’s the gender ratio like?
A: Usually about 50:50.
Language 🗣️
Language 🗣️
Q: Do I need to be fluent in English?
A: If you’re an IGESS student, yes. If you’re in the Japanese program, not necessarily.
Q: My English isn’t very strong. Can I still manage?
A: If you can speak Japanese fluently, you’ll be fine.
Q: I want to improve my English. Is that a good reason to join your zemi?
A: Sure, that’s totally fine! But keep in mind—we don’t “study” English in the zemi. Instead, we use English to share our ideas.
Q: I’m not Japanese and my Japanese is still weak. Can I apply?
A: Yes! This is a bilingual zemi, so if you can speak English, you’re welcome. Just note that many Japanese students present their research in Japanese, which might be challenging if you’re just starting to learn.
Others 💻
Others 💻
Q: Do I need strong computer skills?
A: Not at all. But if you’re a freshman or sophomore, it’s helpful to know Microsoft Office. As a junior or senior, I recommend learning some statistics software. If you’re interested, I can help you with MATLAB or STATA.
Q: How good should I be at math?
A: Don’t worry—even if math isn’t your strong suit, you’ll be fine. Still, I recommend taking math classes if possible. Math skills are valuable not only for economics, but also in many fields after graduation.
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