Research Interest：
- Education Development, Economics of Education, Primary Education, Southeast Asia, Laos
Education：
- Master of Economics, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University (March 2028) [Expected]
- Bachelor of Engineering, Department of Intelligent Mechanical Engineering, Kwansei Gakuin University (March 2026)
- United Nations and Foreign Affairs Program, Kwansei Gakuin University (March 2026)
Experiences：
- Internship, Laos-Japan Institute (April 2025 – August 2025)
- Fieldwork in Timor-Leste (August 2023 – September 2023)
Publications：
- N/A
Academic Associations：
- N/A
Academic Conference Presentation：
- N/A
Language/ Skills：
- Japanese, English
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Awards：
- N/A
Message to Potential Candidates to Ogawa Seminar：
My name is Risa Obata, and I enrolled in the Master’s Program at the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, in April 2026.
During my undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Engineering, I studied artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering. In addition, through the United Nations and Foreign Affairs Program, I gained knowledge in international cooperation. I further deepened my practical understanding through fieldwork in Timor-Leste and an internship at the Laos-Japan Institute.
Through my fieldwork, where I investigated preschool enrollment rates, I directly observed local educational challenges, which led me to develop a strong interest in the field of education. In the future, I hope to contribute to society by helping to reduce inequalities and disparities in opportunities caused by differences in one’s background. To achieve this, I aim to quantitatively analyze the structure of educational issues that shape the future of countries and societies. For this reason, I chose the Ogawa Zemi, where I can study the economics of education.
Although I have only recently enrolled, I already feel the importance of human connections. Through interactions with Professor Ogawa, senior and fellow students, and internationally diverse seminar members, I am in an enriching environment where I can engage with a wide range of perspectives. I believe this Zemi offers a fulfilling academic experience for those who aspire to work in the field of international cooperation.
