Japanese Language Residents

2026-2027 Academic Year: Wako Sato

Tell us when and how you started studying foreign languages and what you like about learning languages?

I started learning English when I was young, and from the fourth grade of elementary school, I spent part of my summer and winter breaks on homestays in the United States. Through these experiences, as well as traveling to different countries, I became interested in learning different languages and exploring different cultures. I love how learning a new language broadens my perspective and opens the door to new experiences and connections with people. Recently, I have also been studying Brazilian Portuguese on my own because of my passion for samba.

Tell us what you studied at the university and what you might like to do one day?

I double majored in Education and Language Education for my bachelor's degree. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Education, and my research focuses on negative emotions and motivation in second language learning. I have earned three teaching qualifications: a Japanese national teaching license for English, an IB teaching certificate for Japanese, and a university certificate for teaching Japanese as a foreign language. Although I am still exploring my future career path, I hope to continue contributing to education and language learning in meaningful ways.

Tell us what you would like to see in California or in the U.S. during your time at the College?

I am excited to experience California's diverse culture and meet people from different backgrounds. I also hope to learn both inside and outside the classroom through my time at Pomona. By teaching Japanese, I look forward to reflecting on my own language and culture from a new perspective as well.

Past Japanese Language Residents