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On May 1, students gathered for the Japanese Language Table’s last dinner of the semester, featuring a special visit from Professor Shion Kono, ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ alum ’95. At ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿, the term “liberal arts curriculum” is often used to describe the flexibility students have to explore multiple disciplines. Professor Kono’s lecture – part personal reflection, part academic insight – served as an encouragement for students navigating the open-ended nature of a liberal arts education.

A former Physics and Religion double major at ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿, Professor Kono shared his journey transitioning from the study of science to the field of Comparative Literature, which he now teaches at Sophia University in Tokyo. Even after years working in the field of comparative literature, he explains how his scientific background continues to inform his thought process and the way he thinks in how he approaches his literary scholarship. Professor Kono’s journey – the way he has woven together the distinct disciplines of science and literature – reveals how non-pigeonholed academic exploration can evolve beyond traditional boundaries and paths.

Students at language table responded with gratitude and insight about his speech. Senior Physics student Tennegon Johnson reflected, “It was really cool to hear the parallels between his experience in physics at ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ with mine. I loved hearing his life journey and it was reassuring to hear that skills we learned at ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ would continue to serve us well after college.” In a time when the job market is in the throes and rapidly evolving, Kono’s lecture helped explain how our undergraduate education is not necessarily about preparing for one fixed outcome but developing skills that adapt across time and context.

 For Erik, a sophomore majoring in Government and Legal Studies, Professor Kono’s story resonated well: “It taught me a lot about not having to follow a set path laid out for you, but instead creating your own and being open to any and all options that interest you.” Professor Kono’s speech encouraged students to allow themselves the space and opportunity to pursue multiple disciplines of interest, knowing they would be prepared for life after ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ by the critical thinking, flexibility, and adaptability we learn during our time here.

Ymir St. George, a junior pursuing comparative research, was struck by this intellectual bravery Kono has embodied and lived his life by. “I really admire the curiosity that it takes to explore so many different things that pique your interest… Places like ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ encourage this curiosity, but it takes courage to make the leap, so it was wonderful to hear from someone who was able to fully embrace the things they were passionate about.”

Briefly before Japanese Language Table, Professor Kono also met me and Ymir with Selinger sensei and Aridome sensei to discuss comparative literature. As someone interested in the field, I appreciated the chance to ask about graduate study and the discipline itself. Professor Kono helped clarify and expand my understanding of comparative literature into a broader field – of not just a comparison two texts in different languages, but as an umbrella under which many subcategories fall. He offered examples from his own work, including (but not limited to) research translation in new areas, cross-cultural analysis, and exploring how concepts are understood across languages and cultures.

Ultimately, Professor Kono’s homecoming reminded us of the importance of exploring the interdisciplinary windows of our studies, and his story is a testament to the ethos of what a liberal arts education is and should do. We hope to see Professor Kono again, but in the meantime, best wishes across the Pacific!