[Intern Blog] Juna Takano’s Internship Experience

Please provide a brief introduction about yourself.

My name is Juna Takano. I’m a senior at Oregon State University, College of Health, majoring in Public Health with Health Promotion and Health Behavior.
I decided to participate in the fall 2023 internship through the IE3 Global program.

Why did you choose RFTC Japan in Japan?

I applied for an internship because internship credits were a prerequisite for university graduation. I was looking for an internship in Japan because as an international student studying in an American university, I was very interested in how public health science was being developed and implemented in my home country. When I came across RFTC Japan, I thought it was an ideal environment where I could learn everything I wanted to learn. Resonating with their story during our interview played a big role in my decision to intern with the organization.

One of my big concerns was my limited experience with part-time jobs or internships because I attended a private school in Japan until high school where part-time work was not permitted.

What is the outline of your activities?

My main duties were preparing for the charity event RFTC/WFL held in mid-November, and accompanying the breast cancer seminar Hana-me held at a company. I worked 8 hours from 10am to 6pm, including a 1 hour lunch break.

What are your thoughts after the internship?

It was more fun than I expected! Of course, not every task was what I wanted to do or what I found enjoyable, but witnessing them lead to great results gave me a great sense of accomplishment. It truly was a valuable experience.

What did you gain through this internship?

It was meaningful to directly observe the reactions of the participants, through accompanying Hana-me seminars and assisting with the organizing of the charity event “Run for the Cure / Walk for Life”!
The most valuable lesson I gained was witnessing the practical application of my selective major, “Health Promotion and Health Behavior” be applied in these seminars and events. Visiting companies from different industries provided various insights into different corporate cultures, which was also a great takeaway.

What were the projects you wanted to explore further?

During the previously mentioned Hana-me seminars, we visited five companies, and unsurprisingly, the majority of the participants were women. I hope to contribute in narrowing the gender gap and dispel the misconception that breast cancer only affects women. This would encourage more consideration of female employees and prompt further care for employees’ families.

How would you like to utilize the experience and growth gained through the internship in the future?

First of all, it was very meaningful to gain knowledge about breast cancer. When I told my best friend that I was interning at a breast cancer organization, she revealed for the first time that her mother had survived breast cancer in the past few years. I was shocked to learn of my best friend’s mother’s suffering, and my best friend’s efforts to support her family and siblings.
Breast cancer is on the rise in Japan, and society’s understanding and systems need vast improvements. I hope to actively communicate to many people what I learned a lot during the internship and promote awareness of the possibility for a new support system.

Pass along a message to future RFTC Japan interns!

RFTC’s workplace is a valuable blend of both Japanese and multinational cultures. While Japan boasts a distinctive culture, it sometimes can be considered outdated. I consider this a pioneering work environment, especially as society is increasingly more international.  Interning at RFTC Japan also gives you the opportunity to witness the inception of a new movement. It is meaningful to be a part of this organization and raise awareness in a country where there are insufficient understanding and support systems for breast cancer. Please take this opportunity!

10 Questions to Get to Know Juna！

1. What are your favorite weekend activities?

I like watching sports!
I especially like volleyball and baseball. Volleyball season in Japan usually runs from October to March, and I went to watch volleyball games on the weekends even during my internship.

2. Top 3 hobbies / Top 3 skills

Hobbies: Watching sports, Listening to music, Hanging out with friends
Skills: Volleyball, Hurdles (I did track and field for 6 years in middle and high school), Sports-related data analysis

3. What is your favorite book, movie, or music?

Favorite books: Simon Singh’s books. “Fermat’s Last Theorem,” “Creation of the Universe,” “Codebreaking,” etc.
Favorite movie: Star Wars
Favorite music: The Nutcracker is my favorite! (I used to do ballet, so I often listen to ballet music such as Coppelia, Pirates, and Don Quixote)

4. Favorite food & least favorite food

Favorite food: Sudachi udon, Sudachi soba (I recommend Shogen in Ebisu)
Least favorite food: Bitter melon

5. What is cool about Tokyo, Juna’s hometown? 

Tokyo is a place where you can go anywhere by public transportation, with plenty of attractions and delicious things to enjoy!
Even after living here for over 20 years, it never gets old!

6. What do you like about Corvallis, where Juna’s university is located?

In just a 10-minute drive, you’ll find an incredibly rural landscape, but you can also enjoy a beautiful starry sky!

7. What is your proudest achievement?

I worked hard on my English when I was in elementary school! I passed the 3rd grade Eiken test in the 3rd grade of elementary school, the semi-2nd grade in the 5th grade. I also won the English speech contest in my 3rd grade.
If it weren’t for these experiences, I wouldn’t have pursued education in an American university.

7. What are three valuable lessons we can learn from you?

１.） Communicate proactively
２.） Take the first step with courage
３.） Don’t judge by appearance (You might find like-minded people or delicious things unexpectedly!)

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I am considering studying business in graduate school, so I can be in a position where I can contribute to improving public health from the business sector.

10. What is the motto you live by?

“Sumeba Miyako (Home is where you make it)”
Jumping into a new environment always comes with some nervousness, but I know I’ll find something I love. I make it a point to dive into every place telling myself, ‘Sumeba Miyako (Home is where you make it)’ 😉

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