Student Blogger: Nanaka Bessho

Not a theater major, but a theater lover at heart! Join me as I share how my passion for theater and my journey through law school intersect, from mock trials inspired by fairy tales to finding support in amazing friends.

Curious about what it's like to be part of an English-language theater group in Japan? In this blog, I’ll share my experience with MODEL PRODUCTION (MP), a student-led theater organization founded on the concept of “English through Drama.” MP is unique in Japan, where students communicate entirely in English while producing a full-scale musical. I participated as part of the costume and makeup team, learning how to navigate language barriers and production challenges along the way. I’ll also give you a preview of MP25’s theme, “Just Be You,” set to debut in May. If you're a student in Tokyo with a passion for theater, MP is an incredible community to be part of!

New semester, new adventures! While Japan’s academic year starts in April, this fall term is packed with exciting courses for me, from Japanese criminal law to art and literature. My favorite? A class on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which is giving me a rare chance to dive into Western classics. On top of that, I’ve just started guiding walking tours for foreign visitors around Tokyo’s theater districts. With tourism booming, I thought a tour focused on Japan’s unique theater culture, including its distinct musicals, would be something special. It’s been a rewarding way to share my passion while learning even more myself!