This time, we sat down with Viviana, an international student from Modena, a foggy city in northern Italy, and Professor Shiraishi, a teacher in the Department of Architecture Engineering and Construction Management, who studied in Florence over 20 years ago. All three of us share a love for Florence, and our lively conversation ranged from traditional regional cuisine to iPS cells, as well as hope and dreams for the future.
（Japanese version  here)

◆ Why Did Viviana Come to Japan?

Viviana:
“I was studying biotechnology at a university in Italy, but due to various circumstances, I had to stop. I’ve always loved Japanese anime and games, and when I learned about Professor Shinya Yamanaka’s Nobel Prize-winning research on iPS cells at Kyoto University, I was deeply inspired. That’s when I decided to study biotechnology again — this time in Japan.”

Professor Shiraishi:
“That’s incredible — your passion for biotechnology really shines!”

Miyanoshita’s Note:
Viviana is a hardworking student who always prepares for class in advance. She’s humble, thoughtful, and admired by her peers.

◆Why Did She Choose Our School?

Miyanoshita:
“There are other schools in Tokyo where you can study biotechnology — why did you choose TTC(Tokyo Technical College)?”

Viviana:
“During the open campus, Professor Matsui was incredibly kind. What really stood out to me about Tokyo Technical College was the number of practical lab sessions, the bright and motivated student staff, and how closely students interacted with their teachers.”

Professor Shiraishi:
“That connection between students and faculty is really important, isn’t it?”

◆Favorite City? It’s Florence, of Course!

Professor Shiraishi:
“I lived in Florence for two years over 20 years ago. I’ll never forget the cobblestone streets and the view of the Duomo’s red roof.”

Miyanoshita:
“I actually went to Florence for my honeymoon! It really feels like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages.”

Viviana:
“Florence is also my favorite city in Italy. Even among Italians, it’s considered a beautiful, dreamlike destination.”

Miyanoshita’s Note:
It was lovely seeing Professor Shiraishi and Viviana chatting in Italian, sharing their memories of Florence. Professor Shiraishi’s fluent Italian — so impressive!

◆Japan and Italy — Surprisingly Similar?

Professor Shiraishi:
“Italian is phonetically similar to Japanese, so I think it’s easy for Japanese people to learn it.”

Viviana:
“Yes, the pronunciation is quite similar.”

Miyanoshita:
“Are there any other similarities between Japan and Italy?”

Viviana:
“I think starting conversations with food-related topics is something we have in common.”

Miyanoshita:
“True! Talking about the weather and food is always safe — and both countries really value food culture.”

Professor Shiraishi:
“In Japan, we talk about ‘mom’s cooking,’ and in Italy, people cherish the taste of ‘mamma’s food.’”

Viviana:
“Exactly! My mom’s tortellini — small pasta filled with meat or cheese — is the best. I really miss her home cooking.”

◆A Love for Japanese Tradition — Working at a Knife Shop in Asakusa

Miyaoshita:
“Do you enjoy cooking yourself?”

Viviana:
“Yes, I love it! I often make tomato-based pasta — ‘pomodoro.’”

Miyanoshita:
“Many international students work at restaurants. Are you doing the same?”

Viviana:
“No, I’m currently working part-time at a traditional Japanese knife shop in Asakusa. I’m very interested in Japanese culture.”

Professor. Shiraishi:
“Your Japanese is excellent, and you also speak Italian and English. I’m sure your language skills are a great help to the shop!”

Her Dream for the Future

Viviana:
“I’m interested in the medical field. I’d like to be involved in regenerative medicine using iPS cells, and find ways to help people through science.”

Miyanoshita’s Note:
Viviana’s dedication to learning and her strong sense of purpose — even across countries — is truly inspiring. At TTC, where people from diverse backgrounds come together, conversations like these are what make our learning community special. We’ll be sharing more stories of our international students, so stay tuned!

Witten by Miyanoshita【176-English】