Introduction
When I started this website and writing the MEXT books, I only followed the practical steps of the MEXT process. I had forgotten something equally important, and that is the right mindset for getting the MEXT scholarship and study in Japan. Your mindset makes all the difference.
So, let’s journey back in time and dive into those memories about my mindset during the MEXT application process. Together, we will draw conclusions, and you can decide for yourself if these are helpful for you and if you can apply some of them on journey to getting the MEXT scholarship.
Why mindset matters? Because mindset shapes your actions. When you believe in your ability to succeed, your actions naturally align with that belief. Confidence pushes you to prepare, persevere, and perform at your best. Desperation, on the other hand, often leads to hesitation, overthinking, or making rushed decisions.
Looking back, I realize that mindset was what made the difference. It wasn’t just about studying or filling out forms. It was about believing in my dream so fully that it felt real before it even happened. That’s what I want to share with you: how to align your thoughts, emotions, and actions so that you not only apply for the MEXT scholarship but also attract the result you want.
I will share below the key mindset shifts and practices that helped me get the MEXT scholarship, thus fulfilling my greatest desire.
1. From Confusion to Clarity Mindset
When I first thought about studying abroad, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I mean, I was interested in languages, and I was studying business administration, but I didn’t have a clear direction.
I was first inspired to start learning Japanese after watching anime. Then I realized that scholarships existed, after a classmate applied for one in Germany. This was an eye opener. So, I applied as well for a one-month scholarship in Germany and couldn’t believe how easily I got it.
That was the moment the idea of a scholarship in Japan occurred to me. So, I started researching and discovered the MEXT scholarship. The more I learned about Japan and the MEXT scholarship, the more I felt like this was it. It wasn’t just a vague idea anymore—it became a dream I believed in so strongly that nothing else mattered.
At first, I was confused and disoriented. I didn’t know where to start, how to prepare, or even if this ambition was realistic. But the moment I made my decision, my goal was crystal clear. There was no more indecision or hesitation. I moved from confusion to clarity.
Why clarity matters? Clarity of goal brings forth a focused mind and a firm decision eliminates doubts. Thus, your chances to succeed improve greatly. Without clarity, desperation can cloud judgement, and your efforts will be scattered.
If you have clarity and make a firm decision, then you will start seeing the steps you need to take to achieve this. Your mind will work actively to create a plan that will take you there.
How to become clear? Write on a piece of paper or in your journal the following:
- What is your objective? (E.g. I intend to study business administration in Japan.)
- When will you apply for the scholarship? (E.g. I intend to apply for the MEXT scholarship in May 2025.)
- Why do you want to go to Japan? (E.g. I intend to go to Japan because I love Japan and its culture. I love animes, I love architecture, I love the language, I love people, I love Japanese food, I love traveling, I love discovering new things, etc. And I intend to go to Japan and experience all these things and have the adventure of my life.)
Please notice that I used the word “intend” a lot in my examples. This is a magical word. You should use it as well when you talk about your dreams, no matter which they are.
2. Believe it’s already yours and achieve a state of calm
Once I set my goal, everything started falling into place—not because it was easy, but because I believed in it so strongly. I started visualizing myself in Japan, imagining what it would feel like to walk those streets and live that life. It wasn’t just daydreaming—it felt real to me.
I even started having vivid dreams about being in Japan, and every time I woke up, it felt like I had been there. I wasn’t just hoping for it to happen—I was expecting it to happen. I was excited, confident, and calm. And I think this is a huge key: I wasn’t worried about whether I’d get the scholarship. I just assumed it was mine. I never even considered the competition for the scholarship. In my mind, there was no competition at all.
In fact, I remember one of my mom’s colleagues pointing out something that surprised me. She said, “Whenever you talk about Japan, you use the present tense, like you’re already there.” I hadn’t even noticed it, but she was right. I was speaking about my dream as if it had already happened.
Looking back, I think this was one of the most powerful things I did. By doing so, I was training my mind to believe it was real.
This mindset was everything. I think a lot of students get stuck in fear or doubt. They think, “What if I don’t get it?” or “Am I good enough?” But those thoughts create resistance and pull you away from your goal instead of bringing you closer to it.
I noticed this when I talked to other students applying for the scholarship. Some of them seemed so anxious or desperate, and I could sense that they didn’t believe in themselves. The ones who were confused, stressed, or filled with doubt—they didn’t get the scholarship. But the ones who were clear, focused, optimistic, and confident, did. Optimism fuels the initial dream of studying in Japan, while confidence keeps you steady through the preparation process.
3. Letting Go and Trust
Once I had done my part—learning Japanese, preparing my documents, and attending the interview—I let go of the outcome. I didn’t sit around worrying about whether or not I’d get the scholarship. Instead, I focused on other things that brought me joy and kept me busy.
Right after my interview, my family and I went on a holiday to the seaside. During that entire trip, I completely forgot about the scholarship. And then, out of the blue, I got a call from the embassy while I was in a boat on lake. I had to ask the boat driver to stop the engine so I could hear what they were saying on the phone.
Later in the autumn, I left for Germany to start a new program of studies there. Again, I became so focused on my new environment, my classes, and the people I was meeting that I didn’t have time to stress about the scholarship in Japan. I loved my life there. It was a lot of fun! So much fun that when I got the email from the embassy that I have to return in less than a month to start my preparation for Japan, I had difficulties letting go to the beautiful life that I was enjoying in Germany.
I think this period of detachment was crucial. By not constantly thinking or worrying about the outcome, I avoided falling into negativity or fear. I trusted that I had done everything I could, and then I allowed the process to unfold naturally.
This doesn’t mean I wasn’t serious about the scholarship—I had prepared thoroughly. But once that preparation was done, I let go. And in doing so, I stayed in a high vibration, full of trust and positivity, which I believe played a big role in my success.
4. Cultivating the Right Mindset to getting the MEXT scholarship
If you’re wondering how to develop this mindset for yourself, here are some steps that you can try.
- Get really clear about your goal. Ask yourself: Why do I want this scholarship? What will it feel like when I achieve it? Write your answers down and revisit them whenever you feel uncertain.
- Try visualization. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in Japan. Picture the streets, the cherry blossoms, the food, the people. See yourself in the classroom, studying, and thriving. Don’t just see it—feel it. Feel the excitement, the confidence, and the pride of being there.
I remember my university days in Japan, I was so proud to be there and whenever I talked with someone, I would tell them that my greatest dream was to study in Japan and that I was there, living my dream. I was so proud in those moments, and I felt admired by everyone whenever I told them “My dream was to come to Japan, and now, I am living my dream.” It was the best feeling ever, and I was saying this a lot.
- Speak about your dream in the present tense. Instead of saying, “I hope I’ll get the scholarship,” say, “I’m preparing for my studies in Japan.” Practice talking about your dream as if it’s already happening. It might feel strange at first, but it trains your mind to believe it’s real.
- Don’t underestimate the power of letting go. Once you’ve done everything you can – studied, prepared your application, and submitted it – release the outcome. Focus on other things you love, whether it’s hobbies, spending time with friends, or exploring new opportunities. Detachment isn’t about giving up; it’s about trusting that your efforts are enough.
Protect your dream, stay focused, and trust yourself. This isn’t about ignoring reality or avoiding hard work. It’s about creating a strong foundation of belief and action that will carry you through the process. When you align your mindset with your goal, the path becomes clearer—and a lot more exciting.
Conclusion
Getting the MEXT scholarship isn’t just about academics or ticking off the requirements. It’s about believing in your dream so deeply that it feels real before it even happens. For me, it was the combination of clarity, preparation, and a strong mindset that made all the difference.
If there’s one thing, I want you to take away from my story, it’s this: you don’t have to know all the answers right now. Start with what excites you, even if it’s just a spark. Trust that small steps will lead you to the bigger picture and let your belief in yourself guide you.
The journey to achieving your dream might not always be easy, but it’s worth it. And when you align your mindset, your actions, and your emotions with your goal, incredible things can happen. If I could do it, so can you. Your dream of studying in Japan is closer than you think.