From April 1, our compatriot Serik Meirmanov assumed the position of Vice President at one of Japan's leading universities. Prior to this appointment, Meirmanov served for three years as Dean for Academic Affairs at APU, where he played a key role in developing academic programs. He received his medical education in Kazakhstan and earned his PhD in Japan. The professor is also actively involved in the scientific life of his homeland—he is a member of the National Council for Science and Technology under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and serves as a foreign expert for the National Science Council. This marks the first time in history that a Kazakh citizen has held such a high leadership position at a Japanese university. On the eve of the appointment, a correspondent from the Qaz365.kz portal spoke with Professor Meirmanov about the education system in Japan.

— Hello, Serik! Thank you for agreeing to this interview despite your busy schedule. Congratulations on your appointment to such a prestigious position. To begin, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

— Thank you! It’s a pleasure for me as well to speak with a fellow countryman, especially being so far from home.

My story begins in Semey, in a simple but wonderful family: my father was an automotive engineer, and my mother devoted herself to social work. I grew up in a city whose history is inseparably linked to nuclear testing, and that certainly left its mark.

I attended School No. 3, and at first I was fascinated by the precision of numbers—I was preparing to become an engineer and even studied in a math-focused class. But closer to graduation, I experienced a turning point. The realization that I could make a difference by helping people pushed me onto a completely different path—I decided to become a doctor. This was not merely a decision but rather an inner calling to help people, including those affected by nuclear tests.

I enrolled in the Semipalatinsk Medical Institute, graduated, and completed my residency in surgery. Then came the 1990s—a time of change. Kazakhstan gained independence, and a new phase of studying the effects of radiation began. A pivotal moment for me was meeting Japanese scientists from Nagasaki—a city that also endured the horrors of a nuclear explosion. They visited us and shared their experience. Back then, as a student, I actively participated in conferences, eagerly absorbing knowledge and engaging in many conversations with them. Apparently, my genuine interest impressed them—they offered me a unique opportunity: to come to Japan on a government scholarship to pursue a PhD. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I took it.

That’s how I ended up at Nagasaki University. For nearly ten years, I immersed myself in the complex world of genetics, researching in the medical school lab how radiation triggers mechanisms of thyroid and breast cancer at the DNA level. It was deep, fundamental work.

Over time, however, I felt the need to see the bigger picture, beyond the laboratory. I became interested in public health—how to approach national health issues systematically. And then luck struck again: in 2009, Ritsumeikan APU University, where I now work, launched a public health management program. That seemed like the perfect next step. The selection process was rigorous, but I was accepted.

Here, I began teaching, leading research projects, and, what is especially important to me, I was able to establish numerous collaborative initiatives with Kazakhstan. I maintain very warm and productive relationships with colleagues from my alma mater, Semipalatinsk Medical University, and the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University in Almaty.

The past five years have been a period of unexpected career growth: first as Deputy Dean, then a year later as Dean of Academic Affairs. And just recently, I received an offer from the university president to become Vice President. I must admit, it was quite a surprise. It is a huge responsibility, especially in Japan, where discipline and results are held to exceptionally high standards. But I accepted this challenge because I saw it as a chance to further strengthen the bridges between Japan and my homeland.

You know, it’s an incredible feeling to realize that I, a guy from a simple family in Semey, have reached such a position here in Japan. It fills me with great pride and, of course, a sense of responsibility. What matters greatly to me is that after 25 years living here, I remain a citizen of Kazakhstan. My passport is blue—Kazakhstani.

— Could you tell us about the university where you currently work?

— Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu, Japan, is one of the most international universities in Asia. Half of the faculty members are foreigners, and students come from more than 100 countries. The number of students coming to Japan for postgraduate education is growing rapidly. This trend has also been confirmed by the embassy. Our university offers a unique opportunity for students to study even without knowing Japanese; knowledge of English is sufficient. There are several students from Kazakhstan enrolled in undergraduate programs. I had one student from Kazakhstan in my master’s program. They independently found our university, came here on their own, studied in English, and also learned Japanese during their studies.

— How is the education system structured in Japan? Please tell us about the Japanese and their attitude toward education.

— That’s an excellent question! The Japanese attitude toward education is truly one of the defining characteristics of their society. Let me try to explain this in a bit more detail:

The Japanese approach education with exceptional pragmatism. Their culture deeply understands that quality education is the most direct and reliable path to a stable career and a prosperous future. The connection between a prestigious diploma and a successful career is very clear in Japan.

This mindset largely stems from the 1960s and 70s—the era of Japan’s “economic miracle.” At that time, industrial giants building the new Japan preferred to hire graduates only from top universities. For example, a diploma from the University of Tokyo was almost a guarantee of employment in a leading corporation. Imagine parents investing considerable resources into paying for their child’s education at a prestigious university—this investment gave them peace of mind because their child’s future was secured.

Why? Because the system of lifetime employment flourished back then. A person would join a company at 25 and could count on working there until retirement, with steady salary increases and career advancement. Choosing the right university and then the right company essentially set the trajectory for one’s entire life, ensuring financial stability.

Although the lifetime employment system is no longer as rigid today, the mentality remains—the belief that education is a critically important investment in the future has not faded. Japanese people still strive to provide their children with the best education, fully appreciating its value.

But there is another, equally important aspect. A diploma alone is not everything. In Japan, great emphasis is placed on personal qualities: integrity, discipline, responsibility, and especially the ability to work harmoniously in a team. These qualities form the foundation of Japanese society and are instilled from an early age—both at home and at school. One can graduate from the best university, but if they cannot get along with colleagues and be part of the collective, their career might stall. So, success here is a blend of a solid education and well-developed social skills—the ability to be a reliable link in the larger chain.

— What are the key aspects of scientific development in Japanese universities?

— Overall, science in Japanese universities develops under strong influence from government policy and funding (especially through the Kakenhi grants), with a focus on strategic priorities and international competitiveness. However, it also faces challenges in supporting fundamental research and nurturing young researchers.

One of the key aspects is funding. The dominant system is competitive funding for both basic and applied research across all fields, managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). Securing Kakenhi grants is critical for researchers and serves as a primary indicator of their activity and recognition. There are many categories of grants available, including those for fundamental research (S/A/B/C categories), for young researchers, and for breakthrough research, among others.

National universities receive basic funding from MEXT (operational grants), part of which supports research infrastructure and activities. However, this portion is decreasing, and external competitive funding is becoming increasingly important.

The government (MEXT, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry — METI, Cabinet Office) initiates large-scale, strategically important research programs—for example, under the “Society 5.0” strategy, green transformation (GX), Moonshot initiatives, and the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI). Universities actively participate in competitive funding calls within these projects.

Funding from the private sector through collaborative research projects, contract research, and donations is another important direction. This form of cooperation is strongly encouraged by the government, but the level of engagement varies widely among universities and scientific disciplines. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) plays a key role in facilitating these efforts.

— Which universities are preferred when distributing grants from various non-governmental scientific funds?

— National universities in Japan have historically been centers of fundamental science and the country’s main research powerhouses—especially the former Imperial universities.

Leading private universities also possess strong research potential, often in specific fields (for example, Keio and Waseda).

Research institutes, both affiliated with universities and large independent centers (such as RIKEN, AIST, etc.), closely collaborate with universities.

Two key agencies, JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) and JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency), shape the scientific landscape through grants, scholarships, and strategic programs. JSPS focuses more on supporting fundamental science and human resources, while JST emphasizes strategic research and technology transfer.

— What are the research priorities in science?

Traditionally, Japan has been strong in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, medicine, and life sciences.

In today’s society, priorities align with national strategies — Society 5.0 (AI, IoT, Big Data), green transformation, life and health sciences, space exploration, and disaster prevention. There is a growing emphasis on interdisciplinarity and solving major social challenges.

Internationalization is actively encouraged through joint grants and projects (such as WPI and JSPS programs), aiming to increase the global visibility and competitiveness of Japanese science.

— How is researcher training conducted?

— Researchers are trained through PhD and postdoctoral programs (often funded by JSPS fellowships). The tenure-track system is being introduced but is not yet widespread. Securing a permanent position remains highly competitive. There is an issue of unstable employment for young researchers who depend on short-term project funding. Research outcomes are considered in the evaluation of national universities by MEXT and affect future funding volumes. University rankings also play an important role.

— How is scientists’ work evaluated in Japan? Do they receive decent salaries?

— I won’t provide exact figures, but I can describe the principles behind scientists’ compensation in Japan. The system is quite clear and predictable.

The key factor is academic rank. There is a clear career ladder: assistant professor, then associate professor, and the highest rank — full professor. With each step up, the salary increases noticeably, reflecting the level of responsibility and scientific contribution.

Besides academic rank, administrative roles also affect income. If a researcher takes on extra duties, such as dean or department head, this is usually compensated with additional allowances.

Another important factor, common in many Japanese organizations, is age and seniority. Within the same position, salary can gradually increase over the years, reflecting accumulated experience and loyalty. It’s a system where length of service matters.

Regarding the overall level… I wouldn’t say scientists earn “huge” sums compared to, say, top corporate executives. But the system provides a decent, stable income appropriate for the scientist’s status and qualifications. It allows for a comfortable life and focus on research and teaching. It’s more about stability and respect for the profession than about high earnings.

— What concerns do ordinary Japanese scientists have most?

— That’s a good question. Perhaps one unique aspect of working as a scientist in Japan is the ability to almost fully immerse oneself in science without being distracted by everyday hassles. The level of service here is such that problems like car repairs or household issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, freeing your time and mind for what matters most — research and experiments. This is a huge advantage for maximum concentration.

Regarding career concerns, I think the system here is fairly transparent and merit-based. Of course, no system is perfect, but in general, Japan values diligence, quality work, and real results. It’s hard to imagine a situation where someone advances purely through connections. You have to prove your worth through effort. My own path — I am a foreigner but reached a high position here — confirms that skills, competencies, and demonstrated results are what count.

It should be noted that certain qualities and skills are highly valued. If you show your abilities and deliver results, you can move up the career ladder.

— In Kazakhstan, many young researchers do not have their own housing. Therefore, they rent apartments while simultaneously saving money to buy a place. How is the issue of housing for young scientists addressed in Japan?

— This is a very important aspect. Of course, it is difficult to directly compare economies, but regarding young scientists in Japan, the situation is as follows: starting salaries may not be among the highest in the world, but they generally allow for a decent standard of living. These salaries cover living expenses, including rent—which can be a significant part of the budget here—and often leave some room for savings.

However, the key point, in my view, is not so much the absolute amount of income but the predictability of the system and the ability to plan one’s life. The Japanese academic environment has a fairly clear career trajectory. If you work diligently and demonstrate results, you can be reasonably confident of promotion and, accordingly, a salary increase within 2–3 years or 5 years.

It is precisely this stability and predictability that give young researchers confidence about the future. They can plan their finances, rent housing calmly, and eventually perhaps consider purchasing their own home. There is no constant feeling of uncertainty, which often prevents people from making long-term plans, including housing-related ones. This confidence in the future is, perhaps, the most important factor.

Such a system naturally fosters loyalty among employees toward their universities and research centers. People see prospects and value stability.

At the same time, it is important to understand that this support is not so much provided through special housing programs by universities (although those may exist) but rather through the overall government policy in the field of science and education, which creates this predictable career environment.

— Are there any government benefits provided to scientists?

— I cannot say that scientists receive special benefits. Perhaps loans are available at very low interest rates—around 0.1–0.2%. This makes it quite feasible for someone to buy an apartment on credit. Ensuring stable career prospects for the next generation of researchers remains an important task.

I would like to add that in Japan, all professions are treated equally; there are no privileges for specific categories. The only exception is that teachers are regarded with respect. This is a kind of social status that people generally appreciate. The very word “sensei” conveys respect and, at the same time, implies certain responsibilities.

— Do you plan to return to Kazakhstan?

— Kazakhstan is not just a place on the map; it is my homeland, the country of which I was and remain a citizen. My roots are there, and my thoughts are always with Kazakhstan. Many of my aspirations and plans are closely connected to it.

And you know, paradoxically, I have come to a deep conviction: it is precisely by being here, in Japan, that I can do even more for Kazakhstan than if I were physically there right now.

Why do I think so? My work here allows me to serve as a kind of bridge between our countries. I have the opportunity to facilitate internships for our Kazakh doctors at leading Japanese clinics, helping them master advanced methodologies. At the same time, I assist in arranging visits of Japanese professors and doctors to Kazakhstan to conduct unique masterclasses and consultations. I am actively involved in organizing joint scientific conferences, promoting the exchange of knowledge.

I consider all this activity as my personal, meaningful contribution to strengthening relations between Japan and Kazakhstan, and to the development of science and medicine in my homeland. I believe this work brings real benefit. Therefore, as long as I feel I can be most effective for Kazakhstan here, I will continue this work.

— Thanks to information technology, Kazakhs have heard about and know Japan. But do Japanese people know about Kazakhstan? What are the opinions of intellectuals, such as scientists, journalists, and politicians, about our country?

— You see, the Japanese never speak negatively; that is their culture. From my own experience, when I first came to Japan, people knew almost nothing about Kazakhstan. It was the time of the Soviet Union’s collapse. Now, the Japanese know that Kazakhstan is one of the large countries in Central Asia. Intellectuals read a lot, and sometimes they surprise with their knowledge; they speak positively about Kazakhstan. They show interest in the country and ask questions—about the country’s development, the mineral resources Kazakhstan is rich in, and about the interethnic relations among the population.

I feel there is some invisible closeness between our two countries. When Japanese people visit Kazakhstan, they feel very comfortable. This is because there are certain common intercultural principles, such as respect for elders and ancestors, family values, and adherence to traditions and customs.

— You have probably read the news that last year the Ministry of Digital Development of Kazakhstan reported that the quality of mobile communication in the country is even better than in Tokyo. Is that really the case?

— Regarding the quality of communication, I can say there are no problems. For example, we are now talking via WhatsApp audio call, and it seems there are no issues.

I want to point out that in Japan, particularly at our university, all work is built on receiving fast information through internet connectivity. I do not experience any internet problems either at work or at home. I do not feel any slow speeds.

Our campus is not located right in the city but on a hill, about 300 meters above sea level. Here, we have excellent connection. The university has around 6,000 students, all of whom use their phones. There are no complaints about slow speeds.

— On social media and the internet, one can see photos of Japanese people sitting in the subway reading newspapers. Is that really true?

— That used to be the case. People read newspapers. Nowadays, newspapers are no longer read in the subway because everyone reads on their smartphones. It is important to note one cultural aspect here. The Japanese highly value others’ personal space. Therefore, speaking loudly on the subway is not customary. People do talk, but quietly. Starting a conversation with a stranger is basically out of the question. So what remains? They read to avoid accidentally making eye contact with others. Unnecessary glances are also generally discouraged, as it is considered impolite.

— Thank you for this informative conversation. I wish you continued success!

 

 

Interviewed by Bauyrzhan Karipov

Qaz365.kz

translated by Qazalem