DirectorKazuyoshi OISHIProfessor

Field of Study:
English Literature, Social History

I am Kazuyoshi Oishi, Director of CAWK. My research field centres around British literature and society in the Romantic and Victorian periods. I am also interested in architecture and urban history in general. The process of writing is not always easy, especially when we try to find words and expressions that perfectly match our thoughts and ideas based on deep investigations and deliberations, whether in Japanese or in English. It is a great joy, however, to map out a design of our thoughts and ideas in our own words on a white paper. Let’s appreciate our own voice and rhythm as well while writing.

As Director, I will do my best to make CAWK a pleasant and meaningful place for everyone. Starting with support for English and Japanese courses in Junior Division, CAWK will provide a variety of information and support to help you enjoy and pursue academic writing. Please feel free to contact me. I am here to listen to your concerns and requests, and am looking forward to seeing you!

Research Details

Assistant directorMieko THOMPSONAssociate Professor

Field of Study:
Japanese as a second language, specializing in collaborative learning and academic writing

I am Mieko THOMPSON, Assistant Director of CAWK. My discipline is Japanese as a second language, specializing in collaborative learning and academic writing. I also pursue research on advising for language learning.

I have been an enthusiastic writer since my childhood; that might be the reason why I chose to engage in scholarly work! I enjoy finding the exact words which describe how I feel or what I see, although the process can be very incremental. Research is somewhat similar in that we reveal some truths which have been embedded in our lives, and finally express them in an articulate manner. Language indeed shapes our thoughts and in turn also defines the world in which we are living.

CAWK offers an optimal environment that will help you to shape your thoughts in writing. Our trained tutors will assist you through constructive dialogues and providing useful resources. We very much look forward to supporting your writing journey at CAWK!

Research Details

Diana KARTIKAAssociate Professor

Field of Study:
Sociology of education, Inclusive education

I serve as the English department head at CAWK and my research background is on how educational systems can provide quality education for all students, no matter the backgrounds they come from or the characteristics they have. UTokyo students have a range of past learning experiences, particularly in writing or using English. My experience in teaching English writing at other Japanese universities and writing centres have helped me to see the unique challenges and difficulties that UTokyo students face. First and foremost, my vision is to ensure that there are communication channels to understand students’ evolving needs. Thereafter, to identify effective approaches that support and enable individual students to develop the confidence in expressing their thoughts clearly and accurately in English. Teaching Fellows and Teaching Assistants are at the frontline of CAWK, and together we will work as a team to provide the support that you need.

Research Details

Felix KUHNProject Assistant Professor

Field of Study:
International Relations, Diplomatic History

I am Felix Kuhn and I am managing the day-to-day operations at CAWK. My research focuses on international relations and diplomatic history in East Asia and Europe. Writing is essential to communicate one’s ideas to the academic community and beyond, but it is also challenging. When I write about my own research, I always try to imagine my readers: Are they able to follow my arguments? Are they able to grasp my main point? Are they not bored reading my article? If others are unable to understand my ideas, or if they soon lose interest in my article, I know that my writing needs improvement. These are common challenges, and at CAWK we offer you a place to tackle them and to improve your writing. Here you find dedicated tutors to support you in your efforts to write coherent and engaging academic papers.

Research Details

Yui TOYODAProject Research Associate

Field of Study:
Spanish Art History

When we write reports and papers, the most important thing is to write in a way that others can read and understand. No matter how great the conclusion, if the logic is jumpy or the overall structure is broken, the reader will not be able to understand the good points. At CAWK, you can discuss your writing with your tutor, who will review your writing or what you are trying to write from different perspectives. It is challenging to walk into a place you don't know, but tutors and people are friendly and helpful, and you are always welcome to visit when the center opens.

Research Details

KOHARAProject Specialist

When I was in college, I remember always choosing very niche topics for assignments and being asked by my professors, "Are you sure you can write this?”. The problem is, the more I wrote, the more I got stuck and found it hard to find references. So I had to go to the library and the professor's office many times.

However, I still found writing papers a lot of fun, especially when I was working on the topics that I was really interested in. Since I graduated, I have rarely been able to pursue my intellectual curiosity, so those were rich times for me. I hope you can enjoy learning and writing with the support of CAWK!