Natsukashii: A Master’s, Memories, and a Medal
“Ahhh natsukashii!" For Lewis Tremayne, his journey through Japanese Studies at ANU is filled with warm, nostalgic memories of friendships, learning, and academic achievement.
Growing up in Canberra, Lewis always dreamed of studying at ANU. That dream began to take shape after a solo trip to Japan in 2016, where the country’s culture and energy sparked a fascination that would define his academic path. After completing his undergraduate degree, Lewis knew there was still more to explore. In 2023, he returned to ANU to pursue a Master’s in Japanese Studies at the School of Culture, History & Language (CHL) within the College of Asia and the Pacific.
“I realised I still had a growing curiosity about Japanese society, so I enrolled in the Master’s degree. A deep love for the subject matter, and knowing that this was a substantial and rewarding step towards my next goals, kept me motivated throughout the degree.”
Throughout his Master’s, Lewis found inspiration in both his courses and the people around him. He was particularly drawn to his thesis on social media–motivated tourism trends in Japan—a project that combined his love for research with his personal curiosity about Japanese society.
“It truly felt like the culmination of all my courses and gave me the opportunity to conduct my own original research on a topic very close to my heart. It’s given me new questions to ponder and helped me sketch out my plans for a PhD in the near future.”
Guidance from CHL staff was invaluable. Professor Simon Avenell, who taught multiple courses and supervised Lewis’s thesis, helped him tackle topics that excited him while grounding them in rigorous scholarship. Bethwyn Evans provided steady encouragement throughout, helping Lewis navigate challenges and stay motivated.
“Every course I took in my Master’s was led by passionate, curious, and kind academics. I felt supported and welcomed to explore different perspectives and introduce creative approaches to research. All my classmates had their own passions, which fuelled my curiosity and motivated me to try my best.”
Classes such as Literary and Cultural Discourse in Modern Japan offered moments of insight that would stay with him long after graduation.
“It opened my eyes to the perspectives of Japanese people over the last century and a half and humanised some of the major events that had occurred. I didn’t have to agree with everything the authors wrote — our course head welcomed constructive criticism — and it sparked an interest in other Japanese authors and thinkers.”
Yet it wasn’t just academics that shaped Lewis’s Master’s experience. Living in Ursula Hall and connecting with students from Ritsumeikan University brought Japanese language and culture to life in ways that textbooks could never achieve.
“Their constant motivation for me to continue my studies, make it to Japan, and reunite with them after their 2023 exchange finished, ignited a strong desire to try my best. When I think about the close friends I made and the genuine joy I experienced, I think to myself, ‘ahhh natsukashii!’”
Reflecting on his time at ANU, Lewis says the Master’s taught him more than language or research skills.
“CHL showed me that culture, history, and language are complex, interwoven, and rarely reducible to objective facts. This ability to look at topics from multiple perspectives and recognise my own biases will prove incredibly useful in my future studies of Japanese society.”
His efforts culminated in the award of a University Medal, recognising his dedication, originality, and academic excellence. As he looks toward the next chapter — a PhD at ANU — Lewis carries with him treasured memories of learning, friendships, and discovery, all wrapped in that unmistakable feeling of natsukashii.