Tokyo is an eclectic mixture of Japanese culture, international business, technology and popular entertainment, all packaged in an energetic, forward-moving environment that never seems to slow down.
Melissa Pae Redwood, a political science major at Smith College and former Mochi writer, studied abroad in Tokyo during the spring semester of her junior year. She was first attracted to Japan because of her interest in the relationship between Japan and the U.S. after World War II. In addition, as a student at a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts, she wanted to …

Nagoya, the third largest city in Japan, contains 2.2 million inhabitants and is notable for its high air quality. The city is also well-known as the home of Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and many art museums. It is located near Toyota’s headquarters, which account for much of the region’s prosperity.

When it comes to college dating, chances are, your significant other is someone who grew up in another state or even another country. You may see each other during the semesters, but not at all during the long months of summer vacation. Perhaps you’re dating someone older who just graduated and moved away for work, while you’re still finishing up school. Or maybe you’re coming into college already in a relationship with your high school sweetheart, who’s attending college on the opposite coast. In each of these situations, it’s hard …

Columbia University (New York, NY) Every year, Columbia’s APA student organizations put on large-scale events that bring awareness to Asian culture. Asian American Alliance, the umbrella group to other student orgs, puts on an annual event called “Culture Shock.” The event is a fashion and culture show, with proceeds donated to a pan-Asian children’s advocacy organization. In addition, this past Lunar New Year, the Chinese Student Association put on the Lunar Gala Culture Show, which highlighted everything from lion dance to Chinese …

You realize there’s a coffee stain on your resume. You can’t sit comfortably in those pants. You anxiously wonder who you’ll talk to. There are 1 million and one things that could stress you out during a college interview, but we have 10 pointers that might help relieve some anxiety you may have.
10. Take the initiative. If you get the interviewer’s information and it’s up to you to make contact, do it right away. Keep in mind that interviewing high school kids is done out of the alum’s love for …

Filled with new learning experiences and relationships, college can be stressful and unpredictable. Unless you’re careful, unlimited cafeteria food and drinking at parties can lead to the infamous “Freshman 15,” where first-year students pack on 15 pounds from their new lifestyle habits. We’ve compiled some smart eating and exercise tips to ensure every year is a healthy and fun experience.

How to Develop Smart Eating Habits
1. Breakfast is for champions. It may seem like a no-brainer, but eating breakfast can help you improve your concentration and stay engaged during classes. …

Between studying, internships and social events, it can be difficult to find time to date in college, let alone maintain a steady relationship. Let’s face it, expensive, dinner dates don’t work for everyone, especially those without a car or deep pockets. Here are some realistic, romantic, and most importantly, budget-appropriate date ideas.

For as long as I can remember, I was an Asian stereotype. Though I wasn’t the ultimate poster child (I didn’t take advanced math nor science), my social life definitely fit the bill. I came from a conservative Christian Korean home and my closest friends growing up were all Asian.

You’re at a party. You see a cute guy across the room. He approaches you. There is instant chemistry. Before you know it, he’s telling you that his roommate went home for the weekend and he’s asking you to spend the night with him.
A majority of you may have already fallen for his impeccably bright smile and said, “Yes!” Others may have said, “It’s getting late, why don’t you call me?” And a few may have said, “Freak!” and walked away.
Without ruining your night out, it’s important to realize the …

Despite barriers of distance, time zones and regional culture, there are thousands of Asian American students, leaders and activists across the nation passionate about establishing networks, opening dialogue and building community. The East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU) and the Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association (ITASA) are only two of many conferences and forums that work hard to achieve these goals.
ECAASU prides itself on being the host of “the oldest and largest Asian American student conference in the nation and one of the preeminent collegiate student conferences in the …

Whether you aspire to become a journalist, entrepreneur, doctor, teacher or lawyer, internships give you an extra edge and a street-smart instinct that you can’t learn from reading a textbook. It goes without saying that having internship experience puts you ahead of those who don’t. Especially today, employers aren’t just looking for applicants with a college degree and a high GPA; they’re looking for someone who is well-rounded and already has the skills for the job. And if you thought looking for an internship or job was pointless in this …

Dorm rooms are notorious for lack of space, but with a little imagination, you can turn a drab room into a fab room. Here are some ways to work with what you have.

We’ve all had one of those mornings—maybe you overslept for an 8 a.m. class, forgot about an important assignment due that day or are rushing to work after a long night. To help you get out the door sooner, we’ve got some easy tips to trim your beauty routine. Whether you’ve got five, 15 or 30 minutes, here are some ways to quickly get yourself ready for the day ahead.
Streamline your routine
Even on more leisurely days, it always helps to choose and set …

From annoying roommates to exhausting classes and internships, the stress of college life can lead to breakouts and frown lines. Considering the high costs of dermatology visits and prescriptions, here are some tried-and-true natural, inexpensive do-it-yourself facial masks to relieve and nurture your skin.
Plain Yogurt Facial Mask
Good for those with sensitive skin, plain yogurt is filled with Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), protein and fat. Together, these ingredients illuminate and brighten your skin while increasing elasticity.
Ingredient: Any plain yogurt from your local market.

Cleanse your …

Heidi* was only a freshman in college when she first tried Adderall. “I was getting a grip on college life, hadn’t learned how to procrastinate right and obviously had a hard time handling my workload. I discovered caffeine gum at the campus convenience store and had been getting through all-nighters with that, but then someone told me that Adderall was way better, and I wouldn’t have to eat 10 cups of coffee worth of caffeine in gum,” she said.
Alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and heroin—these are the forms of substance abuse one …