Claire Colley

   Hello! My name is Claire Colley, and I am senior graduating with a major in Japanese Studies and a minor in Religious Studies. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the J-Studies program at William & Mary, and it has been a joy to be able to take classes with such a fantastic group of professors. I was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad at Keio University in Tokyo last year, which was a life-changing experience. I was able to see many of Japan's iconic landmarks, from Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto to Shibuya 109 in Tokyo. However, the most memorable moments during my study abroad trip were the visual kei concerts I regularly attended; by the end of my trip, I was able to get to know my favorite band, become familiar with many of their Japanese fans, and even meet their manager. The visual kei scene was an environment in which I was able to fully immerse myself in the Japanese language, for which I am exceedingly grateful. Upon my return, I was able to write my Japanese Studies capstone thesis on the aestheticization of religious imagery in visual kei, which combines all of my passions into one paper. This program has provided me with priceless information, instruction, and opportunities, and I will forever be grateful to everyone involved in J-Studies at William & Mary.