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While young students nowadays cannot wait until they’re done with school, a 98 year old man proves that learning is a life-long journey. Nobukatsu Murakawa is currently enrolled at Momoyama Gakuin University in Osaka and putting those students to shame with his passion for learning.
Five years ago he decided to enroll in a course in the History of International Politics in a university program that targets adults or those who have already established themselves in society. Currently, he is enrolled in a course in International Law.
And while it may seem unfair to some of his classmates because he actually lived through some of the events that they’re studying, you still can’t mistake Mr. Murakawa’s desire to learn. Twice a week he goes on a two-hour commute just to go to his classes. And during lectures, he sits upright in the front row, doesn’t fidget in his seat and religiously takes notes and intently listens to his professor.
He has already earned a reputation at the university because of his diligence and his desire to impart what he knows with the younger generation. He would sometimes share during the lectures when the lesson is something that he has personally lived through.
Having lived through such historic and turbulent events like the Great Earthquake of 1923, the Taisho (1912-1926), Showa (1926 – 1989), Heisei (1989–present) periods and of course World War II, he wasn’t able to study and so now he is determined to turn it around. “Being given this opportunity, I want to give it my all and learn as much as possible,” says Mr. Murakawa.
One of the most important things this war veteran has learned in his time at the university is to understand the perspective, interest and motivations of the countries that have been involved in wars. “Whatever the reason, going to war just isn’t justifiable.
The importance of finding time to discuss a problem rationally and setting one’s focus on an amicable method of resolution cannot be underestimated,” adds Mr. Murakawa.
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