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Meet our Trainees – Mirai Yoshizawa
Meet Mirai Yoshizawa, a Digital Transformation Trainee who joined our Fall 2025 semester. Mirai is an exchange student from Japan majoring in Design. Find out more about her background and journey until now!
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background?
My name is Mirai and I’m an exchange student from Japan majoring in design, especially UX design. I also have experience with projects related to Synthetic Biology.
Can you tell me more about your studies?
I studied UX for three years and I also worked at a consulting company in Japan as a UX researcher. And I did a project related to Synthetic Biology, like engineering bacteria and decomposed PET (which is a type of plastic).
Can you tell me a bit about your interests?
These days, I really like to do sci-fi things. For example, I once tried a genetic test and even analysed my own DNA data. It felt a bit like the movie Gattaca. I am also interested in AR and VR, such as Meta Quest. With that, you can put a browser in the air, which I think is really cool. Since my major is UX, I hope I can connect my knowledge to those fields in the future.
How did you hear about Digital Society School?
I have a friend who did this program. She said it was a really nice experience, so I wanted to go to here [Hogeschool van Amsterdam] and I wanted to go to Europe, so I feel very happy right now.
What did your education path look like until now?
When I was in junior high school and high school, I was doing a little bit of Synthetic Biology research, but I didn’t feel fully confident with it. I was also interested in design. I decided to go to Kyushu University, where they offer a program on design and engineering. I’m studying there and I also work as a UX Designer. Now I’m here for a semester!
How would you describe your first few weeks at DSS?
It was a little bit tough but also really exciting because I’m still learning English so I have a language barrier. But everyone is really kind so I feel excited.
What has been your favorite moment in the program until now?
I would say working with my teammates. Last week, I used the maker’s lab, which is for making objects and doing physical prototyping. It was really fun for me.
How has your experience been living in Amsterdam so far?
It’s been really good. I feel really good because Amsterdam is a nice city and I am comfortable living in Amsterdam.
Which partner organization is your team working with and what’s the project about?
Our project partner is the Ministry of Finance and our project is about using AI more sustainably.
How was your first week working with the partner organization?
Last week we had the first meeting with the partner. I felt a little bit nervous and anxious, but our team members are really nice. Also, the partner is really supportive, so I hope we will be able to create a good project together.
And what’s next for you after the DSS program?
I’m still thinking, and I have to do some job hunting in Japan. I hope I could get a role in UX research, design or something similar.
What’s something unexpected that’s happened during your time here?
I ate a Dutch dish. It was the first time for me and it was really nice!
