Student Profile: Ryuichi Nakajima, MPP Class of 2023

An interest in international relations began early for Ryuyichi Nakajima. Growing up with a Chinese mother and Japanese father, Nakajima spent time in both countries and saw the importance and value of a diversified perspective. “Not only was this international perspective very good for my studies, but it taught me how to overcome cultural differences in work.”

He followed these values during his undergraduate experience by studying Chinese and Public Affairs at Fudan University in Shanghai: he was the only international student to complete this double major. While in school, he also founded the Student Union at the International Cultural Exchange School, which attracted more than 100 students from 30+ countries. He also organized activities for the international student group at Fudan University.

It wasn't until 2019, during his last year at Fudan University, that Nakajima saw clearly how international relations and policy were intrinsically intertwined. "I was attending the Youth Innovation Competition in Global Governance in Jakarta, Indonesia. When I arrived in Jakarta, I was shocked to find that this coastal capital was not surrounded by blue water but by a sea of white plastic.” 

Nakajima learned that since citizens of Jakarta rely on the river and the bay for many aspects of their lives, they are subsequently exposed to high levels of pollution. “I’m living in a developed country, so I have a good life—for now. But as we output this garbage to developing countries, we are the reason why someone in Indonesia has to use dirty water. It’s hard to watch.” Indonesia was a wake-up call for Nakajima: "I saw the strong connection of public policy to peoples' lives and the necessity of empathy to good governance."

Now an incoming Master of Public Policy student at Harris, Nakajima hopes to use policy as a means to open the door to business and technology solutions. “I have two sides of my brain—one for policy and one for business. Business and technology can change the living conditions in Indonesia, so why don’t we use it? Because both are bound by the government. And that’s where policy can intervene.” 

Nakajima is excited to explore this connection more deeply at Harris this fall. “You can’t talk about public policy without talking about economics… and Harris cultivates strong critical thinking and quantitative skills in its students. I am confident that my Harris education will help me become a better data analyst and policymaker, which will allow me to better serve people across the globe."

Nakajima said he aspires to a career with the United Nations Development Program. "I'd like to enter the international development field after Harris as an analyst, focusing on the environment and sustainable development. Eventually, I'd hope to lead policy projects that create innovative opportunities for growth that do not sacrifice the health and safety of others."

Regardless of his path, Nakajima is looking forward to his Harris experience. "UChicago is a good place to make your dreams come true… to pursue your goals.” Nakajima said he plans to pursue interventions that do not sacrifice the well-being of some for others. “The status quo can be changed. There is a way to balance economic benefit and environmental cost using public policy.