Happy Memories of Being the First Japanese Student at Villanova University in 1957

Masakazu (John) Sugiura, Class of ‘61, is the former chairman of Rokuoh Shoji Co., Ltd., which distributes Konica cameras and films and he is the President of Villanova Alumni Japan (which was officially established in 1997). He is also actively involved in international business affairs and has traveled widely all over the world.

In June, 2001, Mr. Sugiura received the Medal Award of 2001 St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni from Villanova University. But almost 40 years ago, Mr. Sugiura was the first Japanese student to attend Villanova University. When Mr. Sugiura and his wife visited the Villanova University campus in July, 1996, and also in June, 2001, he fondly recalled his many good experiences studying and living at Villanova in the 1950s.

Mr. Sugiura mentioned four reasons that he had decided to study at Villanova: He came here because he was interested in studying in the United States, studying business and marketing, and studying at an excellent Catholic University. He was also interested in increasing his understanding of a foreign language, society, people and culture.

Even present-day Villanova students might experience some culture shock if they were transported back to the campus of the 1950s. For example, there were no female students, Tolentine was a dormitory for freshmen, and all students were expected to wear jackets and ties in the classrooms and cafeteria. In those days, there was an entrance ceremony for incoming students. Also, so that they could be easily identified, the freshmen students were expected to pull up their cuffs and the sophomore students had to wear white caps.

In addition, the freshmen had to memorize the university song and cheers. (If they failed to do so, the punishment was that they had to “quack” like a duck!) “Discipline” was one of the important values, and “Attention!” and “Look proud, men!” were among the orders given to freshman by the inspecting officer, Sergeant Reilly.

Beginning in his sophomore year, Mr. Sugiura lived with an American family, Mr. and Mrs. Massey, in Bala Cynwyd. Having Sugiura stay with them gave the eldest son in the Massey family, Joseph (class of ‘62) an interest in Japan. In fact, he later became Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan and China under the Reagan and Bush Administrations. (Currently he is a professor at Dartmouth College.)

Mr. Sugiura enjoyed his campus life and made many friends. He often went bowling and dancing with his friends but spent most of the weekends catching up on his studying.

In addition, while at Villanova he met Fr. Purcell, who had already been in Nagasaki as a missionary, and they have been good friends ever since. Also, Mr. Sugiura recalls that at his graduation ceremony in 1961, Cardinal Cushing spoke for about two hours!

And when Mr. Sugiura finally returned to Japan, he experienced “reverse culture shock.” For example, he observed what a closed society Japan was: in order to keep harmony in the homogeneous society, people are not encouraged to show any originality or individuality.

So what are Mr. Sugiura’s impressions of present-day Villanova? Of course, Villanova is now co-educational, and he noticed that there are many new buildings and many more shops and restaurants around the campus.

He is also impressed with the Villanova Japanese program. (Forty years ago, most students knew very little about Japan. For example, they asked him if there were any streetcars or automobiles in Japan.) Mr. Sugiura enjoyed visiting the Japanese summer class, and he remarked that the students seem bright, sincere and hard-working.

Now, in appreciation for all that Villanova University gave him, Mr. and Mrs. Sugiura have given their generous donation to the university. Also, Mr. Sugiura has established an Alumni Association for Villanova graduates in Japan with the cooperation with the Alumni Office. They would also be happy to see Villanova faculty, staff and students in Japan.

An interview by Masako Hamada Assistant Professor/Program Director of Japanese Program, Dept. of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures