Kaoru Nishihara, 64, earned a PhD in international cultural studies from Kagoshima International University after deciding to resume studies following childrearing. She completed a bachelor’s at The Open University, a master’s in immigrant language-education policy, and a PhD on Jack London’s view of Japan in four and a half years. She also supported a seven-member Afghan evacuee family after the Taliban’s return. Her advisor, Professor Emeritus Takaharu Mori, lauded her focus. Nishihara says she was part of a generation told women do not need education, and she hopes to inspire others to challenge themselves and study at any age.