Yagut Shakizade, a young Azerbaijani who was awarded the Presidential Scholarship in 2017, then succeeded in national cooking competitions, and is currently studying artificial intelligence in Japan, has gone through a different path of development. This path, extending from world cooking competitions to Japanese university auditoriums, attracts attention both in terms of personal development and international experience.
Modern.az's “Voice of Diaspora” project also aims to introduce Azerbaijanis living abroad and achieving success in various fields.
The project reflects both their personal stories and aspects related to the general picture of the Azerbaijani diaspora.
Thus, this time's guest of “Voice of Diaspora” is Yagut Shakizade, a second-year student at Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Japan, a Presidential Scholar, a MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship) winner, and someone who has progressed from cooking to artificial intelligence research.
We present the interview with her:
- How did your path, starting from successes in the culinary field to your current education in science and technology in Japan, take shape? What do you consider a turning point in your life?
- Actually, this path might seem strange at first glance, from cooking to technology. But I see it not as a contradiction, but as two complementary interests.
For a long time, culinary arts were more than just a hobby for me. One day I participated in a competition at CASA Culinary School and won. This gave me the opportunity to study there for free. That moment became a turning point in my life, because something I had wanted for years - professional culinary education - came true. Sometimes a person waits for a door to open, and when it opens, they see how big a world is inside.
The period I spent at CASA taught me a lot - not just recipes, but precision, aesthetics, seeing a task through to the end... Interestingly, these qualities later served me well in the field of technology and research.
After coming to Japan, everything expanded even further. Now I am conducting research on the application of artificial intelligence in programming, especially on the role of AI tools in real software development environments, code review processes, and collaboration with developers. If culinary arts taught me "how to do," technology taught me to ask "why it works this way." The two together turned out to be a better combination than I thought.
- While people usually choose the USA and European countries, why did you choose Japan? How was the process of winning the MEXT program, and what was your family's reaction to this decision?
- To be honest, my choice of Japan surprised many. "Why not the USA, why not Europe?" - I heard this question so many times... But for me, the answer was always clear.
Japan, even from afar, always seemed to me a different society - disciplined, profound, loyal to its values. Japan is one of the rare societies that can preserve its culture and traditions while being open to the world. This combination attracted me. Moreover, the universities with a strong academic environment for my research area, the application of artificial intelligence in programming, were precisely in Japan.
The MEXT - that is, the Japanese Government Scholarship - process was not easy. Documents, exams, interviews... Each stage required serious preparation. But I learned a lot during this process - both about myself and about what I wanted. When I received the acceptance news, it was hard to believe, to be honest. As for my family's reaction, they were always behind me. They said, "It's Japan, it's very far," but no one ever said "don't go." This support was very important for me, because it's difficult to make such a decision alone. Knowing that your family is behind you gives a person a lot of strength.
- Was it difficult to adapt to a society completely different from Azerbaijan? What were the most surprising or challenging aspects for you initially?
- To be honest, the adaptation process was both more difficult and more interesting than I expected. The biggest obstacle was the language. When I came to Japan, I didn't know Japanese; I learned it here. Initially, I had great difficulty doing simple things - for example, asking for something in a supermarket, or handling paperwork at a government office. A person automatically handles many things in their own language, but in a foreign language, you have to think about every sentence beforehand. This can be tiring, especially in the first few months.
Nara is a unique city; it doesn't have the speed of Tokyo, it's calmer, more traditional. This, on one hand, made adaptation easier, because the rhythm of life is more measured. But what surprised me most positively was the quality of life of the elderly. In Azerbaijan, the lives of elderly people narrow after a certain age - this is a general impression. In Japan, however, I saw people aged 70-80 being active, independent, and engaged in life. They do their own work, use public transport comfortably, and continue their social lives. This deeply affected me - I saw more clearly here that age should not limit life.
- If you compare Azerbaijani and Japanese societies, what do you think are the biggest similarities and the most significant differences between the two nations?
- Comparing two nations is always interesting, because people usually see the differences and overlook the similarities.
In fact, there are more common points between Azerbaijani and Japanese societies than I thought. Respect for elders is very strong in both cultures. The way elderly people are approached in Japan, the value given to them, reminded me that it is the same for us, just expressed in a different form. Family values also hold a central place in both societies.
As for the differences, what I feel most is public behavior. In Japan, noise in public places is minimal, everyone respects each other's personal space. No one talks loudly on the phone in the subway, no one pushes you. This flows so naturally that after a while you feel yourself adapting to it.
The Japanese attitude towards foreigners is mixed, neither completely open nor completely distant. They are polite, always ready to help, but building a deep connection takes time. Azerbaijanis, on the other hand, are more warm-hearted from the first meeting and can quickly establish comfortable relationships even with unfamiliar people. I don't evaluate this difference as good or bad, it's just two different cultural codes.
- What impression has the education system in Japan made on you? What are the main differences between Azerbaijani and Japanese universities?
- The education system at a Japanese university was a real surprise for me. In Azerbaijan, the education process is more exam-centric; it focuses more on how well you answer in the exam than on what you have learned. In Japan, however, I saw a different approach. Here, instead of strict exams, the question "what did you learn, how can you apply it" is central. Reports, projects, discussions - these reveal the student's real thinking, not rote learning.
The freedom given in classes also surprised me. The student directs the topic themselves, formulates their own questions. This initially seems difficult, because we are more accustomed to "waiting to be told what to do." But after a while, you realize how valuable this freedom is. If the Azerbaijani education system is to take something from Japan, it should be precisely this approach - seeing the student not as a passive listener, but as an active thinker.
- You have achieved success in the culinary field and are currently studying in the field of technology. How have these two different fields influenced your worldview?
- Placing these two fields side by side might seem strange at first, but for me, they have always complemented each other. Cooking taught me something very important - how much patience and technique even a job you love can require. People think that if they love something, it will be easy. But in the kitchen, I learned that love is not enough; precision, repetition, and persistence are needed. This understanding worked the same way in the field of technology and research. On the other hand, cooking for me is not just a job, but a way to retreat. After a long day of research, or spending hours in front of a screen, going into the kitchen gives me a different kind of comfort. The hands work, and the mind breathes. In a sense, these two fields balance each other - one makes me think, the other teaches me to relax. Perhaps this is the best combination in life - something pushes you forward, and something else brings you back to yourself.
- It is said that living expenses in Japan are high. As an Azerbaijani student, do you think this is true?
- I get this question a lot. And my answer is always the same: it depends on the situation. The MEXT scholarship is sufficient for student life. If you plan correctly, you can live comfortably without feeling too many restrictions. But some expenses are indeed high. Transportation is at the top of these; the money spent on trains and subways in Japan takes up a significant portion of the monthly budget. Vegetables and fruits are also quite expensive. Things you buy cheaply at the market in Baku cost many times more here. This can surprise people, especially initially.
But looking at the bigger picture, you see something interesting: the monthly cost for one person is roughly the same in Baku and in Japan. The difference is that the structure of expenses changes. In Baku, some things are cheap, some are expensive; in Japan, this balance is structured differently. Therefore, saying "Japan is expensive" would not be entirely accurate. More precisely, "Japan is expensive in a different way."
- What do you think is the reason for the longevity of the Japanese?
- The longevity of the Japanese is a widely discussed topic in the world, and living here, you understand better what this secret consists of. I think there are not one, but several things behind it. Firstly, the food culture. Japanese people usually eat less, but they eat quality food. Portions are small, ingredients are simple. Overeating and wastefulness do not exist in this culture; even throwing away leftover food on the table is considered a fault here. This attitude in itself lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Secondly, physical activity. Japanese people have made sports an integral part of their lives. Seeing elderly people walking and exercising in the park early in the morning is a common sight here. Staying fit is a lifelong habit for them.
Thirdly, and I think most importantly, living with purpose. In Japan, there is the concept of "ikigai," which roughly means "reason for living." When a person has a purpose, an interest, a routine, their attachment to life remains strong, regardless of age. You clearly see this in the elderly here. When you put all these together, longevity is not a coincidence, but the result of a philosophy of life.
- How is technology felt in daily life in Japan?
- When people think of Japan, robots, high-speed trains, and the latest technology immediately come to mind. This perception is not entirely wrong, but it's not entirely right either. Living here, you see an interesting contradiction. On one hand, there are robot waiters, automated systems, and the world's most precisely operating public transport. On the other hand, faxes are still used. Some official documentation processes are still not handled online; it requires going in person and filling out paper forms. The first time you see this, you can't believe it; in a place known as a technology country, this scene is truly unexpected.
I think the reason for this contradiction is that Japanese society approaches change very cautiously. They adopt new technologies, but they want to be completely sure before abandoning old systems. This sometimes seems like slowness, but at the same time, it is also a reflection of a concept of precision and reliability.
As a result, technology has not entered every aspect of life in Japan at the same speed; in some areas, it is ahead of the world, and in others, it is more behind than you might think. This also makes it a more interesting place.
- How do Japanese residents treat foreigners?
- The attitude of Japanese people towards foreigners - much is said on this topic, but the truth is always in the middle. Japanese people are generally polite and helpful towards foreigners. If you get lost on the street, or can't find something, they are always ready to help. Sometimes, even if they don't know the language, they try to communicate with gestures and facial expressions. This sincerity always warms one's heart. But at the same time, there is a certain distance. Japanese people are interested in foreigners, but building deep communication takes time. This is not coldness, but simply a cultural cautiousness. They don't quickly form personal relationships with everyone; this applies equally to both Japanese and foreigners.
What's interesting is that being a foreigner sometimes attracts attention, especially in quieter cities like Nara. People look, sometimes they are surprised. But in these glances, there is no hostility, but rather a sense of curiosity. Over time, you get used to this too, and sometimes even smile. Generally speaking, as a foreigner in Japan, you feel neither completely inside nor completely outside. This intermediate space, though sometimes difficult, makes you feel a stronger connection to your own culture.
- In your opinion, what should Azerbaijan learn from Japan and vice versa?
- This question requires approaching both countries with love, neither elevating one to the heavens nor belittling the other.
What Azerbaijan can learn most importantly from Japan, in my opinion, is public discipline and the efficiency of public services. In Japan, the state mechanism works very precisely - from transportation to bureaucratic processes, there is order in everything. Respect for public spaces, care for common property - these are values that come from education, family, and society in Japan. This culture cannot be built overnight, but steps can be taken towards it.
What Japan can learn from Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is warmth and openness in communication. Japanese people are polite, but sometimes this politeness turns into an obstacle - it becomes difficult to express feelings, to speak directly. Azerbaijanis, however, have the ability to quickly connect with people and create sincere relationships. This warm communication style is very valuable in both personal and professional life. I sometimes feel this is lacking in Japan.
Both nations have much to learn from each other; they just need to listen to each other first.
- Would you choose Azerbaijan or Japan to live and work, and why?
- The answer to this question is more complex than you might think, and I want to be honest.
I love both, but I don't want to "choose" either in the full sense. Azerbaijan is my root — my family, my language, my culture, the place where I feel complete. Japan, on the other hand, raised me — it broadened my thinking, shaped my professional life, and taught me a lot about myself. These two places are not alternatives to each other for me, but two worlds that complement each other. Choosing one seems like giving up the other, and that doesn't feel right to me.
- If you had the chance again, would you choose to study in Japan from Azerbaijan?
- Yes, and I would have no hesitation in doing so. Japan was not just a place of education for me. When I came here, I was a student, but over these years, I understood myself, my worldview, and what I wanted better. This kind of change doesn't happen everywhere; it requires the right environment, the right time, and the right courage. There were difficult moments too, such as language, cultural differences, and distance. But each of these difficulties taught me something. How much can a person grow without leaving their comfort zone? That's why if I were born a second time, I would choose the same path. Maybe I would be braver, take action sooner. But the end point would be the same, Japan.
- They say living abroad changes one's perspective on their own country. As you live in Japan, what different eyes have you started to look at Azerbaijan with?
- Living abroad forces a person to look at their own country more carefully. From afar, you see how valuable what you always considered normal actually was. What I miss most about Azerbaijan is, first and foremost, family and food, of course. But behind this is something deeper: the comfort of being intertwined with your own people. In Azerbaijan, in the street, in the market, in the neighborhood - everywhere there is a sense of familiarity where I perceive people's way of thinking, their jokes, their outlook on life. Abroad, however, every interaction requires a certain amount of attention - to read the cultural code, to avoid being misunderstood. This is not tiring, but you feel the lack of that unreserved, warm relationship in Azerbaijan.
When I return to Baku, I miss Japan's calm public environment; I want that discipline, that respect for personal space. These are things one gets used to without realizing, and their absence makes them clearer.
As I live in Japan, my view of Azerbaijan has not fundamentally changed - I have always loved my country, and this feeling remains. Perhaps I just understood better how special some of our values are - our warmth, our hospitality. Sometimes, when you look at what is closest from afar, you see it more clearly.
- How do you introduce and present Azerbaijan in Japan? What are the most common questions Japanese people ask about our country?
- Introducing Azerbaijan in Japan is both a responsibility and a pleasure for me. A few years ago, there were almost no Japanese people who knew about Azerbaijan. But after Expo, the situation changed; now at least some have heard our name, and some even know our geographical location. This might seem like a small change, but for someone living abroad, hearing "Azerbaijan? Yes, I know!" brings a special joy. Japanese people are most interested in our geography and culture - the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, our position between East and West make them think. There are many questions starting with "You are a Muslim country, but...". I, however, introduce Azerbaijan with the language I know best, food. When I cook Azerbaijani dishes for my Japanese friends, their expression is the same every time: first a cautious interest, then complete satisfaction. Food overcomes all language barriers. A platter of pilaf, a bowl of dushbara - these need no translation. I think this is the most sincere way to introduce a nation.
- As a young Azerbaijani living abroad, how do you evaluate diaspora activities?
- As a young Azerbaijani living abroad, I feel every day how important diaspora activities are. When a person is far from their country, they both represent themselves and play a kind of bridge role between two cultures. I personally experienced the activities of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora through the "Summer Camp," and this experience was very valuable for me. Meeting young Azerbaijanis from various countries around the world, hearing their stories, is in itself a great richness. The friendships I gained there continue to this day.
But I want to be honest, more work can be done in this area. I think events should be held more frequently and in more diverse directions. Not only cultural promotion, but also opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration in their fields should be created for young people. The potential of young Azerbaijanis abroad is great, and regular and meaningful platforms are needed to properly direct this potential.
- What did your participation in the VI "Summer Camp" organized by the Committee bring you?
- The "Summer Camp" was a much more valuable experience for me than I expected. Being together with young Azerbaijanis from various countries around the world is a very special feeling in itself. We all live in different countries, work in different fields, and have had different experiences. But we speak the same language, share the same values. This commonality brings people closer very quickly.
What I valued most in the camp were the meaningful trainings and seminars - formats where we didn't just listen and leave, but participated, thought, and exchanged ideas with each other. In such moments, you get to know the people around you more deeply. You discover a person not at an official event, but in the middle of a conversation, from someone's sentence, a question. These are the moments that stay in your memory.
The friendships I gained there continue to this day. Meeting people working in different countries and different fields on the same platform - time shows the value of these connections better. The camp reminded me once again that being abroad does not mean loneliness, if you can come together with the right people in the right environment.
- What feelings did you experience during your first visit to Karabakh, which was liberated from occupation?
- Coming from Japan, from the other side of the world, and stepping on your own land for the first time - it's hard to fully express this in words. I saw Shusha. Shusha, which I had heard about since childhood, which lived in songs and poems, was now before me. Sometimes a person knows a place so much with feelings that when they reach it, it feels both foreign and familiar. I felt exactly this in Shusha. What I saw there created mixed feelings - on one hand, the traces left over the years, on the other hand, the hope of a land being rebuilt, revived. New buildings rising next to destroyed ones, that silence, that air - all together it was something very powerful.
But the feeling I remember most was pride. As someone living abroad, you often have to explain, introduce, and defend Azerbaijan. In Shusha, there was no need to explain anything; just being there was enough. When you stand on that land, some things don't need words.
- What would be your first advice to young Azerbaijanis who want to go to Japan? What are your future plans?
- My first advice to young people who want to go to Japan is simple - be prepared for cultural change. This sentence sounds easy, but you only understand what it truly means when you experience it. Japan is both more beautiful and more complex than what you see on social media. Anime, tourist photos, "kawaii" culture - these are just one layer of Japan. In real life, there is a different social order, a different communication style, different expectations. You can't learn these from a book; you only understand them by going through them.
Therefore, the most important thing is to remain open. Not to claim to know everything beforehand, not to be afraid of making mistakes, to see difference not as a problem, but as an opportunity to learn. Even if you don't know the language - I learned it here too, don't let that stop you.
As for my future plans, I am currently considering continuing my education at a higher level. I want to go deeper into my research area, to learn more. After that, I am still keeping it open - life sometimes shows more interesting paths than plans.
