Lakeland University Japan News

News

LUJ News Writing Class Completes Historic Interview Assignment

Feb. 2, 2026

In Fall 2025, LUJ’s News Writing class interviewed over 170 members of the LUJ community, hoping to better understand the perspectives of people who are a part of Gen Z and also Millennials. 

The in-person interview assignment was the largest of its kind on record at LUJ.

The interviews occurred in or around the Ryogoku campus during October 2025. Eleven students spoke face-to-face with fellow classmates, professors, and staff, asking five questions, then transcribing their responses. The age range of the interviewees was between 18-43 years old. 

Here were the five questions:

1. What is one world event that affected you emotionally?
2. How did your life change after getting a smartphone?
3. What do you think is the biggest challenge our generation faces?
4. Do you believe it’s become harder or easier to make money?
5. Do you think your generation is better off than others?

A write-up of their responses, including graphical breakdowns, can now be found on LUJ’s digital publication, The Lakeland Zasshi. 

The course, taught by Professor Patrick Parr, kept interviewing and transcription as its central focus. “So much about news writing is talking to someone you’ve never spoken to and learning their perspective,” said Professor Parr. “I’m proud of how fearless many of the students were in getting out of their comfort zones.”

Follow LUJ on Instagram