Hiroshi Sato, 37, is an assistant professor of political science at a private university in Tokyo that, while not among the nation's top-ranked seats of learning, nonetheless enjoys a high status and popularity.
Sato's career there spans almost 10 years, including two years' research leave at a U.S. university. Now, in addition to research, each week he has to teach five 90-minute politics classes, which -- for an enthusiastic young teacher full of ideas and in the prime of his academic career -- may seem a rather agreeable schedule.
The fact is, though, Sato must juggle many other tasks in addition to his teaching schedule. Foremost among these is his duty to prepare, conduct and assess entrance applications, examinations and interviews.