Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science

SAKURA Science High School Program
Activity Report 2017

About the SAKURA Science High School Program (SSHP)
Number of invitees by country/region in FY2017 (number of individuals)
The SAKURA Science High School
Program (SSHP) was launched in 2014as a part of the Japan-Asia YouthExchange Program in Science (SAKURA
Exchange
Programin
Science)
operated by the Japan Science andTechnology Agency (JST). It initiallytargeted 14 countries and regions.
The SSHP invites promising high school
students (and supervisors) from Asiaand elsewhere to Japan to participate
in an exchange program speciallyplanned by JST. The students take partin special classes taught by top
scientists in Japan (including Nobel
laureates), visit prominent universities
and research facilities, interact withJapanese high school students, andexperience Japanese culture. The
program aims to enhance the visiting
high school students′ interest inscience and technology in Japan, andadvance their development as talented
overseas human resources that are
required by Japan’s universities,
research institutions, and companies.
Doing so, the program seeks tocontribute to the development ofscience and technology globally.

FY2017 High School Program

FY2017 SSHP invited a total of 1,178
outstanding high school students andsupervisors to Japan from 35 countries
and regions* in Asia and Pacific islands.
The students were divided into 10 groups
and participated in specially planned
diverse programs over the course of 7days and 6 nights.
Visiting Japan for the first time, theparticipating
students
encounteredadvanced science and technology thatfully engaged their curiosity, before they
returned to their home countries. In a
post-participation questionnaire, about
90% of the high school students
responded that they hope to return toJapan, creating expectations that thestudents will act as bridges between theircountries and Japan in the future.
* In addition to the 35 countries and regions,
16 high school students and 4 leaders wereinvited from Columbia on a trial basis.

02

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report

Area

Country/Region

East Asia

Southeast
Asia

Southwest
Asia

Central Asia

Pacific
islands

Other

Students Leaders Total

China

272

52

324

Republic of Korea

35

8

43

Mongolia

10

2

12

Taiwan30

636

Cambodia

10

2

12

Indonesia

50

10

60

Laos

10

2

12

Malaysia

30

6

36

Myanmar30

636

Philippines

20

5

25

Singapore

10

2

12

Thailand

40

8

48

East Timor

5

1

6

Viet Nam

30

6

36

Bangladesh

20

3

23

Bhutan

5

1

6

India

215

44

259

Maldives

51

6Brunei

10

2

12

Nepal

10

2

12

Pakistan

19

4

23

Sri Lanka

10

2

12

Kazakhstan

9

2

11

Kyrgyzstan

10

2

12

Tajikistan

10

2

12

Turkmenistan

10

2

12

Uzbekistan

10

2

12

Fiji

5

1

6

Marshall Islands

5

1

6

Micronesia

5

1

6

Palau

5

1

6

Papua New Guinea

5

1

6

Samoa

5

1

6

Solomon Islands

5

1

6

Tonga

5

1

6

Colombia*

16

4

20

Total

981

197

1,178

*Invitees from Colombia were administered as a program directly under JST.

Breakdown of number of invitees by region
20(number of individuals)
48
59
415

283

353

East Asia
Southeast Asia
Southwest Asia
Central Asia
Island nations
Other

Group 1

Schedule
Date

Sunday, April 9 – Saturday, April 15, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

Indonesia

50

10

60

Thailand

40

8

48

Bangladesh

20

3

23
131
persons

Total

Details

April 9 (Sun)

Arrival in Japan; orientation

April 10 (Mon)

Visit to Chiba Prefectural Kisarazu High School (School tour and interaction
with students);
Special lecture by Nobel laureate Ryoji Noyori

April 11 (Tue) Visit to JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters and tour of Kamakura
April 12 (Wed)

Visits to universities
Team A (Indonesia, Bangladesh): Visit to Chiba University
Team B (Thailand): Visit to Yokohama National University

Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
April 13 (Thu) Director Mamoru Mohri and tour of museum)
Tour of Akihabara
April 14 (Fri)Visits to universities
Team A: University of Tsukuba; Team B: Tokyo Metropolitan University
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

April 15 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Activity reports
April 10Visit to Chiba Prefectural Kisarazu HighSchoolAt lunchtime, students talked about subjects including theircountries’ cultures. In the afternoon, the school’s clubs
introduced their activities in nine booths set up in the
gymnasium. The Japanese Music Club performed Sakura
Sakura on the koto, after which the high school students
from Asia also tried playing the instrument. At the Shodo
Club booth, students from Asia holding a brush for the firsttime made an earnest go at writing characters.

High school students from Asia learning to write "yume (dream)"

April 12

Visit to Yokohama National University

April 10Special class by Professor Ryoji Noyori

After the exchange event at Kisarazu High School, a specialclass was taught by Ryoji Noyori, recipient of the Nobel
Prize in Chemistry in 2001. Professor Noyori gave an easyto-understand talk on topics ranging from what sparked his
interest in chemistry to the research theme that led to his
receipt of the Nobel Prize. The future scientists appeared to
be greatly encouraged by his talk.

Professor Noyori speaking to students

April 14

Visit to University of Tsukuba (Team A)

After walking around the campus in all its fresh greenery,
participants talked with international students, freely
exchanging information on campus life and the study
abroad system. Following this, participants listened to a
special lecture by Professor Fumihiko Nakamura, an expert
on urban traffic. The high school students had considerable
interest in urban traffic conditions, an issue faced bycountries in Asia.

Current students from Indonesia provided an overview of
the University. The participants listened intently to
explanations of the University’s founding as a Japan’s firsthigher education institution, as well as the University’s
cybernics research (known for its development of theworld’s first robotic suit, HAL), research into sleep medicine,and other world-class, state-of-the-art technologies.

Special lecture by Professor Nakamura

High school students listening attentively

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report03Group 2

Schedule
Date

Sunday, April 16 – Saturday, April 22, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

India

66

15

81

Vietnam

30

6

36
117
persons

Total

Details

April 16 (Sun) Arrival in Japan; orientation
April 17 (Mon)Tour of JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters and Kamakura

April 18 (Tue)Visit to Nagoya Municipal Koyo Senior High School, interaction with students,
and interaction with Professor Toshihide Maskawa

April 19 (Wed)Tour of Shizuoka University
Visits to Shizuoka companies
Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Hamamatsu Photonics
K.K.

April 20 (Thu)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
Director Mamoru Mohri and tour of museum) and tour of Asakusa

April 21 (Fri)Visit to the University of Tokyo
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

April 22 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Activity reports
April 18

April 19

Visit to Shizuoka University

The students met Professor Toshihide Maskawa, recipient of
the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008, at the professor’s almamater, Nagoya Municipal Koyo Senior High School. Professor
Maskawa encouraged the students by saying, “I loved
physics with all my heart, and was able to concentrate on
studying for any number of hours at a time. Please find thething that you love, and engage in it passionately.″

Orientation featured an introduction to the Shizuoka
University Asia Bridge Program (ABP). The university
operates this program in cooperation with companies andorganizations in the prefecture that are expanding overseas,
to develop human resources who will play an active role in
the future. Among the attentive listeners in the orientation
were many high school students who are considering study
in Japan.

Professor Toshihide Maskawa, inspiring the high school students from Asia

Shizuppi, the mascot of Shizuoka University, was very popular

April 1904

Interaction with Professor Toshihide
Maskawa

Visits to Shizuoka companies

April 21

Visit to the University of Tokyo

In the afternoon, the students split into three groups forvisits to Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Yamaha Motor Co.,
Ltd., and Suzuki Motor Corporation. At Suzuki, students
learned about the company’s history of manufacturing at
Suzuki Plaza. In the company’s 3D theater, they experienced
realistic three-dimensional video of automobile production
processes.

At the University of Tokyo Hongo Campus, the students firstreceived an introduction to the School of Science, then split
up into 10 groups for laboratory tours. Exhibiting deep
interest, the students visited research sites that are tackling
cutting-edge themes in the fields of physics and chemistry.
Although high school students, the visitors surprised thereceiving researchers with their proper understanding of
the explanations given in the laboratories.

Students in 3D glasses enjoy the video

Visit to a laboratory

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report

Group 3

Schedule
Date

Sunday, May 14 – Saturday, May 20, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

Philippines

20

5

25

Malaysia

30

6

36

Uzbekistan

10

2

12

Kazakhstan

9

2

11

Kyrgyz10

2

12

Tajikistan

10

2

12

Turkmenistan

10

2

12
120
persons

Total

Activity reports
May 15

May 14 (Sun)

Details
Arrival in Japan; orientation

Team A (Philippines, Malaysia): Visit to Shibaura Institute of Technology; experimentlab of Professor Hideki Shirakawa
Team B (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan): Tour of Nissan Motor Company
May 15 (Mon)
Yokohama Plant
Team C (Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan): Visit to National Astronomical Observatory ofJapan and JAXA
Visit to Junten Senior High School (Kita-ku, Tokyo)
May 16 (Tue)Mathematics class of Professor Jin Akiyama
Team A (Malaysia): Visit to National Institute of Technology, Kisarazu College
Team B (Philippines): Visit to Tokyo Salesian College of Technology
May 17 (Wed)Team C (Central Asia): Visit to Shibaura Institute of Technology; experiment lab ofProfessor Hideki Shirakawa
Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
May 18 (Thu)
Director Mamoru Mohri and tour of museum)
Visits to universities
Team A (Philippines, Malaysia): Visit to Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus
May 19 (Fri)Team B (Central Asia): Visit to University of Tsukuba
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony
May 20 (Sat) Departure from Japan

Experiment lab of Professor Hideki
Shirakawa (Team A)

May 15

Visit to JAXA (Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency) and Chofu
Aerospace Center (Team B)

At Shibaura Institute of Technology, Professor Hideki
Shirakawa, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000,
held an experiment lab. This was an event the high school
students had looked forward to. They conducted anexperiment with animated excitement, creating an EL elementby synthesizing conductive plastic. The EL element lit up at
the end, bringing the experiment to a successful close.

At the Space Mission Simulator for practicing level takeoffs,
the students used a fair game of rock-paper-scissors todecide who would sit in the pilot’s seat. The lucky winnerexcitedly took the seat, and everyone was glad when they
returned safely to earth.

Professor Hideki Shirakawa instructing students

The students fairly chose a pilot through rock-paper-scissors

May 16

Visit to Junten Senior High School (Kitaku, Tokyo)

May 17

Visit to Tokyo Salesian College ofTechnology (Machida, Tokyo) (Team B)

Poster sessions were held in the morning, with presentations
spanning students’ countries, education systems, schools,
game programming, and more. The students from Asia
enjoyed lunch with the host students, then handed out
treats brought from their home countries. Everyone
sampled the rare treats with great interest.

After receiving a lesson in Japanese, the students learned
about the art of kyogen comical plays. Instruction wasgiven by Nobuhito Nojima, a teacher at the College. Afterdemonstrating a dance himself, he gave instruction to thehigh school students from the Philippines. The students
imitated the teacher, receiving the training with seriousness
but also enjoying the experience.

Presentation by Junten Senior High School students

Students received training in kyogen

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report05Group 4

Schedule
Date
Arrival in Japan; orientation

Total

May 22 (Mon)Team A (India, Taiwan): Visit to Shibaura Institute of Technology; experimentlab of Professor Hideki Shirakawa
Team B (Myanmar, Taiwan): Tour of JFE Steel Corporation, East Japan Works,
Chiba District

May 23 (Tue)Visit to Kanagawa Prefecture Atsugi High School

Sunday, May 21 – Saturday, May 27, 2017
Students Supervisors
India

30

7

37

Taiwan30

636

Myanmar

30

6

36
109
persons

Total

Activity reports
May 23

Visits to universities
Team A (India, Taiwan): Visit to Tokyo University of Science; mathematics
May 24 (Wed) class of Professor Jin Akiyama
Team B (Myanmar, Taiwan): Visit to Shibaura Institute of Technology;
experiment lab of Professor Hideki Shirakawa
May 25 (Thu)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
Director Mamoru Mohri and tour of museum)May 26 (Fri)Visits to universities
Team A (India, Myanmar): Visit to Waseda University, Faculty of Science andEngineering Campus
Team B (India, Taiwan): Visit to Chiba Institute of Technology, Tokyo Skytree
Town Campus
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

May 27 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Visit to Kanagawa Prefecture Atsugi HighSchool

May 24

Mathematics class of Professor Jin
Akiyama (Team A)

In the science class, the Japanese and Asian high school
students split up into small groups, then removed the airfrom airtight laboratory containers to observe the effects on
the contents within. Each group wrote an experimental
report summarizing the resulting size of marshmallows, thedegree of swelling in snack packaging, and the changes tothe sound of bell placed in the containers.

After listening to an overview of the University and an
explanation of its study abroad system, the students toured
the Mathematical Experience Plaza and the Museum of
Science, TUS. In the afternoon, students took part in amathematics class by Professor Jin Akiyama. Prof. Akiyama
explained topology using a paper tape and other items,
drawing the high school students into his vast world ofmathematics.

The students enjoyed experimentation

Professor Akiyama conducts a class

May 2606

Details

May 21 (Sun)

Visit to Waseda University (Team A)

May 26

Visit to Chiba Institute of Technology(Team B)

After a campus tour, the students received an overview of
the university and an explanation of its curricula and study
abroad system. Of the preeminent universities in Japan,
Waseda University has the most programs for science
undergraduates taught entirely in English, as well as welldeveloped scholarship programs, all of which are points ofinterest to the high school students.

At the University’s Tokyo Skytree Campus, cutting-edge
technology born from the University’s research is displayed
to the public as hands-on attractions. The high school
students enjoyed dynamic images in the 300-inch 3D
SPACE THEATER, interacted with advanced robots, andtoured the site with great interest.

High school students waiting for the start of orientation

Trying the Mars probe simulator

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report

Group 5

Schedule
Date

Sunday, May 28 – Saturday, June 3, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

India

71

14

85

Nepal

10

2

12

Bhutan51

6103
persons

Total

Details

May 28 (Sun)

Arrival in Japan; orientation

May 29 (Mon)

Visits to universities
Team A (India): Visit to Nagoya Institute of Technology
Team B (Nepal, Bhutan): Visit to Chubu University
Visit to JR Central SCMAGLEV and Railway ParkMay 30 (Tue)Visit to Nagoya University (Class by Professor Toshihide Maskawa; interaction
with students of Affiliated Upper Secondary School)

May 31 (Wed) Tour of JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters and Kamakura
June 1 (Thu)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
Director Mamoru Mohri and photo session)

June 2 (Fri)Visits to universities
Team A (India): Visit to the University of Tokyo
Team B (India, Nepal, Bhutan): Visit to Yokohama City University
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

June 3 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Activity reports
May 29Visit to Nagoya Institute of Technology(Team A)May 31

Visit to JAMSTEC Yokosuka
Headquarters

During the laboratory visit following orientation, thestudents toured state-of-the-art research sites, experiencing
new materials for use in living spaces, research into
nanomaterials using electron microscopes, walking aidsthat are worn on the legs, VR goggles, and more. The
afternoon came to life with performances of dance and songby representatives from the Japan and India sides.

Following an overview of JAMSTEC, the students received atour of the grounds. The group took commemorative
photographs seated in the cockpit of a life-size replica of the
Shinkai 6500 manned research submersible, and watched
an experiment that reproduced deep-sea water pressure ina high-pressure water tank structure. Following this, they
were able to see the Urashima deep-sea exploration vehicle
up close.

The exchange event came to life

In front of the Urashima deep-sea exploration vehicle

June 1

Tour of National Museum of Emerging
Science and Innovation

June 2Visit to Yokohama City University (TeamB)

The students were greeted by the Director of the Museum,astronaut Mamoru Mohri, who spoke about what spurred
him to aim for space, and what role science will play in the
future. Touring the Museum, the students were impressedby the sophistication and cuteness of ASIMO during ademonstration of the bipedal robot.

The orientation touched on the fact that the University was
selected by Times Higher Education (THE) as the 16th best
university in the world, and the 2nd best in Japan, in the
category of universities with fewer than 5,000 students.
The high school students took part in a hands-on class titled“The Future of Science,” interacted with foreign students,and spent an enjoyable day on campus surrounded by arefreshing sea breeze.

Commemorative photograph with Director Mohri

High school students from Bhutan introducing themselves

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report07Group 6

Schedule
Date

Sunday, June 4 – Saturday, June 10, 2017
Students Supervisors
48

8

56

Laos

10

2

12

Mongolia

10

2

12
80
persons

Total

Arrival in Japan; orientation

June 5 (Mon)

Visit to Hokkaido University

June 6 (Tue)Team A (India): Tour of Japan Steel Works; visit to Muroran Institute ofTechnology
Team B (India, Laos, Mongolia): Visit to National Institute of Technology,
Tomakomai College; visit to J Farm Corporation; tour of Toyota Motor
Hokkaido

June 7 (Wed)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
Director Mamoru Mohri and photo session)

June 8 (Thu)

Visit to Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School (interaction
with students)
Lecture by Professor Ryoji Noyori

June 9 (Fri)Team A (India): Visit to JAXA Sagamihara Campus
Team B (India, Laos, Mongolia): Tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum; visit to Tokyo
University of Science
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

June 10 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Total

India

Details

June 4 (Sun)Activity reports
June 5June 6

Visit to Japan Steel Works Muroran
Plant (Team A)

The students toured the expansive Sapporo campus and its
abundant sights by bus, including the statue of Dr. William
Smith Clark (of “Boys, be ambitious!” fame) and Sapporo
Agricultural College Farm No. 2 at the Hokkaido University
Museum. The Asian high school students appeared to becharmed by the poplar trees and beautiful campus, andasked many questions during the orientation Q&A.

This plant, built in 1907 as the largest civilian weapons
manufacturer, currently manufactures the world’s largest
products for power stations. The students donned helmets
for safety and traveled the historic structure-lined grounds
by bus. They saw large-scale facilities not seen in theirhome country, raising their voices in amazement at times.

Excited high school students during a quiz in the laboratory

The students also visited the Zuisen Sword Workshop, which has
communicated the history of sword making since 1918.

June 808

Visit to Hokkaido University

Visit to Tokyo Gakugei University
International Secondary School

June 9Visit to JAXA Sagamihara Campus(Team A)At this school, where many bilingual students learn, thestudents experienced little language barrier and quickly
made friends. The visiting students took part in classes ona variety of themes, but the Japanese students were all
surprised to see the Indian students answer questions
instantly in the mathematics class.

In the structural functionality testing building, the students
were able to tour the site of experiments on the RVT-9
reusable rocket. Rockets are normally discarded in use,
resulting in enormous cost. Students listened to an
explanation of how reusable rockets are preferable in termsof environmental issues and conservation of resources, andwill bring the dream of space travel closer.

Japanese and Indian high school students cooperated to solve a
mathematics quiz

In front of the experimental MV rocket at JAXA Sagamihara Campus

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report

Group 7

Schedule
Date

Sunday, July 2 – Saturday, July 8, 2017
Students Supervisors

July 2 (Sun)

Arrival in Japan; orientation

Total

July 3 (Mon)

Visit to Kyushu University

July 4 (Tue)Travel from Fukuoka to Tokyo
Visit to the University of Tokyo Kashiwa Campus

July 5 (Wed)

Visit to Chiba Municipal Chiba High School (SGH) (Interaction with students;
classroom experience)

July 6 (Thu)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
Director Mamoru Mohri)

July 7 (Fri)Team A (South Korea, Singapore): Tour of RIKEN Wako Campus
Team B (South Korea): Tour of JAXA Tsukuba Space Center
Team C (China): Tour of National Research Institute of Fisheries Science
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

July 8 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

China

37

6

43

South Korea

35

8

43

Singapore

10

2

12
98
persons

Total

Details

Activity reports
July 3

Visit to Kyushu University

July 4

Special lecture by Professor Takaaki
KajitaAfter receiving an overview of Kyushu University, thestudents attended a lecture on taste sensor research from
Professor Toko of the Graduate School of Information
Science and Electrical Engineering. There was muchinteresting content, including research into differences intaste preferences among countries and into the tastes
umami and koku from Japan, and many questions arose
during the Q&A time.

The students listened to a lecture by Professor Takaaki
Kajita, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015.
Professor Kajita explained his own background, what madehim interested in physics, what he learned from Professor
Masatoshi Koshiba, the mechanisms of the Kamiokandeobservatory, and more. In return, the students asked
questions about neutrinos and other topics.

Commemorative photograph of Professor Toko and the foreign students

Professor Kajita lecturing

July 5

Visit to Chiba Municipal Chiba HighSchoolJuly 7

Visit to RIKEN Wako Campus (Team B)

The visiting students were met by handbells and a choir,
after which representatives of each country among the
Asian high school students delivered greetings and put
everyone at ease. The students then took part in a scienceclass, during which the teacher from China related thatclasses in China are focused on advancement, and that inmost cases the teacher performs experiments while thestudents only watch.

The students visited the BI Beam Factory of the Nishina
Center for Accelerator-Based Science. This state-of-the-art
accelerator facility is able to generate about 4,000 types of
unstable atomic nuclei (radioactive isotopes, RI), for all
elements from hydrogen to uranium, in the form of the mostpowerful beams in the world. It was this facility that discovered
the 113th element, Nihonium, recognized by internationalorganizations as the first element discovered in Asia.

High school students from Asia, earnestly observing biology experiments

High school students listening attentively to explanations

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report09Group 8

Schedule
Date

Sunday, July 9 – Saturday, July 15, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

Brunei10212

Cambodia

10

2

12

China

86

16

102
126
persons

Total

Details

July 9 (Sun)

Arrival in Japan; orientation

July 10 (Mon)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
Director Mamoru Mohri and photo session)

July 11 (Tue)Team A (China): Visit to Tokyo City University Setagaya Campus
Team B (China, Brunei, Cambodia): Tour of Toshiba Science Museum; visit to
Yokohama Science Frontier High School

July 12 (Wed) Visit to JAMSTEC Yokosuka Headquarters and tour of Kamakura

July 13 (Thu)Team A (China): Visit to Kumon Kokusai Gakuen (Totsuka)(Interaction with students; Japanese cuisine experience; club activity
experience)
Team B (China, Brunei, Cambodia): Visit to Tokyo City University; experimentlab with Professor Hideki Shirakawa

July 14 (Fri)Team A1 (China): Visit to Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Team A2 (China): Visit to Meiji University Ikuta Campus
Team B (China, Brunei, Cambodia): Visit to Sophia University
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

July 15 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Activity reports
July 13

July 14

Visit to Tokyo University of Agriculture
and Technology (Team A1)

After orientation, the students moved to the home
economics room and experienced Japanese cooking. The
menu of the day was chirashizushi and tonjiru. With boys
holding a knife for the first time helping out, the students
somehow completed the dishes. Staring with wonder at the
chopped nori topping on the sushi, the students tried theJapanese food they had made.

After an overview of the University, the students learned
about the latest robotics research in a mock class. In theafternoon, they toured the University’s Global Fruit Factory,
an advanced plant factory. While plants for leafy vegetables
like lettuce have become commonplace, there are few casesof fruit being raised in plant factories. Students received an
explanation of why this is a difficult challenge.

Satisfied with the Japanese food they madeIn front of the Global Fruit Factory

July 14

10

Visit to Kumon Kokusai Senior HighSchool (Team A)

Visit to Meiji University (Team A2)

July 14

Visit to Sophia University (Team B)

In the laboratory of Professor Hitoshi Odashima, an expert inlaser physics, students were taught about terahertz dispersion
using terahertz electromagnetic waves that exist at theborder between radio waves and light. The students also
listened with great interest to an explanation of research thatfixes objects in place in mid-air through the omni-directional
application of light, which has the power to push objects.

To protect Angkor Wat, a World Heritage Site, Sophia
University established the Sophia Asia Center for Researchand Human Development at the site in 1996, and iscontributing to the preservation and restoration of theremains. The Cambodian high school students listened
attentively to an explanation of how the Cambodianstudents who learned at the University at the start of the
program are now active as its core members.

In the laboratory of Professor Odashima

Cambodian high school students listening attentively to an explanation

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report

Group 9

Schedule
Date

Sunday, July 16 – Saturday, July 22, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

China

80

16

96

Pakistan

19

4

23

Sri Lanka

10

2

12
131
persons

Total

July 16 (Sun)

Details
Arrival in Japan; orientation

July 17 (Mon)

Orientation; tour of Kyoto
Visits to universities
July 18 (Tue) Team A Visit to Ritsumeikan University
Team B: Visit to Osaka University
Team A (China, Pakistan): Tour of Tsukuba EXPO Center
Team B (China, Sri Lanka): Tour of National Research Institute for Earth
Science and Disaster Resilience
July 19 (Wed)Team C (China): Tour of National Agriculture and Food Research Organization
Afternoon: Visit to High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)(Lecture by Professor Makoto Kobayashi and tour of facilities)
Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by
July 20 (Thu)
Director Mamoru Mohri and tour of museum)
Visits to universities
Team A (China, Pakistan): Visit to the University of Tokyo
July 21 (Fri)Team B (China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka): Visit to Saitama University
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony
July 22 (Sat) Departure from Japan

Activity reports
July 17

Visit to Ritsumeikan Senior High School

July 19

Special lecture by Professor Makoto
Kobayashi

At Ritsumeikan Senior High School, the students listened to
an introduction to the school and interacted with its
students. After this, they split up into small groups and,guided by the school’s students, toured the city of Kyoto. At
each noteworthy location, the guides did their best to offer
explanations prepared in English. At the Phoenix Hall of
Byodo-in Temple in Uji, the students were surprised to learn
that the temple is featured in the design of the 10-yen coin.

At the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in
Tsukuba City, the students listened to a lecture by Makoto
Kobayashi, a Professor Emeritus at the Organization(recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008). Under thetheme “Introduction to CP Violation,” Professor Kobayashi
began his lecture with easy-to-understand talk about hischildhood and what spurred his interest in science.

Listening to an explanation in front of the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple

Professor Kobayashi speaking to students ©KEK

July 20

Visit to Pakistan Embassy Tokyo Japan

July 21

Visit to Saitama University

Despite having come to Japan only recently and still waitingfor his belongings to arrive from his previous post,
Ambassador of Pakistan Dr. Asad Majeed Khan kindly
extended a personal invitation to the high school students.
The Ambassador, who studied abroad at Kyushu University
and the University of Tokyo, told the students, “Japan is mysecond home. I hope you will seize all manner of possibilities
and opportunities, and come back to Japan.”The overview of the University included an introduction to
the in-progress Sri Lanka SATREPS Project. The students,
especially those from Sri Lanka, listened attentively to the
explanation of technology to efficiently carry out low-costwaste disposal, a function vital to life in society, as well as
explanations of anti-pollution technology development
matched to local environments and other topics.

Ambassador Khan delivering a speechHigh school students from Sri Lanka listening to explanations

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report11Group 10

Schedule

Sunday, July 23 – Saturday, July 29, 2017
Students Supervisors

Total

China

69

14

83

Island nations*

40

8

48

East Timor

5

1

6

Maldives

5

1

6
143
persons

Total* Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji, theMarshall Islands, Micronesia

Activity reports
July 24

July 24 (Mon)

July 25 (Tue)July 26 (Wed)July 27 (Thu)

July 28 (Fri)July 29 (Sat)

Details
Arrival in Japan; orientation
Team A (China, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji, theMarshall Islands, Micronesia, East Timor, Maldives): Visit to Tokyo Tech High School of Scienceand Technology
Team B (China): Visit to Sapporo Municipal Sapporo Kaisei Secondary School
Team A (China): Visit to Tokai University Shonan Campus
Team B (China, East Timor, island nations): Visit to Tokyo University of Marine Science andTechnology
Team C (China): Visit to Hokkaido University (Special lecture by Professor Akira Suzuki)
Team A1 (Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji, East Timor,
Maldives): Tour of Toshiba Science Museum
Team A2 (China, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia): Tour of Panasonic Center Tokyo
Team B (China): Tour of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and
JAXA Tsukuba Space Center
Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Lecture by Director Mamoru
Mohri and tour of museum); tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum
University visits
Team A (China, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia): Visit to Chiba Institute of Technology
Team B (China): Visit to Tokyo University of the Arts
Team C (China, Fiji): Visit to University of Electro-Communications
Team D (Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau, East Timor, Maldives):
Visit to Kazusa DNA Research InstituteClosing ceremony and farewell ceremony
Departure from Japan

Visit to Tokyo Tech High School of
Science and Technology

July 25

Visit to Tokai University Shonan Campus

This very unique high school focuses on science-related
vocational education. The high school students split up into
five areas – applied chemistry, information systems,
mechanical systems, electric/electronics, and architecturaldesign – and engaged in making wind power generatorsfrom PET bottles, creating mirrors from glass, andperforming experiments.

At the Monotsukuri Studio, the students saw a large spacewith many project teams engaged in the design andproduction of works. These included a hand-made formulacar, the human-powered aircraft of Birdman Rally fame, anda solar car, for which the University has won many awards.
At the Micro/Nano Technology Center, the students heard
an introduction to academic-industrial collaborative
research and development conducted with Nikon.

Students made wind power generators from PET bottles

Viewing research samples at the Micro/Nano Technology Center

July 25

12

Date
July 23 (Sun)Lecture by Professor Akira Suzuki

July 28

Visit to Tokyo University of the Arts

Professor Akira Suzuki, recipient of the Nobel Prize in
Chemistry in 2010, presented a lecture for the Chinese highschool students at his alma mater of Hokkaido University.
The Sapporo Kaisei Secondary School students that thegroup met the previous day also attended the lecture. The
Professor spoke on topics including the research that led tohis receipt of the Nobel Prize.

In a laboratory for robotic performing arts, the students
observed an android that not only converses with humans
but can also perform as a stage actor. The android actressactually active on the stage sat in a chair, recited poetry by
Shuntaro Tanikawa, delivered lines with emotion, andperformed for the audience.

Professor Akira Suzuki speaking to students

High school students enjoying communication with a robot

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity ReportSpecial Programfor Colombia
Saturday, June 24 – Saturday, July 1, 2017
Students Supervisors
Colombia(high school
students)

16

Total

Date

Details

June 24 (Sat)

Arrival in Japan; orientation

June 25 (Sun)Tour of National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation; walking
tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum and Asakusa

June 26 (Mon)Tour of Kamakura; visit to JAMSTEC (Yokosuka)

June 27 (Tue)Visit to University of Tsukuba; tour of JAXA Tsukuba Space Center
Courtesy call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Latin American
and Caribbean Affairs Bureau; tour of Sony ExploraScience
Visit to National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and
PM Technology,
National Institute of Radiological Sciences (Chiba City)
Visit to Saitama Municipal Omiya Kita High School (SSH) (Tour of school;interaction with students; etc.)

AM

20June 28 (Wed)20
persons

June 29 (Thu)

4

Total

Schedule

AM Tour of Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum
June 30 (Fri)

Courtesy call on Consul José of the Embassy of Columbia in Tokyo,
PM Japan
Closing ceremony and farewell ceremony

July 1 (Sat)

Departure from Japan

Activity reports
June 27

Visit to University of Tsukuba

June 28

Courtesy call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The students received an overview of the study abroadsystem of the University and the campus life of SouthAmerican students currently studying there. After enjoying
lunch with foreign students, the group toured the Center for
Computational Sciences of the University. There theyreceived an explanation of research involving ultra-highspeed simulations and data analysis, and observed the HAPACS/TCA supercomputer.

The students paid a courtesy call on Director General Yasushi
Takase of the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Director General
told the students, “There are three principles behind therelationship between Japan and Latin America: developing
together, instructing each other, and enlightening eachother.” In response, the high school students replied thatthey hoped to leverage the experience of their visit to Japan
in making contributions to improve their home country.

In front of the supercomputer

In front of a statue of recognition in the lobby of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

June 29

Visit to Saitama Municipal Omiya Kita
High School

June 30

Courtesy call on the Embassy of
Columbia in Tokyo, Japan

Right after arrival, the students experienced the art of shodo
calligraphy. At first they moved their brushes cautiously, but
soon had a good time smoothly writing “sakura,” “samurai,”
and other characters, as well as their own names inkatakana. During the time for interaction with the school's
students, the Colombian students spoke cheerfully without
shyness, making many friends in no time.

Consul José Francisco Díaz Ulloa encouraged the students withthese words: “The civil war in Colombia has ended and peace
has come. What will be important from here on out is thedevelopment of science and technology. Take what you haveexperienced in Japan back to your country, and put it to use innation-building.” The high school students enjoyed lunch while
reporting to the Consul on their experiences in Japan.

Students enjoying shodo for the first time

Lunch Meeting with Consul José

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report

13

SAKURA Science High School Program 2017

Questionnaire
Results

Survey targets

SAKURA Science High School Program FY2017
participants (including Supervisors)

Questionnaire method

Questionnaire form filled in at the end of the program

Number of persons targeted

1,178 persons

Valid responses (response rate)

1,158(98.3)

Q1: What was your impression of Japan before
visiting?
(4)0.0%(3)2.3%(5)0.3%(1) Very good(2) Good(3) Not very good(4) Not good(2)41.8%(5)1.4%(4)0.1%(3)1.4%(2)15.6%(5) No response(1)55.6%(5)2.4%(1) Very satisfied(2) Relatively
satisfied(3) Neutral(4) Not satisfied(2)31.5%(1) Very good(2) Good(3) Not very good(4) Not good(5) No response(1)81.5%

Q3: Were you satisfied with the program?
(4)0.4%(3)1.5%

Q2: What is your impression of Japan after yourvisit?

(5) No response(1)64.2%

Comments from persons who responded "(1) Verysatisfied" or "(2) Relatively satisfied"◎ “Participating in the SAKURA Science Plan, I obtained a lotof new information that should be of use in the future, andgained a clearer picture of the future. The people in Japan
were friendly and I was able to experience Japan’s culture
and traditions. The visit to Japan was an unforgettable
experience.″ (Malaysia, age 16)◎ “All of the programs had good points from which I was able
to learn something. This is something special I am not able
to experience in my country.″ (South Korea, age 15)◎“The Japanese work as an organization. They respect
others and are full of love. All of the places we visited were
wonderful.″ (Solomon Islands, age 18)◎ “The program was perfect, and I was able to enjoyably
learn many things in Japan. I thought it was heaven on
earth.″ (Pakistan, age 17)

Comments from persons who responded "(3) Neutral"or "(4) Not satisfied"◎ “All of the places we visited were wonderful, but becauseof the short time of the stays, we were not able to fully see
exhibits or interact with young people in Japan.″ (Indonesia,
age 17)

Q4: Would you recommend receiving higher education in Japan to a friend?
(3)3.2%(4)1.2%(1) W ould strongly
recommend(2) W ouldsomewhatrecommend(2)27.9%(3) Would notrecommend(1)67.7%

14(4) No response

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report◎ “Many of my friends in China want to study at a domestic
university, but I hope to recommend Japanese universities,
research, science and technology, etc. to them.″ (China,
age 17)◎“I think it was an excellent opportunity to broaden myperspective. It was helpful in changing my impression ofJapan. I was able to learn objectively about China’s
shortcomings and Japan’s strong points. I hope to promote
peace between the two countries and the development ofboth.″ (China, age 16)◎ “Japan has universities outstanding in the fields of scienceand technology, that enlighten learning. It also has abalanced educational system that does not just pursue
theory.″ (Maldives, age 17)◎“I want to study in Japan, to become like the people inJapan who love their own work and do their best to carryout their duties.″ (India, age 16)

Q6 ( For persons who responded "(1) I would verymuch like to" or "(2) I would like to" in Q5): In
what capacity would you like to return to Japan?

Q5: Do you hope to come back to Japan?
(3)0.7%(4)0.3%(1) I would verymuch like to(2) I would like to(2)20.9%(3)10.0%(4)0.1%(1) Foreign student(3) I don’t
particularly
want to(2) Researcher(4) No response(4) Other(3) Company
employee(1)78.1%(2)38.4%(1)51.5%

Comments concerning returning to Japan in Q6(1) Those wanting to study abroad◎ “Because in Japan it is possible to study in a wonderful environment, as the professors in Japan are professionals who
appear to always answer students’ questions.″ (Taiwan, age 18)◎ “Because Japan is one of the most advanced countries in fields including education, science and technology, fashion,and economics.″ (Thailand, age 17)◎ “ I want to become a scientist, and think that there is no country as optimal as Japan for scientists.″ (Bangladesh, age 16)◎ “Because I fell in love with Japan.″ (India, age 17)◎ “I want to take everything I learned in Japan (technology, and following rules) back to my country, and built a bettercountry for the next generation.″ (Philippines, age 17)(2) Those wanting to become researchers◎ “Because I want to become a scientist or researcher, and Japan is a paradise for scientists and has outstanding
technology.″ (Indonesia, age 16)◎ “The visits to laboratories and the talks from many successful researchers like Professor Noyori were an inspiration.″(Bangladesh, age 16)(3) Those wanting to become company employees◎ “I didn’t see any Japanese who don’t pay respect to others. This is the most important thing, and is why I want towork in Japan.″ (Tajikistan, age 18)◎ “Sometimes I wondered how such a lovely building was built. I also became interested in how such beautiful buildings
are maintained and managed, and so hope to come back to Japan as a civil engineer.″ (Pakistan, age 18)

Q7: What did you learn in Japan? (free response)◎ “I learned that hard study and perseverance yield good results, and that the most important thing is bearing hardship.″(India, age 17)◎ “The order of the Japanese is completely different from my country. I want to make Indonesia an ordered country like
Japan. I think Japan’s urban systems and IT systems are the top in the world, and want to learn more.″ (Indonesia,
age 17)◎ “I learned the Japanese way of thinking. Through the program, I understood how the Japanese have disciplined andhigh-level thinking. That thinking eventually led Japan to becoming a developed country.″ (Malaysia, age 16)◎ “The world needs more scientists and researchers to become a better place to live. Inventions and research are stillneeded.″ (Myanmar, age 15)◎ “I learned that having questions about unanswerable matters is important for a scientist, and is the key to unravelingthe mysteries of the universe.″ (India, age 15)◎ “I learned how to connect with people. (1) Being punctual is important, and on its own makes a good impression on
people; (2) speak quietly, respect others, do not have a negative impact on persons, and obey manners.″ (China, age 15)◎ “I was inspired by the many students from other countries. Their passion ignited my own. After this program, I want
to study while thinking again about my own dreams.″ (South Korea, age 18)● About the cover photographs
June 29, 2017

July 25, 2017

July 7, 2017

Visit to Saitama Municipal Omiya
Kita High School (Interaction
between the school’s students andColombian high school students)

Visit to Tokai University Shonan
Campus (Chinese high school
students enjoying the racing
simulator)

Cheerful Chinese high school
students at the Group 7 closing
ceremony

SAKURA Science High School Program Activity Report15

Japan Science and Technology Agency
Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science Promotion Office
5-3 Yonbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8666
Tel: 03-5214-8996

March 2018

Email: ssp.press@jst.go.jp