SAKURA Exchange Program in Science
Activity Report of Open Application Course 2015
Table of Contents
Overview of Open Application Course 2015 ＿ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ P2
Activity Report (1) University＿ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ P3
Shizuoka University, Chiba Institute of Technology, University of Miyazaki, Japan Advanced
Institute of Science and Technology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Mie University,
Osaka University, Kobe University, Hiroshima University

Activity Report (2) Technical College＿ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿P12
National Institute of Technology, Kagoshima College

Activity Report (3) High School＿ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿P13
Hokkaido Sapporo Keisei High School

Activity Report (4) Research Institute＿ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿P14
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology

Activity Report (5) Local Government＿ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿P15
Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange

Activity Report (6) Incorporated Association＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿P16
Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan

Activity Report (7) Private Company＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿P17
Horiba, Ltd.

Reference
1. Statistics Material for Open Application Course FY2015 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ P18
2. Participant Survey Results ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ P20

SAKURA Exchange Program in Science(Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science)

Activity Report of Open Application Course 2015
Summary

Qualification of invitees

The Open Application Course of SAKURA Exchange
Program in Science or SSP (the Japan-Asia YouthExchange Program in Science) is an exchange programin science and technology that works with receivingorganizations in Japan to invite young people for a shortterm from sending organizations in Asian countries andregions (listed below).

Eligible young people must be a student in high school,
university, or graduate school, or a postdoctoral researcheror teacher who is under 41 years old, and in principle has
never stayed in Japan.

For the Open Application Course in fiscal year 2015,
three public calls were announced targeting 15 countries
and regions. As a result, 391 exchange programs were
implemented at 168 receiving organizations in Japan incooperation with 507 sending organizations in Asia. All
together, 3,476 young people were invited.
Application and selection
Application call

1st

2nd

3rd

Proposing organizations

101

120

79

Proposed programs

270

243

123

Application call

1st

2nd

3rd

Total

Selected organizations

89

107

69

168*

Selected programs

156

144

91

391

Total
636

*Each organization named only once

Eligible countries and regions (in alphabetical order)
A total of 15 countries and regions: Brunei Darussalam,
Kingdom of Cambodia, People’s Republic of China,
Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic ofKorea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia,
Mongolia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republicof the Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Taiwan,
Kingdom of Thailand, and Socialist Republic of Viet
Nam
Mongolia

Korea

China

India

TaiwanMyanmar
Laos
Thailand

Viet Nam
Cambodia

Philippines

BruneiMalaysia
Singapore
Indonesia

2

Types of Exchange● Course A “Science and Technology Exchange Activity Course”

The invited Asian youths participate in science andtechnology exchange activities prepared and arranged by
the receiving organization in Japan. Maximum stay inJapan is 10 days.
● Course B “Collaborative Research Activity Course”

University and graduate school students, and postdoctoral
researchers from Asia conduct short-term collaborative
research activities with Japanese researchers on a clearly
defined subject based on the arrangements made by thereceiving organization (including educational institutes,
research institutions, and private companies that are
directly engaged in education or research and development
activities related to science and technology). Maximum
stay is 3 weeks.
● Course C “Science and Technology Training Course”

The invited Asian youths participate in training arrangedby the receiving organization (including educational
institutes, research institutions, and private companies thatare directly engaged in education or research anddevelopment activities related to science and technology)
to intensively study technology and capability issues
concerning science and technology implemented foryoung people in Asian countries/regions by the receivingorganization. Maximum stay is 10 days.

University

Activity Report

STEM* Educational Project to promote science and technology innovations
January 18–27, 2016

Faculty of Education, Shizuoka University

Shizuoka University invited undergraduate and graduate students
and supervisors from Indonesia University of Education (UPI) so thatprospective Japanese and Indonesian researchers could work together
to create one educational research model to generate science andtechnology innovations in individual countries.
The day following their arrival, they visited Shizuoka Science
Museum Ru-Ku-Ru, a collaborative organization of the university,
to see its experimental exhibition. On the third day, they received an
explanation about the Shizuoka STEM* Junior Project, which has
been conducted at the university since 2013.
The explanation included activities planned and implemented
together with Dr. Suwarma, who is one of the invitees and currently
works as an instructor in the physics education course at UPI after
having received a Ph.D. degree from Shizuoka University.

Group photo after the lecture by Associate Professor Gunji*STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and MathParticipants visit schools to observe STEM education
On the fourth day, Indonesian students visited Yamanashi Gakuin
Elementary School to hear a report on STEM research from a teacher at
the school, and attended a STEM education class at Shizuoka University
Fuzoku Shizuoka Junior High School. They learned that at both schools
student-oriented activities were positively employed and engineeringand technology aspects were well reflected in educational materials.
On the fifth day, they attended a special lecture delivered by
Associate Professor Gunji of the Science Education Course, Facultyof Education, under the theme of “Reconsideration of Japanese
education on technology and engineering with a historical approach.”
By showing textbooks and educational materials used in the past, he
explained that in Japan, even in the past, engineering education held asignificant place.
On the sixth day, they attended a science class at Shizuoka Science
Museum Ru-Ku-Ru and observed the class for which the Shizuoka
University students prepared materials and offered lessons.
On the seventh day, Indonesian students visited a science class offeredby Shizuoka University, arranged by the students of the university’s
science education course. Participants observed a class about a solar
car using a solar photovoltaic generation kit. And on the eighth day,they visited a class at Shizuoka Municipal Jonai Junior High School
after paying a courtesy visit to the president of Shizuoka University.
To promote collaborative research activities with UPI in the future
and to build a research model beneficial both to Japan and Indonesia,
Shizuoka University finds it important to encourage participants tolearn about Japanese education on-site and to explore the differences
between the two countries. Through the program, Shizuoka University
provided opportunities for UPI students to experience various types ofclasses.
Both parties also found it necessary to further promote discussion
on the role of off-campus classes as well as educational functions ofscience facilities and museums in Indonesia.

At the Fujieda Science Class

UPI students develop their research plan.
Day
1

Program5

ArrivalOrientation,
Visit Shizuoka Science
Museum Ru-Ku-Ru,
Courtesy visit to Deanof Faculty of Education,
Shizuoka University
Learn about Shizuoka STEM
Junior Project
Visit Yamanashi Gakuin
Elementary School,
Visit Shizuoka University
Fuzoku Shizuoka Junior HighSchoolSpecial lecture on STEM
education

6

Visit Shizuoka Science
Museum Ru-Ku-Ru

7

Attend a science class
Courtesy visit to President of
Shizuoka University,
Visit Shizuoka Municipal
Jonai Junior High School
Presentation of research
results,
Visit National Museum of
Nature and Science
Departure for home

2

3
4

8

9
10

Venue
Shizuoka
University,
Shizuoka
ScienceMuseumShizuoka
University
Shizuoka
University,
ShizuokaCity
Shizuoka
University
Shizuoka
ScienceMuseumFujieda City
Shizuoka
University,
ShizuokaCity
Shizuoka
University,
Tokyo

3

Activity Report

Taiwanese students join ‘Robotics Challenge’ program
August 2–10, 2015

International Department, Chiba Institute of Technology

Chiba Institute of Technology (CIT) invited 10 students and one
supervisor from National Taipei University of Technology (TaipeiTech), a top-level university in science in Taiwan, and held a “Robotics
Challenge” program, aiming to promote interaction between CIT and
Taipei Tech students through a joint project of robot production and arobot competition.
In this program, students from overseas affiliated universities of
CIT join an advanced robotics challenge course, an intensive summer
class offered by CIT’s Department of Advanced Robotics, Faculty ofEngineering, and work together with Japanese students in mixed teams.
Through this hands-on program focusing on production work, students
can enhance their practical knowledge about robot systems. At thesame time, in discussions conducted in English during the process ofrobot production, Japanese and foreign students can promote mutual
understanding and acquire global perspectives.

At the welcome party

Long-awaited program starts
On the second day, the program started at Shin-Narashino Campus.
After having received lectures from professors in the Advanced
Robotics Department about the background necessary knowledge forrobot production, Taiwanese students visited the department’s researchlabs, where they observed with interest various kinds of robots madeby CIT students for a graduation study.
On that day, a grand welcome party was held with over 100 attendees
including another Taipei Tech group who joined a workshop organizedby the CIT’s Design Department as well as Mexican students who
visited a campus with an exchange program organized by Onjuku
Town of Chiba Prefecture and the Mexican government.

Robot production by divided teams

Joint work in robot production and a tournament
For robot production, CIT and Taipei Tech students went together to
Akihabara to purchase necessary parts based on the plans for producing
the robot.
At the robot production site, students applied themselves to theirwork by watching a design plan they drew, while communicating witheach other in English and sometimes using gestures, aiming for thecommon goal of achieving victory in the robot tournament.
On the sixth day, a robot soccer tournament was held withparticipation of three robots made jointly by Japanese and Taiwanese
students. In the competition, the team whose robot shoots a ball andmakes the most goals in a fixed period of time wins. During the game,even if their team’s robot did not play, all the students watched thegame intently, and whenever a robot scored a goal, all participants
cheered with enthusiasm.
After completing the game, an award ceremony was held to presenta certificate and a prize to the winning and second place teams. Also
certificates of achievement for both SSP and the Robotics Challenge
program were bestowed to Taipei Tech students.

4

Robot tournamentDay
1

Program7

ArrivalTeaming, Tournament
demonstrations,
Training in use of machining tool,
Explanation about basic
program and training
Visit Advanced Robotics Dept.
lab,
Discuss the robot to produce,
Purchase robot parts at
Akihabara
Robot production,
Presentation about robot tobe produced,
Lecture on Japanese culture
Robot production
Robot production, Tournament,Award Ceremony, Presentationof Certificates of Achievement
Visit Miraikan and CIT Tokyo
Sky Tree Town Campus

8

Visit Tokyo Disneyland

9

Departure for home

2

3

4
5
6

Venue
CIT ShinNarashinoCampusCIT ShinNarashinoCampus,Akihabara

CIT ShinNarashinoCampusTokyo
Tokyo
Disneyland

University

Pursuing improvement in quality of social welfare in India
October 5–18, 2015

Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki invited graduate
students, researchers, and faculty staff (one of them is a supervisor)
for a total of 11 members from Nitte University (Karnataka, India) toparticipate in an exchange program.
The invitees belong to the Science Education Center and ResearchCenter of Nitte University. Joint research by the two universities was
conducted under the theme “Development of medical technology andits application to improve the quality of social welfare in India.”
The program started with an orientation and campus tour as well
as a courtesy call to Mr. Masugi Maruyama, Dean of the Faculty of
Medicine.
In this program, various kinds of practical training were prepared
to study the theme from a wide range of perspectives. On the thirdday, participants attended lab training of electronic microscope
methodology offered by Professor Sawaguchi of the Departmentof Anatomy, Ultrastructural Cell Biology, and FACS analysis byProfessor Sato, Division of Immunology. As it was the first time formost Indian members to handle this experimental equipment, theylistened carefully to an explanation from the professors and asked
many questions.
On the fourth day, they received lab training in immunohistochemical
staining methodology and learned various types of staining methods.
Lab training for the New Tron cell culture technique was provided byProfessor Takamiya of the Department of Neuroscience, Section ofIntegrative Physiology. It was a unique experience for participants togain knowledge of nerve cells and advanced techniques on cell culture.

Participants study about gel.

Lab training for immunohistochemical staining method

Experiencing confocal microscopy for the first timeOn the fifth day, participants received practical training at Professor
Maruyama’s laboratory of Applied Physiology, and learned how to
operate confocal microscopy capable of projecting a fluorescent image
in a biological sample with high resolution by using a laser beam.
As it was also the first time for Indian members to conduct lab
work using confocal microscopy, they were intently engaged in
the training. In the field of biochemistry, they experienced not only
genetics experiments and techniques to operate cutting-edge analysis
equipment such as MALDI-TOF-MASS, but also attended a lecture
and lab training by Professor Shiomori of the Faculty of Engineeringand Professor Sakakibara of the Faculty of Agriculture to acquire awide range of knowledge and techniques.
They also attended the 4th International Arsenic Symposium—
Environmental Impact on Health Hazards, held at Miyazaki University
on October 10 and enjoyed interaction with scientists and engineersfrom other Asian countries.
On the 11th day of the program, a closing ceremony was held topresent a Certificate of Achievement for SSP with the attendance of thepresident, vice-president, and faculty staff of University of Miyazaki,
and the story was also covered by Indian newspapers.

At the 4th International Arsenic Symposium
Day
1
2
3-5
6
7-8
9
10
11
12
13
14

ProgramArrivalOrientation,
Joint research
Joint research
Attend the 4th International
Arsenic Symposium

Venue
University ofMiyazakiMiyazaki
City
Kobayashi
Rural homestay experience at City,
Japanese farmer’s house
Miyazaki
Pref.
University of
Joint research
Miyazaki
University of
Joint research,
Miyazaki,
Visit Eco Clean Plaza
MiyazakiMiyazakiCity
Closing ceremony for
University ofpresentation of Certificate ofMiyazaki
Achievement
Visit Takachiho to experience
Takachiho
traditional local culture
Visit National Museum of
Emerging Science andTokyo
Innovation (Miraikan)
Departure for home5

Activity Report

Asian students experience high-speed electronic state calculation
July 5–24, 2015

Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)
accepted a total of eight undergraduate students from Thailand (one),
Indonesia (two), Malaysia (three), and India (two) to participate inprojects of “electronic state simulation using a supercomputer” andplanned and implemented a training-based study program.
In the first half of the program, the participants worked on theassignment of assembling self-made personal computers from parts,
configuring parallel computing machines and experiencing highspeed electronic state calculation. In the program, two participants ofdifferent nationalities and sexes worked in pairs and collaborated inconfiguring a Linux computing system with the natural developmentof exchanges among the participants and exchanges with the Japanese
students who participated as assistants.
In the first half of the program, the host graduate school students led
a lecture by using their experience in Japan Science and Technology
Agency (JST)-organized Science Camp, which enabled the participants
to ask frank questions and seek advice. It was a good start to the study
program in which interactive communications could be secured.

The participants configuring a cluster parallel computing
machine by assembling a self-made personal computer

Enjoying dinner after sunset with Muslim students
The period of Ramadan (a month-long period of fasting in theIslamic calendar) happened to fall on the period of the program. Afterthe daytime program, the participants, including Japanese and othernon-Muslims, gathered in a laboratory and enjoyed dinner together.
After that, each of the participants logged into a universityowned supercomputer from his or her terminal and experienced aseries of simulation training activities. All the participants, whowere from electronic state calculation laboratories, marveled at theoverwhelmingly fast speed of the supercomputer.
In the middle of the first week, the participants audited a lecture
on Japanese culture by Professor Kawanishi of JAIST’s Institute ofGeneral Education and learned how the behavioral styles and social
customs unique to Japan were formed.
At the end of the first week, the participants completed an entire
series of tutorials, divided into two groups with themes “electronic statecalculation of the adsorption of the material surface” and “electronic
state calculation of phonon physics” and started a full-scale study
project using their own terminals and supercomputer resources. The
participants decided among themselves the division of roles under
the guidance of faculty members and graduate school students andexperienced international collaboration.
On the final day, the participants were assigned a session on discussions
and questions at the conclusion of each project. All participants were
undergraduate students learning in the highest educational institutionsin their home countries with the aim of attending graduate schools
devoted to the study of mathematics and physics. They actively asked
questions about JAIST’s future activity policy to use this study projectas an opportunity to participate in a project of international co-authoredacademic papers.

6

A student working hard on the project
Day
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12-13
14
15-17
18
19
20

ProgramArrivalOrientation, Assembling of acalculating terminal, Tour of JAIST’s
cluster computing machine
Overview in building a cluster,
Environment building inindividual terminals using LINUXSimulation environment building inindividual terminals, Outline of electronic
state calculation, Training on electronic
state calculation on individual terminals
Parallel network building, Shared file systembuilding, Execution of a parallel simulation
Evaluation of large parallel calculation
performance, Measurement of parallel
simulation performance
Practice of processing drawing softwareand gel scripts, Measurement of parallel
simulation performance
Visit Kutani Ceramics
MuseumNecessity of large computing machinesand concept using them, Practice andperformance measurement and analysis
Measurement and analysis of the performanceof large computing machines, Discussions
about large computing machines
Outline of research steps ofelectronic state calculation, Practicein electronic state calculation
Theoretical basics and practice inelectronic state calculation, Cases ofelectronic state calculation applications
Statistical analysis of electronic statecalculation output, Discussions about analysis
and examination, Explanation for presentations
on research projects and a session of questions
Execution of research projects and follow-up
Final presentation and discussion,
Conclusion of the program and future research plans
Conclusion of the programand future research plans
Departure for home

Venue

MaezonoLab,
School ofInformation
Science

Kutani Ceramics
Museum

MaezonoLab,
School ofInformation
Science

MaezonoLab,
School ofInformation
ScienceTokyoUniversity

International exchange with Indonesia on the environment and energy
February 29–March 9, 2016

Division of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University

The Division of Applied Chemistry of Tokyo Metropolitan
University (TMU) invited 10 students from the Faculty of Chemistryof Indonesia’s Padjadjaran University and two supervisors for aninternational technological exchange program focusing on theenvironment and energy.
Within TMU Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences,which works as a think tank for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
with the aim of making Tokyo an advanced environmental city, theDivision of Applied Chemistry pursues solutions in chemistry that cancontribute to the area of energy and the environment.
This program intended to invite outstanding Indonesian students to
the Division of Applied Chemistry and to heighten their understandingof and interest in related state-of-the-art technologies throughlaboratory training experiences and exchanges with TMU’s faculty
members and students.
On the second day, the participants attended a special lecture onenergy titled “Energy derived from fossil fuel, renewable energy andH2 energy.” After this lecture, they asked many questions, whichsuggested their great interest in energy chemistry.
From the third to fourth day, the invited students worked on an
experience-based training session in each laboratory. The two-day
session involving data organization was challenging, but they were able
to gain the valuable experience of conducting a test using advanced
analytical devices.

A study tour of facilities (catalytic reactor)

Structural analysis using a nuclear magnetic resonance device

A successful exchange gathering
An exchange gathering was held on the sixth day and 17 poster
presentations were given. As the event was on Saturday, there was someconcern about being able to attract many participants. Fortunately, itturned out to be a very successful exchange.
On the eighth day, the participants audited a special lecture on theenvironment with discussions on factors that cause global warming,the mechanisms of global warming, various effects of global warming,and measures to counter it, and they also studied analytical science,
which provides the reasoning for scientific decisions.
The 2nd International Forum on Applied Chemistry, hosted by theDivision of Applied Chemistry, was held on the same day, with lecturesby leading researchers. Professor Kazuyuki Ishii from the Instituteof Industrial Science (IIS), the University of Tokyo, was invited as aguest lecturer to give a speech about molecular and nano-level cuttingedge chemistry.
On the final day, a debriefing session was held. We were greatly
impressed that the participants successfully drew up materials detailingthe background of the study and made high-level presentations during
the short preparation period after a two-day training session.
This program was intended to provide an introduction of Japanesescience, including scientific studies, to the Indonesian students, but wewere surprised at their activeness and scientific understanding which
exceeded our expectations, and which was inspiring to our students.

Sampling of exhaust gas
Day
1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8
9
10

ProgramArrival, Courtesy visit to the
President of TMU
Orientation, Special lecture
on “Topics related to energy,”
Tour of TMU facilities
Experience-based training atlabs related to environment
and energy
Experience-based training atlabs related to environment
and energy
Visit National Museum of
Emerging Science andInnovation (Miraikan),
Panasonic Center
Exchange gathering with
TMU students, Preparation
for presentation of results
including lab training
Visit Edo-Tokyo Museum andSumo Museum
Special lecture on “Topics
related environmental chemistry,”
Attend the 2nd International
Forum on Applied Chemistry
Debriefing session by invited
students and farewell party
Departure for home

Venue

Tokyo
Metropolitan
University(Minami Osawa)

Tokyo
Tokyo
Metropolitan
University(Minami Osawa)
Tokyo
Tokyo
Metropolitan
University(Minami Osawa)

7

Activity Report

Support for science education to foster Vietnamese science teachers
June 29–July 8, 2015

Faculty of Education, Mie University

Mie University invited 10 undergraduate and graduate school
students and one faculty member from Ho Chi Minh City Universityof Teaching in Viet Nam. Mie University concluded a partnershipagreement with the Vietnamese university and accepts several students
majoring in Japanese language studies every year. This time, theuniversity implemented the program focusing on support for scienceeducation to nurture high school science teachers in Viet Nam.
The exchange program was intended to encourage Vietnamesestudents to consider exploration-driven science education by learning
about Japanese high school science education through observing
classes at the high schools designated as super science high schools(SSH). They were also provided with opportunities for exchanges withhigh school students, experiences of attending lectures and conducting
experiments at universities for science teachers and with activities in ascience museum that introduces cutting-edge technologies.
On the first day, Professor Toshiaki Sato at the Faculty of Educationlectured on the Japanese educational curriculum and the history ofeducational reforms and explained Japanese education conducted inaccordance with the Ministry of Education’s official guidelines forschool teaching. On the second day, Professor Ogihara gave a lectureon the high school science curriculum, the nurturing of high school
science teachers, and the current condition and challenges of highschool science education. On the third day, the participants visited Mie
Prefectural Tsu Senior High School, which is designated as a SSH,
observed chemistry and physics classes and Super Science Club (SSC)
activities, and attended presentations on astronomy (observation of asunspot), biology (DNA test for tuna, etc.), chemistry (cells, etc.) andphysics (measurement of coefficients of friction, etc.).

A biological experiment under the guidance of Associate
Professor Daisuke Hirayama, Faculty of Education

A visit to the laboratory of Professor Hideto Miyake,
Faculty of Engineering

Participation in classes for nurturing science teachers
Vietnamese students also attended classes offered by the
Faculty of Education teaching staff. For physics, they conducted
experiments about electricity and magnetism by using a simple andeasy experimental device known as an S-cable. For biology, they
participated in the practice of looking for flower seeds within the
grounds of the university. For earth science, the participants worked
on making handmade telescopes.
On the fourth day, the participants visited the Graduate School ofEngineering’s laboratories, starting with the laboratory of Professor
Hideto Miyake, who researches and develops ultraviolet LED.
In addition, on the eighth day, the participants visited Mie Prefectural
Yokkaichi Senior High School and observed experiments by thescience club as well as physics and chemistry classes.
On the final day, each participant reported what they had learned
through the program. They made earnest presentations expressing thatthe ten-day experience would be important in their future careers. They
said that the experience gave them a lot of ideas for practicing scienceeducation in the future and motivation and inspiration for teachingscience to students.

8

An exchange with students in the science course of Mie
Prefectural Tsu High School
Day
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

ProgramArrival, Campus tour,
Lecture on Japanese education
Lecture on current situation of Japanese
education and nurturing school teachers,
Courtesy visit to the President of Mie University
Observe the classes offeredby Faculty of Education,
Visit Tsu Senior High School
Visit Graduate School ofEngineering
Visit Mie Prefectural Museum,Experiments of chemistry andgeoscience
Visit Osaka Science Museum
and Osaka Museum of
Natural History
Visit Nagoya City Science
MuseumVisit labs of Faculty of
Bioresources, Mie University,
Visit Yokkaichi Senior High School
Debriefing session of the results,
Closing ceremony
Departure for home

Venue
Mie
University
Mie University,
Tsu SeniorHigh School
Mie
University,
othersOsaka City
Nagoya City
Mie
University,
othersUniversity

Chinese students learn industrial‐academic‐government collaboration
November 15–22, 2015

International College, Osaka University

International College, Osaka University accepted 10 students andone supervisor from Pui Ching Middle School and Colegio de Santa
Rosa de Lima English Secondary in Macau with the support of the
SSP program.
Many graduates of these two schools joined the Chemistry-Biology
Combined Major Program (CBCMP) of International College, Osaka
University. This exchange program was intended to provide the twohigh school students with the opportunity to know more about Osaka
University and Japanese cutting-edge science and technology.
On November 16, the participants visited the Momofuku Ando
Instant Ramen Museum in Ikeda City, and learned the backgroundbehind the invention of instant ramen, a representative of food culture
originating in Japan, and the history and product development that led
to the global spread of instant ramen.
The participants also visited the Museum of Osaka University. A
museum curator explained the university history and the achievementsof researchers, graduates of the university who played an active role on
the global stage. Furthermore, during a visit to the Medicinal Resources
Laboratory, the participants deepened their understanding of Japanese
medical culture through observation of an accumulation of valuable
academic specimens of traditional medicine at Osaka University.
On November 17, the participants visited the Nara National Museum
and experienced Japanese culture through the appreciation of valuable
Buddhist art craftworks from the Asuka period to the Kamakura period.
In addition, they visited the Head Office and laboratory of UHA
Mikakuto Co., Ltd. They received an explanation about the latest
research and development, and experienced high-level technologies in
the area of foods while observing product development on-site.

Practical training for the applied chemistry major (1)Practical training for the applied chemistry major (2)Experiencing state-of-the-art electronic microscope
On November 18, after a courtesy visit to Toshiya Hoshino,
Executive Vice President of Global Engagement of Osaka University,
the participants visited Hitz (Bio) Research Alliance Laboratory in the
School of Engineering. Through explanations about academy-industry
collaboration and specific themes, the participants learned how tobridge basic studies at the university to applied studies at companies.
In the Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering,
they had experience-based practice using the latest analytical andmeasuring equipment including an electronic microscope. By
operating the equipment by themselves under the guidance of graduate
school students, the Macau high school students were inspired to takean interest in the studies and could experience an on-site researchatmosphere at a university.
On the final day, the participants gave a group presentation toconclude the program. Many of them reported that it was significant toexperience Japanese culture as well as excellent Japanese science andtechnology in academia, industries, and government. The exchangewith Asian excellent high school students turned out to be a goodexperience for us, the host organization as well.

At the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
Day
1
2

3

4
5
6
7
8

ProgramArrivalOrientation
Visit Momofuku Ando InstantRamen Museum,
Visit Museum of Osaka
University
Visit Nara National Museum,
Visit Head Office of UHA
Mikakuto Co., Ltd. and its
laboratory
Courtesy visit to Executive
Vice President of Osaka
University,
Experience-based practice at
School of Engineering Lab
Visit RIKEN,
Visit IBRI Laboratory
Visit Shimazu Foundation
Memorial Hall,
Visit Kyoto National Museum
Group presentation at
Graduate School ofEngineering, Osaka
University
Departure for home

Venue
Osaka
University
Ikeda City,
Osaka
University
Nara City,
Osaka City

Osaka
University
Kobe City
Kyoto City
Osaka
University

9Activity ReportThai students experience cutting-edge food production technology
June 8–22, 2015

Faculty of Agriculture, Kobe University

On June 8, 2015, 11 program participants from the Faculty ofEngineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at
Thammasat University in Thailand came to Japan. Immediately after
their arrival, they paid a courtesy visit to Takashi Miyano, Dean of theFaculty of Agriculture at Kobe University, and entered an exchange
program for food production technology.
First, Associate Professor Chatchai Marnadee, a supervisor of thegroup who specializes in agricultural machinery, gave a lecture about
three themes—“plant factories,” “the disposal of stockbreedingcaused agricultural wastewater,” and “the mechanized weeding of ricepaddies”—and studies carried out by Thammasat University. Then,
students broke into three groups and started joint studies.

A research presentation by Associate Professor
Chatchai from Thammasat University in Thailand

The studies start in three groups
The plant factory group conducted an experiment based on thesubtheme of the impact of the effect of environmental control of thegrowth of crops and environmental conditions during storage on thenature of crops. During an experiment on environmental control, thegroup measured the fresh weight and the amount of chlorophyll bykeeping track of the number of days after transplantation with a focus
on the difference in the growth of medicinal plant seedlings caused by
the gap between two types of light spectra, fluorescent light and far-red
light. For quality assessment according to environmental conditions
during storage, the group examined the biological activity after aharvest using Japanese mustard spinach as a sample.
The group for the disposal of stockbreeding-caused agricultural
wastewater focused on new technology for purifying the quality ofagricultural wastewater and examined the impact caused by thedifference in electrode material and electrolytes when electrochemicallyoxidizing and processing tetracycline antibiotics in the wastewater.
The group for mechanized weeding of rice paddies invented a
new mechanism for removing weeds that grow thickly immediately
after the transplantation of paddy rice and worked on the creation ofsuch mechanism and an examination of the weeds. The study aims
to develop a method for the mechanized weeding of rice paddies asenvironmental preservation-oriented agriculture that controls theovergrowth of weeds without using agricultural chemicals.
These three themes are the latest study subjects that dealt withJapanese food production, and it is assumed that the technology will
be required in Thailand as well in the future.
The participants energetically engaged in various activities on
the holidays during the program period. To deepen their scientificknowledge, to acquire agricultural knowledge, and to learn historyof agricultural machinery, they visited related museums including
the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka. The participants also
enjoyed a study tour of the R&D Center for the Plant Factory of Osaka
Prefecture University.
At the conclusion of the program, each group gave presentations of
the results of the experiments and studies they had conducted over the
total of five days.
10

Measuring the amount of chlorophyll included in theleaves of seedlings using a SPAD meter

Configuring a newly invented weeding mechanism
Day
1
2-3
4-5
6
7
8-10

11

ProgramArrival, Orientation
Special lecture on plant factories, the disposal ofstockbreeding-caused agricultural wastewater,
and the mechanized weeding of rice paddies
Joint study and experiment on plantfactories, the disposal of stockbreedingcaused agricultural wastewater, and themechanized weeding of rice paddies
Visit Bando Kobe Science Museum
Visit National Museum of Ethnology
Joint study and experiment on plantfactories, the disposal of stockbreedingcaused agricultural wastewater, and themechanized weeding of rice paddies
Joint study and experiment on plantfactories, the disposal of stockbreedingcaused agricultural wastewater, and themechanized weeding of rice paddies,
Visit R&D Center for the Plant Factory,
Osaka Prefecture University

12

Preparation of presentationmaterials

13
14
15

Visit Yanmar Museum
To Kansai Int’l Airport
Departure for home

Venue
Graduate
School of
Agricultural
Science,
Kobe
University
Kobe City
Osaka City
Graduate Schoolof Agricultural
Science,
Kobe University
Osaka
Prefecture
University
Graduate School of
Agricultural Science,
Kobe University
Nagahama City

University

Future Chinese doctors study the latest medical technologies
August 2–10, 2015

Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University

Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health
Sciences invited two young researchers and five graduate school
students from Southern Medical University (SMU) Nanfang Hospitalin China to participate in an exchange program.
The program was intended to help future Chinese doctors acquirea deep understanding of the latest research and medical technologies
developed by the Graduate School and Hiroshima University Hospital in
the area of orthopedics and to fortify the foundations and relationships
for joint studies in the future as well as to encourage them to study at
the Graduate School of Hiroshima University.
In particular, the Graduate School has made globally recognized toplevel achievements in clinical medicine as well as in basic studies on
the regeneration of cartilage. The program was also expected to boost
the development of orthopedic studies through international exchangewith the young professionals visiting the university with the latest
equipment and skilled staff.
From August 3 to 7, the program participants had a study tour about
outpatient care mainly in orthopedics at the Graduate School andHiroshima University Hospital where they learned the latest medical
and pioneering research.
On August 3, the first day of the program, they visited the outpatient
clinic and learned about the specialty of knee and hand diseases andthe vertebral column under the guidance of each medical professional.
On the following day, the participants observed operations mainly
on knee joints, such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction anda meniscus injury, performed by Associate Professor Nobuo Adachi.
In addition, they participated in a research conference for orthopedic
studies and heard reports on basic studies centered on the regenerationof cartilage.

Participants impressed by the Japanese medical treatment system
On August 5, the participants accompanied Associate Professor
Adachi’s round of visits to the wards. They were deeply impressed by
the medical record management system and detailed operation design
conducted before surgery as well as the medical treatment system of
the university.
The participants also attended the International Symposium on
Organs of Locomotion and Pain organized by Mitsuo Ochi, Presidentof Hiroshima University and Professor specializing in orthopedic
studies, and deepened exchanges with global authorities on knee joint
surgery who had made great achievements.
On the final day of the in-campus program, the participants had
another study tour about operations on anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction and meniscus injury. They participated in a conferenceon orthopedic studies and listened to reports of the university’s cases ofoperations in which cartilage restoration was applied. The participants
showed an active attitude toward learning about the latest medical
services provided by the university through the many cases of diseases
and operations throughout the duration of the program.

Attending a research conference

Observing an operation at MAZDA Hospital

In front of Hiroshima University Hospital

Day
1
2

3

4

5
6
7
8
9

Program

Venue

ArrivalOrientation,
Visit outpatient clinic,
Sightseeing of Hiroshima
Observe operations (ACL,reconstruction, meniscus),
Attend research conference
Accompany professor’s round ofvisits, Visit outpatient clinic, Observe
examination, Observe operation
Attend Int’l Symposium on Organs ofLocomotion and Pain
Visit outpatient clinic,
Observe operation,
Sightseeing of Miyajima
Observe operations (ACL,reconstruction, meniscus),
Attend operation conference,
Closing ceremony
Kasumi Campus tour
Visit Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Park and Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Museum
Departure for home

KasumiCampus,Hiroshima
University,
Hiroshima City

Hiroshima
University

Hiroshima
University,
Miyajima
Hiroshima
University
HiroshimaCity

11

Technical College

Activity Report

Exchanges with Malaysian students create steady achievements
September 7–16, 2015

National Institute of Technology, Kagoshima College

With the support of the SSP program, National Institute ofTechnology, Kagoshima College invited 10 students and one supervisor
from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia.
Based on the program implemented in 2014, the invitation programin 2015 started from a free exchange of ideas beyond the boundaries
of each specialty for three groups that combined UTP students andKagoshima College students under the theme of creating a “Vibrant
and Sustainable University Campus” with a focus on the Engineering
Team Project (ETP). They presented many ideas centering on green
technology, societal issues, and recycling of waste.
The ETP is a program that boosts collaboration among different
specialties, which has already become essential in the real world. It isa very unique experience-based program in which students learn theimportance of sharing knowledge and putting their mutual advantages
to work, instead of sticking to each specialty, and actively taking action
to improve their own roles as individual members of a comprehensive
project team.

A discussion in the Engineering Team Project

A sense of togetherness developed through the training camp
During the program, the students from two schools experienced atwo-day training camp, which enabled them to deepen their mutual
understanding of different cultures. They could get to know eachother by staying and dining together, and they developed a sense of
togetherness, which led to positive collaborations when carrying out
projects to produce better results.
The Malaysian students also enjoyed local tourism together withthe college students. They spent the weekend visiting Kagoshima
Municipal Science Hall, Sakurajima Volcano as well as ShokoShuseikan, designated as a World Cultural Heritage site in July 2015.
As everything they saw was new to them, the Malaysian students did
not show any sign of being tired.
On the final day, the participants gave group presentations about
the results of their activities over the ten-day period. They elaborated
on the naming of EnerGym with a focus on Window Environmental
Cleaner (WinEC), Recycling Machine, and Renewable & Sustainable
Energy. It was great to see the prototype creations in the final stage.
This program does not end with just a ten-day schedule; after returning
to their home country, UTP students continue to work on the ETP.
After the program, many of the Kagoshima College students said, “Iwant to further develop my communication ability,” while some of the
UTP students said, “As our advanced knowledge about Japan showed,
both the environment and people in the country were well-organized.
Despite being poor in natural resources, Japan is a country from which
we can learn a lot due to its constant efforts to achieve progress withthe latest science and technology.”
Kagoshima College and UTP concluded an academic exchange
agreement in February 2014. The exchange activities of the twoschools have just started, but we will further deepen our exchanges.

12

Brainstorming

Enjoying a view of Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima
Day
1
2
3
4

5

6

ProgramArrival,Visit Kitakyushu Eco Town
and science museum
Transfer to Kagoshima,
Welcome ceremony,
Orientation
Monozukuri project with
Kagoshima College students
Visit JAXA Uchinoura Space Center,
Visit brewery of natural black vinegar,
Visit Toyota Body Research &Development Co., Ltd.
Monozukuri project with
Kagoshima College students,
Visit Sony’s semiconductor
manufacturing plant
Visit Kagoshima historicalsites (Shoko-Shuseikan),
Visit Kagoshima Municipal
Science Hall

7

Local city tour

8

Presentation of collaborative
project and farewell party
Transfer
Departure for home

9
10

Venue
Kitakyushu
City
KAPIC
CenterUchinouraSpace Center,Toyota Body Research &Development Co., Ltd.
Kagoshima
College,Sony Kokubu
plant
Kagoshima
City
Kirishima
City
Kagoshima
CollegeHigh School

Malaysian students learn biodiversity in Japan
September 19–26, 2015

Hokkaido Sapporo Keisei High School

Hokkaido Sapporo Keisei High School accepted three undergraduate
students and two graduate students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah
and five high school students and one supervisor from All Saints’
Secondary School in Malaysia to implement the SSP program.
The participants visited Rakuno Gakuen University on the second
day of the program. At lunch they had their first meeting with KeiseiHigh School students and Rakuno Gakuen University students
with whom they would have training sessions together, because theprogram intended to help Japanese students build mutual trust by
jointly attending all lessons.
In the afternoon, the Malaysian participants received an explanation
about forest ecosystems and biodiversity hot spots in Hokkaido witha focus on the issue of yezo shika (Hokkaido deer) from Professor
Yoshida at Rakuno Gakuen University. They also had a lecture from
Professor Kaneko on the outline of a forest monitoring method using ageographic information system (GIS).
On the third day, the participants attended a lecture on a method forwater circulation monitoring from Associate Professor Negishi at theFaculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University.
The participants learned the necessity of protecting the forests thatprovide water sources to secure sustainable underground water veins
and that the study of water circulation by stable water isotope ratio
analysis is an effective research method because it is not susceptible tothe effects of the soil from basins and geological conditions.
They also had a lecture on a forest monitoring method using spectrum
analysis via satellites by Professor Takahashi at the Space Mission
Center (SMC) of the Creative Research Institution of Hokkaido
University. They learned that it was possible to monitor the forest
environment through remote sensing by analyzing the spectrums ofplant leaves.

Participants also learn about Ainu culture
On the fourth day, the participants learned about nature in Hokkaido
and Ainu culture under the guidance of specially appointed researcher
Mr. Kosuge of Rakuno Gakuen University at Hokkaido Museum.
They also learned about mixed needleleaf and broadleaf forests inthe cool temperature zone in Hokkaido’s Nopporo Shinrin Kouen
Prefectural Natural Park under the guidance of Professor Kaneko
at Rakuno Gakuen University. After that, the participants enjoyed anature game focused on sustainable food issues under the leadershipof Rakuno Gakuen University students.
The participants had a lot of fun at the evening barbecue and enjoyedcommunicating beyond the language barriers. It was a cold day for
the Malaysian students, but they warmed themselves by the charcoal,saying, “This warms not only my body but also the depth of my heart.
I feel as if everyone were united as one.”
Keisei High School students will visit both of the Malaysian schools
for a scientific exchange in January 2016.

Discussing natural and cultural differences between Japan and Malaysia

SSH science English: Experiment of extracting DNA

Shedding tears after saying good-bye to his host family!
Day
1

ProgramArrival,Orientation

2

Joint training session

3
4

5

6

7
8

Venue

RakunoGakuenUniversity
Hokkaido
Joint training session
University
NopporoJoint training session (start of
Shinrinforest camp)
Kouen Park
NopporoAfter the camp, visit each host Shinrinfamily home,
Kouen Park
Sightseeing with host family
SapporoCity
Training session:
Hokkaido
High school students;
Sapporoexperience of classes at
Keisei High
Keisei High School,
School or
Undergraduate/graduate
Rakunostudents; lectures at Rakuno
GakuenGakuen University
University
Opinion exchange meeting,
Farewell party
Departure for home13

Research Institute

Activity Report

Faculty from Myanmar experience Japanese marine science
November 6–15, 2015

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology

With the support of the SSP program, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth
Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) invited 10 faculty members,
who are expected to engage in research on earth science in Myanmar,from Dagon University and Mawlamyine University, and carried out
technology and research exchanges.
Prior to the implementation of the program, JAMSTEC concluded
a document regarding cooperation in marine and earth sciences with
the Department of Research and Innovation, Ministry of Science andTechnology of Myanmar on August 18. Thus promotion of researchcollaboration between JAMSTEC and Myanmar’s universities andresearch institutions was publicly announced. This exchange program
was planned as part of its cooperative activities.
JAMSTEC has promoted various advanced research and development
projects for marine science and technology as a comprehensive
research institute in Japan. Through development and operation ofresearch vessels and equipment including Chikyu, a deep sea drilling
vessel, it has accumulated superior technologies and returned themas research results. By offering lectures and showing its facilities toinvitees through the exchange program, JAMSTEC intended for themto experience these research results.
It is said that Myanmar is a very interesting country from theperspective of earth science, because large scale research has not yet
been conducted, though its land is located on a complex geologicalstructure.

Receiving a drilling science lecture

Explanation about a remotely operated vehicle at Yokosuka Headquarters

Attending a wide range of marine-earth science lectures
In Myanmar, it is planned to establish a marine-earth science
research institute that includes study of mitigating disaster damage.
Earth science education at universities in Myanmar, taking into
consideration establishment of an institute, became one of the main
topics discussed in this exchange program. In addition, during thestudents’ stay in Japan, lectures on various subjects were delivered
including biogeochemistry, earthquake research, research on marine
resources, offshore drilling science, and ocean engineering. Marine andearth sciences are interdisciplinary studies, and analysis is conductedby collecting samples and data using various types of equipment.
On the first and second days, Myanmar participants observed
JAMSTEC’s research vessels and vehicles utilized in marine and earthsciences.
In the last part of the program, participants discussed Japan-Myanmar
cooperation in science in the future based on their individual research
themes. Though JAMSTEC takes an organizational, top-down approachfor research exchange, actual exchanges are supported by steady, faceto-face, bottom-up approaches by linking individual researchers.
By inviting faculty members from Myanmar’s universities throughthe SSP program, JAMSTEC was able to accomplish face-to-faceinteraction. In a participant questionnaire, “expectation for continued
program” was mentioned. As a receiving organization, we also expect
to have an opportunity to carry out the program continuously.

14

A group photo with research vessel Natsushima
Day
1
2
3
4

5
6
7
8
9
10

ProgramArrival, Orientation,
Visit JAMSTEC Yokosuka HQVisit JAMSTEC Yokohama
Institute
Material preparation fordebriefing session
Presentation on marineearth science education in
Myanmar and discussion,
Lecture (earthquake studies)and discussion
Presentation on marineearth science education in
Myanmar and discussion,
Lecture (marine drilling
technology) and discussion
Visit Enoshima Aquarium
Lectures (ocean engineering/ biogeoscience / marine
resources) and discussion
Lectures (ocean drillingscience/earthquake studies)and discussion
Debriefing session
Departure for home

Venue

JAMSTEC
Yokosuka
HQ

Fujisawa
City
JAMSTEC
Yokosuka
HQLocal Government

Introduction of Ishikawa Pref.’s craftsmanship, science and technology
January 28–February 3, 2016

Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange

Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange (IFIE) acceptednine high school students from the Province of Sichuan, China.
Although they stayed just one week, the participants enjoyed theexchanges among high school students and the Japanese way of life aswell as science and technology through visits to advanced universities
and companies in the prefecture, an exchange with the students of
Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School, which isdesignated as a SSH, and homestays in Nakanoto Town.
On January 29, the participants joined English and mathematics
classes at Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School. In the mathematics
class, they were asked questions about things that they had not learnedin their home country but they enjoyed a friendly group activity ofteaching and competing with each other.

Visiting Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School

Courtesy visit to Ishikawa Prefectural Deputy Governor
On February 1, the participants paid a courtesy visit to Ishikawa
Prefectural Deputy Governor Yoshiaki Nakanishi (IFIE Director).
When asked by the Deputy Governor, “What is different from yourexpectation of Ishikawa Prefecture?,” a Chinese high school student
answered, “I had imagined that Ishikawa would be a city, withskyscrapers and high-rise buildings, but I was impressed with thetownscape created by the mixture of historic architecture and nearfuture scenes.” Another student said, “I want to study Japanese to
enjoy interaction with my host family in Ishikawa again.”
At Kanazawa University, they had a lecture about studies of solar
power generation and plant-origin carbon fiber. As the presentation
was done by a Chinese student from their home country, the Chineseparticipants could ask many questions and enjoyed active discussionsin spite of a high-level specialized field.
On February 2, they visited Japan Advanced Institute of Science andTechnology (JAIST) and had a study tour of the supercomputer, thecleanroom, and the electronic microscope room. They also had time to
get advice from Chinese students studying at JAIST about campus life,
which made them very familiar with studying in Japan in the future.
The participants also visited ACTREE Corporation and observed
the incineration equipment and the waste analysis room. As China
has many issues with waste disposal, students could learn the research
results in Japan, an advanced country in this field, and the current
conditions of waste disposal plants with great interest.
When the participants visited Kaiho Sangyo Co., LTD., one of thelatest automobile recycling business operators, they were impressedwith its slogan of “The Best Greeting in Japan, the Cleanest Factoryin the World” and were glued to the scene of demolishing a car using
a power shovel.
On February 1, they had a study tour about the process ofmanufacturing bottling systems at Shibuya Corporation, which has theworld’s top bottling system technology. They actively asked questions
about management efforts for maintaining the top domestic share withinternational environment standards.

A courtesy visit to Ishikawa Prefectural Deputy Governor

Visiting Kanazawa University
Day
1
2
3
4
5

6
7

ProgramArrivalOrientation,
Visit Kanazawa Castle andKenroku-en,
Visit Kanazawa Izumigaoka
High School
Meet with host family,
Welcome party
Exchange with host family,
Visit Cosmo Isle Hakui
Visit Shibuya Corporation,
Visit Kanazawa University,
Courtesy visit to Deputy
Governor of Ishikawa
Prefecture
Visit JAIST,
Visit ACTREE Corporation,
Visit Karakuri Memorial
MuseumVisit Science Hills Komatsu,
Departure for home

Venue

Kanazawa
City

Nakanoto
Town

Kanazawa
City
Nomi City
Kanazawa
City
KomatsuCity

15

Incorporated Association

Activity Report

Solidarity among researchers from national organizations in Asia
October 19–28, 2015

Remote Sensing Technology Center of JapanThe Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) is anorganization with an advanced technology that can provide specialized
training in the field of “remote sensing,” a space technology that uses
satellites.
In the 2015 SSP program, RESTEC invited 10 researchers inagricultural studies from eight countries and regions (Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and VietNam), who work at a national organization in their homeland. Basedon the program previously conducted in 2014 with 10 invitees from six
countries, RESTEC reviewed the content and enhanced the programcontent by focusing on the specialized field of remote sensing.
As a skill enhancement or capacity building program for excellent
invitees, RESTEC offered a remote-sensing course at Tokyo Denki
University and Rissho University, with the cooperation of nearby
universities in Saitama Prefecture, and conducted remote-sensing
training at RESTEC. Moreover, invitees visited Josai University where
they learned about a case study applying remote-sensing technology toagricultural products. They also visited local farmers, the production
site of agricultural products.

Lecture on the fundamentals of remote sensing by RESTEC staff

Program participants also experience Japanese culture

Remote-sensing lecture at Tokyo Denki University

On the second day, invitees enjoyed Japanese culture including
calligraphy at Daito Bunka University and Japanese washi papermaking,designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, in a hands-on
activity in a local community. Thus, the Center implemented a program
to encourage invitees to experience different fields and culture.
Through the program, RESTEC not only applied its expertise, but also
aimed to encourage invitees to be interested in science and technology
exchanges that utilize a network of industry-academia-governmentlocal community collaboration, and exchanges with professionals in
different fields. Moreover, the Center aimed to help them know more
about the local community of Hatoyama Town, Hiki County, Saitama
Prefecture, and Japan itself.
Participants made following comments about the program.
“This exchange program was very comprehensive. We could learn
and experience many important topics regarding remote-sensing
technology, advanced Japanese agriculture, science and technology,
and space development. Meanwhile, I would like to suggest allocationof more time to practical case analysis, which can contribute to thedevelopment of agricultural statistics in our country.” (Philippines)“Centering on skill-up training in remote-sensing technology, I
could achieve an experience with Japanese culture combined withthe keyword ‘agriculture.’ By sharing the experience with otherparticipants, we will be able to promote more exchanges. Personally, I
will pursue a master’s degree in this field in Japan.” (Laos)
By sharing the voices of program participants with all membersof RESTEC and further enhancing the program content, the Center
strives to contribute to enhancement of remote-sensing technology in
Asia and foster human resources.

16

Experiencing Japanese culture at Daito Bunka University
Day

Program1

Arrival2

Orientation,
Presentation by invitees,
Visit Kawagoe City,
Lecture at Earth Observation
Research Center, JAXA

3

4

5
6
7
8
9
10

Venue

RESTEC
Headquarters(Toranomon,
Tokyo),
Kawagoe City,
JAXA
Lecture (Fundamentals ofTokyo Denki
Remote Sensing),
University,
Lecture in different fields
Daito Bunka(humanities and social science), University
Lecture (Fundamentals of
RisshoRemote Sensing),
University,
Lecture in different fields
Josai(pharmaceutical sciences),
University
Field work
Lecture (Fundamentals of Remote Sensing), Tokyo Denki
University
Exchange meeting with Tokyo Denki
University and local government officials, Tokigawa
Experience of Japanese culture (papermaking) Town
Visit research facilities in Tsukuba City, Tsukuba
Visit Tsukuba Space Center, JAXA City
Visit Miraikan
Tokyo
Application of satellite data
RESTEC(lecture and practice)
Headquarters
Application of satellite data (practice), (Toranomon, Tokyo)
Closing ceremony, Farewell party
Departure for home

Private Company

Information exchanges and training with Chinese researchers
March 6–12, 2016
For the third consecutive year of SSP, Horiba, Ltd. invited two
researchers involved in the X-ray measurement field at Beijing Center
for Physical & Chemical Analysis (BCPCA), aiming to enhancecomprehensive knowledge on analytical techniques and use it topromote research and development and contract analysis at BCPCA.
The program consists of various activities: information exchanges
and technical training using the company’s state-of-the-art X-ray
analyzer; a tour of the company’s production site for physics andchemical products as well as Horiba Biwako E-Harbor, a newly built
consolidated base for development, design, and production operationin the field of gas measurement; and a visit to Advanced Science,
Technology & Management Research Institute of KYOTO (ASTEM),
and Toray Research Center (TRC).
On the second day, after having received introduction about thecompany, the researchers observed a pH meter production site forphysics and chemistry equipment and a printed circuit board factory.
They visited ASTEM to observe industry-academia collaboration invarious fields of science and technology.

Horiba, Ltd.

Receiving explanation about x-ray principles

Training using cutting-edge analyzers
On the third and fourth days, using Horiba’s fluorescent X-ray
analyzer (XGT-7200, MESA-50, XGT-5200) and energy dispersive
elemental analyzer + an electron microscope (SEM/EMAX), Chinese
researchers performed practical training in addition to receiving
explanations about principles, hardware, software, and analysis cases.
At the SEM/EMAX practice, they intently acquired techniques andknowledge of image processing and updated software functions while
confirming with engineers on-site in Beijing over the phone. As theSEM/EMAX analytical system is installed in Beijing, the researchers
asked a lot of questions such as analytical methodology of difficult
samples on-site and how to find out analysis conditions.
For the practice of fluorescent X-ray analyzer (MESA-50), as anyone
can easily analyze a sample, one of the Chinese researchers analyzed
her necklace to verify whether or not the gold was authentic by herself,
and was relieved to find out it was 18-karat gold. On the fourth day,they visited TRC’s Shiga Laboratory to observe material analysis
using cutting-edge instruments.
Currently, BCPCA, similar to other examination organizationsin China, focuses on analysis of safety and environment related topeople’s lives. Specifically, they perform analysis on such substances
as pesticide residue and food additives, medicine, toys, river water,
drinking water, atmospheric air, and hazardous constituents in soil, in
accordance with Chinese National Standards (GB).
On the other hand, at TRC, for requests such as material analysis,
structure analysis, and foreign object analysis, researchers try toresearch and develop a new analytical methodology by themselves toimprove the level of examination. Thus, they meet the requests fromclients and try to expand their business. Chinese researchers seemed tobe very impressed to know the TRC way.

XRF analyzer training

TRC laboratory tour
Day

Program1

Arrival2Plant visit, introduction ofcompany and products at
Horiba3

Practical training ofequipment (XRF)

4

Practical training ofequipment (SEM/EMAX)

5

Visit companies asking forcontract analysis,
Visit Horiba Biwako E-Harbor

6

Cultural exchange,
Debriefing of training

7

Departure for home

Venue

Horiba, Ltd.

Shiga Pref.

17

Reference
1. Open Application Course FY2015 <Statistics Material>(1)Number of invitees (by country and region)
CourseClassification
Country/region
Brunei Darussalam
Kingdom of Cambodia
People’s Republic of China
Republic of India
Republic of Indonesia
Republic of Korea
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Malaysia
Mongolia
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Republic of the Philippines
Republic of Singapore
TaiwanKingdom of Thailand
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Total

A

B

C

8
48
843
114
185
54
32
151
150
105
59
37
105
299
249
2,439

0
3
227
102
43
24
14
49
5
52
21
5
18
71
42
676

3
6
175
1
22
18
0
44
0
0
4
3
6
59
20
361

Affiliation
Postdoctoral Faculty member/High school
Undergraduate Postgraduate
Researcher Others
fellow
student
teacher
11
4
3
1
0
2
0
1
57
0
32
5
0
12
2
6
1,245
91
362
493
18
187
61
33
217
9
58
113
7
25
5
0
250
31
108
52
0
44
12
3
96
20
40
31
0
3
1
1
46
0
19
3
0
6
14
4
244
34
83
91
3
23
6
4
155
73
33
13
1
25
10
0
157
10
37
39
4
52
11
4
84
11
33
19
1
14
4
2
45
22
6
4
0
11
1
1
129
8
36
72
0
9
3
1
429
93
148
94
3
47
32
12
311
54
113
44
1
55
42
2
3,476
460
1,111
1,074
38
515
204
74

Total

Total
11
57
1,245
217
250
96
46
244
155
157
84
45
129
429
311
3,476

Note: Invitees in 2015 SSP amounted to 4,226 persons, including participants in the Open Application Course (above), the SAKURA Science High School Program (656 pers.), and administrative
officers and others (94 pers.).

(2)Breakdown of invitees by countries and regions
Singapore 1%
Mongolia 5%
Cambodia 2%

Laos 1%
Brunei 0%

Myanmar 5%
Philippines 2%
Taiwan 4%
China
36%

Korea 3%
Malaysia 7%

India 6%

Thailand
12%

Viet Nam
9%
Indonesia
7%(3)Breakdown of invitees by affiliations
Researchers
204
6%

Others742%High school students
460
Faculty members/
13%
teachers
515
Postdoctoral
15%
fellows
38
Undergraduates
1%
1,111
Postgraduates
32%
1,074
31%

(4)Number of selected programs per receiving organization
Others
Universities / TechnicalColleges / High Schools

Organization name 74 No.
Organization nameNo.
Researchers
2%
204 Gakuin University 1
1 Aoyama
29 Josai University
130
KagawaUniversity
3
2 Asahi6%University
1
High school students
2
3 Azabu University
1 31 Kagoshima University
460
Faculty members/
teachersof Technology 13%
4 Chiba Institute2 32 Kanagawa Institute of Technology 1515
5 Chiba University
6 33 Kanazawa Institute of Technology 1
Postdoctoral
15%
2
6 Chubu University
1 34 Kanazawa University
fellows
Undergraduates
2
7 38
Chuo University
1 35 Kansai University
36 Kobe University
3
8 1%
Daido University
1 1,111
Postgraduates
32%
37
Kobe
Women's
University
1
9 Fukui Senior HighSchool 1
1,074
2
10 Fukui University of Technology
1 38 Kochi University
31%
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

18

Fukuoka Institute of Technology 1
Fukuyama University
1
Gifu University
2
Gunma University
1
Hiroshima University
10
Hokkaido Information University 1
Hokkaido Sapporo Keisei High School 1
Hokkaido University
4
Hokurikugakuin University 1
Hosei University
3
Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School 1
International University of Health and Welfare 1
Inter-university Research Institute Corporation,
3
National Institutes of Natural Sciences
Inter-university Research Institute Corporation, 3High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
Inter-university Research Institute Corporation,
Research Organization of Information and
1
Systems, National Institute of Informatics
Iwate University
2
J. F. Oberlin University
1
Japan Advanced Institute of5
Science and Technology

39 Kochi University of Technology 1
40 Kumamoto University
10
41 Kwansei Gakuin University 2
42 Kyoto Institute of Technology 1
43 Kyoto Sangyo University
2
44 Kyoto University
6
45 Kyushu Institute of Technology 5
46 Kyushu University
7
47 Maebashi Institute of Technology 1
48 Meiji University
1
49 Meikai University
1
50 Mie University
2
51 Miyazaki Kita High School 1
52 Nagaoka University of Technology 2
53 Nagasaki University
4
54 Nagoya City University
1
55 Nagoya Institute of Technology 3
56 Nagoya University
7
Nagoya University Affiliated Upper
57 and Lower Secondary Schools
1
58 Nara Institute of Science and Technology 1
Nara Prefectural Seisho Junior
59 and Senior High School1

Statistics Material(Universities / Technical Colleges / High Schools, continued)

Incorporated Associations

Organization nameNo.
National
InstituteofTechnology,
602
Okinawa College
National Institute of Technology,
61 Hachinohe College
1
62 National Institute of Technology, 1
Kagoshima College
National Institute of Technology,
63 Kisarazu College
1
National Institute of Technology,
64 Kitakyushu College
1
National Institute of Technology,
65 Kurume College
1
National Institute of Technology,
66 Miyakonojo College
1
67 National Institute of Technology, 1
Nagaoka College
National Institute of Technology,
68 Oshima College
1
National Institute of Technology,
69 Sendai College
1
National Institute of Technology,
70 Tsuruoka College
1
National Institute of Technology,
71 Tsuyama College
1
1
72 Nihon University
73 Niigata University
1
Notre Dame Seishin Gakuen
74 Seishin Girls' High School1
75 Oita University
1
76 Okayama University
11
77 Osaka City University
1
78 Osaka Dental University
1
79 Osaka Institute of Technology 1
80 Osaka Prefecture University 3
81 Osaka Prefecture University 1
College of Technology
82 Osaka University
11
Ritsumeikan
Juniorand83
1
Senior High School
Ritsumeikan Keisho Junior
84 & Senior High School1
85 Ritsumeikan Senior High School 1
86 Ritsumeikan University
5
87 Saga University
2
88 Saitama Institute of Technology 1
89 Saitama Medical University 1
90 Saitama University
6
91 Salesian Polytechnic
2
Sapporo Nihon University 1
92 Senior High School

Organization name
Asian Peace Making Center
Association for Communication of Transcultural Study
Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Center
Environmental and Science Educational Laboratory
International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer
International Lake Environment Committee Foundation
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
Japan Association for Chemical Innovation
Japan Internaitonal Science and Technology Exchnage Center
Japan-Malaysia Association
Japan-Thailand Economic Cooperation Society
Japan-China & Asia Friendship Center of Culture and Education
Japan and China Educational Medical Cultural
13
Exchange General Incorporated Foundation
14 International Good Neighbourhood Association
15 National Institute for Fusion Science
16 National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
17 National Institute of Radiological Sciences
18 Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan
19 RIKEN
20 The Japan China Medical Association
21 Tohoku Tabunka Academy Foundation
22 Toshiba International Foundation
Total

Organization name
No.
SeniorHigh
Schoolat
Sakado,93
1
University of Tsukuba
94 Shibaura Institute of Technology 4
95 Shimane University
4
96 Shizuoka University
10
97 Sojo University
1
98 Soka University
1
99 Sophia University
1
Takasaki University of
2
100 Health and Welfare
101 Teikyo University
1
102 The Kitasato Institute1
103 The University of Aizu
1
The University of Electro- 4
104 Communications
105 The University of Kitakyushu 6
106 The University of Tokyo
12
107 Tohoku University
7
108 Tokai University
5
109 Tokushima University
2
110 Tokyo City University
10
111 Tokyo Institute of Technology 2
Tokyo Medical and Dental 2
112 University
113 Tokyo Metropolitan University 3
Tokyo Tec High School of 1
114 Science and Technology
115 Tokyo University of Agriculture 2
and Technology
116 Tokyo University of Marine 4
Science and Technology
117 Tokyo University of Science 8
118 Tokyo University of Technology 1
119 Tokyo Women's Medical University 1
120 Tottori University
1
121 Toyohashi University of Technology 3
122 University of Fukui
3
123 University of Miyazaki
11
124 University of Toyama
4
125 University of Tsukuba
4
126 University of Yamanashi
1
Wakayama Prefectural1
127 Hidaka High School
128 Waseda University
1
129 Yamagata University
3
130 Yokohama City University 3
131 Yokohama National University 6
Total
340

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

No.
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
1
1
5
1
1
1
33

Private Companies
Organization name
1 Cathay Tri-Tech., Inc.
2 Daiwa Corporate Investment Co., Ltd.
3 Horiba, Ltd.
4 Japan Royal Jelly Co. Ltd.
5 Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
6 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
7 Yamashita Sekkei, Inc.
Total

No.
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
9

Local Governments and Others
Organization name
1 Aichi Prefectural Government
2 Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido
3 Hiroshima International Center
4 Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange
5 Ishikawa Prefectural Government
6 Kanagawa International Foundation
7 Kochi International Association
8 Shizuoka City Association for Multicultural Exchange
Total

No.
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
9

Open Application Course
FY2015
Selected Organizations: 168
Selected Programs: 391
SSP implemented by University of Toyama
Casting practice by graduate students from Thailand

19

Participant Survey Results

Reference

2. Participant Survey Results
Targeted survey respondents

SSP participants in Open Application Course FY2015 (including supervisors)

Survey method

Conducted after completion of each SSP program

Number of responses

3,365

Gender

52% male; 48% female

Q1: Were you satisfied with SSP program andvisiting Japan?
③Neither satisfied
nor dissatisfied
0.3%④Dissatisfied
0.1%②Fairly satisfied
6.6%

Q2: Do you wish to return to Japan?
③No, I don’t.
1.0%②Yes, I do.
12.0%①Very satisfied
93.0%

Q3: (For respondents who selected ① or ② for Q2)
In what capacity would you like to return to Japan?

③Company
employee
7.0%①Yes, I do strongly.
87.0%

Q4: Do you want to receive further information about science and technology
in Japan, and study opportunities in Japan after returning to your country?
③Yes, I do
to some extent.
2.5%④Others
13.0%①Student
38.0%④No, I don’t. 0.5%

②Yes, I do.
26.0%②Researcher
42.0%①Yes, I do strongly.
71.0%

SSP implemented by Shizuoka University
Group photo of high school students from Thailand and Indonesia at Hamamatsu Technical High School20