Sakura Science Exchange Program
2020 Activity Report

Expanding Exchange Networks Online

Open Application Program (Online)

Science and Technology Experience Course

To Solve the Problems of Aging Society Through Online On-site Experiences
Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Global Cooperation Institute for Sustainable Cities
I n J a n u a r y 2 0 21, we c o n d u c te d a t h re e - d ay
online-exchange program regarding the challenges ofswallowing, with the faculty of nursing at Hasanuddin
Universit y in Indonesia. We have been engaged inexchanges with that university for some time.
On the first day, the Japanese side provided basic
knowledge. This included information relating to theJ a p a n e s e m e d i c a l sy s te m a n d t h e m e c h a n i s m o fswallowing. We also introduced online interviews used forscreening risks and an evaluation method for physicalfindings.
On the second day, we listened to online lectures fromnursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals. There wasalso a demonstration of muscle training to improve theswallowing function, and the participants also experienced
this.
On the third day, Indonesian students also participated ininternational nursing classes for students in the Departmentof Nursing at the Yokohama City University School ofMedicine. Furthermore, presentations were giving about
the results after a discussion at a joint group workshop in

which students from both universities participated. Papers
showing thank you written in Japanese by Hasanuddin
University students were shown on the screen at the sametime. It was a touching end to the program this time. It wasa valuable experience for nursing students from bothco untries jointly to de epen their understanding ofswallowing. We were able to establish a cooperation
system between the two countries for future invitation.

Demonstration on How to Train Muscles for Swallowing

Science and Technology Experience Course

Online Collaborative Survey on Health and Welfare
Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University
On December 5 -19, 2 02 0, we conducted an online
exchange between 17 people from Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University in China and 39 people from the Facultyof Human Sciences, Waseda University. Under the themeof considering health and welfare in an aging society andthe utilization of emerging ICT technologies, we exchangedviews on the subject of how to move forward towards theimplementation of health and welfare for all, which is one of
the SDGs.
After the guidance, we formed groups combining bothuniversities. After the second day, we introduced thelaboratory where the students were enrolled and reported
on the progress of the joint research survey.
On the 12th, Dr. Matsuba Tsuyoshi, who has experience ininternational medical activities, and Mr. Ishii Hidekazu, whoruns a special facility for the elderly, gave lectures. Inaddition, our university faculty introduced the research
results relating to health management and life support for
the elderly in which researchers from Zhejiang Chinese
Medical University also participated.

On the last day, we held a symposium to present theresearch findings of each group. Not only did they conduct
meaningful research surveys, but they also established aresearch association composed of students from both
universities and agreed to continue their joint activities in
the future.

Participants from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Science and Technology Experience Course

Live Experiments and Webinars for Collaborative Research in Seismic Engineering
Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama UniversityWe held online exchanges such as a joint seminar, and aseismic isolation course, and laboratory tours and the likeon November 24 -26, 2020, with Dalian University ofTechnology in China for creating the foundation for
scientific and technical exchanges in the leading-edge
technology in the field of civil engineering.
At the joint seminar, we enjoyed a total of 12 presentationsin the fields of structural materials, hydraulic environments,
ge ote chnic al e ngin e e ring, a nd oth e rs; b oth side s
deepened their understanding of the research content andthat led to a spirited and lively Q& A session. At theexchange session, we introduced the latest trends in thefield of civil engineering and how they are utilized. We also
had a special course by Kawakin Core-Tech Co., Ltd. inwhich they described the latest technology in seismic
rubber bearings.
And lastly, the structural laboratories of both universities
were connected. Saitama University introduced theirdevelopment of next-generation seismic equipment madefrom new materials and conducted a live experiment. We

felt that through the camera the participants watched thenew material stretch with great curiosity. We are planningjointly to develop research and education in the future withDalian University of Technology. We are in a situation
where it is difficult to come and go in real life because of
the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is very meaningfulthat we were able to continue to interact through thisprogram.

Online Live Experiments by Saitama University

Science and Technology Experience Course

Field Surveys in the Field of Agriculture in Both Japan and Thailand
Nagoya University Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences / School of Agricultural Sciences
From November 20 to December 14, 2020, we conducted
online exchanges between students (6 students) from theFacult y of Agriculture and the Facult y of Veterinar yMedicine at Kasetsart University in Thailand and students(6 students) from the School of Agricultural Sciences andGraduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences at Nagoya
University. As an alternative to the annual invitational
program, this exchange was conducted online except for
the field surveys which were conducted in both countries.

This program has made it possible for students to learn
about the commonalities and differences between theagricultural situations of the two countries, and to develop asense of the international community.

At the kick-off event, the faculties introduced the status ofagricultural in both countries. Students were separated into
smaller groups with a mixture of students from Japan andfrom Thailand where they began to plan their field surveys.
We set five courses (paddy agriculture, horticulture, animalproduction, food processing, and water resource utilization)
for the field survey to be conducted in both countries. Afterthe field survey at each training site by December 10, we
prepared for presentations of each group’s results. A resultspresentation meeting was conducted on December 14.
Field Survey: Learning About Strawberry Growing Facilities

Sakura Science Exchange Program 2020

Open Application Program (Online)

Collaborative Research Activities Course

Online Conference to Understand Advanced Medical Technology and Research
Ohchi Municipal Hospital
On December 11, 2020, we held an online conference forthe purpose of sharing and developing medical technology
with Semey Medical University in Kazakhstan, with which
we have been engaged in exchanges for some time. Four
graduate students and two faculty members participatedfrom Semey Medical University. And from Japan, Dr. Hoshi
Masaharu, Professor Emeritus of Research Institute forRadiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, andDr. Noso Yoshihiro, Ochi Municipal Hospital Surgery
Consultant. The four par ticipated surgical graduate
students came to Japan three years ago with Sakura
Science and completed their surgical training here.

We have been blocked from continuing international
exchanges because of the coronavirus, but I think thatonline exchanges like this can become an effective meansof communication depending on how it is implemented.

Firstly, at the conference, Dr. Hoshi taught about his
research to elucidate health disorders caused by nuclear
exposure. He also explained experimental pathology using
animal models, and the mentality for medical research. We
have great expectations for the students to start newresearch. Furthermore, Dr. Noso explained laparoscopic
surgery for inguinal hernia.
Real-time Interactions Online

Science and Technology Training Course

Joint Forest Ecosystem Survey Using Live Video and Online Image Analysis
Yamagata University Faculty of Agriculture
In November 2020, we connected each site online andoffered live classes to students from Vietnam, Thailand andPeru in order to teach them about the characteristics of theforest ecosystems in the Tohoku region.
We discussed the differences between the black pine
forest and mountainous natural forests and afforestation
ecosystems on the coast of the Sea of Japan which are
subjected to heavy snow fall, and areas with less snow fallon the Pacific coast. We also relayed from the coastal
forests that were affected by the tsunami due to the Great
East Japan Earthquake, and the Zao forest that has been
affected by pests and the like. And Professor Lopez also
explained how to collect drone images, analyze them, andhow to obtain information from those images.
Students asked questions in the live classes, and watchedvideos that had been uploaded to YouTube to deepen theirunderstanding.
Although the number of participants is limited in theinvitational program, it can be held simultaneously atmultiple overseas universities because we conduct itonline. We could not predict how the online classes would
take shape before they were implemented. However, theresult was that the regional university Yamagata University
has become able to build a new system to promoteinternational exchanges.

Professor Lopez at Yamagata University Teaches Livefrom the Shirakami Mountain Region

Program implemented by JST (Online)

JST implemented a Sakura Science High School Program “Online University Visit” alongwith the Tokyo Institute of Technology in December 2020 and The University of Tokyo in
March 2021, and broadcast that live online to overseas high school students.
Virtual Visit by Overseas Youth to Prominent Japanese Universities <Online University Visit>

1st Online University Visit (Tokyo Institute of Technology)
December 5, 2020 (Sat) 15:00-17:00
Opening Remarks

JST

Greeting from Tokyo Institute of Technology

President Masu Kazuya

Introduction to Tokyo Institute of Technology

Associate Professor
Saito Takushi

Special LectureSpace Life Sciences Research: Osteology under
microgravity using medaka fish

Institute Professor,
Kudo Akira

Introduction of on - campus activities and theInstitute's appeal by international students (fromIndonesian and Malaysia) and Q&A regarding theseInternational students

Overview of the system for studying in Japan

JASSO

Number of participants: 1,786
Participants from 37 countries
and regions

India
14.1%

Others
21.7%

Malaysia
11.5%
Taiwan 2.5%
China
10.0%

Bangladesh 3.4%
Philippines 5.2%

Overall Q&A

Vietnam 6.8%

Closing

Thailand 7.0%

Indonesia
8.9%
Myanmar
8.6%

Special lecture: Institute Professor, Kudo Akira, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Theme: Medaka fish went to space; Bone loss in the international spaceInstitute Professor Kudo gave a lecture regarding the research onraising and observing medaka fish that incorporate genes withosteoblasts that forms bone and osteoclasts that absorb bone glow
with fluorescence, at the International Space Station, to seechanges in bone mass caused in microgravity. It was a very
popular for two-way communication lecture. It allowed students toview the medaka fish live and to take a quiz.

Results of Questionnaire to Participants
Were you satisfied withyour online university visit?

Would you like to pursue a higher
education in Japan in the future?

I was very satisfied.

Yes

I was somewhat satisfied.

I think I might want to do so.

I was not satisfied.

I don't think so at all.

Online University Visit
Tokyo Institute of Technology
https://ssp.jst.go.jp/EN/jst/online2.html

Sakura Science Exchange Program 2020

Program implemented by JST (Online)

2nd Online University Visit (The University of Tokyo)
March 17, 2021 (Wed.) 15:00-17:00
Opening Remarks

JSTGreeting from The University of Tokyo

Ota Kunihiro, Director of theCollege of Arts and Science

Introduction of The University of Tokyo

Associate Professor
Maejima Shiho, Professor
Beuckmann Fusako

Special lecture: Animal Magnetism

Professor J. R. Woodward

Mock lecture: What is sustainable development?

Associate Professor Narita
Daiju

Intro du cti o n of c a m pu s activ itie s a nd t h euniversity's appeal by international students (twopeople; One from China and one from Taiwan)International students

Overview of the system for studying in Japan

JASSO

Number of participants: 2,505
Participants from 34
countries, and regions

Others21.2%

Philippines
15.7%

Myanmar 2.7%
Vietnam 3.9%
Taiwan 4.2%

Overall Q&A

China 5.0%

Closing

Malaysia
22.7%

Thailand
6.8%
Indonesia
8.6%

India
9.2%

Science discussion: Professor J.R. Woodward(Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo)

Theme: Animal Magnetism: where quantum mechanics meets biology
The theme of animal magnetism was explained to highschool students in an easy-to-understand manner.
Professor J.R. Woodward gave a lecture from his ownlaboratory to introduce the actual items of his newly
developed magnetic field measuring instrument. His
lecture was full of interesting information, and offered a
real-life, in-person feeling. In addition, a research
assistant student provided immediate answers toquestions in the Q&A box. He also responded politely
to questions from students and young researchers.

Results of Questionnaire to Participants
Were you satisfied withyour online university visit?

Are you interested in studying, working,or conducting researching in Japan?

I was very satisfied.

Yes

I was somewhat satisfied.

I think I might want to do so.

I was not satisfied.

I don't think so at all.

Online University Visit The University of Tokyo
https://ssp.jst.go.jp/EN/jst/online3.html

Online High School Students Workshop
Using the SDGs as the theme, each participant acted as a leader of avirtual country to make decisions on a national policy. Information wasbased on that provided by scientists and the economic conditions intheir own countries. The object was to protect their country fromclimate change, utilizing “Protect the world from climate change!,”developed by the National Museum of Emerging Science andInnovation. Students learned the importance of dialog in problem
solving by considering disagreements in their country and discussing
situations with other countries facing different circumstances.
(View of Ichikawa Gakuen Senior High School)
Date of implementation

Participated Japanese SchoolsParticipating Overseas Schools

December 22, 2020

Ichikawa Gakuen Ichikawa Senior High School

Princess Chulabhorn High School Thailand

March 15, 2021

Shibuya Junior & Senior High School

Nanyang Girls’ High School, NUS High School of Math&Science Singapore

Participant Impressions
It was impressive to see a country choosing a
break water from bat teries, vaccines and a
breakwater in a game. I realized how difficult it isfor countries around the world todiscuss issues because each country
faces different circumstances. (Japan)

The teaching materials were funbecause they were like playing
a board game. I wanted moretime to interact withJapanese students.
(Singapore)

I was happy to learn with Japanesestudents and share our thoughts. I wasgiven many new ideas and perspectives
because I had the opportunity
to talk with people from othercountries. (Thailand)

Sakura Science Club (SSC) Alumni Activity

Grand Webinar (Indonesia Alumni Association, July 29, 2020)
The Indonesian Alumni Association held their first webinar. About 500 people
attended. Dr. Honjo Tasuku (Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University) and Dr. Fujishima
Akira (Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Science) gave lectures. Dr. Honjo toldthe future scientists that curiosity is necessary to dig deeply into research topics,
and that they should always believe in their own sense of direction. After introducing
the photocatalyst, which is his specialty, Dr. Fujishima said: Enjoy science!

Sakura Homecoming (Thailand November 27, 2020)
The first webinar by the Thai Alumni Association was held in a peaceful atmosphere
under the theme of Reunion, Reconnect, Recommend. The keynote address wasgiven by Mr. Muraki Kazumi, a leading young researcher in Japan. Mr. Muraki
introduced the Carbon Recovering Research Agency (CRRA), which brings
together young scientists, a CO2 removal device that has attracted global interest,
and a device that removes absorbed carbon dioxide in the form of a gas.

Sakura Science and Beyond (Japan Alumni Association, March 6, 2021)
The SSC Japan Alumni Association was held with the hope that it would bring
opportunities across the world to study, work and conduct research in Japan. On thatday, a keynote speech was streamed live from the National Museum of Emerging
Science and Innovation, headed by Dr. Mohri Mamoru (at that time). He said creativity isrequired for challenges. Also, the first invited speaker, Mr. Chirayu Kotari, came to Japanthrough Sakura Science and is currently enrolled in The University of Tokyo master's
program, offered a description of the processes he had to go through before he wasable to come back to Japan. (Photo: Main venue; social distancing was observed.)

Sakura Science Exchange Program 2020

Sakura Science Program Headquarters
Japan Science and Technology Agency
5-3 Yonbancho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 102-8666 Japan
Tel: +81-3-5214-8288 Email: ssp.press@jst.go.jp
Oct 2021

Sakura Science Exchange Program HP
https://ssp.jst.go.jp/EN/