eVISION

2015

Faculty of Engineering , Hokkaido University, JapaneViSION
The Magazine of The English Engineering Education Program (e3)

ＪＵＮＥ

JUNE

JUNE

EDITORIAL
evision2015@gmail.com
www.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/e3/community/evision

Sajal Chowdhury
Sapporo is getting warmer and the tress are growing as green
nowadays. It is the season for Cherry Blossoms. We would liketo thank you all who helped us in many ways during the
publishing of this June Issue. We are looking forward to new
good articles from all of you in the next issue. By publishing thise-Vision, we want to help e3 family to communicate, interaction
and increase their knowledge regarding socio-cultural aspect herein Japan. There are indeed mistakes of our own in this issue, but
we extremely hope to get response and positive criticism inorder to improve our e3 magazine.

Maria Fernanda Rivas

eVISION

Associate Editor, eVisioneViSIONI am a Guatemalan civil engineer, currently in the first year of
my Master Degree. I’ve been dreaming about studying in Japanfor many years and chose Hokkaido University as the place tofulfill my dreams. In between my studies I like travelling,
dancing, reading and writing. It is with great pleasure that I
welcome you to the new edition of e-Vision, a magazine createdby the students for the students. We wish to deliver many
insights about life in Japan, as international students, members of
Hokudai and the e3 family; hopefully you will find them interesting and entertaining.

Srikrishnan Siva Subramanian
Sub Editor, eVision
I am very glad to be part of e-vision magazine. and I would liketo thank all the kind people for giving me this responsibility as
sub editor. I will do my best kind of support to e-vision formaking interesting contents in every edition. I believe the content
of e-vision will draw your interest and satisfy your expectations.
I would like to thank all the key members of e-vision for making
the first edition of this year thought-provoking and entertaining.
I would like to show my earnest gratitude to e3 student organization and SO committee members for actively taking part inarticle making and providing support for e-vision.

Contents

Page No.

Welcome Message

Page 1

Field Trip

Page 2

Festival

Page 3-4

Our Voice

Page 5-6

Experience

Page 7-8

Focus

Page 9Letter Box

Page 10

Space & Place

Page 11-12

Life Style

Page 13

Research Expression

Page 14

EventsPage 15-16

Food Corner

Page 17-18

Entertainment

Page 19-20

PhotoshootPage 21-22

Country Side

Page 23

Announcement

Page 24

Special Thanks:
Natalya Shmakova (for all suppor ts )Jose Miso Anton (for Front & back cover photo)& Students of e3
Design & Illustration: Sajal Chowdhury

Contact
evision2015@gmail.com

eVISIONCONTENTS

Editor-in-Chief, eVisionwww.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/e3/community/evision
All rights reserved.

eViSION

Welcome Message for e-Vision 2015

3

e Field Trip (May, 2015)……….
Chitose Snow Cooling Facility - Muroran Geo-Thermal Plant - Esashi Town - Hakodate - Ohnuma

Photo Credit: Natalya Shmakova

Natalya Shmakova
English Engineering Education Program(e3)
Graduate School of Engineering
Hokkaido University
Sapporo 060-8628, JAPANThis year "English course" (eigo tokubetsu ko-su in Japanese) at the graduate school of Engineeringcelebrates its 15th anniversary, first as EGPSEE (English Graduate Program in Social-Environmental
Engineering) and since 2007 as e3 you know. In this 15 years more than 260 students received their
Master's and doctoral degrees and flew over the world to succeed in their profession. Almost 10
years of the history of the program were covered by the e-vision, which was published since 2003 by
the efforts of the students. I'm glad to welcome back the new reborn e-Vision and looking forward toit continuous release.
Strong and committed student body was always a strengths of the e3 and I believe, e-vision builds thebridge between the different generations of students and can provide a source of inspiration for new
generations. For example, I just opened 2nd issue of the e-vision (April 2004) and found a report on thefirst ever planned field trip, and new Open forum to share ideas between Japanese and international
students and new special English class EGPSEE students offered to Japanese students and staff, andeven an article by the first Japanese student to join the English program! Between the pages you canfeel the eager and passion of the students and their union!
Spring 2004, how big was e3 that time? The program had only opened its doors in October 2000 and
by April 2004 accepted 58 students. EGPSEE students were few in numbers, but they were eager
change the status quo and wanted their voices to be heard. This energy is what always helped program
to move forward. Over years e3 family has grown and today has 117 students, a great force to make thegraduate school of Engineering even more international. I hope our community always keeps its
energy and family spirit and e-Vision will help to take this message through the generations ofStudents.

eViSION 1

eVISIONeVISION

Coordinator

2 eViSION

Festival

Festival

WinterFestivals in & Around Sapporo
Maria Fernanda Rivas

WinterAdditional
Winter time in Sapporo is a very challenging few months
for international students, especially those of us comingfrom warm countries.

Massive sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival

However, being in a place that is accustomed
enough to the huge amounts of snow accumulated; it israther easy to find entertaining activities to enjoy in thecold season. Winter sports, such as skiing and snow
boarding, are a big attraction for tourists from all over theworld due to the good quality of snow in the area, and thebeautiful resorts. For those who enjoy different kind ofactivities, there is always drift ice walk, wakasagi ice
fishing, onsen visits, and of course the many festivals.
Following are a few of the many events in and around
Sapporo:Sapporo Snow Festival(Sapporo Yuki Matsuri)This festival is worldwide famous and held during one
week every February since 1950; displays about a dozen
large snow sculptures and more than a hundred small
statues. There are also concerts, light shows and lots ofdelicious food and drinks to enjoy.

eViSION 3

to these big

events, many parks and shrines havesmaller light and/or snow displays andcontests just a few miles away from
campus. In Hokkaido University, somefaculties hold activities for students toparticipate in. e3 had its own Annual Snow
Sculpture Contest on February 21st in frontof the Engineering Building, where thestudents showed their creativity and skills
in snow sculpture making.

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Snow candles at the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Ice Waterfall Festival(Sounkyo Hyobaku)
An exhibit of ice sculptures, light-ups, Hyobaku drums, Ainu ethnic dance, fireworks
display, and other attractions.

Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Hyoutou
FestivalThis beautiful display of ice objects formed byblowing the water of Lake Shikotsu and thenlit up at night in a variety of colors isdefinitely worth seeing.

(Asahikawa Fuyu Matsuri)This is Hokkaido's second largest winterfestival. But don’t let this make you think
the snow sculptures are less impressive or
massive than Sapporo’s. This festival also
takes place for one week in February.
Concert at the Sapporo Snow Festival
Otaru Canal

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival(Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi)
For ten days in February, the city of Otaru
becomes decorated with snow lanterns andsmall snow statues to feel warm even in low
temperatures.

This festival
is worldwide
famous andheld during
one week
every
February
4 eViSION

Our VoiceOur VoiceWelcome Delight

Snow candles at the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Chairman
I am Ali, from Pakistan. I did my bachelor
degree in Civil Engineering and now
pursuing my masters in HydraulicEngineering. After visiting some foreigncountries like USA and UAE, I wanted to see
beautiful culture and people of Japan also, so
I joined Hokkaido University. After joining
this prestigious University, I came to know
about e3 family. Although by default, I waspart of this family, but after joining thisfamily, I decided to make the family bondstronger and also I wanted to learn different
thingslikeleadership,
management,
communication,
cultureofdifferentinternational students and much more, so I
took part in theelection 2014 and wasnominated for the position of president.
Being president, till now, I arranged threeimportant events of e3 with the help of mySOs & you people, and the response wasvery positive and appreciating. I request
you all lab specimens to come out of the auraof books and research and take part in all theevents with full motivation and increase yoursocial circle and also make your university
time memorable. Thank you.

eViSION 5

Vice-Chair (Academic)Hi!
I am Jagriti Mishra. I come from the landof diversities - India.
I did my Bachelor and Master Course in
Computer Science from India and now I
am pursuing PhD in Civil Engineering.
My wanderlust and affinity to learning
new culture always takes me places.
Growing up listening and reading stories
about honest, patriotic and welcoming
Japan, I always wanted to visit Japan andexperience the culture here. It’s only been
6 months in Hokkaido University, but thelearning I had here as a student as well as
an individual is immense.
E3 played a vital role in making my initiallife comfortable here and it continues to
do so. Be friending people from across theglobe, getting to know their culture isalways a delight. E3 brings all the people
together and instills a feeling of togetherness. It is a family away from family. As amember of the organization, I would givemy best to keep the feeling of onenessintact and organizing more and more
events to make everyone’s stay more fun.

Vice-Chair (Social)
Hi, I'm Shuto.
I'm studying environmental engineering
and working as a social chair. Two years
ago, I went to Finland for a month as aninternship student.
Although I was so anxious about being
abroad at first, I became relaxed andenjoyed my stay thanks to my friends there.
This experience made me think that I want
to do the same for those who are coming to
my country. We E3 are preparing lots offun events for everyone. Let's join andenjoy together!!

Vice-Chair (Finance)

Public Relation Officer

3

Hello e Students,
I am Safiera, from Indonesia. I started
studying in Hokkaido University in
October 2013 as Research Student inLaboratory of Architectural History and
Design. Start from April 2014, I
officially became a Masters Student
and one of SO Team (Finance Officer)
for October 2014-September 2015
period. I always amazed with how thethings work in here and always love
this country since my childhood,especially with their cultures. For
someone who struggle in Japanese
Language like me, e3 is a program who
can realize one of my dream, it is study
in Japan with English. I do hope it cangive opportunity for everyone who has
the same dream like me. e3 also provide
news for the students, called e3 vision.
The e3 vision had stopped in 2012 andstarting this March 2015, the e3 Visionteam will be launching new newsletter.
I hope the new e3 Vision can provide
more information for the Hokkaido
University students,
especially e3
students and can bring new concept to
the readers.

Hi Guys!
I am Sara from Pakistan. I am a Masters
student in the laboratory of Lifetime
Engineering. I came here few months
ago, in Oct 2014. It’s always good toparticipate in recreational activities torefresh yourself from research life. E3 SO
envisions providing a platform to gather
all e3 members, so that they can interact
and enjoy student life in Japan. Being e3
SO vice chairman PR provides me theopportunity to help, support and interact
with the International students hereat Hokudai. Along with the other SO
officers, my responsibility is to arrange
events for e3 family and to accommodate
them in the best possible way. I likesports and making new friends. Let’s
make our university life memorable andenjoy together!

Voice

6 eViSION

EXPERIENCE IN
HOKKAIDO
UNIVERSITY
Sofía Escribá

When

I arrived to Sapporo last October, eve-rybody asked me the same questions: “Why Japan?”,“Why Hokkaido?”. Simple questions that I had toanswer many times since I applied for the PROMOE
Scholarship of my home university one and a half year
ago. “Yes, I know that Japan is really far away from
Spain, and that Japanese culture and behaviour are
difficult to understand for us, the westerns. But that´s
the point! And the challenge!” I said to my friends. Of
course they called me crazy, but also brave.
I remember the first day I went to the supermarket andtried to do my first shopping. Just buying a dressing
for the salad took 20 minutes, and I still don’t knowwhat I bought. Of course the coffee had no coffee, andthe body milk turned into soap when I first used it after
the shower… What a mess!! But a funny one, ofcourse. I have plenty of similar stories which I always
tell when people ask me the repeated questions about
my 6-month-experience in the “country of the rice andtsumo” (That is how my friends still call it).

eViSION 7

My experience in Hokkaido University was amazing, ofcourse. The University is huge and beautiful, and thelandcape in both Autumn and Winter is totally worth it.
Wasn’t that funny when I had to go walking in “SlowMotion Mode” and with both hands out of the pockets incase I fall down. -Well, maybe that sounds funny too.Because from the middle of November onwards, the snow
has always been there. It was a bit shocking the swap fromgreen to white in just a couple of days, but it was quite easy
to get used to it.

I spent my first days in Sapporo going from one place
to another filling in hundreds of documents. Actually,
it was Ryo, my senpai, who filled them in because they
all were written in Japanese. I don’t think hecompletely knows how grateful I am for all his help
during this months!! I will really Miss Japanesekindness. Several times I found myself surrounded bymany Japanese families and students looking in theirphones how to guide me through the city. I appreciatethat so much that in the future I am sure I will do mybest to help foreigners. I know how difficult it might
be for them to travel to such a different country.
Although it is true that I think that they should learn
more English…

Experience

ExperienceMY

During this months I also took Japanese lessons. There I
met a lot of people. We all were new international students
and researchers, so it was easier to know each other. In
English, of course. I also attended a Zen Seminar in a
Baddish temple in Takikawa during two days with both
Japanese and International students, and It was very
interesting to know how we would behave in different
situations according not only to our personalities, but also to
our cultures and beliefs. Those are experiences that one can
not learn without travelling and being open-minded.
Actually, most of the things I will never forget are notplaces or monuments. Neither the taste of the best Ramen in
the city (or Takoyaki in Osaka). I will always remember
moments, and with whom I lived them. And this has been a
6-month time that looks like a dream in my head now. A
dream that I had one and a half years ago and came true.

Ah! And about the questions“Why Japan?

Why Hokkaido?”“I think Japan is a country which can
not be totally discovered as a tourist.
And I chose Hokkaido among 10
different destinations thanks to all thenice things that other students told me
about the University and the people.
And I am so happy that they wereright.”

8 eViSION

Letter Box

Focus

The Supporter:
My First Friend!
Sajal Chowdhury

eVisionMAIL
Devon Dublin

Today

I am writing about my supporter

Daichi Saito who just completed his undergraduate
degree from Engineering Faculty. He was my firstfriend here and I believe every new student in thisuniversity will think just like me. Last September I
came to Japan for higher studies. From a long time,
I have heard about the Japanese traditions, culture,and life style; my parents and my Professor in myhome country always advised me to go to Japan fora higher study. I didn’t know why, but I had highexpectations, and for years dreamed about seeing
Japan. When anybody has high expectations, he canbe easily dissatisfied. But instead of disappointing,Japan exceeded my outlooks. The food, the people,
the architecture, the culture, the whole tradition—itis pleasant.
At first when I arrived at New Chitose airport, I saw
three of my new friends standing from the morningwith a smile in their faces, and three placard inwhich my name was written in three different
languages (Bengali, English and Japanese). I was
astonished because this experience made me feelproud as a newcomer here and their helping
attitudes touched my heart deeply. When I went to
my new apartment with my supporter and friend,
the apartment manager received us cordially and hegave a soft and simple briefing about the rules andregulations, and the facilities of the dormitory. Now
I can see the vertex of a nearby mountain from thewindow of my room, this experience is socharismatic and every morning when the golden sun
rays come through the windows and fall on my face,
I become excited to see the splendor loveliness ofthemorning
mountain.

eViSION 9

I was so happy because every weekend they arrange a tea
party among the members of the dormitory which was moreenjoyable and I can share my experiences and views withothers by taking a cup of Green tea and coffee. When I firstmet my professor he gave me some gifts and arranged awonderful lunch in a nearby restaurant with my supporter,
which was very enjoyable for me. I remember my supporter
explained about the educational system in Japan and asked
me about myself and my family. He took me to the Ward
Office, Post Office, Student Center, Bank, class room andall the places whenever I needed.
I was so happy to have a friend who would be my supporter
here. I couldn’t get over how remarkably polite he is. While
getting lost looking for my dormitory one night, he walked
me all the way to the address to make sure I got there. One
day I went to the bank but the bank officer didn’t speak
English. Then I discussed with my supporter and he justwalked me to the bank and solved my problem
immediately. And as I see him, I believe there is merely apoliteness and kindness that infiltrates the soul of Japan.
Here, the subway system is another strong phenomenon
because of its planning pattern in where you can move fromone place to another in a few minutes.
From the very first day I really enjoyed the subway
shopping mall and walkway with my supporter, and I founda new colorful experience in every step there. Cordiallythanks to my Professor and Hokkaido University's English
Engineering Education Program for making such anarrangement for me; I will remember this support forever inmy heart. Additionally, I want to wish a good luck to all the
supporters helping international students.

Iam a very introverted individual which would

surprise most people that know me. I spend a lot of timeabsorbed in my own thoughts and philosophies whichallows me the latitude to live the way I want to.
When I first thought about Hokkaido University located in
the middle of a city, I never envisioned a locality with thatmuch greenery and intricacies. I was pleasantly delighted.
Whenever I enter the gates and head to my laboratory I go
through a rollercoaster of emotions that immediately contributes to my personal evolution. I have smiled liberally,laughed uncontrollably and shed a tear or two from just that
simple walk of a few meters.

Regardless of the season, this phenomenon remains
unchanged. It includes lovers sitting under a tree, kids
having fun under the watchful eyes of their guardians, anelderly couple taking snapshots of each other, a group of
dainty ladies making a sketch of the scenery, a newlywed
couple marking the occasion with photos at the entrance of aheritage building, crazy bikers giving car drivers a fit,curious crows (which I have come to adore) and the list goes

“Not many campuses globally share such an
atmosphere which has been cultivated in
Hokkaido University and we should be proudof it.”

It is remarkable the complexity of innuendoes andinspiration I obtain daily whenever I go to university andthat is why for me Hokkaido University is much more thatan institution of learning.

Of course, if you are not wrapped up in your inner self andthoughts and consider everything and everyone you see eachday as just another event or person, then you will neverexperience what I do consistently. But if you will take abreak from that experiment, that thesis, that class, thatassignment, that exam, that preoccupation, and just let yourself go free just for a moment on campus, I guarantee thatyou will have an emotional and spiritual renewal constantly.
In closing, my hope is that we will make a personal andcollective effort to conserve and protect this noble
environment which we share on campus, that brings joy toso many residents and visitors of Sapporo. Not many
campuses globally share such an atmosphere which has beencultivated in Hokkaido University and we should be proudof it.

10 eViSION

Space & PlaceSpace & PlacePlum blossom in Osaka Castle ParkDay

1: Universal Studios Day 2: Osaka Sight Seeing

One day is definitely not enough time
to experience all the magic of thistheme park. From New York City to
Hollywood to Hogwarts, this really is auniverse of movies, rides, souvenir
shops and food. We kissed Spiderman,rode the rollercoasters, drank butter
beer, and enjoyed many attractions inspite of the cold and windy weather.

Japanese
Adventures

Maria Fernanda Rivas’s

Kansai Chapter

Overall, this was a very good
trip, we made nice friends on the
to Japan has been my biggest way and got to see a whole newside of thewonderful Japan.
dream since many years ago, and now that I’m
These are the memories that
here, I am eager to make the best out of thiswe’ll cherish forever.
experience and to see and try as many things as
possible in the next two years. Since Japaneseculture is so rich, and no two places are the “My friend Jagriti Mishra and I
same, living in one city will never be enough: planned this trip since a month
one must travel. Even if it’s for a very short before departure, and were ableamount of time or with a limited budget. After to find a good deal on plane tickbeing in Sapporo for almost six months (most of ets and hotels.
them covered in snow), time for spring vacations
different
also meant time for my first Japanese adventure However, with ourin the cities of Osaka and Kyoto. I call it “Kansai schedules and spring vacations ≠Chapter 1”, since there is so much to see in this no lab work, we were able to esarea, and I plan on going back to visit many oth- cape from University reality for
only four days. Here is aer cities I didn’t have time for in this first trip.
summary of our trip”

1

ComingeViSION 11

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Osaka Castle

Days 3 & 4:
Kyoto sightseeing
Unfortunately on our third day, we hadrain all day long. However, this didn’t
stop us from enjoying the incredibly
beautiful city of Kyoto. With theumbrella in one hand and the camera in
the other, we were able to visit a few of
the thousands of temples and shrines.
We weren’t the only ones though; inspite of the bad weather the city was
still crowded with tourists trying to get
the most out of their trip, and many
Japanese girls were showing off theirkimonos and visiting temples as well.
The public bus is very convenient forgoing around (more than train or
subway), since you can get a daily
ticket to ride unlimited, and while you
are on the move, you get to see most of
the city. A well planned route isdefinitely recommended to be able tovisit as many places as possible.

For our second day, we chose the four mostimportant things we wanted to do: visit Osaka
Castle, eat okonomiyaki, see plum blossoms
and(of course) shop. With the aid of ourmap, the subway routes and Google in oursmartphones, we were able to do all of theabove. From the moment we arrived to Osaka,
we were lucky to meet very kind people who
would go out of their way to help us find ourdestinations. It was very refreshing to have anice conversation with them, and to know thatthey were really interested (and a bit surprised) Kinkaku-ji or “Temple of the Golden
about our lives in Japan, our studies in Pavilion”
Hokudai and the winter in Sapporo.

General recommendations:
Whenever possible, plan your trip ahead. This
will enable you to find plane tickets at very
low prices and accommodation before all
hotels are booked.
Ask your friends for references about hotels,sightseeing places, effective routes, etc.
Do your research! There are many blogs and Girls in Kimono crossing the path lined
books about traveling (in Japan or elsewhere). with thousands of torii in the Fushimi
You will most likely find answers to any Inari-Taishaquestions you might have.
Don’t judge a book by its cover and don’t
judge anything by its price. Sometimes you
will find the most delicious food at the lowest
prices, and other times you will realize themost expensive option is not always the best.
Get to know the locals. Talk to as many people
as you can during your trip, and get theiradvice on the best places to go to. Start by the Kyomizudera temple
staff in the hotel you are staying at. And, ofcourse, enjoy every minute of the experience!

12 eViSIONExpression
Entertainment

Life Style

ＮＥＸＴ…..
I came to Japan on September 28th 2014 for PhD degree in Environmental
Engineering – Solid Waste Disposal Engineering. At first when I arrived, theenvironment was completely new for me and I needed time to adapt to the new
system, both educational and daily life. Besides I missed my family too much and I
felt so confused. However in other point of view, this completely unfamiliar lifestyle seemed also interesting to me. Gradually I started to cope with my feelings
and I tried to keep in touch with friends, even though there are less than 10 students
here from Iran. After starting Japanese language classes and laboratory lectures andalso the most important part, starting my research, I became so busy and theJapanese educational system seemed so interesting for me. I really enjoyed myJapanese language classes and could improve my Japanese language acceptably, asI could gain excellent marks in all my 3 Japanese language courses; Kanji andvocabulary, Grammar, and Communication. In laboratory lectures I felt OK too,
except in some parts, but in order to do my research I think long way I should pass.
So my purpose for the next year is to concentrate on my research more and more
and to also continue my Japanese language classes. Maybe next year I can speak
Japanese and life will become more interesting for me.

eViSION 13

Research

Tahereh Malmir’s

I am Srikrishnan from India. I am doing my PhD in
Analytical Geomechanics laboratory. It is myimmense pleasure to share my experience in
e-Vision. Our lab’s research is mainly focused on
unsaturated soil mechanics.

My research is on slope stability. In India, every
year there are landslide incidences due to heavy
rainfall and seismicity in regions like Himalaya
and Western Ghats etc. For this reason I am
interested
inworkingwith
AnalyticalGeo-mechanics group. It’s about 7 months I am
staying in Sapporo and attending my classes sinceOct 2014. It’s really a joyful experience to study
through e3 program. I have learned many new
things regarding my research, life etc. There arevery few international students in my laboratory,
anyhow I have got many friends from several
countries i.e. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan (soamazing!!!) etc. and e3 owns the credit for that.
Hope everyone of e3 program find their study
interesting to fulfill their dreams and I wish goodluck to everyone.

Srikrishnan Siva Subramanian
PhD Student
Laboratory of Analytical Geomechanics
Graduate School of Engineering
Hokkaido University
Sapporo, Japan

14 eViSION

Events

EventsGraduation Party 2015
Zhai JianTime flies,
it feels like we just entered Hokkaido University yesterday then will graduate tomorrow. In these two years, weinternational students had to leave our hometown, lived
in Japan and study alone, but E3 group is like a big
family always make us feel warm. We went to field trip
together, visited Tomari nuclear power plant and lots ofplaces, that was really nice experience and we had a lotof fun.
The graduation party 2015 was held on 24th Mar,although many graduate students didn’t attend but westill have 5(I don’t remember the number…) graduate
students and many stuff here. After some speeches given
by professors and stuffs of E3 and graduate students, wecame to the most exited part: yes, food time! Delicious
food and drinks made the party began to liven up; everyone talked to each other and laughed together. We
graduate students also were very excited after the stressfrom thesis defenses reduced.

eViSION 15

After the food time, we also had a lot of fun byplaying some games. The first one is drawing
competition. 3 teams were separated and each teamneeded to draw out all members of it with different
scenes. Our team decided to draw each member
doing their favorite thing and circled together like a

big family E3, which was in the middle of our circle.
The next game was a balloon blow game, also 3
teams but with different members, I am not good atblowing a balloon but out team got Melbert, who
finished all our work and lead us to goal. At last, allgraduate students got an E3 mug as a present, I reallylove it!

“Thanks for all E3 stuff and members
who prepared this wonderful party for
us and hope all graduate students havea bright career wherever you are!”
Photo Courtesy: e3 Community

16 eViSIONFood Corner

Food Cornere3International Food Competitiona harmony of culture and cuisine

Doddy

Bonenkai
The first event of the New SO

Grad. School of Environmental Science
Hokkaido University

Once a year, E3 students are given the opportunity
to present their cultures of their countries throughculinary competition called E3 International Food Competition. This event was conducted by E3 Hokkaido
University, to promote cultural exchange between
students and Hokkaido University members. Numerous
countries, such as Thailand, Egypt, Nepal, Jordania,
Palestine, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China,
India, and Russia presenting delicious cuisine from theircountries.
Starting from early morning, all participants prepared
their food in Clark Keikan kitchen in Hokkaido
University. One of participant from Indonesia, presented
traditional food like Bakso (meat balls), Mie Goreng(fried noodle), Tahu isi (vegetable Tofu), and Sambal
terasi (Chili with shrimp paste). Moreover, Indonesianteam also provide vegetarian food and (Halal) food due
to food restriction. Different from Indonesian team,
Thailand team served unique cuisine made from potato
and complete with chicken and vegetable. While Nepal,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka prepared their traditional foodwith special herbs and spices.
While enjoying the food, E3 Hokudai committee alsodelivered dance performance and interactive games forall students and guests. Right after food presentation,
the winners of food competition were decided by voting
system with the judges came from all students andguests. The criteria of the winners are not only about thetaste, but also their creative presentation. Finally, the E3
International Competition winner goes to “IndonesianTeam” and following with the first place, 2nd winnergoes to Thailand team.
Jaka Fajar, from Applied Physics Laboratory as teamleader from Indonesia said that he was really surprised
could receive this honor achievement. “Because every
year, Thailand team always got the first place”, he said.
Before end of event, all participants together withstudents and guests were taken memorable picture.
Hope to see you again for E3 International foodcompetition next year.

eViSION 17

Indonesian Team Cuisine

Usually

December is the busiest month in Japan,

not busy in Christmas but busy in partying. Bonenkai (“forgetthe year party”) is one of the very famous events in Japan.
As name implies, this event or party is arranged to forget all
the miseries or troubles that happened during the whole yearand get energy for the next year. Almost every department in
the university arranges that party or sometimes friends go forparty in order to celebrate the New Year.
In order to experience that event and keep the trend, our SOs
arranged Bonenkai Party on 19 December, 2014. More than70 people joined in that party.
Party was inaugurated with the address of a professor. There
was cooking competition in that party also in which 5 teams
from different countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia,
India & China) participated. Every team contributed a lot andmade delicious food. Indonesian team was the winner.

“Party was inaugurated with theaddress ofProfessor Ueda
3
(Former e Chairman) and Dr.
Nagoei (1st e3 Japanese student
graduated in 2005). There wascooking competition. Every teamcontributed a lot and made delicious food.”……..
Ahmad Ali
Words of New SO Chairman

We had dance, magic and music performance in that party.
Everyone enjoyed the food & performances. Come andparticipate in upcoming events of e3. Thank you.

18 eViSIONName: Whiplash
Country: United States

PLOT….
Andrew is a first-year jazz student at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory in New
York, with the aspiration to become one of the greats like Buddy Rich from young
age. He is accepted as the alternative for core drummer of an excellent studio bandby the conductor, Fletcher. But soon, Andrew finds that Fletcher is an extremely
strict person, abusive to the students, mocking and insulting them unless they cansatisfy his requirement perfectly. Under the fear of being replaced by new comers at
any time, Andrew struggles to practice much harder to keep tempo. But not allefforts will be paid off, after the suffering time of promotion, being replaced andpromotion once again, he is finally expelled from Shaffer because of a mistake,which smashes his dream. Fletcher is also fired due to abusing students testified byAndrew. Surprisingly, Andrew receives the invitation from Fletcher again to
perform in a music festival. And he is moved by Fletcher’s explanation on his
unacceptable action. The invitation is actually revenge towards Andrew to destroy
his music way in that Fletcher told him the wrong music which makes Andrew haveno preparation. This time Andrew interrupts Fletcher with an extravagant drum
solo and gets Fletcher‘s approval.

eViSION 19

Recommended

Whiplash…..

FILM

Release time: 2014

Entertainment

Entertainmentby Yan Ma

This film reveals a real and cruel roadto success.
It is different from the other motivatedfilms in that the ending of the story isneither happy nor tragic.
Andrew finally gets,the approval of Fletcher, but also loses
much including his pure love of music.
The film is also recommended due to its
surprising, intense story developing andexciting music.

‘Whiplash’ won Best
Film Editing, Best Sound
Mixing, and Best Supporting Actor for Simmons at the 87th Academy Awards.

20 eViSION

Canon 7D

Photoshoot

PhotoshootLens: Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
Aperture: f2.8
Exposure: 1/8000s
ISO: 100
Focal set up: 30mm

“The atmosphere at the
Odaiba beach, In Tokyo,
was as I remember fromyears ago, but this time I
was with a special person
and I wanted to catch bothfeelings in a picture.

My Snaps….
Jose Miso Anton
Email: josemisoanton@gmail.com
Laboratory of Architecture + planning,
Hokkaido University

Canon 7D
Lens: Canon 10-18mm IS
Aperture: F/11
Exposure:1/80s”

Canon 7D
Lens: Sigma 30mm 1.4
Aperture: f1.4
“The train in movement reminded me of some old memories ina roller coaster. I wanted to catch that Tokyo landscape andthe movement of the train, so I set the camera with a low
aperture, sat on the window, and waited for the perfect shot.”

Exposure: 1/80s
ISO: 320, Focal: 30mm

The evening was almost
over in the traditional
district of Kyoto.. I wasgoing to save my camera
when this group of young
people dressed with traditional clothes appeared. I
took them the photo before
they realized and gave me afull smile back.
Canon 7D
Lens: Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
Aperture: 2.8
Esposure: 1/15s, ISO: 400
Focal set up: 21mm
The vision from this side of
the busy Namaba was quite
different from this side of
the bridge. The lightingsgave me a good spectaclewith the channel's water.

eViSION 21

22 eViSIONCountry Side

What`s your expectation from the enational program in future?

3

Announcement

Inter-

from Editor

I wish to see e as the most promising international program in Japan. In this respect it isrequired to admit outstanding students fromdiverse countries. It is very important toincrease the number of scholarship fordeserving candidates in future.

We want our magazine to be a fun and interesting mean ofcommunication between students, staff and alumni, and hope that
we can exchange different experiences as part of the e3
community. For this, we would like to invite you to participate in
our next issue by submitting a short article about the topic of yourchoice.

In time of Globalization, what are you thinking about the prospect of e3 program in global
market?

Following are some suggestions, but any new idea is welcome:So far I know most of the graduates from e3
program are doing excellent in their respective
job position. This confirms the excellence of the
program. I believe the truly international
environment of e3 program in Japan would
develop the graduates to fit in global market infuture so that they can have service anywhere
over the world.

Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET)
Chittagong - 4349, Bangladesh.

Well, as the country representative many
prospective students contact with me fromvarious national universities in Bangladesh. The
FAQs are as follows:a) Is the medium of instruction fully English?
b) What is the work environment there?

I try to encourage as many students as I can to
apply for admission. I believe in this process e3
will have outstanding students. Some students get
more than one scholarship in different
universities at the same semester. If they discussor I know the situation, I always encourage themto study in e3 to ensure the full potential of our e3
program scholarship opportunity. So far all thestudents went to study at e3 after getting theadmission and scholarship offer from here in
Bangladesh.

eViSION 23c) What about the climate in Sapporo?
d) How many scholarship they offer from theprogram?
e) Can I continue to a PhD program after
finishing M.Eng.? If yes how manyscholarships are?
f) What about the food and accommodation?
g) Any opportunity to work in Japan after
graduation?

Experiences :(share your experience in Japan, in Hokkaido University, tell us
about your research, work experience, seminars, etc.)
Food :(tell us about your favorite Japanese food, share recipes from yourcountry, tell us about special food only found during festivals,
etc.)
Social activities :FOR THE NEXT

Dr. G. M. Sadiqul Islam

e3Country Representative (Bangladesh)
Graduation: September 2009, HU

What challenges are you looking for inthis program country representative position?

Next

3

(what are your hobbies? Tell us what kind of activities you like toengage in, give us an insight in your favorite activities in Japan,etc.)
Travel :(share pictures and experiences you’ve had while visiting
Hokkaido or Japan, recommend places from your country, etc.)
Leisure :(share jokes, fun facts, crosswords, etc.)
Finally, show your talent with the camera by submitting yourfavorite picture to be published in our magazine. No writing isrequired, just a title and the date and place of shooting.
Guidelines:
Note: (Please try to keep you article about one A4 page long, andinclude pictures where possible (if they are not your own, pleaseprovide the source).
The deadline to include your article in the December eVISION
edition is September 30, but those sent afterwards will be saved
for our next issue.
Please submit by e-mail to evision2015@gmail.com.

24 eViSION

NEXT… December!

“The autumn in Hokkaido University
was plenty of colors.. But suddenly
some a load croak took my attention.
It was there and I was by chancewith my tele-lens attached on mycamera. I took this caption and then I
returned to the colorful reality
around.”Photo courtesy: Jose Miso AntoneViSIONwww.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/e3/community/evision