This report describes the scope and content of
the first academic forum of Mongolian scholars
in Japan to share information and give
feedback.

REPORT-2017“First Academic Forum ofMongolian Doctoral Students and Researchersin Japan”

May 5-6, 2017
Tokyo, Japan

CONTENTSBACKGROUND
Demographics at a Glance:
Who joined “Mongolian Doctoral Students’ and Researchers’Group in Japan” (MDSRJ)?
Who attended the Academic Forum 2017?
Forum Purpose
Expected Outcomes
Opening Ceremony
ACADEMIC SESSIONS: Who Presented What?
List of Presenters and Their Topics
Presentations (Sciences)
Presentations (Humanities)
KEYNOTE LECTURESROUND-TABLE SESSIONS
Round-Table I: “For Those Who Want to Study at Doctor Course”
Round-Table II: “Forum 2017 & Next Steps”
MAIN OUTPUTSFUNDING AND SUPPORTANNEX
Annex 1: Forum 2017 Program
Annex 2: List of Forum Participants
Annex 3: List of the Working Group Members & Guest Professors
Annex 4: Participants’ Voices
Annex 5: A Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs

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BACKGROUND
While globally mobile Mongolian students have increased over the last ten years, the number ofMongolian doctoral students in Japan reached around 160 in 2016 from 93 in 2004 (according
to JASSO) studying in the various scientific fields of study including medicine, engineering andtechnology, veterinary, education, culture, economy, computer science and more.
In 2016, former and current doctoral students established an Internet-based group that is open to
all who came to Japan for obtaining a doctor degree or completed their doctoral courses.
Members of the “Mongolian Doctoral Students’ and Researchers in Japan’ (hereinafter referred
to as MDSRJ) share the wish to increase impact and relevance of their research contributions tothe solution of Mongolia’s problems as well as of global issues of high importance which can beaddressed by research.
As the first step toward such an ambitious goal, using online space and via face-to-facecommunications the founding members of MDSRJ initiated the project team, called Forum
Working Group, and held their “First Academic Forum of Mongolian Doctoral Students andResearchers in Japan” on May 5-6, 2017 in Tokyo supported by the Embassy of Mongolia inJapan.

Demographics at a glance: Who joined MDSRJ?
By June 8, 2017 there are 115 members in the MDSRJ. Among available data of 85 members 85%
are doctoral students and 15% are doctors who are studying and/or working in the various
institutions of Japan.
-

By scientific areas:
Humanities
7%- By regions

Other (interdisciplinary,area studies) 7%

TohokuShikoku 5%
5%Kyushu8%

Natural science 12%
Appliedscience 57%
Social science 18%

Kinki
27%

Chubu
7%

Chugoku
4%

Hokaido
16%

Kanto
28%

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-

By affiliated institutions:"3D Media" Company
Aoyama Gakuin University
Asia Development Bank InstituteChiba University
Dokkyo Medical University
Doshisha University
ERINA
Fukuoka University
Gunma University
Hiroshima University
Hitotsubashi University
Hokkaido University
Iwate University
Jichi Medical University
Jyuntendo University
Kanazawa Medical University
Kitami Institute of Technology
Kobe University
Kyoto Institute of Technology
Kyoto University
Kyushu Institute of Technology
Kyushu University

Meikai University
Nagoya City University
Nagoya University
Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Nara University
Osaka Prefecture University
Osaka University
Otani University
Shiga University
Shimane University
The University of Tokyo
Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Tohoku University
Tokai University
Tokushima University
Tokyo Dental College
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Toyama University
University of Hyogo
University of Tsukuba
Yokohama National University

Who attended the Academic Forum 2017:?
From 53 attendees (Annex 2)-

By gender- By status

Doctors
4%
15%

Male 42%21%

Current or
graduate
masters

11%

49%

Female 58%

Doctoralstudents

Company
workers
Government
officials

4Forum Purpose
The purpose of the forum was to accomplish the following objectives:-

Exchanging ideas and opening up discussions regarding the Mongolian scholars’ research

activities in Japan.
-

Discussing the relevance of establishing a platform among scholars to network within

Japan for possible future academic collaborations.

Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of this forum included:-

Building a network of young researchers based on shared research and work interests

during their time in Japan.
-

Developing concrete suggestions for future networking.

-

Building and fostering collaboration between scholars in Japan and related research

projects/networks within and out of Japan.

Opening Ceremony
The forum started with a welcome address by a project initiator and the working group leader, Dr.
Ariuntuya Myagmar from Hitotsubashi University. She briefly explained the initial idea behind theforum and welcomed Mr. Khurelbaatar Sodovjamts, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaryof Mongolia to Japan to open this two-day academic forum of Mongolian researchers in Japan.

In the opening remarks, the ambassador Khurelbaatar expressed his high appreciation of thisinitiative, referring to the importance of young researchers to think and connect their research
objectives with urgent needs and issues of the society and their collective effort to overcome
emerging challenges that Mongolia faces today.

5In her speech on behalf of the Ministry, Ms. Mandakhtsetseg Khatanbaatar, the director of Public
Diplomacy, Cultural Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Mongolia, who intentionallyvisited this conference from Mongolia, highlighted that Doctor Forum in Japan is the second time for
Mongolian scholars abroad to gather and discuss their study and work, share their research results,
and exchange ideas on possible ways to network and possibly contribute to the development ofMongolia. She read a letter of appreciation sent by the Minister Munkh-Orgil Tsend to the Forum(Annex 5), followed by her brief presentation on the latest information regarding the implementationof the national program, “World Mongolians”.

ACADEMIC SESSIONS: Who Presented What?
In the academic sessions the clarity and concreteness of presentations were essential to allow
participants from a wide range of areas to understand and discuss about the topic. For this purpose,
all presenters have followed “Abstract Proposal Requirements” thoroughly developed by theWorking Group and shared among MDSRJ members since November 2016.

List of Presenters and Their Topics
For two consecutive days, fifteen presenters provided valuable insight into a variety of topics. (Thefollowing presentations were held (alphabetic order of presenters).
1. Amartuvshin Khaltar (Hokkaido University): “Instrumental Activities of Daily Livings (IADL)
among Community-Dwelling People Aged 60 Years or Older in Kandy District, Sri Lanka: With
Special Reference to Ethnicity”
2. Angaragsuren Odkhuu (Kyoto University): “Deterioration, Present Condition and Further
Measures of Mural Painting of the Shoroon Bumbagar Tomb, Mongolia”
3. Ariunaa Enkhtur (Osaka University): “Mongolian Alumni from Japanese Graduate Universities:
Applying Transformative Learning Theory to Understand the Impact of International Education
Abroad”
4. Ariuntuya Myagmar (Hitotsubashi University): “Higher Education Reform in Mongolia andStudents’ Mobility in Japan: Between Reality and Imagination”
5. Batdemberel Bayanzul (Tohoku University): “Geochemical Evolution of Deep Groundwater in
Cretaceous Aquifer of the Southern Gobi, Mongolia”
6. Bolormaa Battsogt (Tokai University): “The Governance for Information Society: Experimental
Studies from Political, Social and Anthropological Science”

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7. Dagvajamts Badrakh (Hokkaido University): “Effect of Metabolic Factors on Repeat Breeder
Cows with Uterine Dysfunction”
8. Enkhbayar Shagdar (Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA): “Impacts ofImport Tariff Reforms on Mongolia’s Economy: CGE Analysis with the GTAP 8.1 Data Bias”
9.

Enkhtsetseg

Sukhbold(KitamiInstituteofTechnology):“Inhibitory

EffectsofOolonghomobisflavan A on Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation In Vitro”
10. Erdenebaatar Dashdondog, Turtogtokh Tumenjargal, Amartuvshin Dagvasumberel (Kyushu
Institute of Technology): “The First Satellite and Space Technology Development Opportunity ofMongolia”
11. Gantumur Chimeddulam (Tokushima University): “Identification of Risk Factors Involved in
the Progression of Peri-implantitis”
12. Ichinkhorloo Dagvadorj (Hokkaido University): “Analysis of Neutron Induced Reaction on
6,7Li target”
13. Lavdmaa Dagvadorj (Hokkaido University): “Public Trust to a Mining Company: A Case Studyin Mongolia”
14. Oyundelger Ganzorig (Institute of Technology): “Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid
Bacteria and Yeast with Biological Activities from Mongolian Traditional Fermented Mare's Milk,
Airag”
15. Tungalag Ser-Od (Tokyo Dental College): “The Effect of EDTA-treated Dentin on the
Differentiation of Mouse iPS Cells”

7Presentations (Sciences) 【by presentation order】
The session on natural sciences consisted of eight presentations in the areas of implant dentistry,
stem cell research/cell-material interaction, hydrogeology, satellite and space, nuclear reaction,
veterinary medicine, food chemistry, and biochemistry and microbiology. The following is the brief
descriptions of each presentation:


Gantumur Chimeddulam from Graduate School of Medicine, Tokushima University
presented findings of his research on identification of risk factors of peri-implantitis, startingfrom the general explanations on the background history of dental implants, the recent situationin Mongolia followed by research analysis on the risk factors involved in the progression of
peri-implantitis between two patient groups, Replace Select (Nobel Biocare) internal andBranemark (Nobel Biocare) external type implants.

Tungalag Ser-Od from Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College presented the resultsof the effect of EDTA - treated dentin on the differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem
(iPS) cells into osteogenic/ odontogenic lineage in a presence of BMP4 and RA. RT-PCR
analysis showed the significantly higher expression levels of osteogenic markers in the

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EDTA-treated group. Immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of DMP1 (odontogenic/
osteogenic marker) in both groups. The study demonstrates that dentin treated with 17% EDTA
induces mouse iPS cells to differentiate more into osteogenic lineage cells.


Batdemberel Bayanzul from Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University
introduced his study on the Gunii khooloi aquifer that supplies water to Oyu Tolgoi copper andgold mines. According to the results of the major ion analysis, deep Cretaceous aquifer had
Na-Cl-type water chemistry. Shallow groundwater samples are mostly plotted on the LMWL
while deep aquifer is plotted on the evaporation line, implying that recharge was affected byevaporation.

Erdenebaatar Dashdondog from Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, andAmartuvshin Dagvasumberel from Department of Applied Science for Integrated System
Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology demonstrated the results of the BIRDS project bysummarizing a technical explanation of the small-sized (10*10*10cm3 size) and the firstsatellite “Mazaalai”) that aims to establish the basis of space technology development of theMongolia.

Ichinkhorloo Dagvadorj from Faculty of Science, Nuclear Theory Laboratory, Hokkaido
University introduced her study study of cross sections data for the 6,7Li + n elastic andinelastic scattering angular distributions and neutron spectra applying the continuum-discretizedcoupled-channel method (CDCC) method with α + d + n and α + t + n model. Her study foundthat the calculated cross sections data for incident energies from 1 to 24 MeV can be
reproduced by the present cluster model with normalization parameter for the real andimaginary part of the Jeukenne-Lejeune-Mahaux effective nucleon-nucleon (JLM) [6,7]interaction. The calculated results are shown to reproduce the observed data.

Dagvajamts Badrakh from Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
investigated the relationship between some physiological alterations associated with obesity(insulin resistance and high testosterone) and resistance to hormonal treatment for normalizing
alteration of endometrial epidermal growth factor profile (EGF) in repeat breeder obese cows.
They indicated abnormal alteration of endometrial EGF is found in repeat breeder cows and thenormalization of the EGF profile is one of the prerequisite factors to restore fertility. Then, heshowed that the obesity reduction was a positive impact to normalize EGF profile and elevatedT levels may be related to resistance to hormonal treatment in repeat breeder obese cows.



Enkhtsetseg Sukhbold from Biology and Environmental Chemistry Department, Kitami
Technology Institute investigated the effects of OFA on LDL oxidation by ROS and RNS in
vitro. OFA suppressed formation of cholesterol ester hydroperoxides in LDL oxidized byperoxyl radical and peroxynitrite, and formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in
LDL oxidized by Cu2+. In addition, OFA inhibited fragmentation, carbonylation, and nitration9

of apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) in the oxidized LDL, in which heparinbinding activity of
apo B-100 was protected by OFA. These results suggest that OFA exhibits antioxidant activity
against both lipid peroxidation and oxidative modification of apo B-100 in LDL oxidized by
ROS and RNS. Polyphenols in oolong tea may prevent atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative
stress.



Oyundelger Ganzorig from Biology and Environmental Chemistry Department, Kitami
Technology Institute examined isolation and identification of new lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
with potent biological activity in Airag. Thirty five predominant LAB were isolated from six
samples of traditionally prepared airag (fermented mare’s milk) and identified them 16s rDNA
sequencing analysis. Two yeasts were also isolated from the airag samples and identified on thebasis of its morphological, biochemical characteristics and 26s rDNA sequencing analysis.
Identified two LAB strains (Lactobacillus hilgardii(Uvu-21) and L. diolivorans (Tuv-33)) werescreene antibacterial and proteolytic activities, and yeast strains (identified as Kazachstania sp.
and Kazachstania Unispora) were examined fermentation abilities and compared with standard
K7 yeast (mostly used in sake brewing in Japan). These two strains fermentation abilities were
weaker than K7 yeast. These results provide useful information about airag as a healthy daily
beverage in Mongolia. Further investigations on the identification of antibacterial peptides
produced LAB are in progress.

Presentations (Humanities) 【by presentation order】
Sessions on social sciences and humanities included seven presentations in the areas of publichealth/aging,conservationof

culturalproperties,

economics/trade

policy,political

science/e-government, human behavioral science/social psychology, international education, andcomparative education/education development.


Enkhbayar Shagdar from Research Division, Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia
(ERINA) discussed the economic impacts of Mongolia’s recent import tariff reform policy. An
analysis using the standard CGE Model and GTAP Data Base (Version 8.1) revealed that
although the country’s domestic production would expand when the tariffs increased up to the
WTO bound levels, it would result in losses of the economy’s total welfare, as the allocative
efficiency losses were greater than the terms-of-trade gains. Therefore, it needs to spend the
additional tax revenues in a manner that compensates for such losses.

Amartuvshin Khaltar from Department of Health Care Policy, Graduate School of Medicine,
Hokkaido University presented her finding of a study on the state of the older population (aged
60 & over) in Sri-Lanka with a particular focus on factors that associated with dependency (badperformance) in the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). She found that almost all

10

factors associated with IADL dependency were common among different ethnic groups andconcluded that since aging is one of the most important global agendas, in order for older
people to be healthy, it might be appropriate to build health promotion activities among elderly
people.


The state of cultural heritage and problems relating to preservation and restoration in the case ofancient tomb mural paintings in Bulgan, Mongolia, was discussed by Angaragsuren Odkhuu
from the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University. Althoughseveral collective efforts were made by international and Mongolian experts for theconservation of the site, the deterioration has been confirmed: scaling and flaking of plaster andthe paint layer, salt efflorescence on the paint layer, salt sub-florescence inside the mortar, anddiscoloration of the mural painting. Therefore, he recommends monitoring the microclimate andconducting an environmental impact assessment as necessary research steps.



Bolormaa Battsogt from School of Political Science, Tokai University presented a part of her
doctoral dissertation. She examined the concept of e-governance as a new and alternative way
in the information society, based on theoretical “social system” discussions of Parsons. T and
Lumann. N that conceive individual behavior as an important factor for shifting from functional
centralization of social system to an increased participation in the governance. In order toanalyze mutual relations of individuals and organizations, she explained her methodologicalapproach that is based on field works in Japan and Arkhangai, Mongolia.



Lavdmaa Dagvadorj from Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University
presented findings from her case study on public trust to a mining company based on aquestionnaire survey conducted near a mining site. The result of the statistical analysis showedthat the nomad herder’s trust was lower than the soum citizens. The herder’s perceptions about
the mining company were related to future environmental impacts in the area.

The perceptions of Mongolian alumni from Japanese graduate universities were discussed by
Ariunaa Enkhtur from Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University. Based oninterview data with former graduates she explored alumni’s personal development and theirperceived role in community development in Mongolia. As a result of international educational
experiences, alumni perceived positive impact on their communication, organizational skills
and attitudes towards their work and life. On the other side, graduates do not view they havemuch impact on the community and do not think they had an effective chance to take actions on
their learning during and after their study in Japan.



The current state of Mongolian students’ mobility within Japan was presented by Ariuntuya
Myagmar from Mori Arinori Center for Higher Education and Global Mobility, Hitotsubashi
University. She discussed macro-level issues with regard to outbound mobility of Mongolian
students in Japan by presenting a brief of historical trajectory changes of outbound mobility

11worldwide, national policy changes for internationalization of higher education in Japan(pull-factors), education reform policy changes in Mongolia (push-factors) and mobility pictureof Mongolian students in Japan (aspects for quality and quantity research).

KEYNOTE LECTURESThe keynote speakers’ session was one of the core parts of the forum as the participants had an
opportunity to learn from research results of two well-known Mongolists; historian Hiroki Oka andethnographer Ippei Shimamura.

“Reconsidering "Manchu Period" in Mongolian History”
In his keynote lecture, professor Hiroki
Oka from Tohoku University talked about
a specific period of Mongolian history, theManchu period (1636-1912) by focusing
on Manchu-led Qing dynasty’s policy
toward “Outer Mongolia” that consisted of‘baruun mongol/western mongol’, ‘four
aimagsofkhalkhа’

and49khoshuus/banner of ‘Inner six leagues’.
He addressed questions of “Whose dynasty was Qing dynasty?” and “Why Mongols were loyal to
the Qing rule?” explaining that Qing dynasty’s successful domination over the Mongols was largely
due to a combination of several Qing politics that included the creation of a special status of “wang,güng and tayiǰis” for securing their royalty while keeping an inherited system of social stratification(ruling class and ordinary commoners ‘ard’) to ease direct and non-direct governance; a strong
separation of Outer Mongolia from the Manchu Eight Banners and Chinese inner prefectures byutilizing a traditional Mongolian “chuulgan/league” and ‘khoshuu’ as an administrative system ofgovernance; prohibition of commoners to change their affiliation between different ‘khoshuus’
without permission from the ‘khoshuu’ princes/noyon; usage of both Mongolian and Manchurian
languages for governance; and the diffusion of the Tibetan Buddism while identifying Qing emperor
as the protector of dharma in which Mongols believed. The ‘chuulgan’ was a conventional body of
pre-Qing Mongolia where laws/tsaaz were approved not by “khaan” himself but by the collective
will of ‘chuulgan’, and was applied by the Qing for its own rule over the Mongols as a governing
body consisted of various big and small royalties. In addition, in the Q&A part, he highlighted that
there is no right or wrong interpretation of history since historical research and different

12interpretations depend on research scopes or from which angle the researcher is interpreting thehistory.

“Comparative Genghisism Study: From Comparisons in Mongolia,
Japan, China, America & Europe, and Russia”
Professor Ippei Shimamura from The Universityof Shiga Prefecture presented his key findings of his
research on the state of Genghisism as a discourse
and representation tool/image in different cultures.
Using broad sources for analytical tools (textbooks,
novels, events, movies, music, poetry, amusement
parks, and statues) he showed how an image ofGenghisism was shaped and used differently depending on various actors.
For ordinary Mongolians, Genghis Khan is a great symbol of national identity; and nowadays, his
portrayal is everywhere—the national airport, the central square of Ulaanbaatar—and, even somevodka are named by him. The latest statue of Genghis Khan, an equestrian with the height of 40m,
was built near the capital in 2008. Many would think that the name of Genghis Khan was forgotten
during the socialist period but was recalled/restored just from 1990s. Though partly it is true, asProfessor Shimamura argues, it is the socialism that made Genghis Khan a national hero: there werepoliticians, academics and writers who may have intentionally utilized different ways to express
imposition or resistance toward the practice of “printing socialism” where historical aspects related
to Genghis Khan was omitted or wrongly described by the Soviet Union of that time.
In the West (Europe and the North America), Genghis Khan was and still is equalized to an
aggressive barbarian as we can see not only in Hollywood’s films such as The Conqueror (1956)
played by John Wayne in Temujin’s role, Genghis Khan (1962) or Star Trek I: The Wrath of Khan
(1982), but also in TV drama, like Season1・Episode4 (1997) or from music and songs of theGerman band, Dschinghis Khan (1979). In Russia too, Genghis Khan is a symbol of shadow, while
history related to his name has been omitted/neglected—as past and present history textbooks
present only negative descriptions.
In contrast, Genghis Khan was positively accepted in Japan, anecdotally ascribed to Japanese people
as their hero. Kencho Suematsu who received his Bachelor’s degree from Cambridge University and
Zenichiro Oyabe, the first Japanese who got PhD degree in Linguistics from Yale University,
promoted the myth that Genghis Khan was identical to Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), aJapanese warrior. In fact, Suematsu in his book, Identity of the Great Conqueror Genghis Khan with13

the Japanese hero Yoshitsuné (1879), argued that Minamoto no Yoshitsune was not killed by his
brother but escaped to Mongolia via Hokkaido. By doing so, he seems to have tried to show theparity of Japanese with European civilization when hierarchical view of the latter towards othernations was in operation. Oyabe, influenced by Suematsu’s book even went to the occupied territoryof Manchuria for fieldwork to prove his myth in his work, The Legend of Yoshitsune=Genghis Khan
(1924).
In sum, from the end of Meiji period up to the Second World War Genghis Khan’s portrayal wasused as an ideological tool for fueling nationalism as a great nation. Influenced greatly by this period,
however the next stage of Genghis Khan’s representation in Japan was different in a way that novels
as well as stimulation games were utilized for commercial purposes and for individual
self-realization. However with the economic growth and the overall increase of society life, branding
image of Genghis seems is no more effective. The recent representations, whether an event, a film,
an opera or a book, tend to reflect self-imagination of an individual authors who want to mirror
himself identical to that of Genghis Khan.

ROUND-TABLE SESSIONS
On both days, the forum included interactive round-table sessions facilitated by Professor Ryoko
Imaoka (Mongolist) from Osaka University and delivered by scholars and students themselves.
Discussions showed that young researchers are truly interested in making a meaning of their research.
Personal stories as well as advice from professors not only inspired and facilitated discussions but

14

also touched upon challenges such as availability of funding and resources, and the struggle tobalance study and work.

Round-Table I: “For Those Who Want to Study at Doctor Course”
The first day’s round-table session focused on the core questions around how to choose, enter adoctoral program in Japan, how to adapt and graduate successfully. The round-table session lasted
for 130 minutes starting from self-introduction of each participant (33 persons) moving on to
specific questions by the prospective doctoral students as well as current students. The discussions
around these questions included:Personal opinions and reflections on challenges to balance one’s work and study

Questions of choices or dilemmas between entering in a doctoral program or going back to
Mongolia for work and later returning to academia again; or choosing a program by asupervisor or by university’s prestige?

Participants recognized that there are issues and gaps in knowledge on ways to successfully study at
doctoral programs in Japan and it is difficult to provide “one size fits for all” recommendation since
everyone has his/her own peculiarity. However, through the Q&As, personal stories and examples
participants agreed with the importance of understanding of main questions relevant for successful
entrance, study and completion of PhD by asking yourselves questions such as: “Do I really thinkthat I want to study at doctoral course?”, “Do I really have enough information about the program
and/or professors that best suit for me?” The current and former doctoral students have talked about
possible ways on how and where to find available funding for research and living, how to choose auniversity or professor that would be most relevant to your research or career interest, and how toengage in setting the plan of your study.

15

Round-Table II: “Forum 2017 & Next Steps”
On the second day, the forum participants had a chance to brainstorm, discuss, and come up withconcrete suggestions for future cooperation. The session took 100 min in which all participants (35persons) selected a topic of interest (from A, B or C) that was previously shared on the MDSRGJ
page to further identify and address the topics. Prior to dividing into the groups, the project leader
explained the main goal of the session while all Working Group members introduced how theytransformed the idea of the conference into the current event.

Within 20 min. each group reflected ideas on the following three topics and made further
suggestions such as:
A. What is the next step after the forum?
Participants has emphasized the significance of the work we are doing and suggested to organize
such academic forum every year and discussed about possible dates and places for next forum. Theyemphasized the importance of making the existing research meetings, conferences for Mongolian
scholars currently organized at local, university or city level (such as Osaka University’s Mongolian
research conference or Hokkaido’s monthly research seminars) available for everyone. They also
talked about possible ways of establishing comprehensive data for networking, further goals todetermine the future activities for the group.

16

B. How can we connect and collaborate?
Many of participants expressed their interest to call to all interested researchers via the MDSRGJ to
exchange their ideas for building of new collaborative study/research that would relate to societal
problem in Mongolia but not limited to Mongolia, and orient toward interplay and heterogeneity of
disciplines. Also, many people emphasized the need to raise awareness of research values in current
Mongolian society.
C. How to successfully study at doctoral program?
In terms of doctoral program admissions in Japan, the quality of master thesis as well as financial
independence were referred as important deciding factors. During the program, academicpresentations and publications were noted as important since any academic conference is an open
opportunity for doctoral students to network in the academic society. In order to successfullycomplete dissertation, an economic independence is crucial. Additionally, good contact andcommunication with a supervisor and great effort were emphasized as very important.

MAIN OUTPUTS
The context in which the forum took place was an important factor for this conference. The
multi-area research presentations, keynote lectures, and round-table sessions provided a wide
platform for attendees to communicate with each other by exchanging ideas on the current state ofvarious researches in Japan and discussing about novel insight as well as challenges andopportunities to study and work in Japan.
Learning through sharing research experiences and opportunities for continuous communication wasappreciated by all participants. Therefore, conducting of the next forum and a progressive andsystematic step-by-step preparation were suggested as the next objectives of the forum. Also
developing and piloting of a collaborative, cross-sector study with support of other academics within
and out of Japan was emphasized.

17

In sum, the forum reflected the high need of young researchers for broader communication andcollaboration in order to apply their knowledge, skills and research experiences for meaningful
solution of emerging problems, transformation of society and development of partnership between
Mongolia and Japan.

FUNDING AND SUPPORTThe forum would not have been possible without the support of the following organizations:
The Embassy of Mongolia in Japan generously provided conference rooms for the venue and themeal for the reception. In addition, Embassy officials’ assistance to communicate with relevant
ministries in Mongolia is highly appreciated.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed this initiative from the very first and bore the associatedcosts of the forum.
Other institutions Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA), Hitotsubashi
University, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido-Mongolia Relation Society, Hyogo University, Kitami
Institute of Technology, Kyoto University, Kyushu University of Technology, North-East Asia
Region Study Program, Osaka University, The University of Shiga Prefecture, Tohoku University,
Tokai University, Tokyo Dental College and Tokushima University, supported in providing full or
partial travel costs and accommodation of delegates from various regions of Japan.

18

ANNEX
Annex 1: Forum-2017 Program
Day 1 - May 5, 2017 (Friday)

Registration [9:00-9:30]

Welcome Address by the Working Group leader
Ariu n tu y a My ag mar (Hitotsubashi University)
Opening Remarks by the Ambassador of Mongolia to Japan
Opening
Ceremony Kh u relbaatar Sodov jamts[9:30-10:00] Ministerial Address
Man dakh tsetseg Kh atan baatar
Director of Public Diplomacy, Cultural Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Identification of risk factors involved in the progression of peri-implantitis
Gan tu mu r Ch imeddu lam (Tokushima University/dentistry)
Academic The effect of EDTA-treated dentin on the differentiation of mouse iPS cells
Session I
Tu n g alag Ser-Od (Tokyo Dental College/dentistry)[10:00-11:20] Geochemical evolution of deep groundwater in Cretaceous aquifer of the Southern Gobi, Mongolia
Batdemberel Bay an zu l (Tohoku University/ hydrogeology)
Discussion
Coffee break [11:20-11:30]
Mongolian First Satellite and Possibility to Develop Space Technology in Mongolia
Erden ebaatar D, Tu rtog tokh T, Amartu v sh in D (Kyushu Institute of Technology/ space
Academic Analysis of Neutron Induced Reaction on 6,7Li targets
Session II Ich in kh orloo Dag v adorj (Hokkaido University/ nuclear physics)[11:30-12:50] Effect of metabolic factors on repeat breeder cows with uterine dysfunction
Dag v ajamts Badrakh (Hokkaido University/ veterinary medicine)
Discussion
Lunch break [12:50-14:00]
Inhibitory Effects of Oolonghomobisflavan A on Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation In Vitro
En kh tsetseg Su kh bold (Kitami Institute of Technology/ food chemistry)
Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeast with Biological Activities fromAcademic
Session III Oy u n delg er Gan zorig (Kitami Institute of Technology/ biochemistry and microbiology)[14:00-15:10] Impacts of Import Tariff Reforms on Mongolia’s Economy: CGE Analysis with the GTAP 8.1 DataBase
En kh bay ar Sh ag dar (Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia/ economics)
Discussion
Coffee break [15:10-15:20]
For those who are interested in doctoral course
Roundtable
Open session where present master (bachelor or any other) students and persons will have thesession I
opportunity to raise any issues related to the theme of the session and discuss different[15:20-17:30]
perspectives.
Closing [17:30-17:40]

19

Day 2 - May 6, 2017 (Satu rday )Registration [9:00-9:30]
Reconsidering "Manchu Period" in Mongolian History
Prof.Hiroki Oka (Tohoku University/ history)
KeynotesessionComparative Genghisism Study: From Comparisons in Mongolia, Japan, China, America &[09:30-11:30] Europe, and Russia
Prof. Ippei Sh imamu ra (The University of Shiga Prefecture/ ethnography)
Lunch break [11:30-12:40]
Deterioration, present condition and further measures of mural painting of the Shoroon
Bumbagar tomb, Byayannuur soum, Bulgan province, Mongolia
An g arag su ren Odkh u u (Kyoto University/ conservation of cultural properties)
The Governance for Information Society: Experimental Studies from Political, Social andAcademic
Anthropological Science
Session IV
Bolormaa Battsog t (Tokai University/ politics)[12:40-14:00]
Instrumental Activities of Daily Livings (IADL) among Community-Dwelling People Aged 60
Years or Older in Kandy District, Sri Lanka- With Special Reference to EthnicityAmartu v sh in Kh altar (Hokkaido University/ public health)
Discussion
Coffee break [14:10-14:20]

Public trust to a mining company: a case study in Mongolia
Lav dmaa Dag v adorj (Hokkaido University/ human behavioral science)
Mongolian Alumni from Japanese Graduate Universities--Applying Transformative Learning
Academic Theory to Understand the Outcome and Experience of Study Abroad
Session V Ariu n aa En kh tu r (Osaka University/ international education)[14:20-15:40] Higher Education Reform in Mongolia and Students’ Mobility in Japan: Between Reality andImagination
Ariu n tu y a My ag mar (Hitotsubashi University/ comparative education)
Discussion
Coffee break [15:40-15:50]
Forum 2017 and Next StepsRoundtable All participants select on topic of interest to reflect the results of the forum and discuss about next
session II
possible steps.
[15:50-17:30] Prof.Ry oko Imaoka (Osaka University/ study of a region engaging animal husbandry) and WG
Forum recommendation message: What to do next?
Dinner & Closing Remarks by the Embassy and WG
Evening Talk Open talk and Dinner[18:00-20:00]

20

Annex 2: List of Forum ParticipantsFirst nameLast name1 Adiyasuren
2 Amartuvshin
3 Amartuvshin
4 Angaragsuren
5 Ariunaa
6 Ariunaa
7 Ariuntuya
8 Azjargal
9 Badamtsetseg
10 Baljinnyam
11 Batdemberel
12 Batdemberel
13 Battsetseg
14 Bayanmongol
15 Bolormaa
16 Bolorsuvd
17 Buyanjargal
18 Byambahishig
19 Byamba-Ochir
20 Dagvajamts
21 Davaajargal
22 Delgermaa
23 Dulguun
24 Enkhbayar
25 Enkhee
26 Enkhtsetseg
27 Enkhtuya
28 Enkhzul
29 Erdenebaatar
30 Gantumur
31 Hiroki
32 Ichinkhorloo
33 Ippei
34 Kenji
35 Khongorzul
36 Khosbayar
37 Komai
38 Lavdmaa
39 Mandakhtsetseg
40 Munkhbat
41 Munkhzul
42 Nandintsetseg
43 Nomunzul
44 Otgontuya
45 Oyunchimeg
46 Oyundelger
47 Purevzul
48 Ryoko
49 Sambuu
50 Sandagdorj
51 Tungalag
52 Tungalag
53 Uuganbaatar

Lkhagvaa
KhaltarDagvasumberel
OdkhuuEnkhtur
Bat-arvin
MyagmarEnkhsaikhan
Jigjidsuren
Bat-ochir
Bayanzul
Myagmarsuren
TsogtooByambatsogt
Battsogt
Batbold
Pagva
Enkhbolor
SerchinBadrakhLundaaDashzeveg
Batbold
ShagdarPurev
Sukhbold
MunkhbatGalsanjigmed
Dashdondog
Chimeddulam
Oka
Dagvadorj
Shimamura
Igari
Ganbold
Darkhanbaatar
TakeshiDagvadorj
Khatanbaatar
Batsaikhan
Ganbold
Gombojav
Turbadrakh
Dashdondog
ErdeneeGanzorig
Purevsuren
ImaokaGanchuluun
Bayangjargal
Battulga
Ser-OdZulkhuu

Region/prefectureTokyo
Hokkaido
Kyushu
Kyoto
Osaka
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Hokkaido
Shiga
TohokuTokyo
Ibaraki
Chiba
Tokyo
Shiga
Hyogo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Hokkaido
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Niigata
Aichi
Hokkaido
Tokyo
Osaka
KyushuTokushimaTohokuHokkaido
Shiga
Tokyo
Tokyo
Shiga
TohokuHokkaido
Mongolia/UB
Tokyo
Ibaraki
Hyogo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Gunma
Hokkaido
Tokyo
Osaka
Tokyo
Ibaraki
Hokkaido
Tokyo
Tokyo

Institution
Obara Corporation
Hokkaido University
Kyushu Institute of Technology
Kyoto University
Osaka University
Mongolian language "Nutag" center
Hitotsubashi University
Toho university
Chisun GrandThe University of Shiga Prefecture
Tohoku University
Hitachi Co., Ltd
University of Tsukuba
PIC Corporation
Tokai University
Shiga University
Hyogo University
Softbank
National Defence Academy of Japan
Hokkaido University
Mongolian embassy
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
ERINA
Nagoya University
Kitami Institute of Technology
The University of Tokyo
Osaka University
Kyushu Institute of Technology
Tokushima University
Tohoku University
Hokkaido University
The University of Shiga Prefecture
MUFJ
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
The University of Shiga Prefecture
Tohoku University
Hokkaido University
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tokyo Institute of Technology
University of Tsukuba
Kobe University
The University of Tokyo
Meikai University
Gunma University
Kitami Institute of Technology
Meiji University
Osaka University
Kosei Hospital
University of Tsukuba
Kitami Institute of Technology
Tokyo Dental College
Keio University

21

Annex 3: List of the Working Group & Guest Professors
Affiliation

Name
1

Amartuvshin.Kh

Hokkaido University

Reseacher/PhD

2

Angaragsuren.O

Kyoto University

D2

3

Ariunaa.E

Osaka University

D2

4

Ariuntuya.M

Hitotsubashi University

Adjunct Professor/PhD

5

Buyanjargal. P

Hyogo University

D1

6

Enebish.T

Osaka University

D3

7

Enerelt M.

ADB JRO

Consultant/PhD

8

Enkhtsetseg.S

Kitami Institute of Technology

D3

9

Ichinkhorloo.D

Hokkaido University, Japan

Researcher/PhD

10 Mandakhnaran.D

Tokushima University

PhD

11 Narantogtokh.D

Kyoto Institute of Technology

D2

12 Od.B

Tokushima University

PhD

13 Oyundelger.G

Kitami Institute of Technology

Researcher/PhD

15 Tungalag.B

Kitami Institute of Technology

D1

14 Tungalag.S

Tokyo Dental College

Postdoctor/PhD

Guest Professors
RYOKO IMAOKA (Associate Professor) Studies in Language and Society, Graduate School of Language
and Culture, Osaka University
Research field: Mongolia, Nomadic area studies, Gender

HIROKI OKA (Professor) Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University
Research field: Asian history, History of Mongols

IPPEI SHIMAMURA (Associate Professor) Department of Intercultural Communication, School of
Human Cultures, The University of Shiga Prefecture
Research field: Cultural Anthropology, Mongolian Studies

22Annex 4: Participants’ Voices
Presenter’s Voice (alphabetical order)
Amartuvshin Khaltar (Hokkaido University)“This forum was very productive by proviing big opportunity to get new
information not only in my own research area, but also on research results fromwell-known Mongolian researchers. My sincere thanks go to the presenters,
participants, members of Working Groups and Embassy of Mongolia in Japan.”

Angaragsuren Odkhuu (Kyoto University)“Thank you to the Working Group that organized this academic forum and supportingorganizations, all of the presenters, and participants. The forum was very successful. I
hope that many researchers will want to be involved in this forum next year.”Ariunaa Enkhtur (Osaka University)“I think this academic forum is very unique on its own. Gathering PhD students
and researchers in the host country—providing an opportunity to create platform
for future collaboration and network, and to exchange ideas raises awareness ofthese researchers both in the host and home country. It’s especially important stepfor the development of higher education in Mongolia since these graduates are
expected to join academia when they return.”

Ariuntuya Myagmar (Hitotsubashi University)“I am glad that the Forum has provided an incredible platform for everyone
to ask constructive questions and build interesting dialogue no matter ofwhat scientific area you relate to. It also illustrated the need to increase ourconnections by bringing common and emerging research topics and seeking
available fundings. In addition, I very appreciate that months of the
preparation work were filled with multiple communications and learned experiences of the Working Group
members, who voluntarily joined this committee from its very beginning from a wide variety of scientificareas and different regions of Japan.”

Batdemberel Bayanzul (Tohoku University)“We have different missions and passions while our final aim must be to develop
Mongolia. Little by little, gradually and continuously, we move forward…”

23

Bolormaa Battsogt (Tokai University)“Thank you for giving us this kind of precious opportunity. I am confident that thisforum will be another precious opportunity for all of us to share information andexperience.”

Dagvajamts Badrakh (Hokkaido University)“I would like to extend special thanks for organizing this interesting conference. I
hope that we can establish a cooperation and community of Mongolian researchers inJapan. I am looking forward to meet you soon.”

Gantumur Chimeddulam (Tokushima University)“I’m very glad for having this opportunity to participate in this timely event andsharing findings from my study with scholars in Japan. I hope this endeavour willcontinue for years to come expanding to create a platform for researchers andscholars to share their knowledge, practices, and studies with each other.”

Ichinkhorloo Dagvajamts (Hokkaido University)“I was very glad to attend the forum. The discussions were very important and open. I
have learned a lot about other science fields and got a good sense of the latest
developments. Look forward to meeting you again! Thank you very much.”

Enkhbayar Shagdar (ERINA)“This unique and multidisciplinary forum was a brand new networking and discussion
platform for all the participants. Notwithstanding to diverse subjects presented, theforum has proudly opened a prospect for further collaborative activities. Taking thisopportunity, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciations to the forum
organizers and participants.”

Enkhtsetseg Sukhbold (Kitami Institute of Technology)“I felt so honored to introduce my research to this forum which is wonderfullyorganized for the first time. This forum would be a platform of the exchange
ideas and unite the voice and vision of young generations who are studying
and working abroad, in order to advertise our own country into the world. I
firmly believe that our country’s bright future and development is depending
on our cooperation, discussion of development strategy and making the
movement together. Therefore, I hope many young researchers would evolve to this platform actively.”24Erdenebaatar

Dashdondog,

Turtogtokh

Tumenjargal,

Amartuvshin Dagvasumberel (Kyushu Institute of Technology)“Thank you very much for organizing this wonderful activity that canbecome a start of great academic community. We are glad to become
part of this activity and will be happy to contribute to the organizationof next activities in future. We wish you best successes for youracademic and personal lives. Thank you very much to the working committee.”

Lavdmaa Dagvadorj (Hokkaido University)“I guess that the Mongolian students studying in foreign countries have an
aim to contribute their study and the knowledge for the development ofMongolia. This forum of Mongolian students is a great opportunity for apractical step. We had a chance to introduce our findings and discuss openly
in an academic atmosphere. Hope this forum would let many researchers
exchange their ideas in the future under the united purpose.”

Oyundelger Ganzorig (Kitami Institute of Technology)“First of all thank you very much for the founders and organizing team. This firstforum was worth of attending and a very nice experience to create a great sense ofacademic community. The presentations and issues discussed in the forum were very
interesting. I was able to meet with many researchers and PhD students of various
science fields. I will remember it for all my life.”

Tungalag Ser-Od (Tokyo Dental College)“It has been great honor to present at the First Forum of Mongolian doctoral
students and researchers in Japan. I believe that this forum provides animportant platform for students and researchers to collaborate and support
one another’s work.”

Participants’ Voices
1.

2.

3.

How did parcitipants get Forum information?


71% via Doctor Group FB or internet



29% other sources

How participants think aboutOverall management: 85% (very effective), 15% (effective)Program activities & contents: 85% (very effective), 15 % (effective)Timing with regard to a season & schedule : 85% (very effective), 15% (effective)

Some other suggestions expressed by participants:25

oMaking the forum as an annual eventoWorking together with other similar groups or NGOso

Spreading out of the forum information via different channelsoInvolving more people to participate in the forumoMore time available for the discussion of individual presentationsoOrganizing the forum in other prefectures in Japan26

Annex 5: Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Munkh-Orgil Tsend

27

28

Day I：May 5, 2017

Day II：May 6, 2017

This report is prepared by Ariuntuya Myagmar, Ariunaa Enkhtur and Tungalag Ser-Od.
Although the information in this report is included with a great care, we cannot guarantee
completeness of the information. Especially information, related to research aspects ofindividual presenters, may change or may be updated. You should verify any information
you are interested in before you act upon it. The contact address for more information,
feedback and comments is doctorgroup2017@gmail.com.

05 July 2017
Forum Working Group