To support QMES students in broadening their international perspectives, experiencing different cultures, telling the Chinese story, and spreading the voice of China, the “2024 Japan Future Technology and Art Winter Camp of QMES” was concluded under the collaborated organization of Office of International Cooperation and QMES. Through various activities such as focused lectures, student discussions, research center visits, and city explorations, the programme effectively enhanced students’ cross-cultural understanding and communication skills, showcasing the charm of China’s young generation in the new era.

From January 22nd to 29th, 2024, a group of 9 students and 1 leading teacher embarked on an 8-day overseas study and cultural exchange trip to Tokyo, Japan. During this period, the team visited prestigious institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Tsukuba University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Tokyo University of the Arts. They had the opportunity to explore the Supercomputer Center at Tsukuba University, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), the Accelerator Research Center, and the Tsukuba Space Center, experiencing the academic atmosphere, research environment, and local customs of Japan.

Waseda University, founded in 1882, is a prestigious private university in Japan and one of the most internationally-oriented universities in Asia. The university emphasizes a broad-based education and the cultivation of comprehensive qualities. Its traditionally strong subjects include political science, economics, and other liberal arts and sciences. Graduates from Waseda University consistently rank first in terms of job satisfaction in Japanese companies. During the winter camp, Professor Akihiro Nonaka from the School of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University provided a multidimensional analysis of his perspective on Sino-Japanese relations, considering history, politics, and economics. Students also expressed their own opinions, engaging in discussions on historical issues and future development from their personal perspectives. They had in-depth discussions with Professor Nonaka on current real-time hot topics.

The University of Tokyo, founded in 1877, is the first national comprehensive university in Japan and consistently ranks at the top in terms of comprehensive strength. It currently has 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, 11 affiliated research institutes, 13 university research centers, 3 libraries, and 3 institutes for advanced study. Professor Akira Kishibe, specializing in Biomaterials Science at the University of Tokyo, shared his research field and professional expertise with the students. He introduced nanocellulose and its applications, and took the students on a visit to his laboratory, where he showcased the experimental equipment. Additionally, he invited three international graduate students from different countries to share their research experiences and career plans with the students.

The University of Tsukuba, founded in 1872, is one of Japan’s oldest and largest comprehensive universities, known for its outstanding teaching and research facilities. The university offers a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, medicine, and agriculture.The admissions officer from the University of Tsukuba introduced the students to the various majors and provided detailed information about the application process. Current students from the university accompanied the students to experience the campus environment and shared their own experiences with the application process. The students also visited the Supercomputer Center at the University of Tsukuba, gaining insights into the applications of computational science in various research fields.

During the study tour, the students also visited the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Tokyo University of the Arts. They explored the university campuses, experienced Japanese campus life, and engaged in deep exchanges with local students, fostering international friendships. They also visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), the Accelerator Research Center, and the Tsukuba Space Center. The guides introduced the students to cutting-edge technologies in various fields in Japan, as well as the forefront technologies in the aerospace industry. At the Accelerator Research Center, Chinese researchers were invited to provide detailed explanations on accelerator physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, and new materials research. They showcased a proton accelerator and shared their research experiences with the students.

During the closing presentation session, two groups of students summarized and reported on their study tour to Japan, based on what they had learned during the courses. They discussed their learning achievements, experiences, and comparisons between China and Japan in various aspects. During the presentations, our students received high praise from the professors for their solid theoretical foundation and diligent research attitude.

In addition to the academic curriculum, the students participated in activities such as tea ceremony, wagashi (Japanese sweet) making, and soba noodle making. They were divided into groups for city exploration, visiting places like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. They experienced the local customs, appreciating the fusion of traditional Japanese culture and modern technology.

Let us walk the world in our footsteps and understand cultures with our hearts. This study tour provided students with a close experience of the research atmosphere and laboratory environment in Japanese universities. It also broadened their international perspectives and developed their abilities in teamwork and cross-cultural communication. The students expressed that this experience would have a profound impact on their future learning and research paths. QMES will continue to deepen and expand diverse study tour activities, providing students with more opportunities for international exchange and academic growth.

Text: Fan Lanyu

Photo: Fan Lanyu

Editor: Tang Yinwen

Translator: Zhou Yaru

Review: Wang Yongxin