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- International students deepening their studies in Japan
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Mechanical Engineering
Bringing down carbon emissions with fire
From Malaysia
Toyohashi University of TechnologyJoshua Tiong Sieu Khai
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Environmental Sciences
Investigating variables on sea level change of the past around Kyushu, Japan
From United States of America
The University of TokyoEvan Tam
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Design Engineering
Employ design thinking to drive cross-cultural research.
From China
Chiba UniversityWang Jiayue
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Agriculture
Advanced technology in agriculture research for better food security
From Malaysia
Meiji UniversityNurtasbiyah Yusof
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International Peace
How I discovered my potential.
From India
Soka UniversityGeetanjali
Bringing down carbon emissions with fire
From Malaysia
Toyohashi University of Technology
Joshua Tiong Sieu Khai
Q1. Could you tell us about your research?
I am working on a numerical simulation using an open-source fluid dynamics software, to study the effect of heating speed on the breaking down or known as degradation, of wood in forest fire. The reasonings for changes observed are then further validated and explained using numerical simulation. Forest fires are known to be a threat to the environment, our health, economies and the future of mankind. It is estimated that 0.81 to 2.57 gigatons of carbon into the atmosphere from the Borneo/Kalimantan forest fires, which is equivalent to 13-40% of the mean annual global carbon emissions. Forest fires occurs when fuel supply which are controlled by the heating speed on the wood, is sufficient and interacts with oxygen and heat to initiate combustion of wood. The combustion can be either combusts with flame called flaming combustion, or without flame called smoldering and glowing combustion. Degradation of forest fuels plays an important role in both the combustion phenomena where, it provides gaseous fuel for flaming and are an integral part in triggering and maintaining smoldering. Hence, studying the effects of different heating speed on the breaking down of complex chemical structure of wood to gaseous fuel, will deepen our understanding on the one of the mechanisms controlling forest fires. My research aims to provide a validated understanding of the degradation of wood for fire suppression and prevention of forest fires around the world.
Q2. Why did you choose Japan and your current university in Japan as your study destination?
I was mesmerized and still am, with the technological advancement of mobility in Japan. Mobility is the technologies and services that enable people to move freely. For example, automobiles enable people to move freely anywhere whereas shinkansen, bullet trains are able to move people under a shorter time. The service provided to maintain and run these transportations also plays a huge role in providing mobility to the people. I chose to further my studies in Japan because I wished to understand and learn about mobility technologies. I came to the realization that though the different modes of transport provide significant benefits to mankind, negative implications are present as the need of energy to power these technologies has pushed mankind to search for a high density and quick energy source without any thought about the implication to the long-term future of mankind on this planet. The use of gasoline to power vehicles, coal or natural gas to generate electricity for transportation and coupled with the loss of forests as a carbon sink by fire have painted a blink future for us. However, stopping the usage of these mobility technologies is never an effective method to solve this problem as we will lose out on the numerous benefits that these technologies bring. Hence, in order to maintain the usage of transport without any negative implications, I have decided to further my studies in Toyohashi University of Technology under the tutelage of Prof. Nakamura and Prof. Yamazaki, to study and prevent the destruction of carbon sink(forest) by fire. I am confident that with the protection of forest, we are able to absorb the carbon released from mobility technologies and to maintain its usage for free movement.
Q3. Could you please tell us the difference between your research in your home country and research in Japan?
I never had the chance to carry out my research in my home country, Malaysia as I started my research in Japan. However, I could share my thoughts and what have I learnt during my interactions with Japanese students throughout my research in Japan. “Helpful”, “Good Listener” and “Exclusive” would be the three words to perfectly reflect my Japanese friends in Japan. Whenever I needed help with regards to my research, they will try their best to assist me even though the theme of my research and theirs are different. My Japanese senior would even approach me to ask me about the progress of my research and offered me any help if needed. Though they are very proactive in helping out other lab mate, I realized that most of them possess the passive skill of listening. They will always be a good listener whenever we need someone to talk to whether it is about our work or personal life. They will patiently listen first before expressing their opinions or add something else into the conversation. Lastly, “Exclusive” means that Japanese only show their true qualities or character after becoming close with someone. They might seem cold and unfriendly with stranger at first but the deeper the connections, the more friendly they will become. My Japanese friends value the connection between people such as colleagues, senior-junior relationship and friendship and will only show certain qualities exclusively to each group or connections. Building a deep connection with my Japanese lab mates might be the best decision I have ever made.
Investigating variables on sea level
change of the past around Kyushu, Japan
From United States of America
The University of Tokyo
Evan Tam
Q1. Could you tell us about your research?
My research focuses on examining the extent of changing sea levels around Kyushu, Japan in the recent past. With the advent of climate change and rising sea levels, understanding how sea levels will change will be paramount in responses, especially since many key cities globally are located around oceans or rivers. Sea level models allow us to calculate what sea levels may look like in the future, but we can only check the accuracy of these models by looking into the past. By comparing past sea levels as described by sea level indicators in the real world to the results of sea level models, we can assess the accuracy of these modeling results and further refine computational processes where there are discrepancies.
My research utilizes Glacio-Isostatic Adjustment Modeling, which allows us to estimate past sea levels by factoring in the impact of the earth’s ice and water history, along with the response of the earth’s crust to changes in this ice and water history over time. I am analyzing sediment cores from Kyushu, Japan through techniques such as Carbon-Nitrogen-Sulfur analysis, radiocarbon dating of sediment cores, and diatom identification analyses. These will allow us to analyze when sea levels were present at specific locations, compare sea level change histories from both modeling based and field based approaches, and identify where additional processes such as tectonic uplift may have also affected sea level.
Q2. Why did you choose Japan and your current university in Japan as your study destination?
I have always been interested in both geology and Japanese language, so studying in Japan was a natural step for me. Specifically, Japan is an excellent location for studying geology, since active geology (things such as earthquake activity and fault movement) greatly impacts even aspects of daily life in Japan. This makes researching geology in Japan quite exciting, since breakthroughs in the field are always cutting edge. The active geological setting in Japan also makes it so we can use many different techniques such as radiocarbon dating to analyze things such as fault movement and tectonics. In the East Coast of the United States where I grew up, it would be very difficult to use techniques such as radiocarbon dating in the same way.
I decided on studying at the University of Tokyo based on the laboratory I was accepted into. Yusuke Yokoyama Laboratory is an amazing laboratory, and hosts many students and researchers studying very different topics. The laboratory main uses radionuclide dating techniques, which can be to investigate so many subjects: sea level change, ocean current flows, marine organisms, volcano eruption ages, and much more. There is always an interesting project being researched in our lab; life never gets dull just learning about all the research that happens here!
Q3. Could you please tell us the difference between your research in your home country and research in Japan?
Conducting research in the western sphere is certainly different than research here in Japan, though the differences are largely due to cultural differences. The largest difference I have experienced is that in the United States, things are explained quite directly, whereas in Japan, rules and expectations are more often implied. However, despite any difficulties you may encounter, I have found that the institution you are attached with always does it’s best to make sure you are taken care of. My research in Japan has come with high expectations, but my laboratory has reassuringly supported me through any obstacles that have come my way.
My research and studies have allowed me to teach and learn with Japanese students and international students from many different backgrounds. I have found that Japanese students are very eager to help you in almost any sort of setting, be that for your research or for just personal curiosities. I have been running a language exchange seminar in our laboratory, and many of them are just as eager to share about Japanese language and culture as they are to learn more about English and western culture. The students I have encountered have are supportive and enthusiastic, and have worked to meet me at my level in regards to my various academic pursuits.
Employ design thinking to drive cross-cultural research.
From China
Chiba University
Wang Jiayue
Q1. Could you tell us about your research?
My doctoral course research focused on the safety artifacts’ impact on physical safety and people’s psychological security against the threats of criminals. Since crime has become a severe global issue threatens residence life and people’s mental health. This study originated with a usability test of an emergency bracelet designed to cure the victims’ fear of robbery in Mexico. The results revealed that different interaction modes significantly affect effectiveness evaluation instead of the perception of security.
It inspired me to explore how people feel secure when using a product, especially in an emergency.
Through a cross-national survey in China and Mexico,a model was established to estimate the correlation factors that impact both aspects of perceptions.
The results indicated that social contexts moderated the security perception as the most critical factor. Chinese seemed to be more sensitive to the different risk levels, while Mexican tended to have a relatively low sense of security no matter how dangerous the situation was.
Another interesting finding is that other cognitive factors such as the trust in helpers and users’ knowledge showed a relatively considerable influence, especially the effect varied according to different situations in Chinese background.
Finally, this research suggested design implications for different types of safety artifacts, for instance, how to utilize and share the safety messages from the authorities in an information community system. It also attempted to discuss the artifacts’ role in the trade-off between safety and security.
Q2. Why did you choose Japan and your current university in Japan as your study destination?
When I was in the university and graduated school, I studied industrial design, and as everyone knows, that Japanese design style is unique and is filled with praise. I appreciated the concepts and enjoyed the design works from Japanese designers and firms. The products which are delicately designed manufactured with classical style and fashion are popularly accepted in the country and abroad. I wished to study in Japan to expand my knowledge and skills. Fortunately, I had a chance to join a workshop that my previous university and Chiba University conjointly held. During the workshop, I got to know my professor in the design course of Chiba University. He inspired and encouraged me to be a confident designer,that if you want to be a good designer, you should have the quality of an excellent designer to manage all your tasks. I also traveled to some cities in Japan,such as Sendai,Osaka, and Kyoto,I experienced a different but harmonized lifestyle, which combined the traditional artists’ and craftsman spirit with the modern and fantastic tastes. After I acquired the master’s degree in China, I decided to apply for Chiba University and my professor’s laboratory for deeper and systematical learning about design thinking and methodology.
Q3. Could you please tell us the difference between your research in your home country and research in Japan?
Take the design course as an example; in my previous university, the practical skill is more critical, which means the research focused on adjusting and utilizing the methodology in actual production. Most of the study is based on real projects, from identifying the problems in practice and exploring ways to solve them, as a result to summarize the method and attempted that on the other field. While in my nearly five years’ research experience at Chiba University,the educational model is helpful for the students to be independent researchers. For instance, every PhD student could decide our research topic in my lab. The most critical standard is that we should be interested in the issue because the attractions of a question that we want to know are the internal driver power. Besides, solid enthusiasm for the query can push the procedure forward,from how to decide the priority of issues,how to search for appropriate methods,how to collect and analyze data,as well as how to discover the valuable information findings from vast results.
Nevertheless, to be an independent researcher does not mean we concentrate on our work. We don’t have a fixed seat here, and students of all grades work and study in the same space. It is helpful for us to share the results. I acquired more knowledge from my senior and junior students, what’s more, and it is essential for design students always to exchange ideas to create new concepts.
Advanced technology in agriculture research for better food security
From Malaysia
Meiji University
Nurtasbiyah Yusof
Q1. Could you tell us about your research?
My research about the comparative genomics of two different rice genome varieties, which are cultivated in flooding and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation management systems. The concern is food demands as the global population is expected to exceed 10 billion people by 2050 at its present rate of expansion, thus, it is anticipated that worldwide rice output would need to grow by 8–10 million Mg each year in the future decades. However, paddy fields have been recognized as a substantial source of anthropogenic CH4 and N2O emissions that accounts for 1.5 percent globally with flooded rice systems contributing significantly to global CH4 emissions. Thus, System of Rice Intensification (SRI) which involves the adoption of certain changes in management practices of plants, soil, water and nutrients particularly by eliciting greater root growth is introduced to replace conventional practices. This system can reduce water requirements by alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation approach, increase land productivity, meanwhile buffering against the effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gases (GHG). The goal of this study is to understand agronomic traits of these two different varieties respected in differences in irrigation system practice and to distinguish their genetic information, particularly gene responsible for yield and drought tolerance by combining next generation sequencing method and bioinformatic. Interpreting the genome information by using bioinformatic technique is a key to understand the important agronomic traits related to genetics and exploiting its information to improve rice quality for breeding new rice cultivars in the future.
Q2. Why did you choose Japan and your current university in Japan as your study destination?
I had been exposed to Japanese culture during my high school, where I needed to take the Japanese language for one year. Since that, I have been interested in Japanese cultures such as songs, anime and food and I would like to further my study in Japan. Moreover, I had graduated with a Master of Philosophy from Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), a Japanese-oriented faculty in University Technology Malaysia (UTM) and supervised by a Japanese lecturer. After completing my master's study, I worked there as a research assistant for three and half years. Consequently, I was exposed and accustomed to Japanese working and studying culture for almost eight years before I came to Japan. Thus, it reinforced my interest to further my study in Japan due to their exciting culture and advanced technology.
I chose Meiji University because it is a notable university for agriculture studies. I joined the Land Resources Science Laboratory under Prof. Kosuke Noborio where one of their main research projects is impacts of agriculture on the soil, air, and water environment to contribute to the realization of sustainable and environmentally sound food production, same as my research interest. This laboratory engaged in various research activities with the aim to gain knowledge to produce food with low environmental impact while preserving a better global environment for future generations.
Q3. Could you please tell us the difference between your research in your home country and research in Japan?
To my knowledge, Japan is one of the developed countries that emphasize research and development (R&D) by supporting researchers in Japan or in cooperation with partner countries. For example, Independent Administrative Institutions include the key funding bodies like the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) attached to MEXT. There are a lot of research funding programs in Japan that support young and early-career researchers which could develop me as successful researchers, which is a vital point for conducting research in Japan. In terms of technology, Japan is well known as the country with high technology equipment and hence, it could contribute to gain new knowledge and share my understanding especially in R&D with my home country in the future.
This is my second time conducting research in Japan and the first time during my research attachment for six months at Tsukuba University. I had a good experience both times because my laboratory mate was very helpful and assisted me in solving my research problem and familiar with the new environment since I had difficulties communicating in Japanese. In terms of facilities, Meiji University certainly did not disappoint as it offers the best-equipped and maintained facilities. Plenty of opportunities for research activities, such as research incentives (domestic and overseas), travel grants, and English proficiency support, etc., are also offered by Meiji University to accommodate research project necessity and progression to their best ability.
How I discovered my potential.
From India
Soka University
Geetanjali
Q1. Could you tell us about your research?
My research focussed on the important yet unacknowledged role women play in dispelling the turmoil of war-torn societies. Women are half the people of the world, it is enough reason that they are considered equal partners in building a culture of peace. Based on this premise, my research addressed the inclusion of women in two key areas of peacemaking and peacebuilding. I collected and analyzed data on seventy significant peace negotiations in the last thirty years (from 1991 to 2020) covering thirty-two countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America. Over the years, especially since 2000, there have been accelerated efforts to usher in more women to the negotiating tables. However, the progress remains dismal. My paper also examined how far the ten resolutions of the UN Security Council called the Women Peace and Security Agenda have influenced gender rights and strengthened the role of women. Finally, the paper brought out several missing links in the popular policy discourse on gender and suggested a relatively less explored approach of ‘intersectionality’ to broaden the peace and security framework and ensure that women participate in peacebuilding fully, equally and meaningfully.
Q2. Why did you choose Japan and your current university in Japan as your study destination?
I first visited Japan as part of an exchange program in 2017. Even though I did not know the language, the culture, orderliness and vibrancy of life had me, and Japan felt like home. When I got to know that Soka University has started a Masters in Peace Studies, I immediately decided to apply. The program revolves around the idea of ‘Global Citizenship’ and building a culture of peace. A variety of courses on contemporary issues of international relations and peacebuilding are taught by internationally renowned faculty. Also, students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities are invited to study here. Such cultural and academic exchange are absolutely essential for a researcher. Engaging discussions with my cohorts helped me open my mind and gain new perspectives.
Japan is an upcoming destination for students and researchers. There are several scholarships available for international students. What is also heartening is that the Japanese government offered financial help to students several times during the pandemic. I received sumptuous support at crucial junctures which helped me focus on my studies.
Besides, my university offers generous scholarships and part-time work opportunities to international students. Also, being in a foreign country without knowing the language can be a daunting experience for many. But the various support channels at Soka made life easier for me at every stage. I arrived in Japan during the peak of COVID-19. The University provided crucial support which helped me settle in a new and uncertain environment rather quickly. My family felt reassured too. Such compassionate fostering by the staff and faculty created a truly meaningful and enriching student life for me.
Q3. Could you please tell us the difference between your research in your home country and research in Japan?
At Soka, I found not only a good academic environment but a sense of purpose too. One of the University’s guiding principles, “For what purpose should one cultivate wisdom? May you always ask yourself this question!” inspired me to contribute to the happiness of people through my research.
The University fosters creativity and critical thinking. Its well-designed research program is at par with top global universities. Students have complete freedom to choose their research topics and opt for suitable courses. I worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant which allowed me to interact with Professors and understand the rigors of academia more deeply. More importantly, the University is on a constant growth trajectory. Students are encouraged to voice their concerns and suggestions to improve the programs. Such flexibility, freedom and student-centeredness were lacking during my study in India.
I also feel that Japan is undertaking pathbreaking research because the quintessential qualities such as a sense of time, passion and dedication to one’s work and honesty are embedded in its culture. I observed this during my interactions with Japanese students. Their courage to take up a difficult course as Peace Studies in English, a foreign language, amazed and inspired me. I also cherish the countless ‘ganbatte’ from them encouraging me to believe in myself during my research journey. I feel that Soka University is fostering a culture of coexistence and global citizenship in many unassuming and inspiring ways and Japan is offering a unique and rich blend of academic life to international students.