2025 Activity Report vol.5:Tokyo University of Science

From August 21 to 27, 2025, the Faculty of Advanced Engineering at Tokyo University of Science hosted a delegation from SRM Institute of Science and Technology in India, consisting of seven students and one faculty member. Under the theme "Sustainable Urban Disaster Prevention Considering Multi-Hazard Risks," the program aimed to nurture future disaster management experts capable of addressing the growing global challenges of natural disasters. Through lectures, facility visits, and workshops, participants deepened their understanding of disaster prevention from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

[Day1（21 Aug）]

The group arrived early in the morning at Narita International Airport and traveled by train to the Noda Campus. After checking into the on-campus accommodation, an orientation session was held. During a casual welcome lunch, participants introduced themselves and shared their hobbies, quickly easing into friendly and lively conversation that marked the start of the exchange.

[Day2（22 Aug）]

In the morning, participants visited the Sustainable Urban City Center, where Professor DOUWAKI delivered a lecture on energy systems and life cycle assessment (LCA). Associate Professor YAGINUMA then provided an overview of urban disaster prevention and introduced his research on AI-based disaster monitoring systems.

In the afternoon, the group toured the Institute of Fire Science, where Professor KUWANA explained the mechanisms and countermeasures of fire disasters. Participants were particularly impressed by the large-scale combustion experiment facilities, which are among the few of their kind in Japan.

[Day3（23 Aug）]

The day began with a visit to the Multi-Hazard Urban Disaster Prevention Center, where Professor NIHEI conducted a lecture and a flood simulation activity. Students experienced firsthand how difficult it is to walk in water just 30 cm deep, realizing the dangers of even shallow flooding.

In the afternoon, Associate Professor MIYAZU delivered a lecture on earthquakes, followed by a tour of seismic isolation structures and a vibration table experiment replicating the ground motions of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. For most participants, this was their first experience of a strong quake, leaving a lasting impression.

That evening, a Japanese food party was held in the laboratory, where students enjoyed noodles and sushi rolls, and even tried traditional foods like natto (fermented soybeans) and umeboshi (pickled plums). The event strengthened cultural understanding and friendships.

【Day4（24 Aug）】

Participants visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) to explore exhibits showcasing Japan's cutting-edge science and technology. They then toured the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, a world-class flood control facility managed by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The immense scale of the facility impressed everyone and sparked discussions on the importance of such infrastructure in flood-prone regions like India.

【Day5（25 Aug）】

The group visited the Kanto Regional Development Bureau of MLIT, where they attended a lecture on administrative disaster prevention strategies and toured facilities not usually open to the public, such as disaster response centers and communication systems.

In the afternoon, they observed major urban redevelopment and transport projects, including Busta Shinjuku, the Shibuya redevelopment area, and Takanawa Gateway Station, gaining insights into the resilience and functionality of urban transport infrastructure during emergencies.

[Day6（26 Aug）]

The final day began with a visit to the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED), where participants attended lectures on disaster monitoring and observed large-scale vibration and rainfall experiment facilities. They had the rare opportunity to witness an actual rainfall experiment in progress.

In the afternoon, the group returned to the Noda Campus to hold a final presentation session, where students summarized their learnings and shared reflections. Their presentations clearly demonstrated their enhanced awareness and understanding of disaster preparedness.

A farewell party followed in the evening, where participants, faculty members, and supporters exchanged words of gratitude and discussed future collaboration.

This program provided an invaluable opportunity for mutual learning between Japan and India—two countries that face common challenges in disaster management. It not only deepened participants' understanding of disaster resilience but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration, including student exchange and joint research. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals and organizations who supported and contributed to the success of this exchange program.