2025 Activity Report vol.9:Hokkaido University

The Sakura Science Exchange Program (SSP) 2025, organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and hosted by the Geospatial Research Lab at Hokkaido University, brought seven students and one staff member from Chennai Institute of Technology, India, for a week-long academic and cultural exchange. Held from October 19 to 25, 2025, the program aimed to enhance participants' understanding of geospatial science, drone technology, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and interdisciplinary research through lectures, laboratory visits, fieldwork, and cultural exposure.

October 19, 2025

The participants arrived late at night at New Chitose Airport from Chennai, India. They were well received at Sapporo station and then transported to their hotel in Sapporo City.

October 20, 2025

Formal activities commenced with an opening ceremony led by Professor YAMANAKA, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Sciences. This was followed by an orientation session by Dr. Ram Avtar, who introduced the students to Hokkaido University's environmental research initiatives and the structure of the program. Dr. Avtar then delivered a lecture on geospatial data science and drone applications, discussing how geospatial technologies support environmental monitoring and the Sustainable Development Goals. In the afternoon, Professor KURIHARA Junichi presented Japan's precision agriculture practices, illustrating how GIS, remote sensing, and drones improve farm efficiency, resource use, and sustainability. The day ended with a lecture by Dr. Mohiyuddin Kazi on photonics in remote sensing, explaining how light-based technologies are used to analyze environmental conditions and land-use change.

October 21, 2025

The participants visited Iwamizawa for drone operation training. Under Dr. Avtar's guidance, they learned to fly UAVs, collect field data, and use relevant software tools for drone-based analysis. They also interacted with local farmers and agricultural interns, gaining insight into how drone technology supports real-world farming in Japan.

October 22, 2025

This day featured visits to multiple research laboratories at Hokkaido University. The day began at Professor OKABE Satoshi's Environmental Engineering Laboratory, where students learned about wastewater treatment, microbial analysis, and sustainable waste management. They then toured Professor TAKAHASHI Kosuke's mechanical and functional materials laboratory, observing research on advanced materials designed for engineering applications, sustainability, and improved performance. In the afternoon, the participants met Mr. SHIGENAGA Yukihisa, CEO of Midori Engineering Laboratory, who introduced SESAME, an IoT-based environmental sensing system used for real-time monitoring in agriculture and water management. Later, they interacted with Professor MIYOKAWA Norifumi from the office for International Collaboration, who discussed international programs, scholarships, and research opportunities available to foreign students at Hokkaido University.

October 23, 2025

The participants visited the Sapporo Science Center, where interactive exhibits helped them understand astronomy, satellite imagery, Earth systems, and cold-region science relevant to Hokkaido. The afternoon included a visit to Professor TODOH Masahiro's Biomedical Design Laboratory, where they learned how engineering principles support medical technology, such as prosthetics and biomechanical analysis. This was followed by a visit to Professor TAKAHASHI Yukihiro's laboratory, which focuses on atmospheric and space science, including satellite observation and environmental monitoring from space. The final visit of the day was to the Nikon Imaging Center, where the group explored state-of-the-art microscopy facilities and learned how imaging technologies support scientific research across disciplines.

October 24, 2025

The Day began with a lecture by Dr. Konduru Rakesh Teja on using satellite data to predict extreme rainfall, introducing students to environmental modeling and climate prediction. Later, the participants visited the Smart Agriculture Education and Research Center, where Associate Professor Ospina gave a lecture on robotics, automation, and ICT in agriculture. They observed autonomous tractors, robotic systems, and sensor-based technologies developed to enhance precision farming and address labor shortages. In the afternoon, Dr. Kazi delivered a session on academic-to-industry pathways in Japan, discussing career opportunities and the importance of research collaboration. This was followed by a student presentation session, where participants shared their career goals and received personalized feedback.

A closing ceremony took place at the end of the day, presided over by Professor OKINO, who congratulated the participants and presented completion certificates.

October 25, 2025

The group visited the Hokkaido University Museum, where they explored exhibits on the university's scientific heritage, natural history, agriculture, and environmental research. The program concluded with a cultural excursion to Sapporo Art Park, where students experienced Japan's artistic and creative environment through outdoor sculptures and exhibitions.

October 26, 2025

The participants left for India via the New Chitose Airport.
　Overall, the Sakura Science Exchange Program 2025 enhanced participants' technical skills in geospatial technologies, drones, environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture, while strengthening cross-cultural understanding. The program fostered academic collaboration between Japan and India and inspired students to apply their learning toward addressing environmental and technological challenges in their home country.