2025 Activity Report vol.29:Yamaguchi University

Day 1: Sunday, February 1, 2026

All eight invitees from Bangladesh arrived at Fukuoka Airport in the afternoon and traveled to Ube to visit Yamaguchi University School of Medicine. An orientation was conducted covering the program schedule, planned activities, and safety guidelines. Name badges and School of Medicine library cards were also provided to the invitees.

Day 2: Monday, February 2, 2026

In the morning, the invitees joined a guided campus tour of Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, including the Medical School Library, the Doctor-Heli station, and the rooftop helipad.

In the afternoon, at the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (the host department of the Sakura Science Program), a formal welcome session was held. Professor TANABE Tsuyoshi, Dean of the School of Medicine and Head of the Department, delivered a welcome address. This was followed by practical demonstrations and hands-on training in selected physiological assessments conducted by Dr. Hossain Mahbub from the same department. The invitees measured exercise-induced changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and performed frequency-domain, time-domain, and non-linear analyses using data collected from their own measurements. They were also introduced to vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) measurement techniques and their clinical relevance in the early detection of neurological and metabolic disorders. Under faculty supervision, they performed lower extremity VPT measurements (hallux and heel) and interpreted the results.

Day 3: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

The invitees visited the Division of Neuroanatomy. The program started with a warm welcome from Professor Dr. KONISHI. The students then participated in hands-on demonstrations led by Dr. Md. Nabiul Islam, covering advanced gene (DNA/RNA) and protein detection methods, as well as microscopy techniques such as light microscopy, immunofluorescence, the All-in-One KEYENCE microscope, and laser scanning microscopy. The students were introduced to essential experimental procedures, including fixation of mouse brain samples and cryostat sectioning.

In the afternoon, the invitees attended a regular lecture on Introduction to Epidemiology, delivered by Dr. Hossain Mahbub to second-year undergraduate students. Key concepts and essential terminology were also explained in English to facilitate their understanding.

Day 4: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

On the morning of February 4, the program continued at the Division of Neuroanatomy with a special lecture by Professor Dr. KONISHI. In this lecture, students expanded their understanding of how the brain maintains homeostasis by efficiently clearing cellular debris under both healthy and diseased conditions.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Through guided observation, they reflected on the ethical responsibility of science and the importance of its peaceful application. The students expressed their commitment to global peace by leaving written messages in the museum's visitor record.

Day 5: Thursday, February 5, 2026

On February 5, the students visited the Department of Neurosurgery, where Professor Dr. IHIHARA Hideyuki warmly welcomed them. Afterward, students participated in an interactive, hands-on demonstration led by Dr. Mir Rubayet Jahan and Dr. ONISHI Eriko. Through these activities, students gained firsthand experience in creating stroke model mice. Additionally, students learned about the behavioral test battery used in mouse stroke models, including the rotarod, grip strength, wire hang, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests. The students showed great enthusiasm, especially since many handled laboratory mice for the first time. In the afternoon, Professor Dr. NOMURA Sadahiro gave a lecture on neurosurgical techniques and clinical insights.

Day 6: Friday, February 6, 2026

In the morning, a networking and Q&A session was held with faculty members. The invitees actively asked questions about graduate study pathways, research environments, and future collaboration opportunities in Japan. A short certificate presentation ceremony was also conducted, and each participant received the official Sakura Science Program Completion Certificate from Professor TANABE Tsuyoshi, Dean of the School of Medicine.

In the afternoon, the invitees delivered PowerPoint presentations summarizing their experiences during the program. This was followed by an exchange of opinions with undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. The program concluded with a brief farewell ceremony.

Day 7: Saturday, February 7, 2026

In the morning, the invitees left Ube for Fukuoka Airport. All participants completed the program safely and departed Japan as scheduled.