2025 Activity Report vol.31:Hokkaido University

The Sakura Science Program (SSP) was held at Hokkaido University from March 2 to March 8, 2026. A group of eight participants, including faculty members and students from three Indian institutions—Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), and Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Science and Technology University (JSSTU) — took part in the program. The participants came from diverse academic backgrounds, including Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Computer Science. The visit was designed to provide exposure to cutting-edge research laboratories, foster academic interactions with leading scientists, and promote opportunities for collaborative research, student exchange programs, and institutional partnerships. The program included laboratory visits, research discussions with faculty members, participation in academic events, and cultural activities that offered valuable insights into Japan's scientific ecosystem and educational framework.

[March 02, 2026]

Participants from VTU, and IIT Roorkee and JSSSTU arrived at Tokyo on the forenoon and traveled along with Dr. Divyavani Gowda, Assistant Professor of Hokkaido University to Sapporo. After arrival, participants checked in to the hotel in Sapporo city.

[March 03, 2026]

Participants visited Mount Tengu and experienced Hokkaido's winter landscape, gaining a better understanding of the region's geography and climatic conditions. The group also visited the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, where they learned about the traditional whisky production process, including fermentation, distillation, and maturation. The visit offered valuable insights into Japan's precision in food and beverage technology and industrial processing.

[March 04, 2026]

Participants visited the laboratory of Dr. CHIKENJI Takako at Hokkaido University. The lab focuses on research related to cellular senescence, inflammation, and tissue regeneration. The visit provided participants with insights into modern biomedical research approaches and experimental methods used in regenerative medicine.

In the afternoon, an award ceremony was held to recognize participants of the SSP. Prof. IHIZU, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, addressed the participants and presented certificates. Prof. S. Vidyashankar S, Vice Chancellor of VTU, highlighted VTU's initiatives in enhancing student skills through industry internship programs. Dr. Maheshan, Assistant Registrar of JSSSTU, and Dr. Kiran from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Roorkee, also addressed the gathering. Later, Dr. MIYOKAWA Norifumi, Deputy Director, Office for International Collaboration, Hokkaido University, gave a brief presentation on strengthening student exchange programs and expanding collaborative opportunities to enhance global mobility.

Later, the team visited Dr. Gowda's laboratory to learn about analytical techniques. Participants were introduced to lipidomics research and advanced analytical methods such as LC–MS, used to study lipid molecules in biological systems and functional foods.

[March 05, 2026]

Participants visited the Hokkaido University Museum, where exhibits highlighted the university's history and its significant contributions to science, agriculture, and environmental research. The visit offered valuable insights into the evolution of scientific research, academic culture, and innovation in Japan.

In the afternoon, participants visited the laboratory of Prof. HINOU Hiroshi, where they were introduced to ongoing research in glycoscience and glycoconjugates. The group learned about the synthesis and structural analysis of glycans and their crucial roles in biological systems. Later, the participants visited the Nikon-supported imaging facility, where cutting-edge microscopy and imaging technologies used in life science research were demonstrated. This visit allowed participants to observe advanced techniques for visualizing cellular and molecular structures, deepening their appreciation of Japan's high standards in scientific instrumentation and research infrastructure.

[March 06 and 07, 2026]

Participants visited the Animal Genetics and Reproduction Laboratory led by Prof. TAKAHASHI Masashi, where researchers demonstrated advanced techniques related to embryo culture, cryopreservation, and reproductive physiology. The session highlighted the significance of these methods in enhancing livestock productivity and promoting sustainable animal production systems.

The group also visited the Applied Molecular Biology Laboratory of Prof. SONE Teruo, gaining insights into ongoing research in animal genetics, reproductive biotechnology, microbial science, and fermentation processes. At Prof. SONE's laboratory, which focuses on applied molecular microbiology and fermentation science, participants observed experiments related to fermentation and analyzed various wine samples to understand quality assessment and sensory evaluation methods.

In addition, during their subsequent campus visit, participants learned about cutting-edge environmental and agricultural technologies being developed to support sustainable food production, resource management, and regional innovation. These interactions provided a comprehensive understanding of how scientific advancements in agriculture and biotechnology are integrated to address global food and sustainability challenges.

[March 08, 2026]

Participants departed after successfully completing the SSP. The program offered valuable exposure to advanced research environments, interdisciplinary approaches, and opportunities for international collaboration, strengthening academic ties among the participating institutions.