SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program Group 2
Interacting with Japanese High School Students at Meikei High School
As the second group of the Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP), 78 high school students and 8 supervisors from India, Indonesia, and Taiwan—a total of 86 participants—visited Meikei High School in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on July 1.
When the buses carrying the SSHP participants arrived, students from Meikei High School welcomed them with warm smiles. “Hello!” “Nice to meet you!” — conversations quickly began, and despite meeting for the first time, the students interacted with one another with remarkable ease. The exchange program got off to a lively, friendly start, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the very beginning.
The students were first divided into eight mixed groups and took part in a variety of interactive activities.
In the Chemistry Activity, they were challenged to identify an unknown solution using forensic science techniques. Examining the results of various chemical reactions, the students exchanged ideas such as, “Could it be HCl?” and “No, it might be NaOH,” while working together to analyze the evidence and solve the mystery. Through lively discussion and teamwork, they collaboratively applied scientific reasoning to reach their conclusions.
In the Architecture Activity, students learned about differences in housing culture around the world. For example, they were introduced to the idea that in Japan, where people customarily remove their shoes before entering a home, front doors are often designed to be pulled open. In contrast, in countries where it is common to enter homes while wearing shoes, they are more often designed to be pushed open. Through such examples, the students explored how different lifestyles and cultural practices are reflected in residential design.
In the Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Activity, students worked in groups to investigate environmental issues that are shared across different countries and regions, and then presented their findings. One commonly expressed view was that emissions from vehicles and factories are among the major causes of environmental problems worldwide. By comparing the conditions and issues in their respective countries and regions, the students deepened their understanding of both global and local environmental issues.
Meanwhile, in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Activity, a component of the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students took on the roles of ancient philosophers and attempted to explain various phenomena from their own unique perspectives. Through this creative exercise, they explored different ways of thinking about knowledge and interpretation, while engaging in lively discussion and exchanging ideas across cultures.
A variety of other activities were also offered, including Calligraphy, Economics, Culture, and Psychology. Using academic subjects as a common platform for communication, the students exchanged ideas in English and engaged in meaningful discussions. Through these interactions, they gained deeper insights into each other's perspectives, values, and cultural backgrounds, fostering not only intellectual exchange but also mutual understanding and respect.
Following the activities, the students attended a lecture by Professor KURUMIZAKA Hitoshi of the Institute for Quantitative Biosciences at the University of Tokyo. The lecture, titled “Structural Biology for Understanding Epigenetics,” introduced the students to cutting-edge research in the life sciences. Drawing on his own research, Prof. KURUMIZAKA accessibly explained how genetic information encoded in DNA is read and utilized within cells, and how the three-dimensional folding and organization of DNA influence gene function, from the perspectives of epigenetics and structural biology.
As part of the lecture, the students were also shown a video of Prof. KURUMIZAKA performing his original song, “Nucleosome Song,” with a guitar in hand. The entertaining presentation brought smiles to the audience and helped make complex scientific concepts more approachable and memorable. The students listened with great interest, enjoying this unique combination of science and music.
During the Q&A session following the lecture, one student asked, “How can this research contribute to society?” Prof. KURUMIZAKA explained that understanding the mechanisms underlying disease can provide important clues for medical science and may ultimately lead to the development of new medicines in the future.
Another student asked, “What inspired you to become a researcher?” In response, Prof. KURUMIZAKA shared a personal story, explaining that he had originally moved to Tokyo with the dream of becoming a musician. However, after realizing how difficult it was to build a successful career in music, he decided to pursue a path in scientific research instead.
This unexpected connection to the video shown during the lecture added a special touch to the discussion, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the venue.
At the farewell ceremony, a high school student from India spoke on behalf of all SSHP participants, expressing sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and generous hospitality they had received. The student concluded the speech by saying, “We hope that the connections we have built through this program will serve as a bridge for future scientific collaborations and deeper cultural understanding.”
When it was time to depart, the students of Meikei High School continued waving goodbye until the buses disappeared from view. Throughout the day, the participants deepened their friendships through conversations and shared experiences centered on academic activities.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for the students to broaden their global perspectives while gaining exposure to different cultures and values.
