SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program Group 2
Closing Ceremony and Farewell Party
On the afternoon of July 3, the closing ceremony for the second group of the Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) was held at the Tokyo Headquarters of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
During the closing ceremony, student representatives from India, Indonesia, and Taiwan delivered speeches reflecting on their experiences and memories from the program. They shared highlights from the institutions and organizations they had visited, spoke about the knowledge and inspiration they had gained, and expressed their sincere gratitude to all those who had supported them throughout their stay in Japan.
Above all, their remarks underscored the value of the friendships they had built across national and regional boundaries. The students spoke warmly of the connections they had formed through shared experiences, academic exchanges, and cultural interactions, emphasizing that these friendships would remain among the most meaningful outcomes of the program.
■High School Student Representing India
I can confidently say that this program has exceeded every expectation. We are leaving not only with new knowledge, but also with unforgettable memories, meaningful friendships, and a broader perspective of the world. One of the most memorable experiences was meeting the students at Meikei High School. Despite coming from different countries and cultures, we quickly realized that our passion for learning and innovation is something we all share. Science truly has the power to connect people beyond borders.
■High School Student Representing Indonesia
Throughout this program, we have gained invaluable scientific insights and cutting-edge knowledge that will undoubtedly shape our academic futures. Beyond the realm of science, we have been deeply enriched by the privilege of experiencing Japan's rich, unique cultural heritage. May the Sakura Science High School Program remain a beacon for global youth exchange, fostering a collaborative community that contributes to international friendship and a peaceful world.
■High School Student Representing Taiwan
Through this program, we have seen top-level science and technology, and we have gained more insight into Japanese education and culture. And personally, because I am interested in physics and atmospheric science, the National Museum of Nature and Science and JAXA were especially meaningful to me. By visiting the astronaut training room and the control center in JAXA, we had the chance to get close to human beings' long-held dream of pursuing the mysteries of the universe.
The ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests from embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). In their remarks, they offered warm words of encouragement to the students, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the friendships formed through the program and sharing their experiences in Japan with others back home. Messages such as “Please continue to value the friendships you have built here” and “We hope you will share your experiences in Japan with the people around you” inspired the participants as they look toward the future.
Following the speeches, Mr. ITO Sotaro, Deputy Director-General of the Sakura Science Program Headquarters, presented completion certificates to the student representatives from each country and region, bringing the week-long learning experience to a successful conclusion.
At the farewell reception following the closing ceremony, high school students from the participating countries and regions performed dances, filling the venue with smiles and applause.
In addition, a large paper-cut artwork of a tree was displayed at the venue's entrance. All participants wrote messages on cherry blossom-shaped sticky notes and attached them to the tree. The beautiful cherry tree that emerged from the collection of everyone's thoughts seemed to symbolize the bonds that had been nurtured throughout the week.
