How did Sakura Science Plan play a role in your study / research in Japan?

After taking part in Sakura program, I decided to study master's course in Japan for several reasons. Firstly, Japan is one of the most developing country in the world, the science and technology have achieved many successes. I am surprise about IC card, which can use for train, bus, or pay at convenient stores, vending machine... it is convenient and can use almost whole Japan. Secondly, I feel that Japanese professors are hospitable and take care students carefully, they guided me to do experiments step by step, then explained me why and how I should do that. Because for studying master's or doctoral course, I need to work and discuss with professor frequently, the way they guide me help me deeper understanding and becoming more skillful. Last but not least, although Japan is a modern country, traditional values are preserved nowadays. By chance joining Sakura program, I visited Himeji castle, which is one the most ancient castle in Japan. All everything was made by wood and the unique design blew my mind about skills of historical Japanese. I am curious to discover more and more about Japanese culture.

Please describe your comments freely related to your life in Japan.

The biggest trouble I am facing in Japan now is language barrier. In university, almost machines, equipment, and its manual are written in Japanese, it took me a few months to remember how to use that. In addition, Japanese students are not good at English, and they are very shy to practice speaking English with foreigners. Therefore, I need to learn Japanese to communicate with them. Moreover, because I live in Japan, so Japanese is very important for my life. Every day I meet many Japanese people and face situations which need Japanese, for instance, paying health insurance fee at convenient store, going shopping, or sending packages... Even my school has Japanese class once a week but I feel it is not enough for me to improve Japanese.

Please describe your message to people who are going to participate in this program.

With Sakura program, you have a huge chance not only to discover culture of Japan, original country of "sakura-cherry blossom" but also to open your mind about Japanese science and technology, learn how to Japanese people work to obtain goals. I think you will love Japan more and more after you participate Sakura program, if so, let's join and find out what you experience. Sakura program is one of the reason I want to come back Japan to study. If you like Japan and want to know more about Japan, don't hesitate to apply for Sakura program. I hope I can see you soon in Japan at Sakura program and after that.