Host institution/organization in Japan:
The University of Tokyo
Institute of Science, Center for Socio-Global Informatics
Prof. Yoichi Sato
May-July 2018

Extraordinary - The one word which can describe the 3 months that I have spent in Japan. Japan has so much to offer - that discovering even some parts of it will be a lifetime experience in itself. This internship gave me a unique opportunity to experience how research is carried out at a leading institution like University of Tokyo while being able to discover the rich and diverse culture of Japan. First coming to my research experience, I really liked working as a part of Sato Lab as the topic was very close to my area of interest. My professor and all my lab members are very passionate about their research and are very sincere and diligent. My professor is very renowned in the field of Computer vision and has produced many seminal works in his field. Having the opportunity to learn from him was definitely a great experience. 
On the Open Campus Day, I also got a chance to know about the research work of other labs and interact with their lab members, which was a great experience. The cultural experience was also very enriching. I got to visit explore many new places, experience many new things and make a lot of friends. As I said, Japan has a lot to offer and it is very difficult to experience it all in such a short period of time. I was able to visit many places in and around Tokyo, but my personal favourite were Odaiba and Yokohama. I was specially mesmerized by the cruise during the night. The food on offer is also great, specially if you’re non-vegetarian. I was really amazed by the variety of dishes I can find and I was always amazed by the taste as well as the attention to detail in each dish. My personal favorite was all the different kinds of Sushi. It was quite different than what I am used to eat and I liked it a lot. The Japanese culture and its people are definitely it’s best part. Even though Japan is technologically so advanced, it is still nourishing its vast heritage and culture. This is something you don’t see anywhere else on globe. Japanese people are very helpful. Starting from my lab members to people I used to meet while visiting places, everyone is always eager to help you in every way possible. Everyone is very honest and hardworking. Hence, over the course of time I developed a lot of respect for the Japanese people and their rich culture.
I developed some lifelong bonds with the place and its people. I would really love to visit Japan again. Thank you so much, Honda Foundation for making it possible!