Host institution/organization in Japan:
The University of Tokyo
Integrated Research System for Sustainability Scienc/ Graduate School of Education,
Adjunct Associate Prof. Yuto Kitamura
Maｙ-July 2019

First time abroad, not knowing what to expect I landed at Narita Airport on the 11th of May. I got a little lost while finding my home. A kind gentleman walked with me for 1 kilometer to show me my place. At that point of time itself, I realized how helpful the people in Japan were and could guess that my experience in Japan was bound to be good. The university more than met my expectations. I had formed about it. Walking in the university lanes for the first time was a remarkable experience. The first thing I felt was that I should utilize the learning opportunity in every way possible. As the days passed, the campus engulfed my senses. This beautiful and serene campus located in the middle of the bustling city is a sight to behold and a pleasure to work in. Sometimes, in the night I use to walk to Ueno Shrine and sit there. The calm, the peace I experienced there is something I will never forget. I observed that honesty, discipline, perseverance and professionalism are in the DNA of Japanese people. Living all by myself in a foreign country as well as the cultural and social experience in Tokyo helped me to grow as a person. All in all, it was an extremely rewarding experience and I do hope in the future I developed some lifelong bonds with the place and its people. I would really love to go back to Japan! Sayonara, for now! Doumou Arigato Gozaimasu, Honda Foundation