Host institution/organization in Japan:
Prof. Toyotaro Suzumura,
Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo
Feb 2024-Apr 2024

During my three-month stay in Japan, I had the privilege of working with Professor Toyotaro Suzumura at the University of Tokyo for a research internship. My work with Professor Suzumura centered on the Long Tail problem, a common issue in recommendation systems where a large number of items have low popularity. Our research aimed to identify the root causes of this problem and propose innovative solutions.Throughout the internship, we delved deep into data analysis, collaborated on experiments, and refined our approach to enhance recommendation accuracy. The culmination of our efforts was a paper submitted to the Recsys conference. One of the most remarkable aspects of my experience was the collaborative spirit within the laboratory. My fellow researchers were engaged in a diverse array of projects, each tackling complex problems with creativity and rigor. The lab felt friendly and everyone was open to sharing their knowledge and skills. This welcoming attitude really helped me learn and grow during my internship.

The people I encountered were very helpful and friendly, both within the university and in everyday interactions. While the research internship was the primary focus of my stay, I also made a point to explore Japan's rich culture and natural beauty. I was fortunate to be in Tokyo during the sakura season, which added a magical touch to my experience. The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom was breathtaking. I also had the chance to explore some of the places near Tokyo, gaining a deeper appreciation for Japan's history and traditions.