Host institution/organization in Japan:
Prof. Takashi OGUCHI
Department of Human and Social Systems
& Deputy Director of Institute of Industrial Science [IIS],the University of Tokyo
Nov 2024-Jan 2025

My three-month research internship at the University of Tokyo, was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was deeply impressed by the neat and clean environment of Tokyo despite being the most densely populated and highly urbanized city in the world! Although it was my first ever international travel experience, where I felt a little nervous in the first place, but the kind and cooperative gesture of Japanese people made it really easy for me to adapt real quick. Firstly, I was impressed by the professional and highly cooperative work environment in Japan. The structured yet friendly atmosphere in my lab made it easy to collaborate with researchers and learn from their innovative approaches. My lab mates and other researchers were incredibly supportive, making me feel at home despite being in a new country. During my internship, I delved into solving the problem of mixed traffic, particularly focusing on managing two-wheeler vehicles in a safe and efficient way in the context of Asian countries, where the proportion of mixed traffic is very high. Oguchi Sensei’s research guidance has largely helped me shape my research directions and future collaboration with him. Apart from my research, I actively participated in weekly lab meetings, presented my research outcomes, and completed a full course on Advanced Transportation Engineering under Oguchi Sensei further strengthened my expertise. One of the most exciting aspects of my stay was experiencing Japan’s cutting-edge transportation technology. I rode an automated driving bus at UTokyo’s Kashiwa campus, traveled on a driverless metro line, and experienced automated car driving while traveling along the Shin-Tomei Expressway. I also took Shinkansen (Bullet train) and Limited Express trains to learn firsthand about high-speed rail technology and visited the Japan Railway Museum to explore the history of Japan’s remarkable rail network development. Beyond academics, I thoroughly enjoyed Japan’s culture and lifestyle. Cooking my own meals with fresh ingredients from convenience stores and supermarkets became part of my daily routine. I explored cultural landmarks such as Meiji Shrine, experienced a traditional hot spring onsen, and tried halal sushi and ramen at various restaurants. I also took weekend trips to Mount Fuji, Nikko, and Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort with my French labmate using the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, making unforgettable memories. Finally, I would love to express my humble gratitude to the Honda Foundation for generously supporting me by guiding and providing this life-changing opportunity. A short essay like this is not enough to capture all the experiences of my time in Japan—it feels like summarizing an entire diary in just a few words. However, I see this opportunity as a stepping stone for my next career move, and I will definitely look forward to returning to Japan for my higher studies.