Student Voices
The Excitement of a New Research Environment
An interest in experiencing new research environments is the defining characteristic of participants in the Science Tokyo – Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program.Though students from both sides of the program share similar research interests, students from Tsinghua University tend to share a common desire to come into contact with Japan’s advanced technologies, while students from Science Tokyo express desire to learn about China in order to pursue future careers involving exchange between the two countries. Since launching its outbound program in August 2005, Science Tokyo annually sends two to six students to live and conduct research activities at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Since the start of the inbound program in March 2006, Science Tokyo has been hosting 11 or 12 Tsinghua University students each year for research activities under the program.
Messages from Program Alumni
Nanotechnology
Yoshiaki Oda
the 8th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating By chance, I saw a pamphlet on campus about going to Tsinghua University. I was motivated to participate because the prospect of conducting research at China’s top university was very appealing.
②Advice to Prospective Participants The language, research and campus life support that was provided by the program was a big help. I would urge participants to be proactive about anything and everything. The experiences and friends you make will be important assets for both your future research and life. My advice is to use your limited time without regrets. If you can understand others’ situations and make use of language as a tool, your options for the future will be wide.
Chenyang Liu
the 8th Program Student, Tsinghua University
①Reason for Participating I wanted to expand my understanding of Japanese culture and Japanese people’s ways of thinking in order to understand differences regarding education and research in China and Japan.
②Advice to Prospective Participants
My stay in Japan, where I worked with wonderful professors and students and became acquainted with the behavior, know-how, culture, and thinking of Japanese people, has had a major effect on my life. I believe this is an exemplary program in terms of deepening communication in order to build good relations between China and Japan.
Yuanyuan Liu
the 8th Program Student, Tsinghua University
①Reason for Participating After learning of the program, I immediately decided to participate because it was a perfect chance to study in Tokyo Tech’s famed polymer science and polymer engineering program
②Advice to Prospective Participants My research activities at Tokyo Tech broadened my horizons and helped me advance my research skills. In addition, I developed a strong interest in Japan’s traditional culture and traveled around Japan during my stay, viewing beautiful scenery, meeting kind people, and experiencing a wonderful culture. I highly recommend that you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enjoy research and life in Japan.
Yoshitaka Saito
the 9th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating I decided to participate because this program allows students to pursue a degree in China.
②Advice to Prospective Participants From difficulties with the language to the pressure of having to generate research results in one year, I sometimes felt the program was hard. However, working in the lab with Chinese students from different backgrounds made my Chinese language skills improve naturally, and I learned how to express my opinions while becoming accepting of our differences. The experiences I had as a student in China, one of the world’s most influential countries, will always be one of my life’s greatest treasures.
Masahiro Shinkawa
the 14th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
This program requires us to conduct research with high barriers in terms of language, culture, etc. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure, but the time I studied hard and encourage each other with my friends in Beijing was very fulfilling. If you are at all interested, I encourage you to participate.
Yirui Lu
the 15th Program Student, Tsinghua University
It is very fulfilling to do research in Tokyo Tech, where I have learned a lot from doing experiments and discussing problems with the teachers and students of Matsumoto Lab. Their earnest attitude towards study is well worth learning.During the holidays, I visited many art museums in Japan. In the symbiosis of nature, architecture and art, I have been learning about the principle of Japanese aesthetics progressively. In addition, I did a short-term internship at the Estée Lauder R&D Center of Japan. The experience of working with Japanese help me gain a lot for my future career.
I am very grateful to Tsinghua-Tokyo Tech joint program for giving me a wonderful experience in Japan!
Yu HUANG
the 15th Program Student, Tsinghua University
I’m Yu Huang from Department of Materials Science and Engineering. I studied at Funakubo Lab, Suzukakedai Campus in 2019-2020. I spent my enjoyable study time here in Japan, where Prof. Funakubo and group members at lab helped me very much and they are really warmhearted. My research project has been processing successfully with the help of Prof. Funakubo and seniors at lab. Except for conducting my research, I was used to hang out with other students, which helps me experience more colorful Japanese culture and custom. Unfortunately，I didn’t have opportunities to go more sightseeing in Japan due to the influence of COVID-19.
In short, I spent a meaningful research time and life in Japan. If there is an opportunity, I would like to study or travel in Japan in near future.
Kei USUI
the 15th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
I recommend this program to you because you can learn about different cultures. Moreover, you can receive detailed and helpful help from professors and staff. Although I encountered difficulties in language and research during my stay in Tsinghua, my supervisor, research group members, and roommate gave me a lot of help.
Bioscience and Biotechnology
Ryosuke Fuji
the 8th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating I wanted to experience the striking development of science and technology in China and test my research abilities. Since Tsinghua University is China’s top research university, I thought it would be a valuable opportunity to do biotechnology research in friendly competition with local students. The pre-departure Chinese language courses and the support available from an assigned instructor at Tsinghua University also contributed to my decision to join the program.
②Advice to Prospective Participants I hope participants will actively take part in extracurricular activities, such as networking and travelling around China, etc., in addition to academic work. I hope you will bring back to Japan your valuable firsthand experiences with Chinese culture and ways of thinking and utilize what you have learned as you plan your future path.
Tianmin Wang
the 8th Program Student, Tsinghua University
①Reason for Participating I decided to participate because I thought I could broaden my horizons and find opportunities for my doctoral research.
②Advice to Prospective Participants To have a fulfilling experience abroad, I recommend developing relationships with fellow lab members and cooperating with each other’s research to bring in ideas from other fields. When you have some time, be sure also to explore Japan’s natural environment and fascinating culture.
Huan Xie
the 8th Program Student, Tsinghua University
①Reason for Participating I had been interested in Japanese culture and history since my childhood, so when I heard about the program, I definitely wanted to participate. I believed that doing research in a graduate program overseas would provide a good opportunity not only to gain academic knowledge but also to encounter new ideas and people.
②Advice to Prospective Participants Simply stated: Do not overlook this opportunity! The year I spent at Tokyo Tech is my most treasured memory. I was able to study many things and became close to my supervisor and lab mates. I am glad to have had this valuable experience.
Takayuki Minami
the 9th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating Although I was interested in studying abroad, I was hesitant to leave for language studies overseas because I had spent two years after high school trying to get into university. By chance, an older student in my lab was a program alumnus who told me about the program, explaining that the main focus was research, not language. I was attracted by the prospect of obtaining two degrees, and I applied because I thought I would regret it otherwise.
②Advice to Prospective Participants
You will met Chinese students who will be lifelong friends, carry out advanced research, mingle with excellent students from around the world, and interact with expats whom you would not meet in Japan. If you take initiative, the benefits from this program are unlimited. I encourage you to apply if you have even the slightest interest.
Yanjun Wang
the 15th Program Student, Tsinghua University
When I was in my third year of undergraduate at Tsinghua University, I learned about the Tokyo Tech-Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program through my senior year and have always wanted to be part of it. Through the recommendation of the teacher of the New Society, I was able to participate in the project smoothly. In the first year of my master’s degree, I met my Japanese classmates at Tsinghua University. We became good friends and exercised our language and academic skills in the freshman activities and courses of Tsinghua University’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
I feel both fulfilled and at ease during my year at Tokyo Tech. Academically, I took part in a full-Japanese course for the first time, which greatly improved my Japanese language skills. My Yamamoto lab not only has a strong academic atmosphere, but also has a lot of relaxing after-school activities. There is a lab dinner once a month, and the New Year and the annual meeting.
As a result of the new crown outbreak, the school was briefly closed and long-term school attendance control. The school’s many precautions have ensured the health and safety of our students during the same period, allowing us to successfully complete our studies and return to China.
Thank you to the teachers in charge of this project!
Decision Science and Technology
Shunya Hayashida
the 8th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating I wanted to challenge my abilities against those of top Chinese students.
②Advice to Prospective Participants You will have to overcome many difficulties, both in daily life and in the lab. However, you will have the support of people from Tokyo Tech and businesses and the cooperation of local instructors and friends to help you overcome difficulties. Although participants make use of the program in their own ways, you can certainly have a good experience if you consciously aim to make the most of this environment. I hope you will explore various interests and take advantage of opportunities not available in Japan, for these experiences will provide a valuable foundation for your future.
Wenyan Hao
the 8th Program Student, Tsinghua University
①Reason for Participating
In addition to the traditional methods, I wanted to learn a scientific approach to comparative literature, and the program greatly appealed to me because Professor Anwei Liu, whose research interests align with my own, is at Tokyo Tech Other than the seminars, I could freely choose my courses at Tokyo Tech, so I was also able to study a wide range of subjects, ranging from game theory to civil procedure law.
②Advice to Prospective Participants You can make the most of your student life at Tokyo Tech with its excellent teaching staff, well-equipped facilities, and plentiful resources. During the exchange period, you should actively seek out different kinds of people and seek to understand their cultures and national characters. It is also important to think about your career path early, to work back from a future goal/date when you build a schedule, and to ask yourself frequently what you can do to move toward your goals.
Bin Li
the 8th Program Student, Tsinghua University
①Reason for Participating I decided to participate because I wanted to gain a broad, international perspective.
②Advice to Prospective Participants
At Tsinghua University, I was affiliated with the Graduate School of Humanities, and at Tokyo Tech, I was affiliated with the Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology, so I received a firm grounding in the philosophy of humanities and science integration. Because I was able to take courses taught by professors from various fields, my knowledge base was greatly expanded, and my experience living in Japan for a year will be a lifelong treasure. The research period in the partner country is a good opportunity to learn the local culture and customs. As the program offers the chance to develop the skills you will use as a globally-oriented professional, I recommend that you make the most of the opportunity!
So Shinohara
the 9th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating My ultimate goal was not to learn a language but to equip myself with tools to help me accomplish my goals. Though I was not interested in typical study abroad programs for language study, this program was attractive because I would be able to earn a degree while using Chinese and living like the local students.
②Advice to Prospective Participants Acquiring a degree and completing graduate school while living in China is an experience that promotes self-growth. What is common sense in Japan does not work in China, so in this different environment, I urge you to give it your all by being self-directed and setting high goals for yourself.
Nuo Ge
the 15th Program Student, Tsinghua University
I will never forget the fulfilling and joyful time I spent at Tokyo Tech. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my professors, who showed me constant encouragement and guidance and my friends, who were always willing to help and by my side. I look forward to the early improvement of the Covid epidemic and returning to Japan and the beautiful campus again, where I shall meet with professors and friends.
Mitsuhiro Nishijima
the 15th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
I have been studying Chinese since I was in junior and senior high school, and I was interested in studying in China. This program also allows us to study two different fields at each university. Therefore, the program fitted me in terms of confirming my aptitude and searching for a research field to specialize in in the future.
The greatest benefit of the program for me is that I was able to identify the field in which I should specialize in the doctoral program. As a researcher, I would also like to have an opportunity to work in China, which has been achieving remarkable development in the field of science and technology. Though English is the most important, in addition to it, I was able to further improve my Chinese skills through research presentations and writing papers, which is one of the benefits.
Risa NAKAMURA
the 15th Program Student, Tokyo Tech
①Reason for Participating
Having been interested in the academic field of international academic mobility, studying in China seemed suitable for my research as China is one of the biggest countries of origins of immigrants. Tsinghua University is a global top-tier educational institution, and I expected academic enhancement, networking, and learning another language through the program.
②Advice to Prospective Participants
The biggest takeaway is the mindset that I can make it no matter what and the fact that I actually did complete two master’s degrees as proof for it. It was an indescribable struggle to work on two graduate theses and earn credits for both schools in the unprecedented pandemic, without any peer pressure at the library. The Tsinghua-Tokyo Tech double degree program left me with solid confidence, which I think will be hugely appreciated in the future.
Related
■ Alumni on the world stage – Graduates of Tokyo Tech-Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program
- Shunji Kono_ Nanotechnology course, the 1st Program Student of Tokyo Tech
- Yang Gao_ the Decision Science and Technology course, the 2nd Program Student of Tsinghua University
■ Tokyo Tech-Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program
◇ Messages from Program Students
- Yoshiaki Oda_ Nanotechnology Course, the 8th Program Student of Tokyo Tech
- Yuichi Morikawa_ Bioscience and Biotechnology Course, 8th Program Student of Tokyo Tech
- Haoxin Zhou_ Decision Science and Technology Course, the 9th Program Student of Tsinghua University
■A Joint Graduate Program with Tsinghua University
■ Tokyo Tech-Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program winter graduation ceremony
- Shunya Hayashida, the 8th Program Student of Tokyo Tech who attended the graduation ceremony at THU
- Takayuki Minami, the 9th Program Student, Ryosuke Fuji from the 8th cohort, Jumpei Umetsu from the 9th Program Student, Tokyo Tech