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The Sakura Science Exchange program, organised under the aegis of Japan’s Department of Science and Technology is held every year across Japan. To promote the understanding of science and technology, it invites more than 2200 students from as many as 35 countries for a 10-day programme where through lectures, site visits, demonstrations, practical experiments and discussions students are oriented to a range of scientific concepts. This year, the theme was sustainable energy and students were exposed to fascinating experiments and lec-dems on solar energy, hydro energy and wind energy. In addition, they got an opportunity to also experience the culture of the country and fascinating nuggets from its history and the legacy of its art. Informal sessions on calligraphy and origami had even the so called non artistically inclined students turning in creative works of art. Visit to the old city of Niyu which was at one time the hub of the country’s textile and printing industry was like a throwback to a century ago. Going to factories which are now carefully kept museums they saw hand spun looms which were still in working condition and how these transitioned to more mechanised forms of weaving and spinning yarn. Visit to an indigo unit where natural dyes are used and hand made printing done was a fascinating experience. Boys and girls competed with one another to see whose scarves were better designed and patterned. The deep blue indigo shone through as they did the final rinse outside the unit in a natural stream closeby.

The tryst with Japanese cuisine was interesting with different levels of vegetarian and non vegetarians who eagerly expanded their taste buds to experiment with food and take interest in what was put in their plate. Interestingly, while they did try the noodles soups, ramens, steamed fish, pork and chicken, going to a sushi bar was fun, especially when majority of the children gorged on lemonade, ice cream and French fries and nibbling only delicately at the veg and non veg sushi. What did not miss their eye at all times was the sheer amount of planning that went into making their reservation and executing their order, down to the beautifully decorated dish, a trademark of the Japanese, and one that lends itself to everything they do. That students were very open to try everything Japanese was when they went into a traditional Japanese restaurant and found that their seats had been booked at western style tables, they requested if they could like the locals, sit on tatami mats and eat. Presto! Their wish was granted.



Punctuality, adherence to systems, processes and protocols and respect for authority and hierarchy was evident as people across genres demonstrated a high level of regard for their job.

When it came to shopping, students managed to hunt down the famous 100 yen shops to carry back souvenirs for every member of their family back home. And ofcourse make a dash to the anime and gaming consoles that dot the cities of Japan. Interactions with foreign students provided a bird’s eye view of living in Japan while adapting to its culture and local ethos and learning the language, hoping to either find a job post studies or to use Japan as a gateway to the West for pursuit of higher more specialised studies. The respect accorded to international students and the way in which Japanese universities try and accommodate them so they can be comfortable and perform optimally is heartening to say the least.

The home visit was clearly a highlight for the students with each one assigned a local Japanese family to spend a day and night. As part of a broader national programme, families sign up to host international students and go really out of the way to match their interests, background and expectations. Living in a Japanese home, partaking in their household activities and being their houses guests turned out to be like a Aladdin’s magical cave for them as each one recounted his/her experience at the end of the home stay. The common takeaway being exchange of mail ids and photos and promises to be in touch and invites to India.

When the time came to bid goodbye and collect their Certificates of Excellence, students felt a sense of déjà vu, wondering how they could extend their stay and not have to return. But since all good things must come to an end, students got back after spending 8 days in Ashikaga city and 2 days in Tokyo. They brought back with them the windmill they made and will put this along with a wide collection of captioned photographs and narratives in an exhibition at school to share with other students and parents, their sojourn in the land of the rising sun.

Students from the Shiv Nadar School, Noida participated in the Sakura Science Exchange Program at the Ashikaga Institute of Technology in Ashikaga city from 25th February to 5th March, 2018.