Introduction
The Nepal-Japan Summer Project 2024 was a remarkable opportunity to explore Japan’s culture, academia, and technological advancements while fostering international collaboration. Our team comprised eight participants: Ms. Rhitu Dangol, Ms. Sushmita Bhandari, Ms. Palpasha Suwal, Ms. Suyasha Sharma, Ms. Shreeti KC, Ms. Fu Sherpa, Ms. Briksha Sharma, and Ms. Pratima Wosti. Over seven days, we shared moments of learning, cultural immersion, and friendship with our Japanese counterparts, building lifelong bonds and experiencing Japan’s unique harmony of tradition and innovation. This write up is prepared by two of the team member Ms. Rhitu Dangol and Ms. Sushmita Bhandari.
Day 1: Arrival and Warm Welcome
This exciting Nepal-Japan exchange program journey began with our arrival at Narita Airport from Tribhuvan International Airport. Accompanied by our Japanese friends, we traveled via metro to the University of the Sacred Heart (USH) in Tokyo, where we were welcomed with a campus tour. We explored the serene environment, observed a creative workshop, and toured the BE*hive Exhibition Space, which featured imaginative works by children under the theme of “hell.”
Lunch at the university cafeteria was our first shared meal with our Japanese friends, filled with lively conversation and mutual curiosity. We also visited the on-campus church and learned about the rich history of USH, one of Japan’s first women’s universities, founded in 1948. Later, we checked into the National Educational Olympic Youth Center, our accommodation for the week. In the evening, we bonded further as we explored the vibrant streets of Shibuya, including its iconic crossing. The day concluded with a delightful welcome dinner at a Japanese restaurant, where our shared laughter and stories marked the beginning of a meaningful cultural exchange.
Day 2: Academic Session and Exploration
The second day was dedicated to academic engagement at Waseda University, where we attended a lecture by Prof. John Maurice Gayed on the application of AI in language education. This was a thought-provoking session that highlighted Japan’s strides in integrating technology with education. Our Japanese friends guided us through the university campus, including the iconic Haruki Murakami Library. For lunch, we enjoyed a picnic-style meal on the university grounds, sharing traditional Japanese lunch boxes while deepening our connections through stories and laughter.In the afternoon, we participated in a workshop led by Ms. Ayako Yamagiwa, focusing on human subjective evaluation research and machine learning, an engaging session that enriched our understanding of innovative research techniques. Accompanied by our Japanese friends, we walked through Tokyo’s vibrant streets, visiting a Japanese temple and experiencing the city’s unique juxtaposition of tranquility and energy. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, we marveled at panoramic views of the city, enjoying both the stunning daylight and the mesmerizing night views, complete with a light show. Dinner in Shinjuku was another memorable moment, with our Japanese friends introducing us to local course meals and eateries, making the evening both delicious and culturally enriching.
Day 3: Sustainability Insights and Nepali Dinner
Day three centered around sustainability and environmental innovation. With our Japanese friends, we visited the Northern No. 2 Water Reclamation Center in Tsurumi, where we learned about advanced water recycling techniques and sustainability initiatives, including the use of recycled sewage water and the creation of lush green spaces. Next, we explored a waste management facility, gaining insights into Japan’s efficient garbage sorting and recycling systems. These visits highlighted Japan’s exemplary commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. The evening took us to Minatomirai, Yokohama’s picturesque waterfront district, where we strolled with our Japanese friends, visiting landmarks such as the Yokohama Landmark Tower and the Red Brick Warehouse. Later, we traveled to Enoshima Beach, enjoying the company of our Japanese counterparts as we engaged in fun activities by the sea. Dinner was particularly special as our Japanese friends introduced us to a Nepali restaurant. The familiar cuisine and lively Nepali music brought us immense joy, creating a sense of home away from home. We were deeply grateful to our Japanese friends for this thoughtful gesture, which reflected their genuine care and understanding of our culture.
Day 4: Innovation and Entertainment
The day began with a highly engaging symposium at Waseda University, where participants from Nepal and Japan came together to share their research findings. This collaborative platform celebrated diverse perspectives and emphasized the value of cross-cultural academic exchange.
The Nepali students presented on three impactful topics:
- Sustainability of Mountain Tourism, focusing on preserving Nepal’s fragile mountain ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism.
- Nepal-Japan Relations, exploring the historical and cultural ties between the two nations and the potential for deeper collaboration.
- Nepal’s Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for Climate Action, highlighting the relevance of traditional wisdom in addressing modern environmental challenges.
Japanese students reciprocated with presentations based on their research and experiences during their Spring Project visit to Nepal in March. They shared the findings of surveys on:
- ICT Awareness in Nepal, analyzing the level of digital literacy and technology access in Nepalese communities.
- Educational Awareness in Nepal, reflecting on the aspirations and challenges within Nepal’s education sector.
They also summarized the three school programs they conducted in Kathmandu and Chitwan: Earthquake Awareness, Flood Awareness, and Gender Inequality Awareness, showcasing their efforts to raise critical awareness among Nepalese students.
The symposium fostered thought-provoking discussions, encouraging participants to understand and appreciate each country’s unique strengths and challenges. It was a testament to the power of collaborative learning and inspired all attendees to work towards a meaningful global impact.
In the afternoon, we visited Miraikan: The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, a hub for futuristic exploration. Highlights of the visit included:
- ASIMO, Honda’s humanoid robot, which demonstrated advancements in robotics and AI.
- The Geo-Cosmos, a six-meter spherical display streaming real-time satellite images of Earth, offering an awe-inspiring perspective on our planet.
- Hello! Robot exhibit, featuring Miraikan’s original partner robot, “Keparan,” and showcasing the latest in robotics research and applications.
Other engaging exhibits delved into themes like space exploration, the global environment, life sciences, and the future of technology. The visit allowed us to imagine the possibilities of what the future holds while experiencing cutting-edge innovations firsthand.
In the evening, we opted for a magical experience at Disney Sea, immersing themselves in its enchanting atmosphere. The park’s rides, shows, and themed attractions added a playful and whimsical touch to the day, offering a refreshing and joyous conclusion. Throughout the day, we shared these enriching experiences with our Japanese friends, strengthening the bonds we had formed and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day Five: Exploring the Cosmos and Embracing Culture
Day five was a journey filled with wonder and discovery, taking us into the fascinating worlds of space exploration and advanced science. We started our day with a visit to the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, a place that felt like stepping into the future. Walking through exhibits of satellites, rocket models, and space station modules, we were amazed by Japan’s achievements in space technology. One highlight was learning about the rigorous training astronauts undergo—pushing the limits of human endurance to explore the unknown. Watching the mission control center in action left us in awe, showcasing how every detail is managed with precision and innovation to ensure the success of space missions. The afternoon took us to the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), where we delved into the intricate world of particle physics. Touring the massive particle accelerator facilities and hearing researchers passionately explain their work made us appreciate the effort it takes to uncover the mysteries of the universe. We even had the chance to chat with staff, who shared their insights into the challenges and triumphs of this groundbreaking field. Their stories brought science to life, making what seemed abstract feel tangible and inspiring. Later, we traded science for culture with a visit to the lively Asakusa district. Strolling through the historic Senso-ji Temple, we soaked in the serene atmosphere of this iconic site. We were amazed to see the Sky-tree lighting up to the sky and that was a pretty amazing thing to witness from there. The bustling Nakamise shopping street was closed so we unfortunately couldn’t try any of the local treats. However, our Japanese friends took us to a popular restaurant known for its delicious Soba noodles. Then, we went to some shopping centers of Japan and mid-night shopping was a new experience to us. It was a day of expanding our horizons not just scientifically, but also personally as we explored the cosmos and embraced the warmth of Japan’s cultural heritage as well.
Day Six: Learning, Bonding, and Farewells
Day six was a meaningful blend of education, collaboration, and heartfelt goodbyes. The morning began with a warm breakfast at the Olympic Center, setting the tone for a day filled with learning and connection. We arrived at the campus of University of Sacred Heart, where we dove into insightful lectures on urban development and environmental issues by Astha Tuladhar, along with some exciting training sessions. These sessions illuminated the innovative approaches Japan is taking to address challenges like rapid urbanization and climate change. The joint training program that followed allowed us to collaborate with our Japanese peers, exchanging ideas and perspectives. It was a powerful reminder of how global cooperation is essential for solving today’s most pressing problems. After lunch, we visited the Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center, a place dedicated to disaster prevention and preparedness. Here, we learned vital survival skills, such as how to respond during an earthquake or fire. We also experienced the simulation of a 9 reactor scale earthquake which was a bit terrifying. Along with that we also simulated how we can safely get out from the fire and we were trained to use the fire extinguisher. This participation in hands-on simulations gave us a deeper understanding of the importance of being prepared for emergencies, a lesson that resonates universally. In the afternoon, we spent some free time with our Japanese friends where we went to different activity centers like we went shopping to different stores i.e. clothes, food, anime stores, then we went for games, we went to photo studio to click pretty pictures and get its copy and to make the day more magical and fun we went to Karaoke. The lively atmosphere spaces were the perfect backdrop for fun, laughter, and building friendships. This time together felt effortless and special, a testament to the bonds we had formed throughout the program. As evening approached, we attended a Farewell Party at Ikebukuro, a bittersweet occasion filled with gratitude and reflection. The room was alive with laughter, shared memories, and heartfelt exchanges of appreciation. Our Japanese friends surprised us with thoughtful gestures, making the evening even more memorable. Here we exchanged presents and got a bit more emotional than we ever thought. We returned to the Olympic Center with full hearts, carrying the lessons we had learned and the friendships we had built. Day six was not just a day of activities, it was a celebration of knowledge, collaboration, and the connections that make these experiences unforgettable.
Day Seven: A Heartfelt Goodbye
Our final day in Japan began as we packed our belongings and said goodbye to the place that had been our home during this unforgettable exchange program. After checking out from the Olympic Center, we were deeply touched to see our Japanese friends accompany us to Narita Airport. Their kind gesture of coming along to see us off made the farewell all the more emotional. On the way, we reminisced about the experiences we had shared—the lectures, cultural exchanges, and moments of laughter that had brought us closer over the past days. At the airport, the reality of parting ways began to sink in. Our friends stayed with us through check-in, offering words of encouragement, warm hugs, and heartfelt goodbyes. Some even shared small tokens of friendship, souvenirs that we would treasure as reminders of our time together.
As we boarded flight AI 307 bound for Delhi, we waved goodbye one last time, carrying with us not only memories of Japan’s rich culture and innovation but also the warmth and kindness of the friends we had made. This was more than just a trip, it was a journey of learning, connection, and mutual respect, and it left a permanent mark on all of us.
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