Research Results and Rural Ramblings in Japan
Jade Kwan | September 28, 2009
Jade Kwan posing next to Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat) in Ise, Mie, Japan.
Before I knew it, I was pushing my two 22 kg suitcases through Kokubunji, the Tokyo suburb I grew to know so well. I had only been here for two months, but the trip to the airport truly felt like I was leaving home. I knew, however, that I had much to look forward to back in Honolulu reuniting with family and friends.
From the beginning of the PRIME program, Isabelle – the other PRIME student posted in Tokyo – and I had our worries and doubts. Are we ready for this? Will we have solid results? But week by week, realizing that time would not slow down for us, we strived for progress with much help from mentors and collaborators. When we gave our final presentations in front of colleagues (mostly Ph.D.s) from NICT, both at the headquarters and branching sites joined through Polycom video conference, it was evident that our efforts paid off. It was definitely nerve-racking to present in front of so many accomplished individuals, but I felt that it overall went well. Isabelle was able to present her Flash interface, I was able to present my space and JGN2plus network models onto the tile display wall, and, at the end, we were prepared to answer any questions. This opportunity in Japan definitely gave me the first hand experience to reference back to when answering questions about formatting and technical details.I am very thankful for it.
Kwan giving her final presentation.
With a bow and a return of applause, we were done. Both a relief and bittersweet moment, yet we had no time to dwell. Isabelle and I had to rush off to catch the Shinkansen – Japanese bullet train, to Shin-Osaka. A month in advance, we were scheduled to take part in a “labo tour” with Shimojo’s Lab from the Cybermedia Center within Osaka University. Labo, short for laboratory, we really thought we were going to be touring through the laboratories at the Cybermedia Center! Although we did catch a glimpse of the Osaka University’s working environment and got the chance to meet with the genial undergraduate and graduate students there… the labo tour was, in fact, a planned out two-day adventure to Mie prefecture! I found out that “Labo tours” are very common in Japan. In hopes to improve communication and relationships within the laboratory, they hold annual tours to give people the chance to converse through a different environment.
Kwan standing next to the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie, Japan.
Through the tour, Isabelle and I met with PRIME students posted at Osaka University, students within the Shimojo Lab at Cybermedia Center, students from the Fujiwara Lab at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, professors visiting from Taiwan, and our very own Shimojo sensei. The tour bus journey to Mie prefecture was expected for 2.5 hours, but after everyone made a short introduction of themselves (I attempted one in Japanese) and they busted out the bus karaoke system, time was no longer an issue. In Mie, I experienced the making of sausages, the traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring), a special Japanese multi-course meal called kaiseki, and all the simple comforts of a ryokan (Japanese-style traditional inn).
After a visit to Ise Jingu – the Ise Grand Shrine, said to be the most sacred shrine in Japan, we had some spare time to venture through Ise to appreciate its architecture, food, and landscape. The Isuzu River was a magnificent sight! Soon, it was time to head back to Osaka and we all went our separate ways. It was sad for the tour to end, as I think it really proved its purpose in bringing us together as a group.
Macaque monkeys inhabit Mt. Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan.
Isabelle and I decided to go to Kyoto to say our last goodbyes with colleagues at the NICT Keihanna branch as well as explore through shrines and places like Arashiyama, known for their wild monkeys and pristine landscape. We even squeezed in some time to try out Osaka’s famous takoyaki (fried octopus ball) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) in Namba. My last few days in Japan were truly a delight! Saying goodbye in Tokyo was really tough, but I do hope to return to hear “okaeri”, which means “Welcome Home”.
Now that I am back in the states, I am just looking forward to a new quarter and resuming work with the Neuroscience Information Framework within Calit2. The PRIME program truly was fantastic and I am so glad I found out about it. I would like to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible, and I would greatly encourage anyone applicable to try for PRIME 2010. I guess it is time for me to take the yen out of my wallet.
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