We are pleased to share the personal experiences of Solomon Islands students who are currently studying at different universities in Japan on MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan) scholarships. Read the life experience story of Calvin Tanito Harrington, pursuing a master’s program in Chemical Engineering at Tohoku University.
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Hello, my name is Calvin Tanito Harrington, and I come from Choiseul/Western province (Marovo) in the Solomon Islands. I would like to thank the Embassy of Japan in the Solomon Islands for offering me the scholarship opportunity to study in Japan since April 2023. I am truly grateful for your support. In this article I will share my personal experiences while studying in Japan, with the hope that you will be inspired in my story.
Study and Learning Experience
I am currently enrolled in a master’s program in Chemical Engineering at Tohoku University. Prior to receiving this opportunity, I could only dream of studying chemical engineering and did not envision it as a reality. Therefore, you can imagine my excitement and gratitude for this experience. Tohoku University is in Sendai city, Miyagi prefecture. Sendai is also known as the “City of Trees” because of the rich greenery, tree-lined streets and parks. The trees change colour when the season changes. I particularly enjoyed the spring season when the cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom in March. The university offers an excellent environment for study, with a well-balanced selection of food available in the cafeteria. Additionally, there are a lot of study spaces available for personal study or group discussions, which I enjoyed. I had been admitted to the Kitakawa Laboratory, where we conduct research on Reaction and Separation Processes. Our work focuses on applying chemical and biological reactions to efficiently convert unused resources, such as waste, into valuable products, including medicines, food, and chemicals. The dedication and commitment of our laboratory members and professors motivated me to do my best every day. So far, I have attended one poster conference in Tokyo on Green and Sustainable Chemistry, which provided me with the opportunity to engage with like-minded scientists and engineers from various Japanese universities. I could not have asked for a more enriching experience.
Cultural/Language Experience
During the first four months, I was enrolled in an intensive Japanese language course that was both well-structured and enjoyable. Although learning a new language can be daunting, the teaching methods employed were captivating, engaging, and, most of all, fun. Most importantly, the ability to communicate in Japanese is essential, as many Japanese people prefer to converse in their native language. Therefore, it took me some time to adjust to this new cultural and linguistic environment. During the language course, I learnt a lot about the Japanese culture. I learnt about the tea ceremony, kimono, famous Japanese festivals, visited a Buddhist temple in the nearby Iwate prefecture and many more. I also participated in the university’s international soccer club, which allowed me to engage in physical exercise while conversing with both Japanese and other international students. I have learnt a lot through my interactions with the Japanese people; their etiquette, punctuality, and attention to details truly stood out. I have come to understand that the Japanese culture and tradition are deeply rooted in a great respect for nature, effectively balancing tradition with modern technology. In Solomon Islands, we share the same connection to nature but more integral to daily life and survival. The environment is central to livelihoods, from fishing to agriculture and to traditional medicine, however, Japan expresses this through festivals and seasonal celebrations.
Experience with Japanese Food
Japanese food is one of the best experiences I have in Japan. My favourite is the “imoni” (芋煮), a traditional Japanese stew of taro, vegetables and meat soup. This dish is popular in the Tohoku region during autumn season, making it a comforting and seasonal delight. Imoni represents a social tradition where families, friends and communities gather outdoors to cook and enjoy together, around a large pot. In addition to imoni, I have a deep appreciation for other Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, onigiri (rice balls), tempura (fried vegetables), gyudon (seasoned beef and onion), and soba noodles. While visiting Sendai City, trying beef tongue (牛タン) is a must, as it is one of the most popular local specialties. Japanese cuisine is characterized by its small, elegant portions, which enhanced the dining experience by allowing you to truly savor each meal.
Experience in Technology Growth
When I first arrived in Japan, my first exposure to technology was the bullet train (shinkansen) ride from Tokyo to Sendai. I can still remember how fast and comfortable it was. Transportation is very efficient and convenient in Japan. Japan is a global leader in robotics, there are robot cleaners in convenient stores and robot servers in restaurants. Also, there are different types of vending machines to suit your need, ranging from drinks, ramen, ice cream, coffee, etc. Technology in Japan is advancing rapidly because industrial companies actively collaborated with universities and research institutes. They shared knowledge, develop ideas together, and continuously improve their technologies through ongoing research. Our laboratory team had the opportunity in March 2024 to visit several companies that have industrial plants and factories such as Fuji oil, Nippon Shokubai, UBE, Kaneka, Yakushima hydropower plant and visited Tanegashima island where Japan’s space center is located. It was a thrilling experience to see the onsite reactors, turbines and functioning unit operations firsthand. In our laboratory, I also had the opportunity of operating analytical instruments such as Gas Chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Once again, I am so grateful for this opportunity.
Advice to the Future Scholars
Finally, to the future scholars. Studying in Japan is a wonderful experience. Before coming to Japan, I recommend learning a few basic greetings and commonly used words in Japanese. Make an effort to connect with others and make friends, as it can feel lonely at times. Adapting to a different climate and seasons of the year is one thing I also find challenging. Unlike the all-year round tropical warm climate (average 25-35 degrees) in Solomon Islands, it is my first time to experience the four different seasons in Japan, where winter seasons can get quite chilly with temperatures dropping to -2 degrees in Sendai. Therefore, learning to dress appropriately for the winter season will keep you warm and stay comfortable. Make sure to plan your schedule carefully and balance your schoolwork with extracurricular activities. Research can be challenging, often leading to setbacks, but maintaining strong determination in the face of discouragement is the key to striving through challenges. Ultimately, my experience studying in Japan would not be complete without acknowledging the role of my God in this journey. I have experienced His guidance and protection throughout my educational journey and in my life as a whole. Therefore, I am deeply grateful to the Almighty God for His providence during my studies in Japan and I recommend Him to you as well.
