Name: Li Hanshen
Country: China
Enrollment year and status at Waseda University: Double Degree Student
at Graduate School of Information Production and Systems, 2015-2016
Specialty at Waseda University: Information Architecture; Neurocomputing Systems
Advisor at Waseda University: Prof. Takayuki Furuzuki


How has studying abroad at Waseda aided you in your academic path?
The Graduate School of Information, Production and Systems provides an exceptional environment where an assortment of grad students coming from diverse countries around the world research and discuss numerous subjects and fields with each other. Local students are able to exchange thoughts and opinions with overseas students as well, which broadened my own horizons as well as enriched my life quite a lot.

Most memorable event at Waseda University:
I’m a Waseda University-Shanghai Jiao Tong University double master degree student that entered the Graduate School of Information, Production and Systems on Sep, 2015. In August of 2016, IPS held their AY2016 summer school. 56 college students as well as teachers from four overseas universities including Fudan University took part in the summer school. It was an honor to become a student assistant throughout the summer school period. During the entire event, I come to feel everybody’s enthusiasm along with their excitement. We were all able to have not merely an unforgettable experience but also to forge profound companionships with each other.
 

A gathering by all summer school members
 
All through the summer school, participants were able to experience the Japanese educational system as well as various cultural differences. They were able to select seven professors’ courses including those offered by Professor Osamu Yoshie. Courses covered supply chain management, semiconductor technology, computer network engineering, robotics, etc. Students got not a mere glimpse of the Japanese graduate learning atmosphere, but additionally were able to gain an in-depth knowledge of Waseda University. After classes ended I frequently saw students gather around the professor to put forward their own points of view. I do believe most of them really enjoyed themselves a great deal.
 

Kokura Visiting with Professor Osamu Yoshie and Fudan University students
 
During the factory visit component, every student visited the Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc., the Denso Kyushu Co., and the TOTO Ltd., where they witnessed Japanese business culture. Inside Toyota, they got a feel for how they produce automobiles for the establishment of a rich social contribution as well as the Toyota Production System. In Denso Kyushu, they discovered the way an automobile components supplier works as well as the development of science and technology. At TOTO, they experienced 90 years of brand history and its patented "Washlet" technology (a combination of plumbing and electronics) which has propelled it to the forefront of the business world. Through the factory visits, they sensed the team spirit of Japanese business, their innovative spirit and the integrity of their relationship with the outside world. There is no doubt that this is the primary reason why Japanese companies have large distributions around the globe.
 

Visiting Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.

Visiting TOTO Ltd.
 
Aside from that, they also took part in certain cultural experiences. They appreciated the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the Tenjin City Walk, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Japanese Flower Arrangement and Wasshoi Hyakuman Natsu Matsuri. Through such peaceful and delightful Japanese activities, the students were able to encounter a totally different culture from their own, experience the tranquility of the tea ceremony, and feel the vibrance and excitement of a fireworks show. This summer school was not merely an act of verbal communication, but a profound cultural interaction. Through the process of understanding and gaining experience, the students now have a deeper comprehension of Japan. In my opinion this will become a valuable experience for them in their lives.
 

Flower Arrangement
 
For the most part, we forged in-depth friendships, and many students expressed the hope that they could return to Japan someday as well as to Waseda University. I would like to thank Waseda University and also the Shanghai Jiao Tong University for giving me the opportunity to research in a foreign country. Thanks also to the Dean of IPS, Osamu Yoshie, and IPS staff Taro Umetsu for making such a fantastic summer school possible. Finally, thanks to every one of the IPS teachers. I love WASEDA; I adore Japan!

Message to WiN members:
Thanks to the Waseda University Vision 150 Plan, a growing number of international students like me are able to come to Waseda University to experience Japanese culture. I hope to make the most of my experiences in Japan in the future. Best wishes to Waseda University!