This is my first visit to Japan and I was a bit worried before I came to Kanazawa. However, I was met with immense cordiality, so that I felt at home right from the very start.

The first week was spent in laboratory of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology and I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to professor Mizokami and all doctors and research team members working in the lab. During the stay I was able to get briefly acquainted with latest research results and agenda in urology and oncourology and exchange the experience with Japanese doctors. I also gained some basic skills in most important laboratory techniques. Once again I would like to note the friendliness and hospitality, openness to contacts of all the members of this lab. On the first day of my stay I was able to socialize on a beer party, the invitation to it was really the best form of acquaintance imaginable.  During the weekend I was able to see the city’s surroundings. I was amazed and astonished not only by the beauty of surrounding nature, the sea and mountings, but also by the way the nature was integrated into Japanese urban culture, the blooming hydrangeas, the beauty of city parks and the way traditional buildings exist in harmony with these natural surroundings. The doctors from Kanazawa University accompanied me to Kenroku-en and Ninjadera, Kanazawa Castle. They explained me a lot about Japanese history and culture, it was a very valuable experience. I hope our contacts will go on and we’ll be able to meet once again working on the common research project.

The second week was spent in Translational and Clinical Oncology lab headed by professor Minamoto. I was able to further expand my knowledge on common cancers and get acquainted with latest know-howl in preclinical research. Once again I was met with extreme cordiality and I would sincerely like to thank professor Minamoto and all researchers from his incredible team.  

During the stay I was also able to establish contacts with doctors from other countries performing research in Kanazawa University. This international environment helped me expand my understanding of different culture and learn communicating more effectively.    

Trying to experience Japanese tradition and culture I went to Shirokawa-go. This village stands amidst some most magnificent mountains I have ever seen. The traditionally built houses are laconic and stand in perfect harmony with surrounding nature. Another lasting impression was left by the visit to onsen. An idea of bathing in the natural hot water spring is immense.  

At last, but not least, the food was also magnificent. I have never imagined the fish could have such a subtle texture and variety until I tasted the sushi in Kanazawa.

Together with professor Mizokami

My new friends from Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology lab

The best beer party ever

Getting aquianted with Japanese culture with the help of my new friends

The luch invitation from doctor Nakagawa (and the food was exquisite)

Kenroku-en

Experiencing the rural Japan in Shirokawa-go

Together with professor Minamoto and his team