Activity Report

2020.02.21

Report on Visits to Kazan and Yelabuga

Shintaro Yamaguchi

Kanazawa University, Natural Science and Technology


Advanced Science and Technology Program

Kazan Federal University

During my stay in Russia, I worked hard to interact with Russian people. I didn't know much about Russia. Therefore, I was interested in how the Russian people lived. I have three impressive scenes.

The first is the exchange at the Kazan Federal University lab. On the first day of the lab, I introduced my research in Japan and received a theme from the professor. Although it was an unfamiliar environment and for a short time, the professor gave me an interesting theme. Research in Russia was a good experience. I used Arduino to experience motor control and articulated robot operation. The professor introduced Russian culture and talked about his family. I felt the kindness of the Russian people. The lab was an environment that required autonomy. I think I was able to grow up.

Russian professor and Japanese student

The second is a stay in the Yelabuga area. Japanese students lived together with Russian students at a university campsite and were close to each other. Walking around the town and eating home-style Russian food helped me understand Russia. The exchanges at the Yelabuga campus and the quiz competition about Japan, Russia and the United States were exciting and a good exchange. I was asked by a Russian student, "Please tell me what you think about Russia." I felt that there was no wall between Japanese and Russian students. We spoke honestly with each other and deepened our understanding.

Russian foods, Photo with friends

The third is a visit to an international school in the Arabga Special Economic Zone. Russian education system is different from Japan, it was very interesting. Little children like elementary school students were learning about manufacturing. I felt it was a free and creative space. And I thought there was no such place in Japan. I was interested in the future of these children.

Children making things, Group photo

Visits to Kazan and Yelabuga were geographically distant. However, I think the distance between Japanese students and Russian students has become very close. Now, we can easily send messages using SNS. Although it may be a small connection, it was a good experience for the future of the Russia-Japan relationship.

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