Reports for FY 2007 To Japanese Page

This page is for the purpose of introducing Fellows and their research activities under this program, their memories during study in Japan, etc.
      Name (Nationality/ Hosted by)

 

Other year's reports

  • Dr. Shin Min Chul

Dr. Shin (Right) and Prof. Niwa (Left)

 

<Profile>

Nationality Korea
Educational Background April, 1992 - February, 1993
Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Shikoku Gakuin University (Exchange Student)
April, 1996 - March, 1998
Graduate School of Letters, Nagoya University (Master)
April, 1998 - March, 2001
Graduate School of Letters, Nagoya University (Doctor)
Present Institution / Status Hannam University / Associate Professor

  photo: Dr. Shin (Right) and Prof. Niwa (Left)

 

 

<Report>

Period December 19 - Febraury 27, 2008 (71days)
Host University Shikoku Gakuin University
Major Field Japanese language study
Research Topic Influence of Japanese words of Chinese origin on the vocabulary of Japanese and Hangul
Current Situation (Research activities, Researcher exchange, etc) My research theme was a comparative study of Japanese and Hangul vocabularies. This comparative vocabulary study was advocated by instructor Ikudo Tajima of Nagoya University (retired in 2004, currently a professor at Aichi Gakuin University). It is designed to look deeper at cultural differences through vocabulary comparisons; a new way to study facts not only inside the linguistic boundary, but outside it as well. Since returning home in February 2001, I’ve been active in my research field, taking part in symposiums on vocabulary led by Prof. Tajima to present my research results and stepping up exchanges with other researchers. In this short-term study, I made a comparison using vocabulary from newspaper editorials, focusing on different degrees of influence of Japanese words of Chinese origin on the Japanese and Hangul and reasons for such differences. Prof. Akira Niwa provided me with valuable advice and opinions.
Impression of this program Generally, it is not easy to find time for research for a number of reasons after one returns home. I am appreciative of the financial assistance I’ve received and valuable time that allows me to pursue my research topics. This year, it is the 30th anniversary of the alliance between Shikoku Gakuin University and Hannam University in Korea. In this commemorative year, I was able to return to Shikoku Gakuin for a short-term study and meet many people of different backgrounds. With this experience, I hope I will be able to contribute to further exchanges between the two institutes of learning. My short-term study lasted only for 71 days, but, I found this short period of time highly useful not only for my research, but also in many other ways.

 

<Study in Japan>

Reason “Why I chose Japan”, memories and impression about Japan, exchange with Japan after returning to my country While I was in Japan as an exchange student, I learned many things about the Japanese cultures in Prof. Niwa’s seminars. But I was more interested in the Japanese language as a research topic; I found myself leaning toward this discipline of study. For this reason, I went on to study the Japanese in graduate courses. There were several fields in the Japanese study, but I was most interested in the vocabulary, not just the vocabulary itself, but various facets that surround the language. I began to pursue the comparative vocabulary study under the tutelage of Prof. Tajima at Nagoya University. This area remains my main research topic today. After returning home, I have been active as a member of the vocabulary research association, taking part in international symposiums held in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and other countries as a representative of the association. I sincerely hope to maintain my ties with Japan through such activities.

 

 

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  • Dr. Ponpornpisit Aranya

Dr. Ponpornpisit Aranya

 

 

 

<Profile>

Nationality Thailand
Educational Background April, 1998 - March, 2001
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University (Doctor)
Present Institution / Status Chulalongkorn University /
Associate Professor

 

 

 

 

<Report>

Period January 2 - March 31, 2008 (90days)
Host University Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Major Field Fish Pathology, Reproductive toxicology
Research Topic Effect of phytoestrogen compound in soybean milk on reproduction of Japanese medaka
Current Situation (Research activities, Researcher exchange, etc) Currently, I am an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. My researches have involved in environmental impact on ornamental fish health, ornamental fish diseases diagnosis, treatment and control. From my previous research, I have found that fluid extract from Indian almond leaf can be used as a mild astringent for the treatment of ornamental fish skin wound. I am now interested in the effect of soy bean isoflavone interrupt sex differentiation in Zebrafish. The result of this will point up the opposite site of soybean and encourage for people’s awareness of an imbalance effect of soy consumption.
Impression of this program The benefits are money and the freedom that JASSO give to the research fellows. I have enough money and time to do all activities during three months. I can plan, do my own research and have a field trip to the place of interested. But my most impression is not the benefits but the feeling of a moral value that I have obtained from JASSO and my professor thus I can spend my own time without any limitation. Their trust is the only power that restricts me to do my best in these three months in Tokyo.

 

<Study in Japan>

Reason “Why I chose Japan”, memories and impression about Japan, exchange with Japan after returning to my country. I like Japan natures, cultures and Japanese manners. The country is full of beautiful natures. Foods are delicious. Japanese are polite. The living standard and the advance technologies are interested.
I continue the relationship in three ways. First, I keep contact with professors by doing research and joining JSPS-NRCT symposium. The symposium is annually held in Thailand for Thai and Japanese fishery scientists thus I can update and exchange knowledge in broad field. Second, I joined the Japan education fair in Thailand. The yearly event was sponsored by AIEJ (by JASSO from 2006) and OJSAT. I used my language ability as a translator. I give information to the participants about foreign student life in Japan. Third, I do e-mail, phone calls and set up meeting chances with my foreigner friends. In 2007, I together with my Japanese friends visited our Viet Nam friends in Hanoi. This time while I am in Tokyo I have met my old friends and have good chance to make new friends.

 

 

 

Dr. Ponpornpisit Aranya (Research activity)With Dr. Ponpornpisit Aranya and her research advisor and his wife

 

 

 

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  • Dr. Dedeles Gina Rio

Dr. Dedeles Gina Rio

<Profile>

Nationality Philippines
Study in Japan Educational Background April, 1998 - March, 2001
Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University
(PhD in Agricultural Chemistry)
Major Field Applied Microbiology
Present Institution / Status University of Santo Tomas /
Assistant Professor

 

 

 

<Follow-up Research Fellowship>

Period November 15, 2007 - February 12, 2008 (90days)
Host University Hokkaido University
Research Topic Activity of Manganese Peroxidase from Locally Isolated Fungus, Ganoderma Species in Decolorizing Distillery Slops
Current Situation (Research activities, Researcher exchange, etc) I am currently teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila. At the same time I do research studies focused in the aspect of bioremediation. Some undergrad students from the College of Science work with me for their thesis and for further laboratory training and we usually present their work in poster exhibits during a Science Fair in the university, the others in national scientific forum. The preliminary results obtained in my present work were actually done in cooperation with my undergrad advisees. Now the data for this research work is substantial and ready for publication.
Impression of this program This is a great privilege on my part to finish my research study in the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University because the facilities and the materials required for my experiments are already available. Besides from the advanced equipments in the laboratory, I had access to several journals for more information and related studies that helped upgrade my work. With this, I was able to complete the data I needed for my work and gain opportunity to publish my work in an international journal. Since I returned to my home country, my dilemma is always on the facilities present in our laboratory that actually deter my research output. I am glad this kind of program is offered to former international students in Japan as I was really inspired to do more research. This program did not only help me accomplish my research study but also allowed me to visit my former university and establish mutual relationship with my university in the Philippines. I am looking forward to sending some of our students who are interested to pursue master’s level studies in Japan.

 

<Study in Japan>

Reason “Why I chose Japan”, memories and impression about Japan, relationship with Japan after returning to my country. I always have the impression that Japanese people are polite, hardworking and accommodating when it comes to some sort of work. In my four years of stay in Sapporo, I learned to love the Japanese culture and their way of life. I can say that I have fruitful years in Japan though I had experienced intense loneliness and homesickness most of the time. It is in Japan where my self confidence and independence were actually developed. After I returned home, my contact with my professors was quite constant and I always see them in Manila especially in conferences. Through constant communications with them, I was able to ask support for materials in my researches and even invited them to come to our university.

 

 

Dr. Dedeles Gina Rio (Research activity)At the lab

 

 

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  • Dr. Santos Celso Augusto Guimaraes

Dr. Santos Celso Augusto Guimaraes (Picture in Tatara Ohashi in his way to visit Kyoto University)

<Profile>

Nationality Brazil
Study in Japan Educational Background April, 1992 - March, 1994
Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University (Master)
April, 1994 - March, 1997
Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University (Doctor)
Major Field Water Resources
Present Institution / Status Federal University of Paraiba /
Associate Professor

 

 

<Follow-up Research Fellowship>

Period September 24, 2007 - December 22, 2007 (90days)
Host University Ehime University
Research Topic Analysis of rainfall and discharge time series by Wavelet Transform
Current Situation (Research activities, Researcher exchange, etc) I am an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) in Brazil, teaching Soil Mechanics at the undergraduate level, and Applied Hydrology and Hydrologic Modeling at the graduate level. I am also the coordinator of the Urban and Environmental Engineering Graduation Program. My research includes erosion modeling, runoff-erosion forecasting, national information system for water resources, GIS, rainwater harvesting, and time series analysis by wavelet transform, and several research projects are currently being coordinated by myself on those topics, which are supported by national research agencies (e.g., CNPq and FINEP). Finally, I am one of the editors of the Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering, which can be accessed by www.journal-uee.org.
Impression of this program This kind of program is wonderful because it is an excellent opportunity for former international students to conduct short-term research with academic advisors at Japanese universities, and assist the development of education, research, and public administration in their countries as well to advance the scientific research and international exchange at Japanese universities. Especially in the case of Brazil, which is quite far from Japan, such a chance to return here to spend up to 3 months under the terms of this fellowship is very rare. For example, it was my first time to visit Japan after 6 years.

 

<Study in Japan>

Reason “Why I chose Japan”, memories and impression about Japan, relationship with Japan after returning to my country. I was six-year old when Japan and Brazil started a cooperation program through JICA at UFPB, by chance my father became a close friend to the first Japanese professor who went to Brazil for one year and also to the other Japanese professors who came after him. This cooperation program lasted for 20 years and I was always in contact with the Japanese culture and so on. Then, when the time to chose a foreign country to do my PhD came, Japan was the first and only one choice that I had in mind. I came to Japan intended to be for a period of five years but I stayed 10 years since I got JSPS postdoctoral scholarship and after became an associate professor both in Ehime University, returning to Brazil in 2001. I have three lovely sons and they were born in Matsuyama. Thus, Japan will always be part of our life. I hope some day special programs for children born in Japan during the scholarship of their parents in Japan will be offered.

 

 

 

 

 

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  • Dr. Mataa Mebelo

Dr. Matta Mebelo(Research activity:testing scions)

 

<Profile>

Nationality Zambia
Study in Japan Educational Background April, 1993 - March, 1995
Graduate School of Agriculture,
Kagoshima University 
(Master)
April, 1995 - March, 1998
Graduate School of Agriculture,
Kagoshima University
(Doctor)
Major Field Horticulture
Present Institution / Status University of Zambia / Lecturer

 

 

<Follow-up Research Fellowship>

Period September 3, 2007 - November 30, 2007 (89days)
Host University Kagoshima University
Research Topic Inter-relationships between grafting method, carbohydrate levels, rootstock type and scion development
Current Situation (Research activities, Researcher exchange, etc) I am a lecturer at University of Zambia, teaching Horticulture and Plant physiology. My research includes, developing fruit production that enhance productivity such as enhanced input utilization, evaluating new rootstocks & scions varieties & domestication of indigenous plants. I am currently developing a research and development project focusing on Propagation & Safe Movement of vegetatively propagated materials with the following objectives. To determine the pest & disease status of production and propagation materials; promote use of safe vegetative propagation methods and establish disease eradication protocols including ‘Mother- Plant’ certification programes.
Impression of this program The exchange program is helpful as it provides means of backstopping beneficiaries of Japanese University training programme. After completing studies and going back home the new graduates take up many responsibilities and face new challenges that they may not have foreseen during the initial graduate study programme. Coming back to Japan on exchange programmes affords the chance to upgrade their knowledge, acquire new skills, have access to information such as reference materials (electronic and otherwise) as well as renewing contacts and acquaintances.

 

<Study in Japan>

Reason “Why I chose Japan”, memories and impression about Japan, relationship with Japan after returning to my country. The reasons why I chose to study in Japan have both academic and socio- cultural dimensions. Recognizing the rapid rate at which Japan was able to develop and coming from a developing country, I felt that Japan represented a model of how and what a country can do to enhance its national development. From an academic point of view, the established horticultural industry and strong research and development image was another attraction. Having studied and stayed in Japan I have learnt a number of things. I have also seen that a country can develop but at the same time still retain its socio- cultural and traditional values and identity. I retain fond memories of activities such as the politeness of the people, beautiful scenarios. Being a keen reader I have come to appreciate writers like Eiji Yoshikawa, Tanizaki Junichiro, Ohe Kenzaburo. I maintain contacts with the friends and colleagues I have come to know in Japan.

 

 

Dr. Matta Mebelo(Research activity:at a local farm) Dr. Matta Mebelo(At a conference of horticulturists)

 

 

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  • Dr. Cheng Hua

Dr. Cheng Hua

 <Profile>

Nationality P. R. China
Study in Japan Educational Background April, 1998 ~ March, 2002
Graduate School of Economics, Doshisha University
Major Field Economic Policy
Present Institution / Status School of Economics, Renmin University / Associate Professor

 


<Follow-up Research Fellowship>

Period July 16, 2007 ~ October 8, 2007 (85days)
Host University Doshisha University
Research Topic Electronic Money and Banking in Japan
Current Situation (Research activities, Researcher exchange, etc) After returning to China from Japan, I continued my study in Doshisha University and gave the concerning lessons to the student of Renmin University. During this process, I always felt that my study in Doshisha play a very important role in my academic life. That is not only because at that time I could concentrated the study for a long time, but also because my background of studying in Japan brought me much chance to communicate with other researches from Japan and other countries now.
Impression of this program Although I come to Japan almost every year after graduation for conference or other projects, I had no enough time to collect the information or to visit some researchers whom I want to communicate with because of my short-term stay in Japan. However this program gives me what I want: time, money support and freely research selection. Especially, I find a surprising change in Japan in the field of my studying (electronic money and banking), So, I think I will make great progress in my research during this three-month stay.

<Study in Japan>

Reason “Why you chose Japan”, memories and impression about Japan, relationship with Japan after returning to your country. There was no special reason for my going abroad and studying in Japan, but this over four-year life make me becoming like Japan very much. Now I often watch Japanese TV program, read the Japanese novel. Many persons I met in my study in Japan become my close friends now and gave me many help after that. At present, there is cooperation relationship between my school and the School of Economics of Kyoto University, of Waseda University, of Hitotsubashi University and so on. Through these communicating opportunities, I always practiced my Japanese and kept a frequent contact with academic researchers.

 

Research activity (Dr. Cheng Hua)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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