The SMC Japan Educational Programme 2009 was held from the 13th to 20th November in Tokyo, Japan. Through this trip, we learnt about the unique culture and rich heritage of Japan and its impressive state of the art science and technology.

The team from ACJC

Our pre-trip preparations included Japanese language lessons, which were very well received. During the trip, we visited the Edo Tokyo Museum and learnt about Japan’s history and heritage. We visited the Imperial Palace, and were stunned by its beauty. We also had the opportunity of visiting the Tokyo Tower. The 360 degree view from the main observatory (150m) was spectacular, and we could see the city lights of Tokyo in every direction.

The Saiko Bat Cave was intriguing, as we learnt that very thick lava from the eruption of Mount Fuji covered the area and created a 3-storied labyrinth. Another highlight was taking the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), which can run up to speeds of 320km/h. The journey was smooth and we ate from our lunch boxes in comfort. It spoke volumes about Japan’s industrial and technological progress. We then had a tour around the prestigious University of Tokyo Komaba Campus, which is ranked 1st in Asia.

Perhaps what we most looked forward to was the school exchange programmes with two high schools - Chiba Sodegaura High School and the University of Tsukuba. We learnt about the Japanese education system, and found both schools to be similar to ACJC, emphasizing on character development and independent learning. We thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the students, discussing studies and school rules. Despite the language barrier, with the aid of their English-Japanese electronic translators, we found common ground in student life.

As part of our itinerary, we also visited the TEPCO New Energy Park in Chiba, which alone supplies a third of Japan’s electricity. Another highlight was traveling through the Aqua-Line, a mind-boggling experience as we drove through the 10km long tunnels under Kawasaki waters. We also visited the Kawasaki City Ukishima Incineration Plant which converts waste to energy, with pollution-prevention systems. Employing state-of-the-art methods for recycling resources and protecting the environment, it was evident how the Japanese valued a comfortable living environment.

We also made time to visit three museums known for their emphasis on science and technology - the Toshiba Science Museum, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and Sony Explora Science. The exhibits were interactive and allowed us to learn independently. One exhibit explored the possibility of creating floor panels that converts the kinetic energy we release when walking to electrical energy!

Learning about static electricity at Toshiba Science Museum

Admiring the stunning view of Mt. Fuji

Altogether, this trip was an eventful one, and we were all in awe at how much we had covered in such a short span of time. We learnt much and would definitely remember the little things that make Tokyo such a unique city, such as heated toilet seats and vending machines at every corner.