Exchange Programs
Our exchange meetings are held about three times each year.
We promote exchange with scholarship students by visiting and touring related companies and cultural facilities in Japan.
We also help students to meet and deepen exchange with people related to the Foundation and former students who have previously received Foundation support.
We support student life in Japan through the exchange meetings.
Exchange Meetings
2026
Exchange and Viewing Event, March 19, 2026
(at Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum and Seikado Bunko Art Museum)
On the day when the spring equinox was just around the corner, we held an exchange and viewing event, with participants viewing exhibitions at two museums representing the Marunouchi district. The day started with scholarship students gathering at the Foundation’s office to receive greetings and an explanation of the exchange and viewing event from the secretariat. The group then visited the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum to view an exhibition of shin-hanga (new prints) woodblock prints entitled “Twilight Ukiyo-e.” The students studied each of the realistic and profound works, which emerged from the fusion of ukiyo-e—a style established during the Edo period—with Western techniques. Next, the group visited the Seikado Bunko Art Museum, where they viewed “Battling Buddhist Images,” an exhibition of medieval Buddhist statuary from inside and outside Japan. While Buddhist statues symbolize the teachings of Buddhism, the exhibition focused not just on their guardian aspect of protecting people from external enemies and disasters, but on their role as beings that battle against individual worldly desires. The scholarship students studied each statue closely, examining their expression and pose.
After the viewing, we moved to a different location for an exchange meeting. The students observing Ramadan refrained from eating until sunset and enjoyed chatting with one another. Once the atmosphere was conducive, each scholarship student shared their thoughts on the exhibitions and gave an update on their recent student life. Undergraduate scholarship recipients reported that they had gone on an ecological survey training trip to Nagano during spring break, traveled to Thailand and Indonesia with friends, and secured a spot in their first-choice research lab for their graduation research. Master’s degree students reported that they had completed their theses after struggling with their research, were busy mentoring younger students, or had received job offers during their job search. A doctoral student reported working hard on completing the dissertation while traveling back and forth between universities for joint research. In addition to comments expressing an interest in ukiyo-e sparked by the viewing session or reflecting on the differences from their own country’s Buddhist statue culture, others reported they had passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test or were currently studying for it. The scholarship recipients were clearly leading fulfilling lives despite their struggles. Finally, commemorative gifts were presented to celebrate the scholarship recipients who were receiving their degrees this March and graduating from the Foundation as well.
Although the blooming of Tokyo’s Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms was officially declared that day, the scholarship students seemed eager to welcome the full bloom of spring as they prepared for the new semester. They said their goodbyes and mentioned they were looking forward to meeting again at the next exchange meeting.
2025
Exchange and Reporting Event, December 19, 2025
(at MGC Commons)
With less than two weeks left in the year, we held an exchange and reporting event and invited our alumni. A total of 26 people gathered at MGC Commons, including 12 scholarship recipients (one of whom joined this fall), seven alumni, and seven Foundation officials.
At the opening, the chairman gave an address: “To all of you who have chosen to study in Japan, I hope you will strive to live by the proverb ‘Study hard, play hard’ while you are still students. I hope you will go out into the world with confidence.”
A Foundation director delivered a special lecture titled “Material Design and Optical Properties of Polyimides Exhibiting Long-Wavelength Emission Related to Solar Wavelength Conversion.” Students listened with great interest and asked questions about possible applications to planting and the mechanisms of light emission in the solid and liquid phases, leading to a lively discussion.
Next, at the reporting session, undergraduate seniors and graduate students presented progress updates on their own research themes. The presentations covered a wide range of topics. In materials research, there were reports on semiconductor electrode materials that use nano-coating technology, meat substitute food ingredients utilizing yeast residue, and novel optoelectronic materials containing aromatic rings. In biochemistry, progress was reported on research into the formation of new biomolecular condensates and new treatments for aortic dissection, and in electrochemistry, on research to clarify the mechanisms of carbon steel corrosion. During the question-and-answer session, the students engaged in wide-ranging discussions on topics, such as the selection of experimental conditions, experimental plans for next assignments, and applications in society. During the post-event review, a director praised the event, saying, “It was great to see such a lively atmosphere with active Q&A among the students. Many of the research fields presented are ones you won’t typically hear about at the university level, making this a very informative session. I look forward to seeing the results of their future research.”
Following the reporting session, the group moved to a different venue for an exchange meeting. In his toast, one of the contributing trustees said, “Having been in charge of the research and development department for many years myself, I feel a special affinity with and high expectations of all of you who are studying and pursing research in the sciences. I hope you will continue to take on challenges without fear of failure as you each forge your own path. I will continue to do my best to support this exchange meeting so that it serves as a place for you to grow through new encounters and inspiration.”
At the exchange meeting, scholarship recipients up to their third year of undergraduate study gave speeches. Third-year students shared stories about struggling with more in-depth lab reports, narrowing their choices of research labs in preparation for next year’s graduation research, and winning regional competitions in their club activities. We heard reports from first-year students who are not just dedicating themselves to their required courses but launching personal websites to share their thoughts on future research. The new scholarship recipient who joined this fall reported on their research activities, participation in the student orchestra, and, more recently, taking up Japanese chess.
We also received updates and advice for current students from our alumni. They spoke about the importance of making the most of one’s time as a student; the need to prioritize health when engaged in demanding research; and the importance of communication skills in the professional world. One alumnus even gave a presentation on a new product—the first commercialized offering from a startup he founded while still in college. Whether it was a reunion after a long time or a first meeting, the conversation flowed freely as they talked about their home countries and everyday life.
At the end of the gathering, a trustee who had joined the Foundation in November offered words of encouragement: “I am delighted you have all come to Japan. I hope you will continue to embrace challenges and make great strides without fear. Networking is essential to this, so please make the most of the connections you have established through the Foundation.” The event closed with everyone exchanging greetings for the new year.
Exchange and Tour Event, September 10, 2025
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Hiratsuka Research Laboratory)
The second exchange event of the year for scholarship students was held at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical’s Hiratsuka Research Laboratory. With the addition of four new scholarship recipients selected in July, all 12 scholarship students and four Foundation officials, including the chairman, visited the Hiratsuka Research Laboratory. Since this exchange event involved a visit to a business site, we organized it as an event focused on a tour of the facilities.
The meeting began with opening remarks from the chairman. The Hiratsuka Research Laboratory focuses on plastics—one of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical’s core products—and research and development conducted there is aimed at creating products that contribute to society. Research and development capabilities that produce products recognized by society are the lifeblood of a company. The chairman told the participants that they would get to experience a part of the R&D setting firsthand.
Next, the laboratory director gave a brief address, noting that the Hiratsuka Research Laboratory is known as the Plastic Research Center and performs a full range of research on a daily basis, from synthesis, molding and processing to analysis and evaluation, with a focus on resin development. He invited the participants to see the forefront of research.
Next, the deputy chief researcher gave an overview of the Hiratsuka Research Laboratory. The laboratory conducts research in collaboration with Group companies related to plastics. The presentation focused on four distinctive types of plastics: heat-resistant transparent resin for optical materials, heat-resistant transparent resin for glass substitute containers, gas-barrier resin for medical use, and gas-barrier resin for beverage and food packaging.
The participants then split into two groups to tour the facility, which took in the bench-scale polymer synthesis equipment, a series of production processes for manufacturing preforms from resin pellets and blow-molding them into bottles, and the analytical evaluation equipment to perform component and surface analyses of molded products. The scholarship students asked questions with great interest about synthesis conditions, multi-layer molding, and key points for analytical evaluation. In the showroom, which showcases products from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Group companies, they picked up samples of plastic products to feel their lightness and texture firsthand. Finally, the participants toured the new research building, which is scheduled to begin full-scale operation this fall. The students were impressed by the technological demonstrations using the state-of-the-art displays, and the view from the upper floors overlooking the surrounding area where Group companies are gathered.
Following the tour, an exchange meeting was held that included members of the research laboratory. The event began with remarks from a director, who spoke about the potential of plastics and expressed hopes for the future success of the students on the global stage. Midway through the gathering, each scholarship recipient gave a brief introduction of themselves, shared their impressions of the tour, and provided an update on their current activities at their university. We heard feedback from students who are rethinking their negative perceptions of plastic and developing a deeper interest in corporate research and development. In their updates, they shared their research progress, the challenges of tackling new research topics, their internship experiences, their efforts to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, and their job-hunting activities with an eye toward the future. All this gave us a sense of how fulfilling their student life in Japan has been. Amid casual conversation, the students had the opportunity to interact with one another, and with Foundation officials and research laboratory staff.
Finally, the director of the Hiratsuka Research Laboratory closed the exchange and tour event with a Kanto-style one-clap ceremony, wishing the scholarship students continued success in their endeavors in Japan.
Exchange and Viewing Event, March 5, 2025
(at Tokyo National Museum)
Although it was a cold drizzly day, unlike a typical spring day, scholarship recipients gathered from across the country to hold an exchange and viewing event. First, the secretariat gave a welcome address to the scholarship recipients who had gathered at the Foundation’s office and explained the highlights of the upcoming exchange and viewing event. The Tokyo National Museum, a place where they visited for the event, is Japan’s largest museum, made up of five exhibition buildings and ancillary facilities. In addition to cultural properties from Japan and Asia, it was also hosting a limited-time special exhibition featuring the exquisite temple treasures of Daikaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. After finishing lunch, the scholarship students made their way to the museum, their minds filled with thoughts of these fascinating cultural treasures.
The group first visited the special exhibition titled “Treasures of Daikakuji: From Imperial Villa to Buddhist Temple,” which is part of the TSUMUGU Project co-sponsored by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company. The group was greeted by statues of the Five Great Wisdom Kings (Myo-o), manuscripts written by successive emperors, and a pair of brother swords passed down through the Genji clan. The highlight was a 100-panel screen painting, which captivated everyone. After that, everyone headed to their desired exhibition rooms at their own pace, losing track of time as they explored the Japanese Gallery (Honkan), which traces the history of Japanese art by era; the Asian Gallery (Toyokan), which displays art, crafts, and archaeological artifacts from the home countries of the scholarship recipients in Asia; and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, a treasure trove of ancient Japanese culture.
After the viewing, the group moved to a different location, where the chairman joined the students for an exchange meeting that included a meal. Scholarship students observing Ramadan waited until sunset to eat. Each student shared their thoughts on the viewing and gave an update on their recent student life. A student from Kyoto who had previously visited Daikaku-ji Temple was once again moved by the elegant cultural treasures on display at the Daikakuji exhibition. A student interested in Japanese history was deeply impressed by the Ryukyuan culture of the south. A student interested in kendo and kyudo was impressed by the exhibition of beautiful Japanese swords. Everyone was delighted to have the opportunity to view various cultural properties at the museum and experience Japanese culture.
With regard to student life, students presented their research findings at academic conferences, selected topics for their senior theses, explored fields outside their majors, and sang a cappella in club activities. One student mentioned an upcoming figure skating competition. It was clear that the students were leading fulfilling lives as spring approached.
Finally, the chairman presented commemorative gifts to the students who were graduating from the Foundation in March, something everyone celebrated together. The students expressed their gratitude for the support they had received, shared their determination to succeed in their graduate studies, and expressed their longing to stay in touch as alumni.
Although Ueno Park was still decked out in its winter finery, the students seemed eager for spring to arrive as they looked forward to the new semester. We closed the exchange event, looking forward to seeing everyone again at the next exchange meeting.
2024
Exchange and Reporting Event, December 16, 2024
(at the Industry of Japan Club Hall)
After a prolonged warm autumn, the seasons quickly changed in 2024. On this day in mid-December, we held an exchange and reporting event inviting our alumni. A total of 21 people, including nine scholarship recipients (one of whom joined this fall), six alumni, and six Foundation officials, gathered at the Industry of Japan Club Hall.
To start, the chairman delivered opening remarks inspired by the Kanji of the Year. Citing examples that the character 金 has two readings and meanings—“kin” (gold) and “kane” (money)—and that 金色 (“kin-iro”) can also be read as “konjiki,” he touched on the subtleties and complexities of the Japanese writing system. He also expressed his commitment to continuing to support international students studying in Japan in terms of the金 aspect (“kane”), i.e., through scholarship funding.
At the reporting session, the scholarship recipients gave presentations on topics they chose themselves. Since 90% of the participants were undergraduates this time, their presentations focused primarily on events and activities from their student life. These covered a wide range of experiences in Japan—including classes, research, club activities, travel, sports, competitions, and campus festivals—and their future goals. During the question-and-answer session, in addition to questions about what prompted them to try this experience and what they hoped to experience in the future, the questioners also offered advice based on their own experiences. At the end of the reporting session, a director offered words of encouragement: “I know that life in Japan can be challenging at times, but I hope you will cherish the bonds you’ve formed through the Foundation and work hard toward your future goals.”
After the reporting session, the group moved to a different location for an exchange meeting. In his toast, one of the directors offered words of encouragement. “Young students may sometimes worry about their future career paths and goals. I hope you will make the best choices for yourselves, taking our advice into consideration. And, based on your experiences in Japan, we hope you will serve as a bridge between your home country, Japan, and the rest of the world.” At the exchange meeting, we were able to have lively conversations about student life issues that we could not discuss during the reporting session, as well as topics on their home countries. In addition to sharing updates on their current lives, the alumni offered some advice to the younger students. Their remarks, delivered with a touch of humor, left an impression, covering topics like the importance of having hobbies during one’s student years, the value of learning from mistakes, and the need for perseverance in the face of failed experiments.
As the gathering drew to a close, an auditor remarked, “Beyond providing scholarship support, the Foundation is always considering other ways we can assist you,” adding, “We hope you will cherish the connections made with our alumni today and look forward to an even more wonderful year next year.” The event concluded with everyone looking forward to reuniting at the next event.
Research Presentations, September 4, 2024
(at MGC Commons)
A research presentation event was held in part to celebrate the scholarship recipients who were completing their academic programs in September. This time, 13 scholarship recipients (including two participating online) and six Foundation officials attended the event at MGC Commons, which opened last December.
Before the presentations, the chairman delivered a speech explaining the significance of the name “MGC Commons” and expressed his hope that it would serve as a shared space where people from diverse backgrounds could come together without barriers. Following this, five scholarship recipients who were scheduled to graduate from the Foundation at the end of September gave presentations on their research. Two scholarship recipients, who were participating online while temporarily back in their home countries to complete post-graduation procedures, presented their research, sharing the findings from their master’s and doctoral theses, respectively. This was followed by presentations from three scholarship recipients who attended in person. Although all of them were presentations of their master’s theses, one presentation took a different approach to deepen the research. The presentations spanned a wide range of fields, including food chemistry, fire science, chemical informatics, and biochemistry, and were met with lively questions from the audience.
Next, the five current scholarship recipients gave progress reports on their graduation research projects, which began this spring, and their experiences at university and with local communities. We got a glimpse of their fulfilling student life through activities such as reporting on progress in the synthesis of metal complexes and nanosheets, organizing figure skating competitions for their club, participating in rocket and chemical-energy vehicle contests, and having their work published in local journals. The three new students who joined this spring gave presentations that touched on their future goals, including the new research topics they are pursuing in the doctoral program that began this spring, the thesis topics they will tackle from this fall, and their experiences during their first year of undergraduate study.
In closing, a director remarked that he was delighted to see the graduating scholarship recipients achieve such outstanding research results and lead fulfilling student lives as a result of the Foundation’s support, and expressed his hope that they would serve as a bridge between their home countries and Japan in the future. He also encouraged the undergraduate students currently enrolled to quickly adapt to life in Japan and focus on their studies.
Afterward, there was an interesting tour of the MGC Commons building, an open-concept facility designed as a “space for learning, connecting, and sharing.” The exchange meeting that followed began with a message from an auditor, who expressed the hope that the scholarship recipients would pass on the vision behind the Foundation’s establishment and its activities to their peers and juniors, along with words of encouragement for both the recipients and the Foundation’s activities. During the gathering, lively conversations took place on about university life and future aspirations. In addition, the chairman presented commemorative gifts to the scholarship recipients graduating this fall. Finally, a trustee gave a closing address wishing the students good health and a vibrant college life, and the event concluded with a traditional one-clap ceremony. With some reluctance to part ways, everyone then headed home.
Exchange and Viewing Event, March 21, 2024
(at the National Museum of Science and Nature Ueno Main Building)
While halfway through the spring equinox period, the weather was still far from spring-like when we held an exchange meeting for our scholarship recipients. The scholarship recipients, who had gathered from all over the country at the Foundation’s office, were delighted to see each other again. We organized this event to give participants the opportunity to visit the National Museum of Nature and Science—which had recently attracted attention for raising funds through crowdfunding to overcome difficulties in managing its specimens due to soaring utility costs—and to learn about Japanese and Earth history through its valuable specimen collections. Before the viewing, the scholarship students attended a briefing from the secretariat on the National Museum of Nature and Science, before proceeding to the venue.
At the museum, in addition to the permanent exhibits, the scholarship students viewed the Special Exhibition Mammals 3—The Parade of Life, which was being held at the museum at the same time. They were engrossed in the exhibits that piqued their individual interests. One student was amazed by the sheer size of the stuffed whale and impressed by the life-size dinosaur replica. Other students used their mobile devices to access guide information and explored the exhibits. Participants were able to learn about the origins of Japan and the formation of the Earth covering a wide range of fields, from the life sciences to geobiology and space science.
Following the viewing, we moved to a different location to hold a progress report session. Scholarship recipients scheduled to graduate this fall shared updates on their thesis works and future career plans, those scheduled to join research labs in April discussed their preparations, and one other who had traveled abroad during winter break shared a valuable account of exploring one’s roots. Scholarship recipients who were leaving the Foundation in April to receive support elsewhere expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for the four years of support they had received, and stated that they wished to continue interacting with the Foundation as alumni. Although the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms in Ueno Park were still in bud, the aspirations of the scholarship recipients were already beginning to blossom in anticipation of spring. We closed the exchange meeting, looking forward to seeing everyone again next time.
2023
Exchange and Reporting Event, December 18, 2023
(at the Industry of Japan Club Hall)
On this day, past the midpoint of December 2023, we held a year-end exchange and reporting event to wrap up the year. A total of 22 people gathered at the Industry of Japan Club Hall, including the 11 current scholarship recipients (two of whom joined this fall), five alumni, and six Foundation officials.
The chairman opened the event by introducing Japan’s cultural background, which places a strong emphasis on cooperation and teamwork but sometimes makes it difficult for Japanese people to express their individuality. He encouraged the international students studying in Japan to focus on the positive aspects of Japanese culture and inspire those around them. At the reporting session, in addition to self-introductions, students gave presentations on topics of their choice, including this year’s research results, and events and activities undertaken in their student life. There were sincere reports on their academic pursuits, ranging from anecdotes about their first conference presentations and easy-to-understand, personified explanations of specialized research topics, to preliminary research by third-year undergraduates on the laboratories they aim to join next spring. Furthermore, as measures to combat COVID-19 have begun to wind down since this spring, we received numerous reports of students experiencing a return to normal student life. Some students reported taking trips with family and friends upon temporarily returning to their home countries to present at academic conferences. Another reported encountering traffic jams in their hometown, which had regained its former vibrancy. Reports on club activities included participation in science and technology competitions and sports tournaments, holding band concerts, and performing original compositions. One student who reported on their home country’s food culture also introduced a traditional, healthy tea. A lively question-and-answer session followed, during which participants exchanged views on research in the same field and their hobbies.
Following the reporting session, the group moved to a different venue for an exchange meeting. In his opening remarks, a director mentioned how interesting it was to hear the diverse and unique presentations during the session. He encouraged everyone to cherish the connections they had formed through their association with the Foundation and to continue working to deepen such relationships. Conversations at the gathering flowed freely as students asked questions they hadn’t been able to ask during the reporting session and asked for advice on student life. The alumni shared updates on their current situations and offered brief words of advice to the younger students. There were also reports of people sharing their experiences of working at Japanese companies, relearning Japanese, and attempting to start their own businesses while pursuing university degrees. Advice was offered on the importance of taking on challenges while in school and the value of enjoying everything you do.
Finally, a director, drawing on his own experience studying in the United States, encouraged the students by telling how the daily experiences gained in a foreign country like Japan would prove valuable in the future. He urged them to make the most of this exchange meeting as an opportunity to connect with a diverse group of peers. The gathering concluded with everyone looking forward to a wonderful new year and hoping to see each other again at the next exchange meeting.
Research Presentations, August 28, 2023
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Tokyo Research Laboratory)
We held our first research presentation event since COVID-19 had been downgraded to a Category 5 infectious disease. Coincidentally, the event took place at the Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Tokyo Research Laboratory (formerly Tokyo Techno Park)—the same venue where our first research presentation event was held in January 2020, just before the onset of the pandemic—marking our return to this location after three and a half years. The number of scholarship recipients, which had been four at that time, had grown to 11 with the addition of three new members this spring. Nine attended in person and two joined online. The event was attended by the Foundation’s chairman, other Foundation officials, and numerous research laboratory staff members.
To start, the director of the Tokyo Research Laboratory spoke about the facility’s transformation from a chemical plant to an urban research institute over its history of more than 100 years, product-related topics, and near-future themes, including carbon neutrality. The scholarship recipients listened intently. After that, the students toured a bench-scale resin production plant utilizing CO2 and molding equipment for optical resin polymers, and examined with great interest the research facilities for scale-up and the test sample evaluation process for smartphone camera lenses.
At the research presentations, the chairman began by discussing the importance of research and development capabilities. He encouraged each scholarship recipient in their current research. In their research presentations, seven graduate students—including two online participants—presented research results gained by respective chemical methodologies on a wide range of topics, including biochemistry, environmental and food chemistry, luminescence chemistry, and fire science. Looking somewhat nervous, the presenters gave detailed explanations in the Japanese they had been regularly practicing. The laboratory researchers and Foundation directors asked highly technical questions about research methods and procedures, leading to a lively question-and-answer session. Following the presentations, a director commented that the event provided an opportunity to be exposed to research in diverse fields and created a valuable opportunity for everyone to gather at the Foundation’s exchange meeting. He encouraged participants to continue building on these connections.
At the social gathering, everyone appeared relaxed as they chatted. The undergraduate students introduced themselves and discussed the research topics they hope to pursue in the future. In addition, the chairman presented commemorative gifts to two scholarship recipients who were graduating this fall. The two students expressed their gratitude for the scholarship support and reported that they would be continuing their studies to further their research or enrolling in a school to pursue a new field of study. Finally, the director of the Tokyo Research Laboratory delivered closing remarks, expressing his hopes for the continued success of the scholarship recipients in Japan. The research presentation concluded with a traditional Japanese one-clap ceremony.
Exchange and Viewing Event, March 10, 2023
(at Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum)
We held an exchange meeting for our scholarship recipients and celebrated those graduating from the Foundation this March. We visited a special exhibition featuring the works of Yoshiiku and Yoshitoshi, ukiyo-e artists from the late Edo period, which was being held at the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum near the Foundation’s office. Although some of the students were familiar with ukiyo-e, most had come face to face with the actual works for the first time, so the group received a brief overview of ukiyo-e before going to the exhibition hall.
At the exhibition, the display room just inside the entrance featured panels explaining the backgrounds of both Yoshiiku and Yoshitoshi and their encounters with Kuniyoshi, their mentor, in both Japanese and English. The students read them intently. Some students even used the Japanese audio guide to enhance their viewing experience. The students were deeply impressed by the one-of-a-kind original paintings and intricately printed woodblock prints. A manga featuring Yoshiiku and Yoshitoshi was also being serialized at the same time, which raised even more interest. The students, who had been so engrossed in the exhibition that they lost track of time, hurried through the galleries in the second half and reluctantly left the venue.
After the viewing, the group moved to another location for a progress report session, where the students shared updates on their research and future plans, including of passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, finally being able to return home temporarily since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, and taking a graduation trip. Students graduating in March announced that they had secured jobs at companies in Japan and received congratulations from everyone. Looking forward to maintaining connections after graduation to strengthen the alumni network in the future, everyone promised to meet again soon, and the gathering came to a close.
(Masks were removed only for the group photo.)
2022
Exchange and Reporting Event, December 14, 2022
(at the Industry of Japan Club Hall)
We organized an exchange and reporting event by implementing various infection prevention measures to ensure that everyone associated with the Foundation could interact safely. Since the Foundation marked its fifth anniversary this September and now has nine graduates, we held an exchange meeting with alumni for the first time. A total of 23 people attended in person, including seven alumni, nine current students (including two who were newly admitted this fall), and seven officials from the Foundation.
The event began with remarks from the chairman, who expressed his desire to further expand interactions with alumni who have graduated from the Foundation, which has entered its fifth term, and are now active in various fields. He proposed a call for suggestions for a name for the alumni association. After that, current international students gave reports on their current situations and goals for next year, while new students introduced themselves and shared their future goals.
During the informal discussion after a break, our alumni each shared a few words about their current lives and offered advice to the students. They encouraged the students from their own perspectives—whether they had gone on to pursue doctoral studies after graduating from the Foundation, continued working as researchers after earning their degrees, or joined Japanese companies where they are now working hard on the front lines of research and business. In their opening remarks, the university professors serving as directors and trustees commented that the international students all have strong individual perspectives and expressed hopes that they would also serve as a great source of inspiration for Japanese students. They encouraged the students to make the most of their time abroad, noting that the invaluable experiences and challenges they encounter while studying abroad would undoubtedly benefit them in the future.
During the gathering, we set aside time for free conversation so that everyone could interact with as many people as possible, and the participants shared stories about their challenges and experiences this year, such as taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. The meeting went well past the scheduled closing time, and we reluctantly adjourned. We all pledged to make next year a good one as well, and then went our separate ways.
(Masks were removed only for the group photo.)
Exchange and Tour Event, August 29, 2022
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical QOL Innovation Center Shirakawa)
A visit to the Mitsubishi Gas Chemical QOL Innovation Center in Shirakawa was arranged and an exchange meeting was held which included a factory tour. Foundation officials also attended. Seven scholarship recipients—including two newly recruited students from the spring intake—were brought together for the event.
The chairman opened the event with a speech, noting that the facility is the newest within the company. He discussed how a production plant has been established by adopting state of the art development technologies through an approach distinct from that of chemical plants, and offered words of encouragement to the students, expressing his hope that their research would one day see commercialization. First, the two new students introduced themselves, followed by reports from current students on their current situations. Some students had taken advantage of the summer break to return to their home countries for the first time in a while, while others had wrapped up their research in preparation for their master’s thesis presentations. There were also reports from students who were struggling with their research. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed that everyone was finding ways to enjoy their first summer in three years without travel restrictions.
After receiving a briefing on the facilities, the group toured the MGC Farmix vegetable factory and the MGC AGELESS oxygen absorber factory. At the vegetable factory, while some students were confused at first by the unfamiliar sterilization procedures required before entering, they all studied the meticulously managed artificial cultivation system with great interest. While experiencing the harvesting process, some students found themselves trimming the leaves too much, which reduces the yield. This taught them just how difficult the work is. At the oxygen absorber factory, the group watched the isolated production process through a window and was impressed by the meticulous management of a wide variety of products. After the tour, there was a lively question-and-answer session covering topics such as how to select vegetables for cultivation and the development history of the various types of oxygen absorbers. In his closing remarks, the president of MGC AGELESS encouraged the students by sharing his own experiences as a student.
This first-time factory tour was certainly a fresh and exciting experience for the students during their college years.
(Masks were removed only for the group photo.)
Research Presentations, March 2, 2022
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Chojamaru Training Center)
We held a graduation research presentation event that also served as an exchange meeting, as four scholarship recipients from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cohorts were scheduled to graduate from the Foundation in March. While priority measures were in place to prevent the spread of infection due to the sixth wave of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant, the event was held with thorough infection control measures. Seven scholarship recipients attended in person and one participated online. Among Foundation officials and related parties, three attended online and four attended in person.
The graduation research presentations were carried out in Japanese and featured lively question-and-answer sessions with other scholarship recipients and Foundation officials regarding the applications of research results and other topics. The graduates reported on their future plans, which included pursuing a doctoral degree at the same university’s research laboratory, enrolling in a doctoral program at a European university, joining a corporate research laboratory, and continuing as a postdoctoral researcher in the same laboratory. Following the graduation research presentations, other scholarship recipients gave updates on their current activities and shared their achievements—such as winning second place in the Japanese Speech Contest—and their goals and challenges for the year.
Following the presentations and reports, participants split into groups and held a social gathering in a small tea party setting, while taking appropriate infection prevention measures. Participants strengthened connections with Foundation officials and with each other as they shared stories and offered advice on topics like changes in classes and laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic, thoughts about their home countries and families, and the challenges of living in Japan. The event concluded with all encouraging one another’s academic and research progress, celebrating the graduates’ new beginnings, and promising to meet again at the next exchange meeting.
(Masks were removed only for photos.)
2021
Exchange and Reporting Event, December 13, 2021
(at the Industry of Japan Club Hall)
In Japan, the COVID-19 pandemic had largely subsided. Travel and events were now permitted under certain conditions. The Foundation implemented thorough infection prevention measures and held an in-person exchange and reporting event for the first time in about two years. During that time, there had been some turnover among the scholarship recipients: four had graduated from the Foundation and 11 new members had joined. Although we had met online during virtual gatherings, this was the first time in a long while that the entire group had the opportunity to meet in person. Foundation officials also participated, both in person and online.
In this session, the presentations focused primarily on introducing the research topics of the scholarship students who joined us this October for their advanced studies. We could sense their determination for research, whether they were delving deeper into research themes they had pursued while still in school or honing their ideas and skills through new topics in a fresh environment. Foundation officials and other students engaged in a question-and-answer session regarding the focus of research and key pointers for achieving breakthroughs. Other scholarship recipients gave reports on their current situations, including updates on their studies and research. Students aiming to obtain their degrees next spring also reported on their progress in finalizing their theses and their career plans after graduation.
The chairman, noting the significance of this venue, which had served as a hub for activities contributing to Japan’s industrial development from the Taisho era through the postwar period and is now preserved as a place for fostering interactions, offered his encouragement for future success of the students. The students seemed thrilled to have had the chance to interact in person and headed home near their universities, hoping to meet again in person next time.
(Masks were removed only for photos.)
Research Presentations, September 2, 2021
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Foundation’s Meeting Room)
We held a graduation research presentation event that also served as an exchange meeting, as three scholarship recipients from the second and third cohorts were graduating from the Foundation in September. While the state of emergency was in effect due to COVID-19, we invited three alumni living in the Tokyo metropolitan area to gather, taking all necessary precautions against infection. The other seven scholarship recipients participated via an online system; six Foundation officials also joined online.
The graduation research presentations were conducted in Japanese, and the students demonstrated remarkable progress not just in their research, but in their language skills. The session sparked lively discussion, with questions raised about the global challenge of achieving carbon neutrality. The three students had already decided to pursue their next degree or secured employment with a Japanese company. Following the research presentations, the other scholarship recipients gave updates on their current situations. The exchange of advice on personal concerns made it clear that everyone was finding creative ways to navigate student life amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exchange meeting, which hadn’t been held in quite some time, came to a close with everyone hoping that the next one would be an in-person event.
Research Presentations, March 8, 2021
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Foundation’s Meeting Room)
Since two scholarship recipients from the second and third cohorts were scheduled to graduate from the Foundation, we held a graduation research presentation session. Although it was difficult to hold the event in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we combined an online system to conduct the session both in person and remotely. The graduates presented the research results that had led to their degrees and received feedback.
Other scholarship recipients and Foundation officials participated remotely, making it a valuable opportunity for current scholarship students to catch up with one another and receive advice on their future career paths.
2020
Progress Reporting Event, December 2, 2020
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Foundation’s Meeting Room)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to hold a gathering where everyone could meet in person, so we used a web-based system to host a progress reporting event that combined in-person and remote participation. Despite the limited opportunities for interaction, the event provided a meaningful occasion for all eight scholarship recipients and Foundation officials to come together and strengthen their bonds.
Research Presentations, January 30, 2020
(at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Tokyo Techno Park)
A visit was arranged to Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company’s Tokyo Techno Park to foster interactions among scholarship recipients and Foundation officials. The four scholarship recipients affiliated with the Foundation, one each from Thailand and Malaysia and two from Indonesia, toured the facilities and presented their research results. They then participated in a social gathering to deepen their connections with facility researchers and Foundation officials.
