Experience in Japan

I took part in Fieldwork on Development Technologies in Cold Region and Introduction to Far East and Arctic Studies.

During the Fieldwork on Development Technologies in Cold Region we visited the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Hokkaido Government, Eniwa City, Yubari City, and Niseko Town.
In Eniwa City we visited the Kashiwa no Mori Community Center, in Yubari City we visited the Yubari City Coal Mine Museum, city hall and had a tour of the city’s Mayachi district. In Niseko Town we visited the Takeo Arishima Memorial Museum and the town hall.

While visiting the above-mentioned facilities and cities we have learned of many problems and issues of sustainable development of the cities, and of various ways of solution to these problems.
What I noticed and appreciated during this Fieldwork is how the plans and strategies of development are created with thought and concern toward preserving the nature and environment of these regions. For example, the site plan of the Kashiwa no Mori community center was decided to preserve the trees growing in the area. The local government of Niseko town also puts a lot of effort into preservation of the environment, since the beautiful and unique nature of the town is what attracts thousands of tourists to the resorts.

After the course we were divided into groups and made a presentation on the topic: “How can we play leading roles in the fields of sustainable environment, sustainable culture and sustainable development in the Far East and the Arctic Circle?”
I hope that the knowledge and experience gained during this program will prove to be useful in my academic career as a major in Arctic Studies. Participation in this program allowed me to gain new knowledge and experience studying in a different country, meet new people and exchange ideas and I am very grateful for this unique opportunity to participate in the RJE3 program. I hope that this program will continue to exist and evolve so that future generations of Russian and Japanese students can communicate and share experience.