Voice From Alumni

I am Srikrishnan from Tamil Nadu, India. I completed the Master’s degree in Geosciences and now I am doing my PhD in Analytical Geomechanics Laboratory, Hokkaido University since October 2014. After two years of my work in CIMFR (CSIR Laboratory) Nagpur, as a research assistant, I chose to pursue my doctorate in Japan.

Peace! Sapporo is peaceful, giving the calmness of a countryside yet it is busy and provides the convenience of a well-planned city. Hokkaido is a beautiful destination for any nature lover! Sapporo city holds a lot of festivals throughout the year which keep me engaged. Apart from these, we have an Indian community based on friends in Sapporo (IAS - Indian Association in Sapporo) which helped me to feel comfortable after my arrival.

Before my arrival, I thought about Japan only as a very busy country working 24*7 with the use and development of well-sophisticated technologies. After my arrival, I found and admired the value Japanese people still hold towards their culture. I also enjoy attending some traditional Japanese events like New Year celebrations. Visiting the Japanese shrine during New Year gives me joy and peace.

I was attracted to Hokkaido University mainly because of my supervisor’s research. For a PhD student, the most important thing is to choose a topic of research interest. I wanted to pursue my career in Geomechanics. The next big reason is the e3 program (English Engineering Education Program) in which all the courses are taught entirely in English. The reasons I chose Hokkaido University could be:

1. My supervisor’s research interest and his accomplishments
2. The way research outcomes are being implemented in Japanese Geotechnical Community inspired me a lot.
3. e3 program
4. MEXT scholarship
5. Hokkaido is beautiful.

Adjusting to Japanese culture was not difficult for me, even though I did not learn the Japanese language. I guess working in various states of India under different language background helped me a lot. I learned the Japanese working style in my laboratory. Through my experience I found what to do and what not to do, according to the Japanese culture. I took part in almost all the events that were held in my laboratory. I tried my best to be friendly with international students and Japanese students and maintained my daily life comfortable.

The nature of work or working style in Japan is entirely different from India. I suggest prospective students and researchers to survey the working style of the laboratory they want to pursue a career. If the student/researcher can cope up with it, Japan is a wonderful place for higher studies and research on all aspects such as publications, research facilities, research approach, research implementations in industry. Wish you all the best!