‘Connecting Asia for A Sustainable Future Joint Summer Camp (JSC) – Unique Experience in Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan’ – Third Week at Hokkaido University

23 September 2024

The third week of the Joint Summer Camp (JSC), July 29th – 2nd August, was hosted by Hokkaido University. The academic sessions were delivered by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with the aims of enhancing students’ abilities to tackle issues related to conservation of ecosystem by collaborating with stakeholders in various fields and promoting the development of human resources who can contribute to “One Health”, which recognizes the interconnection between health of people, animals, and the shared environment considering that “health” is not only the matter of humans but also of entire planet.

JSC students have eagerly challenged themselves in gaining fundamental knowledges on “One Health”, participated in hands-on laboratory exercises with the focus on SDGs, and joined field work activities focusing on conservation with Hokkaido University students. Alongside with academic sessions, some cultural sessions, such as “Washi” paper making, tea ceremony and “Nagashi Somen (flowing noodles)”, have been organized by the Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education and student activity groups.

Day 1: July 29, 2024

Opening session, Introduction of the Hokkaido University (HU) & Lecturers, Campus Tour

Professor Fumihiko Yamamoto, Executive Vice-President of HU delivering opening remarks.
Lecturer Xiao Lan, Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, delivering Introduction on Hokkaido University and its educational programs.

Japanese Culture Session on Japanese language

Brief Japanese language lesson was given by a teaching assistant.

Japanese Culture Session on “Washi” Paper Making

A special lecture was given by “Washi” making professionals.

Introduction lecture

Introduction lecture from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicines: Researcher Rio Doya.

Day 2: July 30, 2024

Lecture on “One Health”

Delivering lectures to JSC students on “Animal Welfare” from Dr. Yuki Otani, specially appointed assistant professor, One Health research center.

Field Trip: Hokkaido Shrine

Visiting to Hokkaido Shrine and enjoying a stroll.

Field Trip: Maruyama Zoo

Visiting the backyard of the zoo and receiving explanations from the zoo staff.

Day 3: July 31, 2024

Lecture & Practical class “Environmental Toxicology”

Listening to the lecture and guidance.
Students measuring toxins of the sample such as their hair with Dr. Andrew Kataba, Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia.

BBQ party and Firework

Participating in tea ceremony activity wearing “Yukata”.
Participating in tea ceremony activity wearing “Yukata”.

Day 4: August 4, 2024

Lecture & Data Analysis “Environmental Toxicology”

Eagerly participating in data analysis with receiving explanations from Dr. Hendrik Erasmus, Postdoctoral Fellow , Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Northwest University.

Japanese culture session on “Nagashi Somen”

Enjoying “Nagashi Somen” cultural activity.

Japanese culture session on “Tea ceremony”

Participating in tea ceremony activity wearing “Yukata”.
Participating in tea ceremony activity wearing “Yukata”.

Day 5: August 4, 2023

Final Presentation/Closing session/Farewell

JSC students delivering final presentations. Active interactions were observed during the session
Prof. Aya Takahashi, Executive Vice-President of Hokkaido University, delivering closing remarks at the closing session.
Prof. Mitsuyoshi Takiguchi, Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, delivering certificate of participation to JSC students.
Closing remarks from Dr. Ram Piyaket, Director, Office of International Affairs and Global Network, Chulalongkorn University.

The Joint Summer Camp (JSC) was a unique initiative jointly developed and organized by Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, The University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong SAR, and Hokkaido University in Japan. Having completed a three-week-long intense and inspiring learning opportunity, JSC students gained new information and knowledge that can and will help them make their future decisions in contributing for a sustainable future.

Lecturers for the Joint Summer Camp (Japan Term hosted by Hokkaido University)

  • Lecturer Andrew Kataba, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia
  • Postdoctoral Fellow Hendrik Johannes Erasmus, Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Northwest University, South Africa
  • Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, Yuki Otani, One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University 
  • Researcher Rio Doya, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University

Academic course coordinators for the Joint Summer Camp (Japan Term hosted by Hokkaido University)

  • Professor Mayumi Ishizuka, Dean of Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
  • Lecturer Xiao Lan, Institute for Advancement of Higher Education, Hokkaido University
  • Officer Miyoko Ogishima, IVCMEP Central Office, Hokkaido University

Program coordinators for the Joint Summer Camp (Japan Term hosted by Hokkaido University)

  • Senior Academic Specialist Junko Yoshida, Office for International Collaboration, Hokkaido University
  • Program Manager Ryota Takeuchi, Hokkaido Summer Institute, Student Exchange Division, Academic Affairs Department,Hokkaido University