Source and photos:
http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-03_jp-tokyo_phd-graduation.htm
I graduated from the doctoral course of
総合研究大学院大学 (Sokendai) at the university campus in 葉山 (Hayama, Japan) on 24 March 2008, and attended a related ceremony at
国立情報学研究所 (National Institute of Informatics) in
東京 (Tokyo) on 28 March during which I received a commemorative medal. The first ceremony gathered graduates of that semester from partner research institutes all over Japan, whatever their field; the second gathered only information technology graduates from my institute. These events ended my studies in computer science after three years of study and research in Japan under the supervision of
橋爪宏達 (HASHIZUME Hiromichi).
I received my diploma after the redaction of my thesis in English, a final presentation in front of all my thesis committee members, and the publication of my research in a scientific journal and at several international conferences. I am satisfied with the topic of my research (human fundamental needs in wearable computing) and with my achievements at
総合研究大学院大学 (Sokendai) and
国立情報学研究所 (National Institute of Informatics) considering that I spoke no Japanese when I came.
These three years were a great experience: it was my first long-term stay abroad, I learnt much, and I pondered about life; however I was socially unsatisfied. I visited famous places, attended festivals, and learnt Japanese; I can now discuss everyday topics without much trouble. As a novice scientist, I spent numerous weekdays reading about computers, people and the environment, using the excellent digital library of the institute. This new life gave me time and materials to think about what I want to accomplish in the long-term, what I want to do on a daily basis, what I want to experience, and where I want to live; answers still elude me but I fortunately clarified what I do
not want. I just regret that the institute had so few students (60?) on site and that it was difficult to make friends with the Japanese, get to know them, and spend time together, which contrasts much with my stay in Seattle (United States of America) from July to September 2005.
Now, I hope to get a motivating and enriching job in Japan, properly learn the language, experience the culture in depth, and visit the country.
I hiked 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) for the first time on 01-02 July 2006 with twelve friends to enjoy a sunrise from the top of this most famous Japanese mountain. We climbed from 五合目 (the fifth station) until we reached a shelter, where we dined and slept a few hours. When we resumed our hike after midnight, we were subjected to rain, wind and falling rocks. One of us actually got hurt by a fist-size rock a few minutes before reaching the summit; fortunately he just ended up with a big bump on the back of his head. Without surprise, we missed the sunrise and just got wrapped in a brighter and brighter diffuse grey light... In this condition, we all appreciated hot drinks provided at the summit but wondered whether we would try again, maybe in 2007. At least, we enjoyed the scenery on our way down, as well as a luxurious nearby 温泉 (hot spring).
