Found via the TUD, sponsored by the "Gesellschaft von Freunden und Förderern der TU Dresden e.V." and off to Sendai.

One and a half hours north of Tokyo by express train, this was to be my new home for the coming winter semester 24/25. I would spend the next 5 months studying and researching at Tohoku University, a renowned Japanese university.

© Hannes Gürlich

Then it happened very quickly; visa picked up in Berlin, departure from Munich, flight via Beijing to Tokyo, arrival in Sendai. Welcome to my new home.

There were many new impressions to process. Starting with the hot climate, the kanji (Japanese characters), the left-hand traffic and the small stores and restaurants on every corner. There were also differences at university, with the strict attendance requirements and midterm examinations being particularly noteworthy. In return, however, I had a lot of freedom and a very supportive group in my lab, where I was researching a crystal, which really helped me to learn a lot.

But there was also a lot to discover away from the university. At the weekends, I discovered the beautiful countryside or bathed in one of the countless onsen (public hot springs). No matter where I was, whether in the lab or hiking, the Japanese people I met were always extremely friendly and courteous. However, some aspects of Japanese culture took some getting used to, such as the absolute secrecy on buses and trains or the unfriendly bicycle infrastructure. But compared to all the positives, these aspects were secondary. Now back in Germany, I realize that I took more with me from Japan than just fond memories, new friends and great research results: also the urge to constantly over-apologize for everything. However, I am sure that, unlike the impressions and friendships, this will not last :).