My study of Economics in Yamaguchi University under JDS Scholarship Program (2nd batch) is a rewarding experience of learning over a period of two years (2003-2005). Yamaguchi City is on the valley of never ending lash green topography where simplicity is the norm of life. On such a green valley, Yamaguchi University is located with a blend of modern and traditional Japanese building pattern, optimum learning facilities surrounded by warm hearted inhabitants of the city. The city is well connected through all modes of transportation and the airport was just 2 hours drive. I fell proud to obtain my Masters in Economics from Yamauchi University under a well designed curriculum. The Graduate School of Economics of the university is a centre excellence where teachers are very friendly, communicative and educated from both Japan and western countries which offers diversity in the learning process. Each graduate level student is offered with a study room that my study convenient while excellent library facilities are available for all students.

My stay and study in Japan was very comfortable and full of learning due to the excellent arrangements made under the JDS program. Literally the arrangements were so comprehensive and well thought about that were never left unattended since we were selected for the program unit we safely returned to Bangladesh after 2 years in Japan. Efficient management started by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) while we were in Bangladesh through 2 months preparatory Japanese language course which eventually made us comfortable which we landed in Japan for the first time. The basic language skill helped us adjusting with the new culture fast and helped towards gradually making Japan as our home away from home. Some important lifestyle support provided under this program includes-adaptation and further language courses in JICA centers, arranging accommodation in International Hostel, renting suitable apartment in the locality, attending JICA seminar, arranging health insurance, opening bank account and regular transfer of the scholarship. On top of that monthly monitoring with a JICE personnel helped immensely to resolve the issues that came up during our long stay in Japan. I am unaware of any such scholarship available in Bangladesh that provides so much support towards scholarship recipients’ comfort and well being.

Even after almost 10 years since left Japan, I still recognize Japan as my second home because of its warm hearted people and the good friends I left there. Due to my gradual skill in speaking Japanese, I have lot of friends and I cherish memories of my days with them. Hardly there were weekends without any socio cultural commitments during my entire over 2 year stay in Japan. Be it in Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo or elsewhere. I still remember the activities with the communities and schools familiarizing Bangladesh. Japan boasts of rich culture and I am privileged to be associated with many of the cultural events as special guest. I attended series of program with elementary school and high schools where I could interact with the children of different ages, understand their thinking about development, culture, discipline and making an environment friendly lifestyle. Japan successfully implemented environment friendly development process where they use only 25% of their total land for human settlement. If one needs to identify single trait that explains Japanese people-it is their discipline. Attending matsuri (festival) were the best way to know Japanese culture and heritage. I hardly recall the names of the festivals I attended. However, Seijin Shiki (Coming-of-age ceremony), Hanami (Cherry-blossom viewing), Hina Matsuri (Doll festival), Yuki matsuri (Snow festival), Tanabata matsuri (Weaver festival), Chochin (Lantern), Setsubun (Traditional end of winter), Omisoka (New Year ’s Eve) are few of them I still remember vividly. One more thing I miss is Japanese hot spring which I think a specialty of Japan. Attendance to several home stay enriched me about the traditional values of the society.

My orientation about lifestyle changed after my return from Japan. Hard work combined with discipline is the secret of Japanese success in the global development map and I always try to adhere whatever I do. The scholarship program allowed my family to visit Japan and that remains as one of the most memorable events in Japan. Apart from visiting places extensively, my family enjoyed the healthy foods, traditional shrines Tokyo Disney Land most. My family still remembers the bowling sports they enjoyed often while in Japan. Our environment friendly local transport was bicycle which is also missed. I never got the chance to visit Japan since I left in 2005 but I remember all I did there, all places I visited, all people I met and their good gesture shown to me. The day I departed Yamaguchi is vividly remembered as all my friends gathered to say ‘Sayonara’(Good-bye). I don’t know if I could meet them again but I wish them all the best. I dedicate the following lines from the famous Japanese song Shiki no Uta for my friends in Japan “ Haru wo aisuru hito wa kokoro kiyoki hito, sumire no hana no youna boku no tomodachi”. Tomodachi means Friends in Japanese language!