First of all I would like to express my great gratitude to the Chairman of The Nippon Foundation Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, and the Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF) who was provided me a great opportunity to study at World Maritime University.

　

 Before visiting Japan, my impression Japan was one of a country famous for kimono, sumo, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Fuji Mountain, earthquakes and electronic products. But when I did visit, I was most strongly impressed by the railways. Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation is characterized by its punctuality, its superb service, and the large crowds of people using it.

　

 My second impression was train stations. It is also impressed me a lot. Almost every station building in populated areas has a department store, smaller convenience stores, coffee shops, etc. Some of the larger stations are like underground cities in their own right. But signs in both English and Japanese made it easy to find my way around after the initial shock. Automatic ticket vending machines and ticket gates made me feel more confident too.

　

 Japanese are very polite, and bow frequently to each other and to foreigners too! On the whole, society is peaceful and respectful. If they do disagree, people try to express their ideas in ways other than saying 'No'. Although Japanese take work seriously, life is not all work! They put their heart and soul into a multitude of festivals and public holidays. At festivals, many people, including children, wear traditional dress and join in the dances enthusiastically. Time after work is time for relaxing together in pubs or restaurants, or singing in karaoke bars.

　

 My visit to Japan left me with many happy memories and a much better idea of Japanese life and culture. I hope that I will have another opportunity to visit again.

　

 Finally, gratitude to staff of OPRF Mr. Shinichi Ichikawa, Managing Director Eisuke Kudo and all interpreters and others persons, who were very kind to us. I would like to have this opportunity to thank again all who were directly or indirectly involved in the preparation of our nice trip in Japan.

　

Before I came to WMU, I was informed that I got the Sasakawa Fellowship and I did not have any idea about it, then I was pressed on the newspaper that 1 was the first Turkish who got the Sasakawa fellowship. Everything has developed surprisingly within a short time and now I am very happy to be a part of Sasakawa fellowship.

　

 After arriving Malmö, I was informed that we have been invited to go to Japan in September 10 - 17. It was my first time to be in Far East and was a very good chance to see such a well-developed country. Japanese people are very hospitable and helpful to the foreigners. In my first evening in Tokyo, Mr. Kudo and his wife invited us for dinner in their house. It was very precious times for us and I will never forget Mr. Kudo and his wife's kind hospitality.

　

 Now, I would like to express my feelings about the Japan field study programme that has been organized very well. Everything was perfect from the beginning to the end.

　

 First day, we have had a short orientation about the visits, tours and maritime sector information, then we had chance to see the Museum of Maritime Science at that day. The following days we have carried out our programme exactly and we had very punctual like Japanese people. In turn, we visited Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport, The Nippon Foundation, Port and Airport Research Institute, Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre including Fire Fighting facilities, Tokyo port and also we had a tour on board of Nippon Maru and Seiun Maru as well in Tokyo Programme. In Hakata, we visited Namura Shipbuilding, Nippon Steel Corporation Yawata Works and Hakata port. In all of these institutions, ports and companies, people who work there such as Directors and Staff gave us an overview of their activities and answered our questions kindly and they gave us the chance to see their facilities.

　

 Last day, we visited Himeji Castle as an excursion, which was very important in Japanese history and its gorgeous architecture charmed me. So, during our stay in Japan we visited many interesting places which are very important for Japanese industry, economy and development. I gained many precious knowledge and information about maritime sector and I am sure that it will contribute to my studies in WMU.

　

 In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Sasakawa who gave us this chance to see Japan and of course the Japanese Maritime Industry and I would like to express my warm thanks to everybody who assisted and accompanied us during our stay in Japan with their hospitality.

　

Visiting Japan by the naked eyes, the deep dream of mine has become true on the Field Trip to Japan of all Sasakawa Fellows on 9 Sep, 2006.

　

 Early morning of 10 Sep, 2006, we arrived at Narita International Airport, the Japan appeared in front of my eyes as a highly　developed country with skyscrapers as well as the underground travel system observed to be the most modem on over the world.

　

　

 After the first lunch in a Chinese Restaurant "Kaiou" at the Museum of Maritime Science, we come into the Orientation with the presents of Mr. Kudo -the chairperson of Sasakawa fellowship, Mr. Shinichi -the Coordinator, "Friends of WMU, Japan" Secretariat those who will never disappear in our heart.

　

 The first night at Villa Fontaine Hotel -located right in the heart of Tokyo has brought me the feelings of a Japan of modern and traditional in the way people behave as well as the highly developed technology.

　

 On 11 Sep, 2006, we visited the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport. We are divided into small group and discussed the matters concerned. We are introduced about the Japan Coast Guard in the video screen by one expert from the same Ministry.

　

 Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has the missions of Maintenance of Maritime Order, Rescuing Ships and People in Distress at Sea, Preventing Maritime Disasters and Protecting the Marine Environment, Ensuring Maritime Traffic Safety and Cooperation with Relevant Domestic and Foreign Organizations.

　

 The JCG has its branches almost all over the territory of Japan with modern facilities and long-time experiences. The first impression of mine about the JCG comes from the Just-In-Time actions in any accident or danger at sea. With the modern equipments and well trained people, the JCG will keep the security and good health for the coastal areas of such an Island country like Japan.

　

 The following days, we have special chances to visit Hakata, Kobe and other interesting places of Japan. Nearly ten days in Japan gave me the ever surprised impression not only practical for my study at WMU but also very helpful for my future when I return to our country - Vietnam.

　

　

 Actually, I could not express my gratefulness to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Mr. Kudo and those who gave me such big chance like that by such writing words. But from the bottom of my heart, I and my family would ask for permission to keep the deep gratefulness for Mr. Sasakawa and Mr. Kudo, we never forget you!!!

　

 After spending a long flight, we arrived in Tokyo. The weather was so hot, unlike the cold weather in Malmo. I was very tired; however very eager for the next week.

　

 I always desire to visit Japan. Now, I have a week to discover it, the country I only know through books, movies, the country of the Sun, Fuji Mountain, a lot of skyscrapers and incredible accomplishments.

　

 One week in Japan is unforgettable time with me. I have a courtesy visit to Mr. Sasakawa a respectable and friendly man, who provides me an opportunity to study in WMU. I can observe directly the success of Japan. It proves that with the will, people can do anything.

　

 The entire trip in Japan is very useful for me as well as other colleagues, besides our lectures in WMU. We can get a lot of actual experience from the tours to Port and Airport Research Institute, Training ships, Hakata port ... Especially, I enjoy very much the tour to Namura Shipbuilding where I can find much interesting thing about shipbuilding industry as well as observe very big ships.

　

 Besides the official tour, we still spend free time to visit Tokyo Tower, a little regret, the weather is not good. Therefore, we can not observe the scenery of Tokyo clearly. And ... Akihabara - electric city, there are so many electric goods, computers, cameras there.

　

 There are many things remaining with me during the trip. Among that, I always remember Japanese friends, kindness, generous people, Mr. Kudo - a humorous man, Mr. Shinichi - who always takes care of us, Ms. Fumi - a WMU graduate, and a lovely tour guide, Ms. Myo.

　

 Goodbye Japan and see you in another field trip.