To me it was reliving my dreams once again. When I left Japan in November 2004 I thought that was it. That I was never going back to this country that had impacted my life in so many ways. To date it was the most fascinating trip I had made anywhere and I felt lucky that I was given the opportunity courtesy of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Then when I was informed that as Sasakawa fellows we would visit Japan on behalf of Mr. Sasakawa it was simply too good to be true.

　

 We touched down at Tokyo, Narita Airport and straightaway I felt that I was home again. We were met by a remarkable man Mr. Shinichi Ichikawa who gave us our first hint of what our time would be like. When we arrived at the Museum of Maritime Science I was overwhelmed with such a sense of gratitude that I asked my self how lucky could I be. It is not very often that a man gets a second chance at walking through such a memorable path.

　

 The week was full with travel and visits to many of Japans impressive maritime organizations. Every thing was coordinated and executed with Japanese precision and timing which meant that no time was lost and that schedules were not to be violated. Through all this we were shepherded along by Mr.Ichikawa and the energetic Mr.Eisuke Kudo along with a host of kind and friendly interpreters and bus guides. At the end of each day as tired as we were we found the energy to wander around the streets of Tokyo or whichever city we were in search of the exotic Japanese cuisine, souvenirs and of course the electronics.

　

 The visit carried many highlights but most memorable and impressive of all was the chance to actually meet the man who made it all possible, Mr.Yohei Sasakawa himself. It was the most humbling experience in my life to be in the presence of such a powerful yet charismatic and sincere person. His presence was resounding almost regal. You got the impression that here is someone that exemplifies the true meaning of a philanthropist. The impression that he created on me will stay in my mind for a long time.

　

 Among the other impressive sites we visited that truly amazed me were the Namura Ship Building Company, the Nippon Steel Corporation Hakata Works, the Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre (second time for me) and Himeji Castle. These industries and training facilities are structured and managed in such a way that guarantees the highest level of production and perfection. It is no wonder that Japan is able to maintain the highest level of standards in shipping today. The castle was a significant reminder of the pride and respect that the Japanese people have for their rich culture and history.

　

 In conclusion I would like to express my sincerest and profound gratitude to Mr. Sasakawa for giving me and all the Sasakawa fellows this once in a life time opportunity. We shall forever be deeply in his debt. I hope that this is an opportunity that will be beneficial not only to us and our countries but a chance for ties to be developed and strengthened that will ensure mutual benefits to all in the future.

　

 Japan is a country which all of the Sasakawa Fellows of class 2007 have been dreaming to visit since we began our study at WMU. Our visit was at last realized and we had a field study trip to Japan between Sept. 11 and 18, 2006. As a nation surrounded by oceans and seas, Japan has played and will continue to play an essential role in the maritime world. During our one-week stay there, we had a precious opportunity to visit eight maritime-related institutions, met Japan's maritime people and shared their knowledge and experience in maritime industry. During our stay, we also had a chance to be introduced to the culture and tradition of Japan.

　

 The WMU Sasakawa Fellows Japan Field Trip enjoys the highest reputation amongst all the field trips taken by WMU students. It really deserves such a high reputation. The whole one-week program was very well-organized. It broadened our views and improved our understanding and knowledge about Japan's advanced technology, effective management , efficient utilization of resources and consciousness in environmental protection.

　

 Japan is a country which mixes traditional culture and modern technology. Those advanced technology brings much convenience to people's everyday life. Just take a simple example, in Tokyo, the automatic subway ticket machines accept both coins and paper currency. So far as I know, at many places, those automatic machines only accept coins; therefore, if you only have paper currency, you have to first go to the exchange machines to exchange them into coins, which brings people much inconvenience. In such a developed country, Japan maintains its traditional culture very well, for example, the pretty traditional dress Kimono still appears in the street and the elegant tea ceremony of chado still occurs at average people's family.

　

 Although I had met many people from Japan before, this field trip still promoted my understanding about Japanese people.

　

 Firstly, they're very punctual. Our program went on exactly based on the printed schedule. Secondly, they highly recognize the importance of teamwork, and they always act as a group, so the whole society is group-oriented. Thirdly, the life rhythm is very fast in Japan. Unlike Malmo where we are now, Swedes are generally living a very leisurely life, and you cannot find many people who walk very quickly. But in Japan, you always find people in a hurry and walking very fast, which also reflect their high efficiency.

　

 Last but not least, they're very kind and willing to offer assistance. Although some of them cannot speak English very well, they always try to help you. I remember on the rainy afternoon of Sept. 14, which was also the only one free afternoon during our stay in Japan, I went out shopping and unfortunately I lost my way. I seek assistance from a young Japanese lady, who herself happened not to know the way either. But she didn't simply refuse me, instead, she started to ask the other people passing by, even went to enquire with the information desk of a big department store. She didn't leave until she was very sure that I could find my way. I was deeply impressed indeed.

　

 Although we felt a bit tired after the trip, the whole visit was very fruitful and beneficial to our future study and work. Once again, many thanks to The Nippon Foundation, the Ocean Policy Research Foundation and all the people involved for providing us with such a wonderful trip!

　

 I remember when I was 13 years old that time 1 read books about Japan's development and culture. Since then I have been eager to see the great country Japan what looks like. But due to financial constraint I was not able to visit.

　

 After two decades my dream was realized; I have got the opportunity to visit Japan by the help of my sponsor of OPRF in collaboration with generosity of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa.

　

 My flight to Japan was not started from my birth place in Ethiopia it was started from Sweden-Malmö, the place where I study my Master of science in Maritime affairs specializing in shipping management donated by the Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF) with the administration of WMU Sasakawa Fellowship program.

　

 The field trip started on September 9, 2006 when my fellow students and I and my left Malmö and took air plane at 4:00pm from Copenhagen Airport and arrived Japan, in Tokyo in Narita International Airport on September 10, 2006 after eleven hours flight.

　

 Upon our arrival in Narita airport we meet a very polite and kind man Mr. Shinichi Ichikawa from OPRF with others. After short time stay we went out from Airport to the place where the bus stops to take us to Maritime museum. But one thing impressed me when I was entered in to the bus, the bus guider is very kind and smile and greet every body by her neck and saying Japan's word I guess it may be "Well come".

　

 After our arrival to maritime museum we had a very nice lunch in chines restaurant "kaiou" in the museum of maritime science with kind and sociable man Mr. Eisuke Kudo from OPRF. After lunch we had orientation for two hours about the coming days visit program then we went to hotel Villa Fontaine.

　

 Our next day's program from September 11 up to 13 is to stay in Tokyo and to visit Ministry of land Infrastructure and Transport, port and Airport research institute, Maritime Disaster prevention center, Nippon Maru and Seiun Maru.

　

 On September 14, 2006 we left Tokyo by bus and arrived Handea airport to fly to Fukuoka airport. After our arrival we had a lunch in a very nice and beautiful restaurant in Karatsu. In the same day we have visited the Namura Shipping and I have got a chance to see a very big size bulk carrier under construction.

　

 September 15, 2006 program was to visit one of the known steel manufacturer -Nippon Steel Corporation Yawata Works which is very big and I have learnt that it is very good quality product producer in the world. In the same day we have visited port of Hakata and Kaishii CT.

　

 My stay in Fukuoka city in "Takakura hotel" was two days but during my free time in the evening I tried to visit the city and really very nice and I see very busy and hard working people all the time.

　

 September 16, 2006, we depart from Hakata and took bus to Himeji station and we have visited the Himeji castle (the world cultural heritage) on the way to our journey to Kobe. After visiting the castle our field trip has successfully completed as per the schedule of OPRF.

　

 September 16, 2006 it was our last night to stay in Japan. In this evening the OPRF has arranged a very nice farewell party at 19:00 in Himeji Castel -Akashi Kaikyo Bridge hotel to say good bye all fellow groups.

　

 September 17, 2006 at 6:30 am we left Japan from Kansai airport and arrived Copenhagen airport via Frankfurt, German.

　

 Really "seeing is believing" I proud, I appreciate Japan's culture, friendliness of the people, strength, development and respect.

　

 The field trip to Japan from 9 to 17 September, 2006 was an excellent trip for me. Actually it was the second time I have been to Japan. However, the scenery of Japan always new to me and attracts me.

　

 The most impressive characteristic about Japan, to my observation, is its technology. It has been embodied in such spots as "Museum of Maritime Science", "Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre", "Nippon Maru Training Ship", "Namura Shipbuilding", "Nippon Steel Corporation Yawata Works" and "Hakata Port". Moreover, it was found that technology has been dramatically applied in daily life. There are a lot of maritime related matters to learn for us in these places which are meant to contribute to the whole world's sake.

　

 Japan is regarded as a highly industrialized country. At the same time, it still loves its culture which revealed in "the Himeji Castle".

　

 On the whole, Japan is a paradigm for management and technology. The information we acquired from the orientation at Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) and the field study trip will certainly contribute to our study in maritime affairs which in turn will enhance for the development of our country as well.

　

 Therefore, I would like to thank to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa and the staff of The Nippon Foundation and the Ocean Policy Research Foundation for giving the opportunity to study the maritime affairs at World Maritime University and valuable and unforgettable field study trip in Japan.