We reached to Tokyo port by train and boarded to the training vessel 'Nippon Maru' and we have been given a briefing about the vessel and observe whole vessel. Next we boarded a boat and travel about Tokyo Port and boarded the training vessel 'Seiun Maru'. This vessel has been equipped with many modern apparatus and modern training facilities. Here also we had some lectures and observation of the vessel. We end up our schedule closer to the mid noon and had free time rest of the day.

　

　

 We left the hotel at 08.00 hrs and reached to Haneda airport. The flight to 'Fukuoka' was takeoff at 09.40 hrs and reached at about 11.35 hrs. We have been provided a bus, new guide and a translator to the rest of the tour. Other significant thing is the natural beauty of this area. I was fascinated by the view of the countryside. We travelled through the big city and then gradually changed it to a rural sight.

　

　

 We cross large pine tree wood and reached to the restaurant in 'Karatsu' which surrounded by the natural view of the sea. We had our typical Japanese lunch there and started the journey towards the 'Namura Shipbuilding Company'

　

 Although this was a shipbuilding factory it maintained it's natural environment. We learn more about shipbuilding and specially handling of larger and heavier parts and it was amazing scenery. At the end of the day we arrived to the Takakura hotel in Fukuoka.

　

　

　

 We started the day at 07.45 hrs and arrived to Nippon Steel Corporation in Yawata. This company is one of the premier steel production company in Japan and it makes different kinds of steels for the all construction and industrial requirements. There were four huge iron furnace and large factory complex connected with network of pipelines.

　

　

 Next we visited a ancient shrine in Hakata at 14.00 hrs and spend few minutes there and reached to Hakata bay at 14.30 hrs. That was very nice and big bay surrounded by overhead bridges and buildings. While listening to a briefing and viewing the view we travelled around the bay by a cruiser 'Marineer'. Just after the cruise we went to the Port of Hakata at 16.45 hrs and listen to a briefing about Hakata port and next left the port to reach the hotel.

　

　

 This day we started our excursion little bit earlier: 07.20 hrs, to get the train Hikari 448 of 'Shinkansen' line from Hakata station. The train depart from the station at 07.59 hrs. We were arrived the Himeji station at about 10.20 hrs and a bus was arranged to go to the Himeji Castel which was a world cultural heritage. It was fascinating sightseeing and very proud cornerstone of Japanese tradition.

　

 After having typical Japanese lunch we wander around Kouko-en park and next arrived to the world's longest suspension bridge Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and finally to the New Otani Harborland hotel in Kobe.

　

　

　

 Farewell party for us started at 19.00 hrs and lot of important guest were invited. We enjoyed the party very well and it ends up at 21.00 hrs.

　

 As this was the last moment in Kobe we visited Kobe port just after the party. It was really an incredible sightseeing and if we couldn't experience that it would be a really missing.

　

　

　

 Today we started the journey earlier at 06.30 hrs. We said goodbye to Mr. Kudo stayed in the hotel and we arrived at the Kansai international airport. This was a very emotional moment for us. We said goodbye to Japan and Mr. Ichikawa.

　

 We came to Malmö about 19.00 hrs through Frankfurt and Copenhagen.

　

 I found a treasure precious than gold. My visit to Japan was one of the most wonderful experience in my life. It gave me opportunity to learn more about my chosen profession and this new knowledge I will surely keep forever.

　

 First, I have the opportunity to visit learn and experience Japan, their technology, system of management and culture. From the airport we were welcomed by Mr. Shinichi Ichikawa who assist and attend to our needs during our whole stay in Japan. On 11 September 2006 1000H we visited Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport where we were briefed about its mission and roles in the maritime sector. As an MET student we were given presentation about their seafarer administration by the officers from Seafarers Policy Division. On the evening of the same day we visited The Nippon Foundation, there we met our sponsor honourable Yohei Sasakawa the Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. We were given the chance to have a privilege to shake hands with this great man, and after our presentation with him a sumptuous dinner was served. During the dinner we experience the warm hospitality and professionalism of Japanese personalities, they are very friendly and kind. We left The Nippon Foundation with all of us smiling carrying the memories that we had shared with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa and the rest of his staff and other guest. On the second day of our trip we visited the Port and Airport Research Institute, this is a fruitful visit for me because there I learned that in any project made it should be back up by research in order to ensure its success. On the afternoon of September 12, 2006 we visited the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center, we were given a briefing and a tour to their facilities. I was impressed by their high-tech and state of the art equipment and facilities for marine pollution and for combating maritime disaster. On September 13, 2006, we were toured in the two training ship Nippon Maru and Seiun Maru that gives us a glimpse of shipboard training for Japanese seafarers. Our tour continued in Namura Shipbuilding on September 14, 2006, I consider this as one of the best part of our fieldtrip because there I appreciated the general overview of the Japanese advance technology and system of building a gigantic ship. Then the following day we visited the Nippon Steel Corporation Yawata Works which gave me the opportunity to know how steel are being made. Lastly, On September 16, 2006, we visited the Himeji castle, the Japanese national treasure, The world cultural heritage.

　

 This visit is very fruitful for me as Sasakawa Fellow because it gave me knowledge and experience about Japan, their attitude their magnificent technology and their kindness. My deepest thanks to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa for this wonderful experience and to Mr. Kudo of OPRF who shows support and kindness to us.

　

 It has been such a magnificent life experience in Japan. Seven days and nights in the remarkable Islands of Japan.

　

 Japan Field Study Trip which is subsidized by The Nippon Foundation with the assistance funds from the famous motorboat racing.

　

 We arrived in Narita International Airport - Tokyo on the morning of 10^th September. Although we were tired after a long flight, it was such a relief to receive a warm welcome from Mr. Kudo, Mr. Shinichi and Ms. Emi from the OPRF.

　

 The sun was shining almost throughout our visit to Japan to make it possible for us to enjoy the nature as well as the astonishing maritime sector experience.

　

 Among other things I have observed in Japan which to me I consider very important in human life is that Japanese people are great people with respect and humanity. They are people who can lend an ear to listen and render a hand to help when you open-up. One could see that despite the difference in languages, one could try his/her best to find a way to help. In actual fact this made me feel truly at home.

　

 Technologically, Japan is incredibly advanced. From the Nippon Steel Corporation Yawata Workshop to Namura Ship building company, technological advancements can be barely evidenced. Leave alone the bullet train which is almost at a flight speed far safer.

　

 Maritime sector is well organised from the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport to Ports(Tokyo, Hakata), Port and Airport Research Institute, Maritime Training and Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre.

　

 It is truly encouraging to see people dedicating their time and resources for development of maritime sector worldwide.

 My sincere appreciation goes to The Nippon Foundation Chairman and all OPRF staff for dedicating their precious time for Sasakawa Fellows. On the other hand, thanks to all stake holder of maritime industry in Japan for affording Sasakawa Fellows this opportunity to benefit from your knowledge, experience, and technological advancements.

　

 It is worthy remembering that everywhere we visited while in Japan we were very well treated. Thank you all.

　

 Life is leaving, and leaving is to see other people having at least enough for the day. What a tremendous experience to be a Sasakawa Fellow!