Senior Lecturer and students of the Department of the Far East took part in the international Sakura Science Exchange Program at the University of Tsukuba (Japan)

   From 30 November to 5 December 2025, within the framework of developing international academic cooperation, Senior Lecturer of the Department of the Far East, Gulmira Bimukhanovna Tazabekova, along with 4th-year student Amina Nurgali and 2nd-year student Meirbek Dosekey, studying under the educational program “6B02207 – Oriental Studies,” participated in the Sakura Science Program held at the University of Tsukuba. This year, the program was dedicated to the topic of public health.

   On 30 November 2025, the delegation from Kazakhstan arrived at Narita International Airport, where they were welcomed by representatives of the host institution. After completing the necessary formalities, the participants traveled to the city of Tsukuba and were accommodated at the University of Tsukuba Guest House. Upon arrival, an orientation tour was organized for the students and faculty members from Kazakhstan, during which they became familiar with the locations of metro stations, bus stops, shops, cafés, and vending machines. The day concluded with an introduction to traditional Japanese cuisine at a café near the guest house.

   On 1 December 2025, the participants visited the campus of the University of Tsukuba. With the assistance of the program coordinators, they obtained transportation cards and then took part in an official meeting with a university representative—the coordinator of the Sakura Science Exchange Program. During the presentation, participants learned about the history of the university, its status as one of Japan’s leading research centers, as well as its educational and scientific programs. On the same day, students visited the university hospital, where they toured the medical complex and attended a lecture on the structure of the medical institution, the Japanese healthcare system, and approaches to maintaining public health. In the evening, a cultural program was organized, including visits to major landmarks in Tokyo.

   On 2 December, the program continued with academic and orientation activities. Students visited the Office of International Programs at the University of Tsukuba and received additional information about academic exchange opportunities. Participants also became acquainted with the activities of CYBERDYNE Studio, where innovative developments in the field of medical robotics were presented, including exoskeletons and bionic prosthetics used in rehabilitation medicine. Additionally, they watched a film on the prospects of using biosignals to control robotic systems.

   On 3 December, the program focused on issues of public health and medical management. Lectures were organized at the University of Tsukuba for international guests from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, covering topics such as the impact of lifestyle on life expectancy and the formation of public opinion in the healthcare sector. In the evening, participants attended a performance by a student group performing traditional Japanese music on taiko drums, which allowed them to gain deeper insight into Japanese culture and national traditions.

   On 4 December, students visited the Sakura School Lunch Center in Tsukuba, where they learned about the school nutrition system in Japan, including dietary balance, calorie control, and nutritional considerations for children with food allergies. They then visited the Iki Iki Plaza, the city’s medical and social services center, where they attended a lecture on the organization of the center’s operations, its infrastructure, and approaches to supporting public health and social well-being. Participants also took part in the center’s weekly sports activities organized for elderly residents. The program continued with a visit to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), where participants were introduced to modern scientific developments and achievements of Japanese research institutions.

   On 5 December, the final day of the program took place. A farewell evening was held, during which students presented summaries of their stay in Japan, shared their experiences, and expressed gratitude to the University of Tsukuba for the high level of organization of the program. At the end of the evening, Senior Lecturer Gulmira Bimukhanovna Tazabekova, 4th-year student Amina Nurgali, and 2nd-year student Meirbek Dosekey were awarded special certificates confirming their participation in the Sakura Science Exchange Program.

   Participation in this program by students and a faculty member of the Department of the Far East of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University contributed to the expansion of academic and professional perspectives, the acquisition of valuable international experience, the enhancement of teaching qualifications, and the strengthening of academic and educational ties between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and its international partners.

Senior Lecturer
Department of the Far East
G.B. Tazabekova