The Kyoto Study Trip has reached its third day. Today is the first day of Open Campus at Kyoto University, so a lot of students visited the university, however our students were lent a classroom, received a lecture and did group activities. We really appreciate the kindness of Kyoto University for treating us so well.
The first thing on the program today was a lecture by Dr. Kim Hirofumi, who holds a doctorate in engineering and is an associate professor at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Management. He spoke to us about international cooperation and developing a business. He talked about the work of a development consultant, the qualities required to be such a consultant and the actual situation of international cooperation. He spoke with a lot of humor and told us many interesting stories. It was a unique lecture by a very experience teacher. 
In addition, a student of Mr. Kim’s, Mr. Paku, came to see us. Mr. Paku was accepted into an Ivy League school in the US, and he spoke to each group in proficient English. In spite of the sudden English, which caused the students to shrink a little for a moment, the students were friendly with Mr. Paku and enjoyed talking with him in English.
Today each group prepared for their upcoming presentation. B group considered a business plan involving exporting Japanese toilets to Russia. They quickly started to make a powerpoint and began to rehearse for their presentation. E group advanced deeper into their study of energy following their discussion from yesterday. They debated about their very advanced content. Group G also advance their study of “Himeji Navi” from the following day. They talked a lot with Mr. Kim and Mr. Paku in English. Group C worked on a business plan to sell Japanese-style baths abroad, especially in Canada. They still have many things they need to consider, but their plans are very detailed. Group A advanced their studies on making into Himeji an international city. They thoroughly debated their ideas and hope to be able to suggest policies to Himeji City. Group D studied how to make Himeji City into a more eco-friendly city. They want to be eco-conscious, but also improve the health of the citizens of Himeji. Group F discussed the creation of energy using biomass. They studied a method of supplying energy which is cheap and would be easy to use in a refugee camp. They want to make a business and solve a world problem in the process. We are looking forward to seeing their results. 
Tomorrow we will join Kyoto University’s Open Campus. The students will also have to make their presentations soon. Each group’s preparations are now in their final stages. This evening, Mr. Inoue, the teacher in charge of the student’s grade, joined us and said “I can see how much they have grown just over the past two days. They all have such big smiles too. The presentations are in two days. Good luck SGH!” 
