I had traveled to Japan a couple of times prior to this experience and I was always drawn to the culture, food, and the people. When I found out about this experience to learn more about pharmacy in Japan, as well as research at Hoshi University I knew this was something that I wanted to do. I was curious about the differences between the healthcare system and pharmacy in Japan and the United States. I previously learned that the Japan government provides universal insurance to all citizens and I was interested to see the role this played in pharmacies and obtaining medications. I also was curious about the differences and similarities between commonly dispensed medications in Japan and the United States. Pertaining to research, I am on the research track at Pacific University and have been performing research for about 5 years now so participating in research at Hoshi University was very interesting me to. I was curious about the differences in research activities, but also being able to use the skills I had learned doing laboratory work while at Hoshi University. The pathophysiology lab in particular caught my attention because of their interest in cancer research as this is something that has affected people in my family, and I thought it was a great field of research to be in.
I had the opportunity to participate in research activities almost every day of the rotation (aside from the pharmacy tour days). It was a really great experience to learn about different types of experiments and the reason they are performed. In the pathophysiology lab, they get to work directly with mice and this was a new experience for me. I had never worked with animals before but I learned a lot about the mouse anatomy, and how to ethically perform the experiments. I was also exposed to new experiments such as PCR, western blotting, Immunohistochemistry, and RNA reverse transcription. Participating and observing these experiments exposed me to methods I was not familiar with but I will be able to take back the skills I learned to my research at Pacific University. I also had the opportunity to attend lab progress meetings with another one of the laboratories and learn about the research that was being conducted. We also took lab tours of other labs where Pacific University students were participating in and got to learn about their experiences throught the rotation. We got to attend one hospital tour and one community pharmacy tour. The hospital tour was at the Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR in Tokyo. During the hospital tour we attended a presentation about pharmacy in the hospital and the different roles of pharmacists which was very educational. We then got to attend a tour of the pharmacy services in the hospital which included the drug information room, central pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy, and compounding room. Our community pharmacy tour was at the QOL pharmacy. Here we were given a tour of the pharmacy and got to learn about the process from receiving a prescription to the patient taking it home. All of the activities have been a great learning experience!
There is a lot of great food in Japan. We had the opportunity to try many foods such as omakase sushi dinner, ramen, gyukatsu, yakitori, yakiniku, gyoza, okonomiyaki, and much more! There are many restaurants near Hoshi University, as well as 2 nearby grocery stores which have great food to takeout.
We stayed at the Sakura House Share House in Togoshi which was about a 15 minute walk from school. It was very affordable. The location is great and easy to access, with a very nice walk through Togoshi Ginza street to school. There is also 2 nearby train stations which are both less than a 10 minute walk away. There are many food options and convenience stores nearby, as well as a 24-hour laundromat.
When we arrived in Japan in mid September, the weather was very humid and hot. Towards the end of the rotation (mid to late October) the weather started to cool down and it was very comfortable. We purchased UV umbrellas in Japan and they were great for the heat, as well as the few rainy days!
I never felt unsafe in Japan. Public transportation is very safe, and people are willing to help if you need it! Once you get the hang of the train system, it is relatively easy to get around using google maps.
We experienced one holiday (sports day) on our rotation where we had the day off, as well as weekends. Tokyo has so many different cities to explore and very easily accessible by train. We would go and explore places like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Omotesando, Ueno, Akihabara, and more! There are so many things to see and do around Tokyo but my favorite was finding new restaurants and food to eat, and shopping!
I learned a lot about the healthcare system in Japan and pharmacy in Japan. It was great to see how the universal system of healthcare in Japan is able to provide care to all citizens, and I feel that it would be great if the U.S adopted a similar system. It was great to learn about the different roles of pharmacists in Japan, and the role that was most intriguing to me was being on a disaster relief team. This sounds like such an important and fulfilling role! It was also great to have the opportunity to partake in laboratory work at Hoshi University, and learn about the other kinds of laboratory work that is offered. I feel that research is such an important part of advancing healthcare and it is great that so many students at Hoshi University are exposed to it! I was able to learn about different experiments and experience new laboratory techniques that I had not yet experienced at Pacific University. I also loved the opportunity to meet and talk to so many students at Hoshi University and learn about their future plans whether it is a pharmacist or a researcher! I hope to stay in touch with everyone!
This was such a great experience for me. After learning about such a patient centered healthcare model in Japan, I would like to use this model in my own practice as a pharmacist. It is great how all of the research that is being done at Hoshi University all focuses directly on the patient and how we can help them. The laboratory work was also great to observe and participate in. The work being done is so crucial and I have such a strong respect for research and how important it is! I would like to convince everyone that pharmaceutical research is important to participate in and follow because this is how we have medical advancements. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to visit such an amazing place and learn about pharmacy, and I will not take things for granted. I was so lucky to have this opportunity and I will remember all of the connections I made because everyone was so kind to me. The kindness I experienced while in Japan is something I will not forget and hope to do more of myself.
I would like to thank everyone at Hoshi University for such an enjoyable time, and I hope to visit again soon!
I chose Japan and specifically Hoshi University because I am interested in cancer research. I also conducted research at my school and at a local clinic in Oregon so I was somewhat familiar with research activities. I am half Japanese but I cannot speak Japanese so I also wanted to take this opportunity to learn how to speak. My mother and my sister are both in the oncology field so when we were applying to labs, I resonated with Dr. Takeshima and his gastrointestinal cancer research.
I started every day at school around 10am and finished around 5 or 5:30pm. I had experiments to perform everyday and I always had help from Dr. Takeshima, Yui-san, or Mashi-san. When I would come to lab, Dr. Takeshima would always go over the procedures and expectations for the experiment of the day. I always had the time to take my lunch, drink water, and go to the restroom at school. I also had the opportunity to go to lab meetings where professors or graduate students would speak in Japanese and present their research. There were some days that Dr. Takeshima had lectures in Japanese and since I cannot understand fluently I would go to Dr. Shimizu’s lab and conduct experiments there. I am very grateful that I always had help and that I was never left completely alone. At the end of the day I would show Dr. Takeshima my results and he would tell me if they were good or not. If they were good, I was able to move on to the next experiment the following day. However, if the results were not the best, I would usually repeat it the following day. I learned so much in this lab and I was able to practice my pipette skills.
I loved eating at the konbini stores! There are also many grocery stores and restaurants around school that I was able to eat at. I would bring lunch to school or I would go to the cafeteria with my lab partners.
my classmates and I stayed at the Sakura Housing in Shinagawa. It was a shared housing that was safe, clean, and a short walk to school (about 10-15 minutes). It was also very close to the Togoshi and Togoshi-Ginza train stations.
when I first came to Japan in September it was hot but it started to cool down throughout the rotation. I am grateful that the laboratory had air condition.
I felt very safe the whole time I was in Japan. I felt safe at school and even if I had to walk back to my housing.
We had Sports Day off and I spent it with my two other classmates from Pacific University.
On the weekends we spent a lot of time shopping and eating. We mostly stayed in the city. Sometimes on a school day, we would have dinner or go to karaoke with the friends we made at Hoshi University.
Everything was good about this program! My lab skills such as pipetting liquid and plating on agar media are better. I remember Dr. Yamada’s presentation during a meeting and it made me wonder how proton pump inhibitor may possibly influence cancer growth. I studied about DNA methylation and histone modification in school but it was different when I was able to see the methylation in the lab setting. I think I grew from this program because I am more knowledgeable than when I first started. This rotation also taught me that continuous learning is very important and I should always strive to want to learn more.
I want to make the most out of this experience by continuing to do research at my school and possibly after graduation. I want to talk to students at my school and tell them about my experience so they can take interest and apply for the international rotation. I would also like to make the most of this experience in the future by keeping in touch with everyone I met at Hoshi University.
I really enjoyed my time at Hoshi University! I will admit it was a little intimidating at first because I do not speak fluent Japanese but everyone was so friendly and patient with me and I was able to learn common Japanese phrases! The research, school excursions, people, food, and culture have been an amazing once in a lifetime experience. Thank you for continuing the exchange program with Pacific University, I am very grateful for this experience and I have memories I will forever cherish.
I chose to come to Japan, specifically Hoshi University, for multiple reasons. During my rotations for school, I wanted to travel as much as I could. I am very interested in learning about the role of pharmacists throughout the world, so this was a great opportunity. I was also interested in the research that takes place at Hoshi University. I studied chemistry before starting pharmacy school, but I had not done benchtop research since then. The opportunity to participate in research again would allow me to practice those skills after a long break. I was also interested in learning more about Japanese culture, especially since many aspects differ from American culture. I thought it would be a great learning opportunity and would allow me to see how those differences may affect the role of the pharmacist in their respective culture. Overall, this opportunity was a perfect combination of all of my interests and I am very glad I was able to participate.
During my time at Hoshi University, I worked in the physical chemistry lab conducting research on my own experiment. My experiment involved granules and tablets. We wanted to know how different granulation conditions and how different powder formulations affect properties on respective granules and tablets. During my research, I worked with a STEER Integral machine. This machine is a continuous granulator. Traditionally, granulation is done in a batch process with separate steps and quality checks between each step. This is a very long process and it often expensive. A continuous granulator combines these steps into one process which saves time and money. Often this is done by flowing powder through rotating twin screws. Different settings on a continuous granulator can be changed and some of those settings can affect granule properties like size distribution and flowability. With our base formulation of powder, a mixture of 20% acetaminophen, 20% starch, and 60% other excipients, we made granules with different water contents, throughput speeds, and screw speeds. I tested granule properties then hand-pressed my granules into tablets to test tablet properties. The second half of my experiment was similar, but involved different formulations of powder and standard settings on the continuous granulator. The powder formulations varied in their acetaminophen and starch concentrations. I then did the same tests on these new granules. On my last day in Hoshi University, I was able to present my findings to the other students and faculty in the physical chemistry lab.
There were also days where we would leave campus for different tours. Along with the fellow students from Pacific University, we got to tour the Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR and a Qol community pharmacy. It was wonderful to learn about the role of a pharmacist both in a hospital setting and in a community pharmacy.
I spent a lot of my free time in Japan exploring and shopping. I would take the train to meet my classmates in Shibuya and spend the weekend walking through various shops and trying different cafes. We enjoyed shopping for new clothes, accessories, and collectibles. I also really enjoyed spending time at arcades. Crane games in Japan are very different from the ones in America and, in my opinion, much more fun. I had a great time trying to win different prizes.
I also really enjoyed going out to eat in Japan. Ramen and udon noodles were my favorites and there were so many places to get good meals. While there are ramen and udon restaurants in the United States, they are not as good as the ones in Japan.
A big difference between Japan and the United States, specifically the northwest corner of the country, during this time of year was the weather. In Japan, it is very humid and still quite warm. In my part of the United States, it is not that humid during this time of year and it cools down much sooner. Getting used to the heat and humidity was hard, but thankfully most places had air conditioning.
I got to learn so much during my stay in Japan. The research I was able to participate in taught me so much about how small steps in the manufacturing process of a medication can change how that medication interacts with the patient who is consuming it. I was also able to learn so much more about the profession of pharmacy in Japan. While I did learn about the different roles of licenses pharmacists, I also got to learn about the schooling process to become a pharmacist. This process varies greatly from that in the US and it was very interesting to see how those differences affected the profession. I believe I have come out of this rotation as a more open-minded and more well-rounded person. Being able to see the difference in pharmacy and healthcare in general will allow me to keep an open mind with my future patients and how they want their experience with their healthcare team to go.
I will approach all of my future patients with an open mind. I was able to see firsthand different someone’s ideal healthcare interaction may be than the standard we are used to seeing in the US. I want my patients to feel as comfortable as possible under my care, so I will approach every patient with an open-mind and prioritize their needs first.
My experience also heightened my respect and appreciation for the manufacturing process of medications and the research that goes into it. I will continue to read up on new medication manufacturing advancements throughout my time as a pharmacist.
Thank you so much for welcoming me to Hoshi University and for making my time here so wonderful. Everyone was so amazing and I am so glad to have met all of you, made so many new friends, and learn so much. This was truly a great experience and I am forever grateful that I was able to participate. I look forward to visiting Japan again in the future 🙂
I chose to come to Japan for my pharmacy rotation at Hoshi University because of my deep fascination with the unique healthcare system and pharmaceutical practices in this country. Japan has a rich cultural heritage, and I believe that immersing myself in this pharmaceutical environment will provide me with invaluable insights into different approaches to patient care and medication management.
Hoshi University, renowned for its excellence in pharmaceutical education, stood out to me as the ideal institution to further my knowledge and skills in pharmacy. I was particularly drawn to Hoshi University’s commitment to cutting-edge research and its emphasis on the integration of research into modern pharmaceutical practices, which I did not have a chance to observe in the U.S.
Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members and fellow students at Hoshi University presents a unique chance for me to learn from diverse perspectives, share my own experiences, and contribute to the global exchange of pharmaceutical knowledge. I am confident that this experience will not only contribute to my academic and professional growth but also allow me to develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural nuances that influence healthcare practices.
The best part of my experience at Hoshi University was being able to engage in cutting-edge research projects spanning drug discovery to pharmacokinetics, providing a practical bridge between theory and real-world pharmaceutical challenges.
My visit to the Japanese Red Cross Center Hospital was a remarkable experience that provided valuable insights into Japan’s healthcare system. As I explored the hospital, I was impressed by its commitment to safety and precision in patient care. The professionalism of the staff and the seamless integration of advanced technologies underscored the institution’s dedication to medical excellence.
During my stay in Japan, I made it a personal goal to explore the local culinary scene, and it turned out to be a delightful adventure. Opting to eat out as much as possible, I was captivated by the diverse and delicious offerings. The curry and unagi dishes, in particular, stood out as culinary highlights, boasting flavors that were both rich and distinct.
I found my accommodation at Sakura House Tokyo Heights to be exceptionally convenient for my rotation at Hoshi University. The location, just under 15-minute walk from the university, provided not only ease of access but also placed me in proximity to local markets and key stations. The comfortable living space coupled with its accessibility significantly contributed to a seamless integration into the daily life of Tokyo, allowing me to balance my academic responsibilities with the exploration of the area.
Despite visiting in October, a season traditionally associated with milder temperatures, I was met with a surprisingly warm climate in Tokyo. While the weather tended towards the hotter side, what impressed me the most was the unexpectedly good air quality. Considering Tokyo’s status as a densely populated metropolis, the air quality surpassed my expectations, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Japan’s commitment to safety became evident during my time there, especially in the context of public safety. I was able to enjoy leisurely night walks around the cities without a hint of anxiety. The pervasive sense of security was not only reassuring but also reflected the cultural emphasis placed on creating a safe and harmonious environment.
One of the highlights of my stay was the ability to make the most of my stay by exploring the diverse destinations within and around Tokyo. Even after a month, there were still numerous places on my list waiting to be explored. The accessibility of intriguing weekend getaways added a layer of excitement to my overall experience. From cultural landmarks to scenic spots, Tokyo and its surrounding areas offered a plethora of options for enriching weekend adventures, ensuring that my stay was as enriching as my academic pursuits.
I’m delighted to reflect on the meaningful connections I forged during my time in Japan, particularly with the esteemed professors, fellow students, and experienced pharmacists. Engaging with these individuals provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of pharmacy practice and research in Japan. The opportunity to visit QOL pharmacies and the Japanese Red Cross Center not only expanded my professional network but also deepened my understanding of the country’s healthcare landscape.
I find it challenging to respond to this question because the warm welcome by everyone in Japan created an environment that enabled me to fully embrace and immerse myself in the experience.
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