As part of its efforts to increase international student enrollment at the University’s graduate schools, the Division of Graduate Studies launched the Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research (KU-STAR) Program in 2024 with the inaugural cohort of 18 students from India taking part. The program’s second iteration began 9 January 2025, welcoming four students from the University of Melbourne, Australia. During their stay at KyotoU, which lasts until 28 February, the students will hone their research skills in laboratories of their choice, each hosted by one of the following departments: the Graduate School of Medicine, the Institute for Chemical Research (ICR), the Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences (RIMS), the Kyoto University Museum, and the Graduate School of Science. The program also includes Japanese language study, cultural experiences, and various other activities.

The first day featured an orientation and campus tour, beginning with welcome remarks and words of encouragement from Dr Takao Hirajima, director of the Division of Graduate Studies, and Dr Fuyuki Ishikawa, the University’s vice-president for academic research support. Their speeches appeared to heighten the students’ enthusiasm for the cutting-edge research and life in Kyoto that awaited them over the next two months. Following the orientation, the students had lunch at the Renais cafeteria before embarking on a campus tour, accompanied by three KyotoU student tutors.

Over the following days, the students attended a Japanese lesson offered as part of the Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (iUP) and met with the Japanese Conversation Club, organized by the International Academic Research and Resource Center for Language Education. These sessions provided them insight into language learning while fostering friendships with a diverse group of fellow learners.

On 29 January, the students met with President Nagahiro Minato and Vice President Fuyuki Ishikawa to share their research and career aspirations. The President and Vice President, in turn, encouraged them to make the most of the program to advance their studies and research.

On 2 February, the students visited Kitano Tenmangu for the annual Kitano Tsuina Ceremony, a key part of the shrine’s Setsubun Festival. The ceremony featured two stage performances — Kitano-Tsuina-Kyogen, a ritual performance for driving away evil spirits, and a classical Japanese dance by maiko and geiko — as well as a mamemaki (bean-throwing) ritual. Afterwards, guided by Senior Priest Kusuhiko Higashikawa, the students prayed at the main shrine, toured the treasure museum, and participated in a tea ceremony.

The four students will continue their research at their host laboratories throughout February, delivering poster presentations on the 20th. Kyoto University looks forward to sharing their achievements in the future.