6 months in Tokyo for Raphaël

After an interview with the Department of Aeronautics and Space, I was accepted into the Aircraft Design laboratory. Once I arrived in Japan, one of the first steps in my immersion was to meet my “sensei”, my main teacher, on my first day in Japan. It was a defining moment, because in Japanese culture, this meeting is not only academic, but also symbolizes the beginning of a highly respected mentor-student relationship. Each laboratory at the University of Tokyo has its own premises, sensei and students, creating a highly specific and structured working environment.

I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity of the research carried out in this laboratory. Japan is a world leader in aviation and aerospace technologies, and the working environment I experienced lived up to this reputation. The work culture in Japan is fascinating, but it’s also extremely demanding. It’s important to note that despite the strong hierarchy, the atmosphere in my laboratory was very friendly. In fact, several social events are organized to strengthen the bonds between laboratory members. For example, during the welcome party and the “Kōenkai” (懇親会), a convivial get-together, we were able to exchange informally, discuss our projects and share pleasant moments, outside the strict academic framework.

How would you sum up the academic aspects of your stay?

My academic experience is not limited to research in the laboratory. Indeed, as a student at the University of Tokyo, I had the opportunity to take courses in various departments to broaden my skills. One of the strong points of the system was that, in addition to specialized aeronautics courses, I was able to take courses in other engineering departments. This enabled me to explore a variety of subjects, broadening my skills and multiplying the facets of my engineering profession. This prompted me to step out of my comfort zone and select courses in neighboring departments.

Among the courses I took, the one on intellectual property was of particular interest to me. This course covered important aspects such as patent registration and copyrights, essential subjects for my future career as an engineer. I also took the opportunity to continue learning Japanese, which I had started at ISAE-SUPAERO. But this time intensively, tripling the number of hours per week, not to turn it into a mere hobby, but into something that could be useful professionally depending on my career choices. Add to this the vital need to decipher kanji in the street and in restaurants, and over the months I acquired a real command of Japanese. Although it wasn’t without its difficulties, I was finally able to hold a basic conversation with a Japanese person (which saved me more than once in the Japanese countryside). I was also able to develop my skills in related fields such as materials physics and energy, which align perfectly with my specialization for my final year field of study. This diversity of subjects greatly enriched my knowledge and my vision of my future career. Indeed, I found these courses to be entirely complementary to those at ISAE-SUPAERO: while the latter were very theoretical, those I took at the University of Tokyo were more applied. They covered not only the state of the art of renewable energies and how they physically work, but also their history, their role in society, material supply chains, production processes, as well as market and regulatory dynamics. I think this is essential knowledge for a future engineer who, I hope, will make decisions that go beyond the technical aspects alone. Of course, all the courses were given in English, which corresponded perfectly to one of my main objectives during this exchange: to improve my level of English. Indeed, mastering this language was essential if I was to be able to work internationally. Gold One of the strong points of teaching at TODAI (University of Tokyo) was its strong focus on group work, where exchange and argumentation were central. As a result, not only did I consolidate my theoretical knowledge of English, but I also developed skills in communication, the exchange of ideas and rhetoric in this language. .

As for the next step in my career, I’m not ruling out the possibility of returning to work in Japan. I was able to maintain several contacts and discover inspiring careers that might suit me. In particular, I met several engineers on temporary assignments in Japan. For example, I spoke with an engineer working for Toyota in France, but on a two-year assignment in Osaka. This type of career path seems to me to be an excellent compromise for returning to Japan. All the more so as I’ve been able to see the extent to which this country is at the cutting edge of technology in fields that fascinate me, such as aircraft aerodynamics, but also train aerodynamics (it’s no coincidence that it’s the country of the “bullet train”). There are plenty of career opportunities here, in line with my aspirations.

And on the cultural front?

I experienced this semester in Tokyo as the trip of a lifetime and took every opportunity to discover as much of Japanese culture and explore the country as possible. Today, Japan is one of the most fashionable destinations in the world, and I have to say that all the good things people say about it are well-deserved. I’ve never been disappointed: every alleyway holds a surprise, every little store or restaurant a pleasure to discover. I had some fears about overtourism, but in the end I felt very little of it. Tourists are mainly concentrated around the most famous sites, and as soon as you get off the beaten track, the magic happens. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve stumbled across a splendid temple, giving me the impression of being alone in the world. Of course, Tokyo was my city of love. The image we have of it – a futuristic metropolis with dizzying skyscrapers and crowded streets – is just one facet of this city of a thousand faces. Each district has its own identity, and that’s what makes Tokyo so fascinating.

I lived in Bunkyō, a quiet neighborhood dotted with family homes and alleys so narrow you could only drive through them in Japan’s famous little cube cars. My university, on the other hand, was on the border of Nezu, a working-class district where you can find everything you need in small artisanal stores with the charm of another era. It was also in Nezu that I discovered some of the city’s best restaurants: tiny establishments, sometimes smaller than a bedroom, where a chef, often an elderly person, prepared a few izakaya-style dishes behind a counter. Barely a handful of chairs, and, it seemed to me, the same regulars who gathered there every evening (perhaps I was one of them in the end…).

Nezu is actually part of Ueno, one of Tokyo’s cultural gems. With its many museums and vast park (Ueno-kōen), it’s a district where you could spend days wandering around. You’ll find temples and shrines nestled between the alleys, a zoo, the country’s largest museum, and cafés where you’re sure to linger. Not far away, under the train station tracks, lies Ameya-Yokochō, a bustling market where street food stalls, lively izakaya and small bargain shops offer unbeatable prices.

I could talk for hours about the thousand and one features of Tokyo, but the rest of Japan is of course just as worth a visit. Kyōto’s heritage is unsurpassed, Nikkō’s temples stunningly beautiful, Hakone’s onsen a timeless experience, and Sendai’s landscapes simply unforgettable…

Beyond the visits and discoveries, living in Japan was a real revelation for me. Through my academic training and my travels, these experiences have enabled me to discover a unique country with deeply rooted values. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and you can feel it immediately. This creates an environment where you can walk around at any time of the day or night, in complete tranquillity. It brings a serenity not easily found elsewhere.

Japanese streets are remarkably clean and well-maintained, demonstrating a profound respect for order and cleanliness. I was struck by how meticulous and assiduous the Japanese are in their daily routine. For example, I sometimes saw people vacuuming the streets, a practice I’d never seen in France. This respect for the environment is also evident in public transport, where punctuality and efficiency are paramount. Japan’s transport network, including trains, subways and buses, is extremely efficient. I really enjoyed getting to the University, even during rush hour. Unlike in other major cities, the Japanese are highly organized and strictly respect order. In fact, it’s common to see people queuing up, waiting patiently for their turn, without ever jostling others. This system works perfectly, and you never feel uncomfortable, even in crowded trains. We live in a megalopolis, with the serenity of the countryside…

Japanese hospitality, respect and politeness are also aspects that make all interactions enjoyable. Their manners, courtesy and benevolence make for a very pleasant experience. After several months in Japan, I found myself wondering about my future, and in particular about the possibility of working there. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of Japan had a profound effect on me, and I must admit that today, I feel much less attracted to life in Paris. The heavy atmosphere of some big French cities seems to me to be far removed from the Japanese reality.

On a personal level, what do you remember about this semester?

Beyond the academic and practical aspects, my stay in Tokyo enabled me to meet a multitude of people from all over the world. The University of Tokyo attracts students from all over the world, making it an ideal place to exchange ideas and enrich cultural perspectives. I was able to talk to students from Asia, America and Europe, and these exchanges opened my eyes to many things. It made me more aware of cultural differences and led me to question certain principles that I apply to myself and that govern my own life choices.

Of course, there are ills in Japan (in their living or working conditions) that we certainly don’t envy from our Western countries. But there’s no denying that the values of respect, harmony and solidarity that are omnipresent in Japanese society particularly struck me. This creates an atmosphere of cooperation and benevolence that I find sometimes lacking in our Western societies. These cultural differences made me reflect on my own way of life and the values I attribute to my personal and professional life.

How would you describe the overall impact of this experience on you?

My time at the University of Tokyo will remain engraved in my memory as a transforming experience, both academically and personally. This semester was much more than a simple immersion in a prestigious educational system; it was a deep dive into a fascinating culture, rich in tradition but also in innovation. Thanks to this opportunity, I was able to deepen my knowledge while exploring related fields that broadened my vision and strengthened my technical skills.

Living in Japan also allowed me to discover a unique way of life, marked by order, respect and social harmony. These values, which permeate every aspect of daily life, have inspired me and prompted me to reflect on my own way of interacting with the world. Meeting students and professionals from all over the world has enriched my cultural perspective and opened up new avenues for my professional future. I’m convinced that the skills acquired and the links forged during this stay will be major assets for my future projects. I strongly recommend that all students seize such opportunities, because even though it can be terrifying to go into the unknown, they transform our vision of the world and prepare us to meet tomorrow’s challenges with renewed openness and determination.

Any final words?

Thank you so much for this priceless opportunity.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Foundation’s donors for their commitment and indispensable support. Their contribution offers students like me the chance to learn, grow and develop in an international setting. I saw their help as a springboard to opportunities that, without them, would probably not have been within my grasp.

Thank you so much for your trust and generosity, which make all the difference.