In addition to lectures at the JICA Kyushu Center and JICA Tokyo Center on energy theory and energy saving technologies from experts in those fields‚ the participants studied Kitakyushu’s history of industrial growth and overcoming pollution challenges‚ and observed the current situation with regard to the realization of a recycling-oriented society‚ energy conservation‚ wind power generation‚ and utilization of hydrogen energy. They also visited cities such as Kakogawa‚ Osaka‚ Tokyo‚ Fukuoka and Kagoshima‚ where they were able to tour facilities while being provided with meticulous explanations of actual energy-saving equipment‚ activities to conserve energy‚ ZEB (Net Zero Energy Buildings) and ZEH (Net Zero Energy Houses)‚ and district heat supply businesses.

Based on the actual situation of energy supply and demand in their homeland‚ each trainee drew up a written proposal‚ including a specific time schedule‚ on how to utilize the knowledge they had gained on the course to promote energy conservation in their own country‚ which they shared with confidence in the final presentations. That was a meaningful event where they received valuable comments and high evaluations from the technical staff at JICA headquarters responsible for their respective countries.

The trainees looked a little tense when they first came to Japan‚ but were very soon able to reveal their true selves as they actively asked questions and exchanged opinions during the lectures‚ and expressed their gratitude to the lecturers. For example‚ Mr.A loves jokes‚ and Ms.M would draw class to a close with an encouraging “Hai‚ hai‚ hai.” The trainees experienced Japanese culture at Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nijo Castle on their study trip to Kyoto‚ and thoroughly enjoyed Edo and Tokyo in Asakusa and Odaiba. Upon their return to Kitakyushu they truly had become very close: “We are one team!”

They hugged each other tearfully at the final farewell party before returning to their respective homelands. Although they may encounter many difficulties in implementing what they learned in Japan as their own plan‚ I truly believe they can do it. I sincerely hope that all the trainees will keep in touch with each other and that their love of Japan will create a lifelong bond among them.