Hello. My name is Sultana Jannatul Ferdoush Jerin, and my nickname is Jerin. I am a Bangladeshi student at the Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan. For international students, Japan is becoming a popular and desirable destination. Before becoming a student, I had the opportunity to come to Japan for the first time ever in 2007 with my sister. That time, I had the chance to know about Shimane University's facilities. I met many students who were studying there. Shimane University is already one of the leading universities beyond Japan. By performing basic and clinical research for the enhancement of human life, it is assisting in the advancement of health care. Moreover, this university has qualified faculties, a high number of scholarships for international students, and also provides Japanese language classes. I was greatly inspired personally by these various facilities. Also, I think Izumo city is the safest place for living and studying. So, I've decided to attend Shimane University. Fortunately, studying in Japan has given me the chance not only to complete my master’s degree and also to continue studying as a PhD student under Professor Haruo Takeshita of the Department of Legal Medicine. Prof. Haruo Takeshita, my wise advisor, is guiding me to the success of scientific discoveries. I can't adequately explain all that he has taught me in words. He has always been there for me during every stage of my life, both personally and professionally. I am always thankful to my professor.
   It was the middle of November 2016 when I came to Japan. I experienced the first-ever severe cold in my life. My days were spent trembling. I was anticipating snowfall. Finally, snow began to fall at the end of December. That was my first impression after coming to Japan. In fact, our country never gets so cold. Due to this, the question of falling snow does not arise. So ever since I came to Japan, I have been eager to see Snow Fall. I was also surprised to see snowfall in early February 2018. It is a great experience of my life. After opening the door of my apartment at the university dormitory, I saw lots of snow on the balcony. I could not open the door properly. The car was not getting out. Buses and trains stopped running. It was a joyous and simultaneously terrifying experience for me. I have attached one picture to just show you, my experience.

 Japan’s culture is truly unique. There are lots of differences between Japanese and Bangladeshi cultures. My first cultural shock is that kids are going to school alone. Children never go to school alone in my country. Many schools have a bus system. In schools where there are no bus services parents or someone else takes the children to school. Therefore, separate travel expenses for school should be calculated every month. And they have to take time apart to come and go to school. So, after coming to Japan, I was really surprised to see this system in Japan. At first, I was a little nervous that my son would actually be able to go to school alone and come back home properly. But after some time, I also got used to it. And I feel it's a really good system. In this, parents do not have to stress about bringing the child to school. So, parents can do any job as per their choice.
   My favorite Japanese food is Tempura. The first time I went to eat Udon at an Udon shop, that time I ate tempura. The Japanese people eat tempura with Udon. The tempura was very tasty to me. Since then, I eat tempura whenever I go to the Udon shop and try to make it at home too.
   My favorite Japanese word is Nai. Because the Japanese word Nai and the Bengali word Nai is the same meaning. After coming to Japan, when I first knew the meaning of nai I was surprised.
   I have a family and also, I have many relatives in Izumo so often we all go to various sightseeing places not only Izumo but also, Matsue, Oda, Hamada, and Hiroshima. I love to visit new places. My favorite place is the Hinomisaki Lighthouse. It is located about 10 km northwest of the world heritage-listed Izumo Taisha, on the western tip of the Shimane prefecture. It has been selected as one of the top 100 most beautiful lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse and its surroundings is a fantastic spot to view the sunset.
   After graduation, I will work in Japan. I have already got a job at a pharmaceutical company as a researcher in the quality control department. I will join this April. I am really feeling very lucky to get this job because I can continue doing research at my office. And also, by this job, I will get an opportunity to know the new culture of Japan as a full-time employee.

by SULTANA JANNATUL FERDOUSH JERIN, January 2023