On February 9, a delegation from the College of International Education at Shandong University arrived in Sendai, Japan, for a seven-day international exchange program at Tohoku University. This visit was part of the Japan-Asia Youth Science Exchange Program, also known as the "Sakura Science Plan," with the theme "AI-Driven Transformation in Education: A China-Japan Seminar." The program aimed to foster inter-university collaboration between China and Japan while enhancing students' international experience and global perspectives. Led by Associate Researcher Cui Yiran, the eight-member delegation visited Tohoku University's Graduate School of Education and Graduate School of Medicine, engaging in academic discussions on topics such as AI-powered higher education, VR-enhanced experiences of traditional Japanese culture, and cognitive neuroscience in education.
Professor Hideki Kozima, Dean of the Graduate School of Education, delivered an insightful lecture to the delegation. He introduced the latest research on cognitive development robot “Keepon”, which is used in studies on children with autism. He also shared his experiences in interdisciplinary research. On behalf of the faculty and students, Cui Yiran expressed warm wishes for continued academic exchanges between the two institutions. The delegation was also warmly received by Professor Taketo Kai, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Education, and Associate Professor Liu Jing, Director of the International Exchange Support Office at the Graduate School of Education.
The delegation participated in multiple lectures and cultural exchange activities exploring technology-enhanced education. Associate Professor Taira Nakajima demonstrated practical applications of generative AI in educational research and guided students in hands-on AI tool experiments. Associate Professor Katsumi Sato used virtual reality technology to reconstruct traditional Japanese performing arts and provided students with an immersive experience through VR headsets. Following these sessions, the Chinese and Japanese participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the intersection of technology, education, and traditional culture. Additionally, the delegation visited an fMRI laboratory, where Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Liu Chunlin conducted a live demonstration of brain imaging experiments during human-computer interactions, sparking great interest among the students in interdisciplinary research.
The delegation also toured Tohoku University’s Katahira Campus, visiting the lecture hall once used by Lu Xun, the former residence where he lived during his studies, and the university library. Through rare historical materials and archival footage, the faculty and students gained a deeper understanding of Lu Xun’s academic journey, as well as the rich history and academic atmosphere of Tohoku University.
The Sakura Science Plan is dedicated to fostering global youth collaboration in scientific and technological innovation. The College of International Education at Shandong University continues to strengthen its "Kunpeng" Talent Development Program by engaging in academic exchanges and research cooperation with top-tier international universities. Through these initiatives, the school aims to broaden students' global horizons, enhance their research capabilities, and cultivate international competencies. Participants of the exchange program expressed that they gained valuable insights from the experience and were inspired to explore the role of technology in language education and cultural exchange. They pledged to become a new generation of young scholars with a strong sense of national responsibility, international perspectives, and global competence, contributing to international friendship and collaboration with the strength of Shandong University.
