Senior High School Students from Taiwan Visit Kumamoto University
On February 5, a group of 14 senior high school students from Taiwan visited Kumamoto University as part of the Kumamoto Experience Program. The program is implemented under MEXT’s “Internationalization Initiative for Specialized Training Colleges”, and is organized by Kokei Juku, a traditional private academy in Kumamoto. It is designed for senior high school students from Taiwan who are considering pursuing higher education or employment opportunities in Japan in the future. One of the core components of the program is an on-site visit to Kumamoto University, allowing participants to gain first-hand experience of campus life and academic research in Japan.During the visit, the students toured the Chemical Laboratory of the Fifth High School, where they received an overview of Kumamoto University, including its academic strengths and admission pathways. Staff members provided detailed explanations of the various routes for international students to enter the University, helping the participants gain a clearer understanding of study opportunities in Japan and at Kumamoto University in particular.
The group also visited the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School, where they learned about the long history and educational traditions of Kumamoto University. By sitting in a preserved classroom from the Meiji era, the students were able to experience the atmosphere of historical Japanese education, connecting the past with the present in a tangible way.
Following this, the students visited the Kumamoto University Shock Laboratory, which houses the only comprehensive explosion experiment facility among Japan’s national universities. A demonstration experiment—using a small amount of explosive to crush apples submerged in water—captured the students’ interest and helped illustrate ongoing research aimed at achieving safer and more efficient methods of controlled destruction.
Through this visit, the senior high school students deepened their understanding of Kumamoto University’s educational philosophy, historical background, and research capabilities. The experience also provided valuable insights for students considering future study or career paths in Kumamoto.
Introduction to Kumamoto University at the Chemical Laboratory of the Fifth High School
Group Photo Inside of the Chemical Laboratory of the Fifth High School
Group Photo in Front of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
In the Classroom of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
Observing the Explosive Experiment
Touching an Apple Destroyed in the Explosive Experiment
Explanation of Research Content by Professor Shigeru Tanaka (center), Institute of Industrial Nanomaterials
Students Enjoy Squeezing the Destroyed Apple Into Juice