Hello, my name is Sarah Ismullah, but I’m usually called Sasa. I am a doctoral student at the School of Business and Management, Bandung Institute of Technology.
The end of 2024 was a truly memorable time for me, as I had the opportunity to participate in the Sandwich Program at the Okumura Laboratory, Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, under the guidance of Professor Yoshihiro Okumura.
This was my first time visiting Japan. I feel very grateful to have been accepted at this university and to live in Osaka, one of the best places in Japan, known for its kind and friendly people.
My doctoral research focuses on developing a governance model for a marine entrepreneurship ecosystem in disaster-prone coastal areas. I first learned about the Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences from my friend Karina, a doctoral graduate of the faculty, who also introduced me to Professor Okumura.
November, Week 1
On my first day in Osaka, I took a short rest at the Minami Senri International Plaza Student Dormitory, where I stayed for 60 days. That same afternoon, I went straight to the Takatsuki Muse Campus to meet Professor Okumura and the students at the Okumura Laboratory for the first time.
From the Okumura Laboratory, I was invited to tour the campus, especially the room on the 12th floor where I would be doing my research. This special room is designated for doctoral students at the Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, Kansai University, Takatsuki Muse Campus. I was so happy, what a nice and comfortable space! I shared the room with five other doctoral students, and it quickly became my main workspace throughout my stay.
Professor Okumura and my lab friends were very kind and welcoming, which made me feel at home right away. After returning to the dormitory that day, I cried during a video call with my family, not out of sadness, but a mix of joy and a bit of culture shock. I told them how happy I was, but also a little overwhelmed because I had to walk quite a distance from the dormitory to the campus. In Indonesia, I rarely walk long distances, so this new routine was quite a challenge at first. A bit embarrassing, right? Haha! But I stayed enthusiastic, knowing it was part of my adaptation process.
During the first week of the program, my lab friends organized a Yakisoba Party. Yakisoba is a popular Japanese noodle dish, and we all cooked it together. My task was to heat the soba noodles using the microwave. While we were preparing the meal, one of my friends suddenly asked if I could eat the yakisoba seasoning, which, as it turned out, contained pork. I told them that I couldn’t consume it. Without hesitation, my friends Kano and Risa kindly prepared a special version of yakisoba for me without the sauce. However, just as they were cooking, there was an unexpected electric short circuit (probably due to overloading the power source), which caused the electricity in the room to go out. An officer had to come, reprimand us, and fix the issue. I felt a mix of nervousness and amusement at the situation! In the end, we continued cooking the yakisoba in the next room. Shortly after everything was ready, Professor Okumura arrived, and we all enjoyed the yakisoba together. I felt truly grateful to have such kind and considerate friends. Thank you, everyone!
November, Week 2
On the morning of November 13, 2024, I headed to the Takatsuki Campus as usual. While I was on the train from the dormitory, Professor Okumura informed me about an exhibition in Kyoto that was related to my research topic. He suggested it would be a great opportunity for me to attend.
So, I went to a technology exhibition in Kyoto focused on child safety and education. It was also my first time visiting Kyoto, and I relied entirely on Google Maps to get there. Worried about getting lost, I decided to walk from the train station to the exhibition venue. The walk took me about 45 minutes, which felt quite long, especially for someone like me who rarely walks long distances!
When I arrived, I explored various booths featuring safety products, eco-friendly innovations, and educational materials for children. There were English learning courses, inclusive games for children with disabilities, and even eco-friendly wooden toys.
I collected many brochures from the exhibition—not only as learning material for myself but also as souvenirs and references for the business mentees I support back in Indonesia.
The exhibition was very interesting, although unfortunately, the presentation I was most interested in had taken place the day before. I arrived a day late. Still, I was very happy to be able to attend. Kyoto was beautiful, and I saw many foreign tourists that day, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
I truly believe it was destiny that brought me there. I had the chance to meet entrepreneurs working in the fields of child safety and education, two areas that are deeply connected to my life and work right now. It felt like more than just a coincidence; it was a meaningful encounter that inspired me even more
Two days later, on November 15, 2024, while I was on campus, an earthquake evacuation drill and a lift evacuation drill took place. I had never participated in this kind of activity before in Indonesia.
At the time of the earthquake drill, I was in the Okumura Laboratory. Once the situation was declared safe, we evacuated to the designated gathering point using the stairs. When I arrived, I saw my lab friends already there. We lined up, received a briefing, and filled out a form with our personal information and our condition at that moment.
It wasn’t just university students who participated—faculty members and even high school students also joined the drill. Honestly, I had been looking forward to experiencing this kind of earthquake evacuation. At my campus in Bandung, I had taken part in two fire evacuation drills, but never an earthquake drill.
This experience felt especially relevant, considering that Bandung is located in an earthquake-prone area, right along the Lembang Fault. I found the drill very valuable and hope that similar practices can be more widely adopted in Indonesia in the future.
In the afternoon, Professor Okumura invited me to join an elevator evacuation drill. He explained that this drill was part of preparedness efforts in case of a major earthquake. Since Osaka has many tall buildings, there’s a high likelihood that people could become trapped in elevators during such emergencies.
What stood out to me the most was how everyone, students, staff, teachers, and professors, learned together. We practiced how to respond during an earthquake and how to evacuate people trapped in elevators. It was a completely new experience for me, and one I’ll never forget.
The next day, I joined Professor Okumura, along with third- and fourth-year students as well as master’s students, on a trip to Awaji Island to participate in a Tsunami Evacuation Drill. I traveled with Li, Takahashi, and Okumura Sensei.
On our first day on Awaji Island, we had a meal at one of the local restaurants. I tried small fish that, in Indonesia, we call ikan teri or anchovies. But this time, they weren’t fried—something I had never tried before!
One surprising thing for me was the price. A single portion cost more than a thousand yen, which was double my usual food budget of 500 yen per meal. But I reminded myself, it’s okay, this isn’t something that happens every day.
After lunch, we continued our journey toward Fukura to meet other students. During the trip, I took in the scenery of Awaji Island, which felt very different from Osaka. The island is filled with plantations, rice fields, and, of course, fisheries. It’s a truly beautiful place, but I couldn’t help thinking about the island’s history, which isn’t as serene as its current landscape. Yes, this island was once a silent witness to a devastating tsunami that claimed many lives. Later that afternoon, we met up with our friends in a tsunami-affected area, which is now also a tourist destination. At that site, Professor Okumura explained the history of the tsunami that once struck the region. He also described the sea wall and the gates, which are now operated automatically as part of improved disaster mitigation efforts.
We also visited a building called Uzumaru, which serves as both a tsunami monitoring center and an evacuation shelter at Fukura Port. Uzumaru is a key facility for tsunami prevention in the area.
Inside the building, we could see water level markers that indicate past tsunami heights. There were also several educational rooms dedicated to tsunami awareness, including one where we watched informative animations explaining how tsunamis occur and how to respond during such emergencies
After visiting Uzumaru, we enjoyed some ice cream together and then headed to our accommodation. The inn was called Kimi House, a beautiful place located near the fishing pier and a scenic beach, which is also a local tourist attraction.
In the late afternoon, we took a walk to the beach. There, Professor Okumura shared with us that this very beach had once been affected by the tsunami. Standing on that peaceful shoreline while imagining its tragic past was a powerful and humbling experience.
That night, we had a barbecue party. I felt deeply touched by how warmly my lab friends accepted me. I was truly impressed by how everyone helped each other, especially the boys, who took charge of preparing the charcoal and cooking the food. Even Professor Okumura joined in and helped with the cooking!
The food was delicious and surprisingly spicy! That evening, I felt a genuine closeness with everyone. We even had a little “youth sharing session,” where the younger students opened up and shared their thoughts. It was so heartwarming and adorable. I’ll always treasure that night as one of the most memorable moments during my time in Japan.
In the morning, my friends and I participated in the tsunami evacuation drill. I was with Professor Okumura, who explained the background of the village and the evacuation procedure we would follow. Once again, this was my first time taking part in a tsunami evacuation drill.
The drill began with an announcement over the loudspeakers, followed by a warning signal, a striking of iron that grew faster and louder, signaling the urgency to evacuate quickly. It was a powerful moment that gave me a real sense of how people in tsunami-prone areas prepare for emergencies.
After the alarm, we walked together to the designated gathering point—an area safely beyond the reach of a tsunami. There, every resident was registered. It was touching to see everyone, men, women, the elderly, youth, and children, participating in the drill in such an orderly and respectful manner.
From the gathering point, we continued on foot to a local school that was designated as a temporary evacuation shelter. Upon arrival, everyone registered again. The head of the local government gave a briefing, followed by a presentation from Professor Okumura about tsunami disasters and preparedness.
After that, the students conducted a disaster awareness session for the community, and we helped distribute food to the residents. The meals were carefully chosen to support the health of disaster victims, a onion soup and mushroom fried rice, both designed to help maintain digestive health during stressful conditions.
Before returning home, we took some time to go sightseeing and visited the famous Naruto Whirlpools. We took a boat ride to see them up close. It was such a refreshing experience to feel the cool ocean breeze, so different from the ocean air in Indonesia, which is usually warm and humid.
I felt incredibly lucky to witness such a stunning natural phenomenon, and it made me think about how nature’s power and beauty can be harmoniously utilized for tourism. It was a perfect way to end a meaningful and unforgettable trip.
After that, we returned to Osaka, traveling along the west coast of Awaji Island. We crossed the inter-island bridge and passed through Kyoto Prefecture before finally arriving back in Osaka. I felt so happy that day. Throughout the trip, I recorded the breathtaking scenery from the car window, from afternoon until evening. It was a quiet, reflective moment that allowed me to absorb everything I had experienced over the past few days.
November, Week III
I can’t believe it’s already my third week in Osaka! Everything has been so interesting and enjoyable. It feels like time is flying by. But of course, I need to stay focused, because research must continue.
This week, Professor Okumura invited me on a research trip to Shizuoka Prefecture to meet with a key informant relevant to my dissertation topic. We visited ORNIS (Ocean Radar Network Information Service), a company engaged in research-based marine entrepreneurship in Japan.
It was also my first time riding the Shinkansen, yeay, finally! I left the dormitory very early that morning, worried I might be late, but thankfully everything went smoothly. I met with Professor Okumura on time, and we boarded the train together.
While riding the Shinkansen, I witnessed something quite unique. At one of the stops, a few women boarded the train, not to travel, but to provide makeup services to passengers. They were makeup artists preparing clients for a photo shoot, right there on the train. I had never seen anything like this before in Indonesia. It sparked an idea, this could be a creative business opportunity worth exploring back home!
We finally arrived in Shizuoka, just in time for lunch. Professor Okumura kindly invited me to have soba. I tried a cold soba dish with shrimp topping, another first for me, as I had never eaten cold noodle soup before.
The taste was quite unique. Out of habit, I stirred the entire bowl before eating, not realizing that a generous amount of ginger was hidden at the bottom. The flavor was unexpectedly strong, but it was an interesting experience and definitely memorable!
Not far from the restaurant, we arrived at our destination: the ORNIS office. There, I had the honor of meeting Professor Fujii, one of the founders and the current Technical Director of ORNIS. He welcomed us warmly and began explaining the marine radar system they use.
Before diving into the technical details, Professor Fujii asked me, “Do you know about radar?” The question caught me off guard, and I felt a wave of emotion. I nodded quietly, trying to hold back tears, because it reminded me so much of my late father, he was also a radar expert in Indonesia.
Listening to Professor Fujii explain the capabilities of the ORNIS marine radar system was both inspiring and emotional. The facility offers numerous benefits, from ensuring maritime safety to supporting fisheries, various industries, and even scientific research. It was incredible to see how advanced technology like this could contribute to building a stronger marine-based economy, something deeply aligned with my own research.
After the interview and discussion with ORNIS, I had the opportunity to visit one of the local castles, which has now been transformed into a beautiful city park. Before returning to Osaka by Shinkansen, I explored some souvenir shops at the station, browsing through items unique to Shizuoka.
One business that caught my attention was Marche Mountain, a fascinating example of marine entrepreneurship. Originally focused on canned tuna, the business has innovatively expanded by offering a variety of flavor variations and even tuna-based soup products. It was a great example of how traditional marine products can be transformed through creativity and market adaptation—exactly the kind of insight that enriches my research.
December, Week I
I have now been in Japan for a month. In early December, I had the opportunity to attend the 14th Joint Research Symposium on Giant Tsunami Disasters, held at the JAMSTEC Yokohama Research Institute. I was invited by Professor Okumura to join and observe the presentations of my lab colleagues, Takahashi, Li, and Yagi, who were among the presenters at the event.
The symposium took place over two days, from December 5 to 6, 2024, and brought together disaster researchers from various fields, all focusing on the theme of tsunamis. For two full days, I attended a series of presentations by leading researchers in the field. Although the sessions were conducted in Japanese, I was still able to gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in tsunami-related technology and research in Japan. It was a truly inspiring and enriching experience.
Yokohama is such a beautiful city. I truly hope that one day Indonesia can develop seaside cities as beautiful and well-organized as Yokohama. The view of Yokohama City was truly breathtaking. The combination of historical buildings, modern high-rises, and the bustling harbor created a harmonious and stunning cityscape. I wished I could spend more time exploring and enjoying the charm of this city. Someday, I hope to return and experience Yokohama all over again.
After returning from Yokohama, Prof. Okumura and the others headed back to Kyoto, while I made my way to Osaka on my own. I took the night train that evening, feeling a little nervous traveling alone, but also very happy and proud of myself. It was a meaningful experience, giving me a sense of independence and adventure.
December Week II
In the second week of December, I visited Fukui Prefecture. On December 11, 2024, I had the opportunity to visit and engage in a discussion with Tokeshi Sensei, Professor Okumura’s colleague, at the Marine Biology Laboratory of Fukui University. Fukui region is known as one of the largest fish suppliers for Kyoto and other areas in Japan, a role it has held since the time of the Japanese imperial era. Impressively, it is also home to an Oceanography high school that is over 100 years old. During this visit, I conducted field observations at the pier, within the fisheries industry complex, and explored marine tourism activities, including a restaurant that serves exceptionally fresh seafood. It was also the first time I ate raw squid. It had a very unique taste, and I almost struggled to swallow it!
After lunch, Tokeshi Sensei invited me to the campus to have a discussion about marine entrepreneurship and disaster management in the region. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we share similar academic backgrounds, both of us studied Oceanography and are now focusing on marine business and entrepreneurship. I really hope to return to Fukui after I graduate, to deepen my knowledge and learn more about marine entrepreneurship from this region, which has embraced it since ancient times.
Still in the second week of December, I had the opportunity to participate in the 2nd International Networking Meeting of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), held on December 14, 2024, at Takatsuki Muse Campus, Kansai University. This meeting brought together international students and professionals conducting research on DRR from various universities and organizations across the Kansai region.
The event featured three insightful public lectures. The first was “Community-Based Management of Sediment Disasters” by Prof. Tomofumi Koyama from the Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, Kansai University. The second was “Remembering the 1995 Kobe Quake” by Prof. Tamiyo Kondo from the Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University. The final lecture was “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future” by Assoc. Prof. Roger Baars from the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES), Kyoto University.
In addition to the lectures, eight international students presented their research, including Tshiswaka Tshilumba Chrioni (Africa, Kansai University), Leandro Galvanese Kuhlmann (Brazil, Kobe University), Bethany Lynn Meidinger (USA, Kobe University), Zhang Tianlin (China, Kobe University), Vladimir Enrique Guzman Javier (Dominica, Kansai University), Peter Wu (China, Kansai University), Kubota Rena (Japan, Kansai University), and myself, Sarah Ismullah from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia.
In the same week, I took the opportunity to visit The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Museum to learn more about disaster education for the community. The museum spans four main floors plus two additional levels, offering extensive insights into earthquake disaster mitigation through simulations, interactive exhibits, games, and educational tools designed especially for children.
During my visit, I also discovered how the Japanese government supported recovery efforts after the 1995 earthquake, including revitalizing one of the local entrepreneurial sectors—the shoe industry, which had been heavily affected. One of the most powerful moments for me was experiencing the simulation of the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji earthquake. It was heartbreaking and I couldn’t hold back my tears as I imagined the pain of those who lost their homes, and even their loved ones.
The museum also documents the recovery and rebuilding process, showcasing how the community came together with resilience and determination. Visitors can read heartfelt letters from survivors, which adds a deeply human touch to the tragedy. In contrast, the disaster education section has a lighter, more hopeful atmosphere. Here, disaster preparedness is taught through engaging and age-appropriate activities, making it easy and enjoyable for people of all ages, especially children.
December Week III
Today is Friday, which means it’s time for our regular guidance session with Prof. Okumura. As usual, we gathered at the laboratory, and this time, my lab friends shared about their ongoing research. It was insightful to hear their progress and perspectives.
After the session, we didn’t go home right away because there was a special visit from a journalist team from NHK. They came to cover a feature on Prof. Okumura and his research. The NHK team set up in our lab, and Prof. Okumura gave an in-depth explanation about one of his recent works, analyzing the number of disaster victims and causes of death from the Noto Earthquake, which occurred earlier in 2024. It was such a meaningful moment for me, seeing how our Sensei’s expertise contributes directly to national-level disaster reporting and recovery. Being part of this process, even just as an observer, made me feel more inspired and reminded me of the real impact of our research.
On Saturday morning, Prof. Okumura and his daughter, Furano, kindly took Kuse and me to the Hakodateyama Gondola Ski Resort. Along the way, we passed the vast and serene Lake Biwa—the largest lake in Japan. We made a brief stop to enjoy a meal by the lake, soaking in the calm scenery. After lunch, we continued our journey in search of snow.
When we arrived at the resort, we took a gondola up to the top of the mountain. It was my first time riding a gondola and my first time seeing snow! From above, I could see animal footprints on the white surface below, which made the experience feel even more magical. Not long after, we reached the summit, where the ski and snow resort awaited us in all its winter beauty.
The temperature here was much colder than in Osaka, so I wore a double jacket to keep warm. As soon as we arrived, we excitedly played in the snow. It was such a memorable experience! We made snowmen, tried building snow houses, and even went snowboarding. I couldn’t stop smiling. It was my first time seeing and touching snow, and the feeling of playing in it was so much fun and full of laughter. I felt like a little kid again, discovering a whole new magical world.
After we were satisfied playing in the snow, we warmed ourselves with drinks and enjoyed dessert at one of the cute cafes near the resort. The warmth of the cafe, combined with the sweetness of the dessert, felt like the perfect ending to our snowy adventure. On the way home, we made a stop in Shiga Prefecture, and I was stunned by the scenery, rows of trees with red autumn leaves lined the roads, painting a breathtaking view. It was like nature’s own gallery, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful to witness such beauty.
Desember Week 4
This is my last week in Japan. I tried to maximize every moment, exploring Osaka and its surroundings, soaking in the last bits of this unforgettable journey. Campus activities had started to slow down, as most students were preparing for the upcoming end-of-year holidays. It felt like a quiet pause before the year wrapped up.
One of the most touching moments this week was when my friends from Okumura Lab invited me to an end-of-year and farewell party. That night, since it was already school holiday season, I entered the building through the back elevator, as the main one had been shut down. When I arrived at the lab, I was welcomed with warm smiles and a table full of delicious food.
What made me truly emotional was the fact that my friends thoughtfully prepared everything without any pork, just for me. I felt so accepted, respected, and loved.
We played bingo, my first time ever! Laughter echoed through the lab as we shouted numbers and cheered each other on. Then came a surprise: a heartfelt greeting card signed by everyone, and a virtual visit from Prof. Okumura, who couldn’t join in person due to the flu. Despite not being there physically, his presence warmed the room. We ended the night with group photos, laughter, and a few teary eyes. Thank you, Professor Okumura. Thank you, my dear friends. You’ve given me a memory I will carry in my heart forever.
This farewell party marked my last night in Osaka, Japan. Before returning home to Indonesia, I took the time to tour Osaka and Kyoto, including a meaningful visit to Osaka Castle.
New Year’s Eve was still spent in Osaka. It was my first time welcoming the New Year abroad. That evening, a friend invited me to eat toshikoshi soba, a Japanese tradition believed to bring longevity and good fortune in the coming year. After dinner, I returned to my hotel and quietly welcomed the New Year there.
The New Year’s atmosphere in Osaka was very different from Bandung, my hometown. In Osaka, the night was calm and serene, no loud fireworks or celebrations, just a peaceful stillness that allowed me to sleep soundly. In Bandung, New Year’s Eve is usually lively and full of noise, with firecrackers lighting up the night sky. This contrast was beautiful in its own way, offering me a moment of rest and deep contemplation.
Thank you, 2024. This journey to study in Japan was the most beautiful gift I received that year. I carry home not only knowledge and new experiences, but also deep friendships, unforgettable memories, and a renewed spirit for my dreams.
I sincerely hope that in the future, whether next year or after finishing my studies, I can return to Kansai University. I hope to continue learning, collaborating in research, and building bridges between Indonesia and Japan, between ITB and Kansai University.
Thank you, Professor Okumura.
Thank you, my lab friends.
See you again, in Japan or in Indonesia.
You will always have a place in my heart, and your presence will continue to guide me on my journey through life. Kansai University and Osaka will always be my home in Japan.
Arigatou Gozaimasu.