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Canada Japan Co-op Program Experiential Report
May 18, 2011 December 26, 2011
Osaka Gas Company Energy Technology Laboratories
6-19-9 Torishima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan 554-0051 http://www.osakagas.co.jp/indexe.html
Kevin Zhou The University of British Columbia Engineering Physics - Mechatronics
Submitted: December 20, 2011
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Table of Content
1.0 Osaka Gas Background...3
1.1 History....3
1.2 Products & Services....4
1.3 Organization Structure....4
1.4 Energy Technology Laboratories....5
2.0 Osaka Gas Internship....5
2.1 Work and Research.5
2.2 Colleague Relationships.8
2.3 Opportunities....10
2.4 Acquired Skills and Experiences..........11
3.0 Lifestyle..12
3.1 Dormitory Life..12
3.2 Japanese Language Class..14
3.3 Traveling in Japan.16
4.0 Cultural Experiences...19
5.0 Impressions of Japan.22
6.0 Recommendations for Future Interns24
7.0 Conclusion.25
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1.0 Osaka Gas Background
1.1 History
Osaka Gas first began as a small company in 1905 with gas supply as their only
business operation and at that time, they only had 3,350 customers. Since then, Osaka
Gas has grown and evolved throughout a history lasting over 100 years. In the present
day, Osaka Gas is now the second biggest gas supplier in Japan, supplying gas to 7
million customers in the Kansai Region. Osaka Gas has grown from a small gas
company to a massive corporation with 140 affiliated companies and 19,360 employees.
Osaka Gas operations are not only limited within Japan, but also internationally such as
shale gas development in Canada, wind farm in Australia and importing Liquid Natural
Gas (LNG) from 6 different countries.
Osaka Gas' Liquefied Natural Gas Tanker
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1.2 Products & Services
Osaka Gas main service is importing LNG from other countries for processing and
distributing to customers, but Osaka Gas also offer a variety of services and products
not only limited to gas related business, such as energy business. Examples of such
services and products are solar cells, home heating systems and both commercial and
domestic cooking appliances.
1.3 Organization Structure
Below is an organizational chart of Osaka Gas Company and affiliated business units.
The department I work for is the Energy Technology Laboratories, which is within the
Research and Development division of the company.
Organizational Chart of Osaka Gas Company
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1.4 Energy Technology Laboratories
Within the Energy Technology Laboratories are many individual groups and teams each
with different research areas such as Engine & Simulation Team, Materials Technology
Team and etc. My place in this company is with the Energy Technology Utilization
Team.
2.0 Osaka Gas Internship
2.1 Work and Research
I was working as a member of a newly started project called Deliciousness and
Healthiness Cooking Research Project. The purpose of this project is to investigate the
process and mechanisms that create delicious and healthy food. There are many factors
that affect the evaluation of deliciousness and healthiness such as cooking environment,
physical phenomenon (heating method), chemical changes, food properties and even the
psychological perceptions. My contribution to this project was to investigate the
physical phenomenon and environment of a boil and simmer method of cooking. My
responsibility was to perform research and experiment to develop a quantitative and
qualitative visualization of the cooking environment in this system by measuring the
velocity and temperature distribution of the flow in the system.
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In this research, I was able to use some expensive and sensitive equipment such as a
Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) system. In this system, a laser sheet is used to
illuminate the cross section of the liquid inside the pot. The liquid is seeded with very
small particles and these particles would reflect the light from the laser while tracing the
flow of the fluid, thus allowing for the flow to be detected with a high speed camera.
PIV Experiment
I was given a lot of freedom with my research, which required a lot of independence.
When a problem appeared during my experiment, I was able to employ and attempt
many solutions that I thought would be plausible.
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About 4 months into my research, I was able to present the progress and result of my
research at Osaka Gas Technical Fair 2011, which is a 2 day long trade show displaying
the products, technologies and research developments of Osaka Gas. This fair had over
3700 participants which included students, researchers, professors and even vice
presidents and presidents of other companies.
At the fair, I had my own booth with my experimental apparatus set up; however,
because my experiment involved a laser, demonstration of the experiment was not
allowed. Since many of the participants did not speak English, I tried to the best of my
abilities to explain my research in Japanese. At the end of the fair, I was happy that
everyone was able to understand the general idea and purpose of my research and I was
also able to improve my Japanese as well as presentation skills.
Day 1 of Osaka Gas Technical Fair Day 2 of Osaka Gas Technical Fair
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A big responsibility as a researcher in this position is to explain my research to others.
Throughout my work term, I have given presentations to various groups of people of
various sizes such as team members, supervisor, managers and researchers from other
companies. Aside from my own research, I sometimes work closely with a co-worker by
constructing experimental apparatus and helping with experiments.
2.2 Colleague Relationships
Everyone at Osaka Gas was very kind. At the beginning of my work term, some people
would try their best to speak in English to me and I felt I could ask them for help when I
needed. During my first month in Japan, I was invited to my colleagues house to have
lunch and then watch fireflies. The day was very enjoyable and I had a lot of fun
learning and trying to speak Japanese.
Cooked Tempura for Lunch Waiting at Firefly Site
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I also went on a hiking trip to Mt Hourai in Shiga prefecture with my team. The ascend
to the top of the mountain took about 4 hours and ate snacks and chat in a cabin for a
short period of time before riding the cable car back down to the base of the mountain.
The view of Biwa Lake from the top of the mountain was spectacular.
Colleague and Friends at Peak of Mt Hourai View of Biwa Lake
Aside from the members of my team, I also had good relations with members of other
teams. I was invited by members of the Engine and Simulation Team to stay at an olden
style Japanese house for 2 day and 1 night.
Living Room of an Olden Style Japanese House Cooking Dinner Japanese Old Style
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2.3 Opportunities
My position with Osaka Gas provided me with many opportunities. My supervisor was
always considerate of my interested and provided me opportunities and freedom to do
what would I would be interested in doing.
Through casual conversation, I told my supervisor that I had a deep interest in robotics
and later on, I was given the opportunity to attend the International Robotics Exhibition
2011. This exhibition is the biggest robotics trade show in the world held once every
two years at Tokyo Big Site. I was sent to this exhibition to observe the developing
technology in the field of robotics that may benefit the energy industry and present my
findings at a team meeting.
Pipetron Pipe Surveillance Robot
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Since this event was held internationally, I was also able to learn and see technology in
the field of robotics all around the world. This was a very good experience since I am
intending to enter graduate school in this field of study.
Flexible Sensor Tube Master Slave System Force Control Robotic Hand
2.4 Acquired Skills and Experiences
Throughout this internship, I have able to gain and learn many new things that I would
otherwise not have the chance elsewhere. This position exposed me to the environments
of being a researcher as well as teaching me the important qualities needed to be
successful. For example, I have presented my research to different types of audiences
and because of this, I was able to learn how to identify the different needs of different
audiences and give an intriguing presentation on my research. Another important skill
required as a research is the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve. I was able to
improve on this skill as I do many experiments and often run in to problems which
required creative or intelligent solutions. The most important skill that I was able to
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improve on was taught to me by my supervisor. He told me that no matter how good my
research is, it is of no use if I cant communicate it to others. With this said, I spent a lot
of time before presentations preparing and trying to make my experiment and results
easy to understand for everyone. These skills can be transferable to an academic or
work environment and it will definitely be beneficial when I enter graduate school.
I feel that one of the most beneficial skills I have required from this experience is to be
able to understand and speak a fair amount of Japanese. Being able to speak and
understand Japanese, even if it is just basic Japanese, made a big different in my
experiences in Japan. When I return to Canada I do not know when my Japanese will
come in handy, but it will be a good skill to have and I definitely want to continue
learning and speaking such an amazing language.
3.0 Lifestyle
3.1 Dormitory Life
Before coming to Japan, I was led to believe that houses and dormitories were very
small and compact. Images such as small spaces and sleeping on futons were in my
mind, but I was pleasantly surprised when I first arrived at my room.
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My Dorm Room upon Arrival
My dorm was located in furthest eastern part of Osaka Prefecture in Yao city. The dorm
consisted of five floors with a north and south wing and a sixth floor for laundry. Shared
washrooms and kitchens are located on each floor while showers on the first floor were
shared between everyone. At first I was a bit uncomfortable with the shared showers,
but the feeling quickly disappeared.
The dorm also had a cafeteria that only serves dinner on weekdays. The menu for each
month would be posted on the bulletin board, although written in Japanese; I was able
to understand what the main dish for each meal was going to be. The costs of the meals
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were 409 a meal, which is extremely cheap, probably the cheapest meal you can find
in Japan. At the beginning of each month, I would receive a dinner card, which lists
all the dates that the cafeteria is open. If I decided not to eat at the dorm, I would have to
place a stamp beside the date on which I do not want to eat. The stamp must be placed
on the day prior by 10pm. Sometimes I would either forget to stamp my card or not
make it back to the dorm in time to eat. Either case, the fee for dinner was still charged.
Because I always had plans or was busy, I was rarely at the dorm except while eating
dinner or sleeping.
3.2 Japanese Language Classes
A big part of my life in Japan was my Japanese classes that I attended. One of my goals
of this internship was to be able to do basic communication in Japanese, so I attended
three different Japanese classes that took place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Each class differed from each other and had their own formats. Mondays class was a
language exchange class. I was partnered with a Japanese person who wanted to learn
English and we would take turns teaching each other. Tuesdays and Thursday classes
are run by Japan Red Cross Volunteer Group, but the two classes are run by different
volunteers. During Tuesday classes, I was lucky enough to be partnered with a very
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excellent Japanese teacher. Not only was I able to learn to speak, read and write
Japanese from my teacher, I was also able to learn about Japanese culture and society.
Last Day of Class with Japanese Teacher
During Thursdays classes, there is not much structure to the class. We would just go
and sit down next to anyone and have a casual conversation about anything to practice
speaking Japanese. From time to time after class, we would go to a restaurant to have
dinner together or go to a caf to chat and relax.
Japan Red Cross Volunteer Group Dinner with Japanese Class
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From these classes, I was able to make many close friends and even outside of class
time, we would still hang out, such as travelling and sightseeing and going to festivals.
Monkey Park Arashiyama - Kyoto Tennoji Tanabata Festival
3.3 Traveling in Japan
Train and Subway Map of Osaka Prefecture
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When I first arrived in Japan, I was quite overwhelmed by the train and subway system.
I got lost a couple of times before I finally got used to the system. Although quite
confusing at first, this train system is very convenient. With this train system, I was able
to go almost anywhere in Japan just by train alone. I believe travelling was a big portion
of stay in Japan.
Since there were many holidays that were on Mondays or Fridays, I had chances to
travel to many popular places such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo and Hiroshima.
Osaka Tokyo
Amanohashidate in Kyoto Nara Park
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Itsukushima Shrine & Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima
One of my proudest moments in Japan was climbing Mt Fuji, which definitely isnt an
easy task and should not be taken lightly. The climb up took about 8 hours and since my
friends and I wanted to watch the sunrise, we had to start climbing at night.
View of Sunrise from the Summit of Mt Fuji Final Climb to the Summit
During my work term, there was 6 days long vacation in the middle of August called
Obon, which I was able to travel. At that time, I was tired of seeing the big cities and
major attractions, so I decide to go to Shikoku since it is a nice country side area with
many beautiful scenic views.
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Shikoku consists of 4 prefectures, Tokushima, Kagawa, Kochi and Ehime. Since some
parts of Shikoku are very rural, and the trains may run infrequently. Luckily, I had a
friend who was also interested in going and willing to drive. During our four day road
trip, I was able to visit all four prefectures and see many interesting and beautiful
scenery.
Uzu no Michi in Tokushima Kazurabashi in Kagawa
Katsurahama in Kochi Matsuya Castle in Ehime
4.0 Cultural Experiences
Because Japan has a history of well over 1000 year long, many traditions and culture
has been passed down and created throughout this period. During my stay in Japan, I
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was able to experience many of these traditions and culture.
There are many festivals in Japan, especially in the summer. The most popular of these
festivals is firework festivals, which takes place all summer long. These fireworks are
quite different from Vancouvers Celebration of Light in terms of the quality and
number of fireworks as well as the feeling of the atmosphere of everyone enjoying the
fireworks. There are also many cultural festivals that occur during the same period of
time. One of the biggest in Japan is the Gion festival where I was able to watch a parade
and eat many different foods being sold by street vendors.
Yodogawa Fireworks Gion Festival in Kyoto
Being able to live in Osaka means that I had easy access to Nara and Kyoto, which both
used to be the ancient capital of Japan. This meant that I had many cultural excursions
such as visiting the Todaiji the big Buddha and Heijo Palace the ancient imperial palace
of Japan in Nara.
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Todaiji Big Buddha & Heijo Palace in Nara
Also I visited many temples and shrines, but the most famous are Fushimi Inari Shrine
and Kinkakuji Golden Temple
Kinkakuji Golden Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
Another cultural experience I have encountered is kouyou (), which means red
leaves. Kouyou is a period of time, usually occurring late November, where the color of
leaves change in to autumn colors. In the center of Osaka city, it is hard to find much
nature. Unlike Vancouver, where there are trees and grass everywhere, Osaka is very
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densely populated and the land must be used for housing so there is not much room for
grass and trees along sidewalks. Therefore many Japanese people who live in the city
appreciate nature very much. The best place to view kouyou is in the city of Kyoto,
where I went with a few friends to Arashiyama. Although this Arashiyama is a very
rural countryside area, the number of people who came to watch kouyou was immense.
Kouyou in Arashiyama
5.0 Impressions of Japan
My impression of Japan is that it is an amazing place. I think that Canada is an amazing
place, but Japan is amazing in a different way.
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Comparing the differences, Japan has some features that far surpass Canada such as
transportation systems and technological advancements. There are also some things that
could only exist in Japan and would not work anywhere else. Because Japan is a small
country with a very high population, everything is quite close to each other and is easily
accessible, so there are many things to do and places to explore.
Another thing that makes Japan so amazing is that there are even some differences in
society and environment between prefectures. Even in Japan, I was able to experience
the different atmospheres of each place.
Kobe Nara
Osaka
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More than anything, I believe the people are what make Japan such a great place.
Everyone I have met in Japan is very kind and extraordinary in their own ways. Even
people who I have met for the first time treated me like a close friend and were always
willing to provide help. Making friends and building a strong relationship was easy.
6.0 Recommendation for Future Interns
I first thing I would recommend to future interns what my supervisor taught me,
Making mistakes is the most important part in learning. It is completely fine to make
mistakes because you will be able to learn from these mistakes, so do not be afraid of
being wrong.
Speak as much Japanese as you can even if you dont feel fluent at it. Most Japanese
people know English to some level, but some are shy at speaking English. Everyone
will appreciate the effort in trying to speak Japanese even if it is not perfect.
Make friends and be friendly to everyone. The people I have met are the nicest people I
have ever encountered in my life. I feel that the relationship between friends and
colleagues will make the experience and memories in Japan unforgettable and
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treasurable.
My final recommendation is to work hard and enjoy what Japan has to offer. Being able
to work in Japan is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only do you get to experience
Japanese corporate culture, you are also able stay in Japan long enough to delve deep
into Japans society, culture and history.
7.0 Conclusion
My co-op in Japan was a life changing experience and has definitely made an impact on
my life. Prior to coming to Japan, I have never had any exposure to living anywhere
else other than Vancouver, nor had I experienced so much change so suddenly. Initially,
I felt very overwhelmed with all the change, but I was able to slowly learn and adapt to
the new setting and eventually I felt as if I was part of the Japanese society.
From my experiences of living alone in Japan and assimilating in to a new culture, I
have become more self-reliant and courageous. Through working with colleagues and
learning about Japanese society, I have gained determination and ambition. By meeting
amazing people and making close friends, I have grown and become more mature.
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Although leaving Japan means leaving Japan means I will have to leave all the friends I
have made and the amazing people I have met, the memories we have made, the
experiences we had and our friendship will still remain. I intend to keep in touch with
my friends and colleagues and looking forward to be able to see everyone again.
Looking back at my experiences and my adventures in Japan, I believe that coming to
Japan was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I could not have
accomplished any of this had I not participated in the Canada Japan Co-op Program. I
would like to thank Osaka Gas Company and Canada Japan Co-op Program for making
this amazing experience possible.
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