Internship in Japan showed me the world from the other side
What is research into polymer fibres like at one of Japan’s most prestigious universities? Doctoral student Jiří Lindovský spent five months at Nagoya University under the supervision of our alumnus Dr František Mikšík. From laboratory experiments and winter in the dormitories to blooming cherry blossoms, read his personal reflection on an internship in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Město pod horou Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko | Author: Jiří LindovskýIn autumn 2025, I travelled to Japan for a five-month internship at Nagoya University under the supervision of Dr František Mikšík, a graduate of the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University of Technology who now works there as an associate professor, as well as Prof. Yoshiaki Kawajiri. With great help from Ms Jurčeková and Dr Mikšík, all the necessary documents were successfully arranged, and after my one-year visa was approved, I was ready to embark on a completely new experience.
First steps in Japan
Buddhistický chrám Tōgan-ji (桃巌寺 ), Nagoya | Author: Jiří LindovskýThe beginnings in Japan were not entirely easy before I managed to learn at least a few basic Japanese phrases. Outside the university environment, English is not widely spoken, so arranging residency, insurance, and other administrative matters at local offices often had to be done practically “through gestures and improvisation”. In the end, however, everything went surprisingly smoothly, and you quickly realise that willingness and a smile often work better than a perfect vocabulary.
During the internship, I started working on simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics, and together with my supervisor we assembled a device for the experimental determination of water vapour permeability through polymer hollow fibres. We gradually managed to validate the COMSOL model using experimental data and prepared a methodology for determining diffusivity and solubility in the fibres. The results of this work were later presented at an international conference in Kyoto, where almost all participants were Japanese.
Life on the other side of the world
Lyžování v Naganu s dr. Mikšíkem | Author: Jiří LindovskýI would compare the accommodation to our university dormitories, except for one detail: the Japanese have not quite discovered building insulation yet. The combination of cold weather and heating via air conditioning (which in my room had virtually no effect) eventually forced me to buy a second duvet.
Japanese people are generally very kind, helpful, and considerate, although from time to time you meet someone on the metro staring at you as if wondering how you ended up on their island. Conversations about Europe were often amusing as well, for example when I had to explain to one lady that yes, we do eat rice in Europe too. In reality, however, Japanese people are usually very well educated and have a good understanding of the world and geography.
Experiences you never forget
Suzuka no Mori, únor 2026 | Author: Jiří LindovskýJapan is a country full of contrasts and surprises, and it fascinated me right until the very last moment through its nature, culture, everyday life, and food. In my free time, I visited many places and experienced countless memorable moments: hiking in traditional Japanese towns, a Christmas Eve party, New Year celebrations in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, skiing in Nagano, wandering through Osaka and Kyoto at night, and visiting countless shrines and temples.
One of the highlights was also the cherry blossom season. I took part in a local CrossFit competition, and there was even an authentic Japanese barbecue with live music.
What the internship gave me
Od kamarádů na rozlučkové párty jsem dostal žábu | Author: Jiří LindovskýIn the end, this internship gave me far more than just professional or career experience. I had the opportunity to see the world literally from the other side and to learn how to wake up at a time when most people are still fast asleep. I discovered a different culture that showed me people can treat each other with a little more consideration and calmness. And most importantly, I made wonderful friends from all around the world.
My feelings about Japan are difficult to describe in words, but I believe I will have the opportunity to share at least part of them during a presentation in the winter semester. Poslední noc v Nagoyi s mými kolegy z Japonska i z Brna
In conclusion, I would recommend just one thing: travel, discover the world, and be kind to one another and to foreigners. Because one day, when you visit their country, the fact that they welcome you among them may become one of the most powerful experiences of your life.
