Japan Study Abroad Program | Day 7 | May 16

Konbanwa!  Today was full of lots of learning about the Hibikino Campus of The University of Kitakyushu, green architecture, and renewable energy.

We started the day with a visit to the Kitakyushu Science and Research Park at Hibikino, which houses four different institutions within close proximity to each other. Among these institutions is The University of Kitakyushu's Hibikino Campus, which houses UKK's Faculty of Environmental Engineering.

UKK at Hibikino is where we spent most of our time, meeting with Dr. Gao and Dr. Dewancker. They explained the interesting history of the Hibikino area, environmental architecture, and details of the eco-campus concept. We learned a lot from the professors and our tour; and it was especially interesting to see part of the campus' water system, which turns wastewater into potable mizu. We finished our visit to UKK Hibikino with lunch at the Research Park's Cafeteria, which is shared with the other institutions.

Next, we made stops at several different information centers. One was a wildlife preserve, where we learned about biotopes. We also had a chance to view some of Kitakyushu's wind turbines, and see exactly where they will be placing the next 45 off-shore wind turbines. There was also an oil museum and information center, where we learned about the use of oil in Japan. At the top of the oil museum we were able to get a broader view of the wind turbines.

Finally, we went to the Kitakyushu Eco Town. On the Eco Town tour, we learned about the many interesting recycling methods used in Kitakyushu. After the tour, Professor Hitsumoto gave us an inspiring lecture on many topics, including environmental history, environmental clean up efforts, and the future of environmental projects, both within Kitakyushu and around the world.

After arriving back at Tanga Table, we worked on our blog, ate ban-gohan, and went to bed. Good night, world!

Lecture about Hibikino Eco-Campus

Professor, Gao, thank you for the great information.

Professor Henderson trying recycled water

We enjoyed the great campus tour!
Thank you, Dr. Gao & Dr. Dewancker!

We were impressed reasonable healthy campus meals at Hibikino.

We could observe wind turbines from the deck.

Vocabulary :
Mizu - Water
Ban - Evening
Gohan - Meal
Bangohan - Dinner

By Blake, Jason & Jonathan

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