PRI is a perfect place to study chimpanzee cognition! The environment is great for both chimpanzees and human researchers. Chimpanzees have large outdoor compound with many species of trees planted, and tall towers for them to climb and play. Human researchers are encouraged to have close relationship with chimpanzees, and to take good care of them.
I am also a student of the Leading Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science (PWS), a grant that covers travel expenses of students to conduct study in Japan and abroad. Thanks to this program I was able to conduct my study in Japan and I was able to visit 8 countries for scientific purposes, including participation in international conferences and fieldwork training.
PRI is very specialized for research activities. I have met many researchers who I can share and develop ideas with. I think that sharing ideas with others provides very great opportunities, in particular, for students who do not have very clear idea about research. I, myself also have got lots of benefits from other researchers from the beginning to the moments.
Inuyama is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and is rich in culture and history. It has been a year and I am still am excited to be able to see a castle hundreds of years old every day on my way to school, and a beautiful temple in a mountain from my apartment. Also, the Japanese students teach me Japanese and local cultural traditions, and have been very helpful to make my stay here even more spectacular. I also enjoy places with a big international community, and there are students and staff alike from all over the world.”