Join us/Scholarship

Prof. Nakarai’s research group welcomes excellent international master’s/doctoral students and postdocs as new members working with us. Our students, in particular doctoral students, are strongly supported and encouraged to create scientific significances and to publish excellent papers in high quality international journals. You can find the achievements of past doctoral students under Prof. Nakarai here and voices here. Also, current main research topics in our group are introduced here.

To join our research group, you must first show excellent English skills because Prof. Nakarai provides his supervision in English. Same as the minimum requirement for MEXT scholarship application, we expect English level B2 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as a minimum score. B2 in CEFR may be almost equivalent with 5.5 in IELTS, 72 in TOEFL iBT, and 680 in TOEIC. Although Japanese skill is beneficial in enjoying your daily life in Japan, it won’t be easy to complete your research works only by Japanese as your foreign language. In addition, excellent research capability with high motivation is mandatory. Your excellent academic achievements (academic transcript) in the previous school and the list of publication can ensure it. Finally, although living costs in Hiroshima are relatively cheap in Japan, you need to prepare the financial plan to study in Japan carefully. Many scholarships are available from the Japanese government, local governments, private foundations, and local international associations.

Overview of study in Japan

You can see overview of study in Japan in the following site by Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) supported by the Japanese government: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/
Also, you can find information for incoming international students including student support from the following site by Hiroshima University: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/international

MEXT scholarship

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT: Monbukagakusho) of the Japanese government provides MEXT Scholarship supporting international students to study in Japanese universities. The candidates are selected based on the recommendations of the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General in your country or Hiroshima University. For the Embassy Recommendation, please directly contact the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country. For the University Recommendation, the candidates are usually selected in January for the enrollment in October next year, based on the recommendation from potential supervisors. If you are interested in the application for this scholarship, please contact Prof. Nakarai in November or December. Although the University Recommendation is always highly competitive, several applicants for the doctoral program successfully obtained the MEXT scholarship under Prof. Nakarai’s supervision.
MEXT scholarship site (in Japanese): http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/06032818.htm

JICA Program

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also supports your study in Japan through several programs. Our group accepts doctoral students supported by JICA. One of the programs for doctoral study at Hiroshima University is the JICA SDGs Global Leader Program, where JICA aims to foster junior/mid-level government officials, academicians, and leading human resources. Nomination of applicants in the respective organization is generally conducted in October for enrollment in the following October. For pre-screening, select Prof. Kenichiro Nakarai at the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering (Civil and Environmental Engineering Program) of Hiroshima University as your supervisor in your application. If you are interested in the application, please directly contact your nearest JICA Overseas Office.
JICA SDGs Global Leader Program site: https://www.jica.go.jp/dsp-chair/english/dsp/course/content/sdgs_global_leader.html

Postdoctoral researchers

Excellent postdoctoral researchers are also welcome. Although Prof. Nakarai sometimes employs postdoc in his research projects, JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships is a strong item for all candidates planning international research activities with Prof. Nakarai at Hiroshima University. If you are interested in the application for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships, please contact Prof. Nakarai.
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan site: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/

Voices from Graduates

Mr. Van Piseth (Cambodian, Master’s degree in 2015)

Nakarai laboratory is my recommend place for you to continue your Master’s degree or start Doctoral Degree. As an international student, I have graduated my Master’s degree without knowing any Japanese language. Fluent in English, Prof. Nakarai is very supportive and will guide you through your study there. There is a large facility to conduct your experiment especially for civil engineering course. Toward the end of your study, you have the opportunity to join international conference to present your research study abroad. Apart from study, the weather is great especially autumn which you can enjoy colorful tree leave. My stay at Hiroshima University have been very pleasant and I am very grateful for all teachers and university staffs for the supports.

Dr. Lanh Si Ho (Vietnamese, Doctoral degree in 2018)

Our Laboratory has full conditions and materials for your study’s life at Hiroshima University. The environment of our laboratory is very good with a lot of friendly people from many countries. I really enjoyed my student life when I was student. As you may know, it is quite difficult to make friend with Japanese students, but our laboratory is very different, they are very friendly and opened mind. We worked hard together and also played hard, we often had many outdoor activities like sports, camping, etc., Whenever I need any help in both life and study, I had full support from both Supervisors and Students. I must say, we have a wonderful supervisor, Prof. Nakarai, he is a person you should share your difficulties in both research and life, then you will get his excellent advice. Join us to enjoy your student life in our lab with fun and success.

Dr. Halwan Alfisa Saifullah (Indonesian, Doctoral degree in 2018)

Studying in Japan is not easy. But believe me, this is a moment you will cherish long after you leave this lab. You have Sensei and friends who will kindly help you here. Ganbatte kudasai!

Mr. Xiangen Wang (Chinese, Master’s degree in 2018)

Hi, I am Xiangen Wang, who comes from Huangshi City, Hubei Province, China. I had spent a very happy life in Hiroshima University from 2015.9.28 to 2018.9.20 (one year for research student and two years for Master student). I clearly remembered that they cooked the Takoyaki (Japanese food) for us as our welcome party. It was really delicious. The Japanese students in Civil Engineering Laboratory were very friendly and patiently. They took us to go through enrollment procedures, apply for bank cards, buy some daily necessities, etc… I belonged to shear group, there were five members in this group, including me. They taught me the experimental techniques and helped with my experiment, at the same time, they also taught me Japanese and Japanese cultures. I also very appreciated the other students from our lab because they helped me to complete all of my experiments. Without them, I cannot graduate successfully. Of course, I also want to thank for my professor, Nakarai Sensei, who gave me too much helps and understanding during my studies, life, even on my work after my graduation.

Dr. Hoang Viet Nguyen (Vietnamese, Doctoral degree in 2020)

I went to Kozo Lab for doing my research which provided me with a lot of knowledge and happiness. I would say that I was very fortunate to have a mentor sensei and supportive lab-mates. Whenever I got stuck in study, my sensei always coached me for dealing with the trouble. In my research program, there were tons of experiments beyond my ability to manage alone; but that are no problem in Kozo Lab because of the kind support by lab-mates. For the spiritual life, I was also offered several opportunities to know and enjoy the Japanese culture and cuisine through the extracurricular activities or parties held by Kozo Lab. Honestly, I would like to say that I did have a wise choice to study and join in Kozo Lab, Hiroshima University. So, please enjoy your life in your Lab!

Mr. Le Anh Van (Vietnamese, Master’s degree in 2019)

There are many unquestionable good things about Japan such as the highly advanced technology, the education system, the people, the landscape, and the list still go on. I was so fortunate to be granted an opportunity for studying master at Hiroshima University and also experience the unique local aspect at the same time. As a foreigner, I strongly believe that we all will suffer a lot of challenges and difficulties. Whenever looking back at the past two years at Hiroshima University, I think that I would not successfully finish my program without hugely enthusiastic support from School Professors, friends and especially my lab mates and Nakarai Sensei. I have learnt a lot like how to work in team, how to actively come up with ideas, and solve problems. On top of that, Sensei and friends were always there to give me a hand whenever needed. I have grown so much during the two years and still keep going with all positive mindset and critical thinking in order to have great achievements. If you think of studying in Japan, why not join us – our fun, friendly and productive laboratory.

Dr. May Huu Nguyen (Vietnamese, Doctoral degree in 2020)

Become an expert, who can bring world knowledge to students, is my original goal when I decided to become a lecturer in Vietnam. This goal became brighter and more visible when I started my Ph.D. course at Hiroshima University in 2017. During this period, under the close instructions of my supervisor, I have significantly improved my tiny background by learning how to approach, solve academic research, as well as interact and develop in international environmental education. To be honest, education and research facilities in our laboratory are concerned with the creation of safe, comfortable, and sustainable social systems. Herein, I had a chance to learn from Prof. Kenichiro Nakarai an expert in concrete engineering and other professors in the world via our international joint research. There are three modern laboratories in our department consisting of many modern requirements that can fulfill my research activities. In particular, I was so impressed with the discipline and responsibility of my lab mates. Thus that, I am always proud to say that I have had the opportunity to study and experience here. Let’s join us to gain your targets.

Mr. Nguyen Van Son (Vietnamese, Master’s degree in 2021)

To me, our lab is a very warm and ideal place for students to study and live in. Professor Nakarai and other students always gave me super support to overcome all the difficulties from the beginning to the end of the master course. Every day, we studied together in our lab; shared stories and experiences, as well as discussed to improve knowledge. Besides, we have become to know each other and are close after useful and interesting activities such as cleaning laboratory (two times per year), casting concrete, English meeting, construction trips, parties, etc. Especially, professor Nakarai (we call Nakarai sensei in Japanese) has taught me the methodology to carry out the research, to present the research works as clearly as possible, and give me excellent comments, as well as suggestions. I realized that I have a significant change in my mind and knowledge after finishing the master course in our lab. I strongly believe that this is a great place for you to study and experience Japanese culture.

Mr. WIJAYA ADHITAYA LEONARD (Indonesia, Master’s degree in 2021)

Studying in Japan was one of my biggest dreams since I was a junior high school student. When I got the opportunity to do it, I did not hesitate to take my chance. Starting a new life in a new country with a language that you did not normally speak was a great challenge. However, in this laboratory with the kind support from Prof. Nakarai and the other members, I achieved my master’s degree without major problem. This laboratory is a great place to learn, make friends, and enjoy life. To all prospective students who want to continue their studies in Japan, please come and join us. Let’s experience the excitement of research and make a lot of great memories.

Mr. NENGTHONG XIONGWUE (Laos, Master’s degree in 2022)

I had only been joined at the Nakarai laboratory for more than one year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though it was a short time, I have many memories here. The Nakarai laboratory is an excellent laboratory with a kind professor who has always supported both research and living in Japan. Moreover, laboratory members always share their experiences together and work as a team when conducting an experiment, especially Japanese students with more experience in doing an experiment. Please join the Nakarai laboratory, and you will get more things than described above. I am sure that you will succeed in the Nakarai laboratory.