When I decided to study in Japan, specifically at Geiko, I thought it would be the pinnacle of my professional career. However, presenting my research project at the International Association of Color Conference in Thailand was something I never saw coming, but it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life.

Students pursuing a master’s degree at Geiko are required to conduct a research project of interest at the laboratory to which they apply. In my case, I study the Media Design Course and research dichromacy or visual color perception, a very profound, scientific, and in many aspects, challenging but extremely interesting topic.

During my initial months conducting research and experiments (2022), at one of the seminar (laboratory discussion) sessions, the sensei in charge of my laboratory (supervisor) informed me about a conference on scientific color studies, held annually (in a different country each year). This year (2023), the conference was held in Thailand, specifically in Chiang Rai. Personally, I was very excited about the idea of my sensei inviting me to participate, but I had many doubts due to the progress of my project (still in a very early stage). Additionally, I needed to focus on my master’s classes. However, after careful consideration, I decided to dive in and exert considerable effort to achieve my goal and participate.

To participate, one had to apply with a summary of the project, and it had to be accepted to participate. The application period was short, so I had to hurry. With the full support of the sensei, I managed to apply and was also accepted. I felt euphoric with excitement, as well as anxiety, as this was just the beginning. Over the following months, I prepared the final paper and created a poster for the presentation. It’s worth mentioning that before this process, I had no idea that one could apply to these conferences not only in the laboratory to which I belong but also to anyone studying at Geiko. In my very special case, my sensei covered the expenses for the flight, hotel, and conference fee from his research funds, which was a huge help in realizing this new dream. I only had to take care of personal expenses such as food, a small tour offered by the conference (optional), and, of course, souvenirs and gifts for my friends.

After a long preparation process for months, the big day arrived. We were going to leave for a week with two of my laboratory mates and my sensei. The travel plan was from Fukuoka to Bangkok and then to Chiang Rai. The entire trip went quite well. We shared many new experiences at different airports and even managed to see the participants of Miss Universe Thailand. Upon arriving in Chiang Rai, the hotel shuttle was waiting for us to take us to the hotel where we would stay, and the conference would start the next day. The hotel was amazing, with phenomenal service, absolutely a delight for all the senses.

During the first day of conferences, two workshops were held, one on basic watercolor painting and another on the relaxation effect of colors and senses. I opted for the painting class, which was quite relaxing and enriching. The conference provided a buffet lunch every day, which was very comprehensive and included many types of food, especially Thai, a new and delicious experience, along with a large and varied amount of fruit, which I took full advantage of. At the end of the first day, there was a small welcome reception with drinks, food, and a beautiful traditional Thai music presentation, concluding with everyone participating in launching small lotus-shaped boats with candles and flowers into the river for “Loy Krathong,” a Thai Festival to pay respect to the Goddess of Water and the Buddha.

During the following days of the week, various interesting types of conferences, studio projects, and analyses on color science topics took place. Unfortunately, there were so many topics being discussed in different rooms simultaneously that I couldn’t attend all, but I attended most, including my sensei’s presentation. At the end of the third day, a banquet was held where all the attendees could share as professional comrades and colleagues. Personally, I found it to be a crucial moment of the event, as I had the opportunity to make new professional connections and have exposure to different professors, not only Japanese but also from different countries like Italy, Brazil, the USA, Argentina, Thailand, etc.

The fourth day was the time to conduct the exhibition and poster presentation. I was very nervous; however, after becoming more familiar with the other participants and professors, my confidence increased significantly. The presentation was quite interesting. Many professors approached and asked various profound and even challenging questions, which helped me understand that there are many more concepts to investigate and learn, and even comments suggesting that I should give oral presentations about my research since it is quite long and deep.

After the presentations, it was time for the tour. We started at “Wat Phra Kaew,” the home of the original Emerald Buddha that adorns the Temple of the Emerald, then traveled to “Wat Rong Suea Ten,” the Blue Temple recognizable for its rich sapphire shade, entering through the area of hell and then reaching heaven where Buddha awaited. As the third site, we went to the beautiful “Wat Rong Khun,” better known as the White Temple. It is a privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple. Finally, we visited “Wat Huay Pla Kang,” a giant Lady Buddha sitting on a mountain surrounded by an array of green hills. It is known for its unique architecture, built in a Chinese-Lanna style with white walls, and you can even enter inside the head of Lady Buddha via an elevator.

That same day in the evening (as well as the next day), I went with a laboratory mate and a sensei to the “Night Bazaar” or “Night Market” of Chiang Rai, where I could make interesting handmade purchases, a lovely shirt with elephant figure details, and I took the opportunity to eat various regional dishes of Chiang Rai. Something that I found very interesting and beautiful was that thanks to this trip, I could have a greater connection with my laboratory mate, with whom, after a year and a half sharing the laboratory, it had been a bit difficult to approach initially due to language or cultural barriers. It’s worth mentioning that she has always been very kind to me, but now it resulted in a beautiful and new friendship.

The closing of the event was an interesting conference, words of thanks, and some awards for participation and topics of interest. Additionally, upon returning to Bangkok, I had a wait of approximately 9 and a half hours, and to make the most of it, I went to the city of Bangkok to stroll, eat, and learn a little more about Thai culture.

This was a great adventure and experience that filled me with new knowledge, as well as connections and enjoyment with my laboratory mates and sensei. An experience that would have been quite difficult to have if it weren’t for the opportunity provided by Kyushu University, the laboratory, and especially my sensei, Sunaga Shoji, whom I genuinely thank for all his knowledge, friendship, and support throughout the time I have been carrying out my studies in Japan. Finally, there are many more conferences and exhibitions that my sensei told me I could participate in, so the sky is the limit.

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About the Writer

I am an international master’s student from Guatemala. I have a passion for design, photography, and writing. I enjoy storytelling and making new friends, which I find incredibly interesting. Join me and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Japanese culture.

Hector Alejandro Palomo Reyes
Graduate School of Design
Media Design Course