From January 15th to 22nd 2017, the textile related short-term program, “Winter Textile School at KIT on JST Sakura Science Program”, was held.
Following the adoption of the Sakura Science Plan of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Professor Atsushi Yokoyama of the Faculty of Fiber Science and Engineering, invited one faculty member and 10 students from KIT’s partner institution in China, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University.

Program participants took part in a demonstration of the knitting machine called whole garment, which allows the product to be knitted seamlessly and sterically. Participants also had a special lecture on upcycling using silk waste materials. In addition, they visited Kyoto based globally active textile companies such as Wacoal and Murata Machinery and learned about cutting-edge technologies in the textile field both in KIT and in Japan. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to experience Kyoto’s traditional crafts and culture, such as tie-dyeing and a kimono show at Nishijin Textile Center.

For all the participants, it was their first time to visit Japan and at the exchange meeting with the Japanese students held on the first day of the program, they were actively asking questions about Japanese language and Kyoto’s scenic spots.
The overall feedback received by the participants was that it was meaningful to have various experiences during their stay, that their own academic goals became clearer and that they deepened their understanding of Japanese people.

Through this program, KIT was able to introduce the most advanced technologies in the textile field and in addition to introduce Japanese culture and deepen the relationship with Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and the young people who will bear the future in the field of science and technology.

• The Professor and the students
• Special lecture
• Company visit
• Tie-dyeing experience