Hiroshima University - Mr. Zhang Peipei


			Mr. Zhang Peipei (China) Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition
			I am from China and was born in a village called Lian He, Anhui province in the eastern part of my country. It is a rural area with fantastic views of nature: rivers, lakes, crops and has four distinct seasons. I lived in Shaan Xi province for 6 years to study for my bachelor and master degrees. Shaan Xi province is regarded as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization because many dynasties established their capitals there during the ancient times.
	The ancient capital city of Nara in Japan has a good bilateral relationship with Xi’an, capital city of Shaan Xi province. For those of you who like to know more about the history of China, Xi’an is the best place to visit.

Beginning of new life:

For the first time, I took a plane to Hiroshima last October and felt excited and nervous. I really appreciated the help of Mr. Yada and Mr. Haraguchi, picking me up from the Hiroshima Airport and bringing me to the International House, getting my student card and many other things for my daily needs. Staffs from the Hiroshima University student office gave me much useful information and were greatly helpful, making my new life off to a good start.

Academic life:

Enjoying the seascape

I finished my bachelor and master degree
studies at the Northwest A&F University,
Xi’an, Shaan Xi province with a major in
food science. In 2009, I got the opportunity
to apply for studying abroad and I was
accepted as a doctoral student by the
Graduate School of Biosphere Science,
Hiroshima University. Now, I mainly focus
on the molecular nutritional effects of
Vitamin B₆ as my research topic.
With the help of Professor N. Kato I acquired
some basic knowledge about Vitamin B₆,
while learning skills using different
techniques of molecular biology from
Mr. Yanaka and other students in our lab.
Free access to the libraries and research
facilities provided by Hiroshima University
ensure that students maximize their
potentials as graduate students and
researchers, and I am very grateful for that.

*Social life:*
Having been here for some time, I have learned many aspects of the cultures of Japan. In the Japanese language class, I met many friends from many countries and shared interesting cultures with each other. I took part in several parties in the International House and local restaurants and enjoyed delicious Japanese food and lively interactions with many students. People in Higashi Hiroshima like to help others and show kindness to one another. When I asked some people to find a place or to look for something in the supermarket, they all tried their best to explain clearly or sometimes they take the trouble to bring me there. There are many tennis courts and three gyms in Hiroshima University. Every Saturday or Sunday I play basketball in the gym with my friends and sometimes there will be games with students from other countries. It is simply enjoyable and relaxing!


Having fun in Japanese class
I believe I have the enthusiasm and commitment to fulfill my dreams in Hiroshima University with all the wonderful support I am getting. I will be ready for a bright career in the future.