I joined Tokimatsu-sensei laboratory for 9 months as PhD exchange student from Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology in Egypt. I believe I was lucky to join the laboratory and be under the supervision of Prof. Tokimatsu where I personally learned how I could be a successful supervisor in the future besides developing my research.
Although my field of study is on urban green spaces and thermal comfort in urban areas which is not directly relevant to Tokimatsu-sensei research interests, he has provided me throughout my stay -and even after my exchange period ended- with every possible support in several ways. First, unlike other laboratories, Tokimatsu-sensei has given me the freedom to work on my topic of choice despite being not directly relevant to the research focus in the laboratory, which makes the laboratory environment a potential for interdisciplinary research. Moreover, Tokimatsu-sensei has invited a colleague of him who is a professor in the direct field of my research in our meetings for more experienced feedback. Also, in terms of technical and facility support, Tokimatsu-sensei has generously supported my research with the required softwares even when they exceeded my scholarship budget with a quite large funding. Overall, I would say that Tokimtasu-sensei would provide all types of support and assistance to ensure that your research would be conducted in the best possible ways which is what any researcher requires the most. However, at the same time, Tokimatsu-sensei would encourage you to be an independent researcher capable of mastering knowledge and skills on your topic and would provide academic help at the right time. In other words, the environment in the lab would encourage you to become a successful independent researcher which benefits your future research career.
The social environment and support was no less important in the laboratory. The lab has students from different parts of the world which makes it a vibrant and interesting environment. In addition, Professor Tokimatsu not only encourages the lab members to exchange research knowledge but also social support, in particular during the first period of arriving in Japan to facilitate the stages of settling into the country (for overseas students). Furthermore, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a constant support from Tokimatsu sensei and weekly exchange of information on the physical and mental health of lab members to ensure that all members are not having any issues which gave the lab members sense of safety and mental stability that helped us work under such stressful period. I truthfully had the pleasure and honor to be in Tokimatsu-sensei Lab and if I ever get the chance to visit Japan for postdoctoral research, I will always seek to join the Lab again. All my gratitude goes to Prof. Tokimatsu for his kind and constant support and to my lab mates in particular Amin Nazarahari for being a very helpful mentor.