Hello, we are the ISEP Internship Alumni Team!

Through our experiences at the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP), we have nurtured our passion for sustainability. We sincerely hope that future interns will also gain new perspectives by engaging with technology, policy, and local communities, while exchanging ideas with peers from around the world.

On this page, we share our reflections on ISEP, the value of our internship experiences, and our hopes for future activities. We kindly ask for your support in helping the next generation of interns who will shape a more sustainable future.

By clicking the “Support” button on the bottom right, you can contribute from as little as 1,000 yen. Every contribution-minus only transaction and service fees—goes directly to ISEP. We would be truly grateful for your support!

■Memorable Experiences and Attractive Aspects of the Internship

Some of my favorite moments were working with fellow interns on reports and discussions. It was the first time since my undergraduate years that I felt surrounded by such passionate people with unique perspectives. I was especially proud when the grant proposal we helped translate into English was approved, as it felt like we were making a genuine contribution. The teamwork and intellectual curiosity made the internship a truly inspiring experience.

ISEP’s international atmosphere stood out to me. People from all over the world brought diverse ideas, making our research richer and more collaborative. I also appreciated the balance between independent projects and group work, as well as the chance to explore topics that connected directly to real policy and renewable energy challenges in Japan.

■Expectations for Future Internships

I hope future internships offer more on-the-ground experiences, such as visiting renewable energy sites, working on small-scale demonstration projects, and gaining technical exposure to solar and other technologies. These opportunities would help interns connect theory to practice, develop real-world skills, and feel they are directly contributing to solutions for Japan and the world.

■Memorable Experiences and Attractive Aspects of the Internship

The highlight of my summer was my visit with Yamashita-san to Takasago, Hyogo to lead a workshop on sustainable development in government. The officials often arrived skeptical, thinking sustainability was not related to their job, but throughout the course of the workshop they dreamed big of wide-ranging sustainability initiatives. Before this, I had viewed policy as more of a cost-benefit, empirical science. But I saw through ISEP that inspiration and creativity is equally important to designing innovative policies. Also, being able to present my research was a great capstone to the summer.

The environment at ISEP is very generous. Chris and Yamashita-san work hard to make sure the interns get to participate in meetings, research presentations, and trips. Interns have great flexibility to study something important to them and ISEP, and share their work as well. Additionally, the interns come from a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds. Hearing about not only energy policy around the world but also daily life broadened my horizons.

■Expectations for Future Internships

I hope future interns are able to experience lots of meetings as I was, from Takasago’s prefectural government to research meetings with university professors to local town halls. I think the balance of deep individual research and also community engagement is what makes the internship at ISEP so special.

■Memorable Experiences and Attractive Aspects of the Internship

One of my most memorable moments during the internship was when Yamashita-san recited few poems by Shuntaro Tanikawa and explained their meaning. As someone interested in Japanese language and culture, I really enjoyed listening to them and understanding the context. Another memorable time was when he showed us Mount Fuji over video during the morning discussion while he was there for a meeting- it was a breathtaking sight and I will always remember it!

What appealed to me most about the ISEP internship was the chance to see renewable energy beyond the technical side and understand the role of policies and communities in its success. Since my background is in electrical engineering, I was used to focusing on the technical side, but at ISEP I could see how policies, communities, and social initiatives play an equally important role in making renewable energy successful. I also enjoyed connecting with interns from around the world—making friends, exchanging ideas, and learning about renewable energy perspectives in their countries made the experience even more enriching.

■Expectations for Future Internships

I would like future interns to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in today’s renewable energy scenario and learn how to address real-world problems at their roots. Experiencing projects firsthand, seeing how technology, policy, and communities interact, and exchanging ideas with peers from around the world can help them develop practical insights and a new perspective on sustainable energy solutions.

■Memorable Experiences and Attractive Aspects of the Internship

One of my favorite memories at ISEP was making rice balls in the office with rice grown through solar sharing. Eating them together with interns from other countries made for a fun and relaxed time, and we shared stories about food in our own cultures. For me, this small activity showed that renewable energy isn’t just about technology or policy—it’s also about community, everyday life, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Through my activities at ISEP, I was able to learn about the global movement toward energy transition and the urgent challenges of climate change. This experience changed my perspective: I shifted from being skeptical about renewable energy to aspiring to work in the energy sector. As a result, I have decided to join a renewable energy company after graduation. In addition, interacting with international interns broadened my horizons, improved my English skills, and encouraged me to think globally. Reliable information, meaningful opportunities, and international exchange are the key attractions of the ISEP internship.

■Expectations for Future Internships

Joining the inspection tour on biomass thermal utilization was an invaluable chance to meet pioneers in regional energy initiatives and see the equipment, machinery, and solar sharing sites in action. Seeing these sites firsthand and feeling the passion of people actively contributing to their communities became a strong source of inspiration for me. I hope future interns will have similar opportunities to experience this kind of dedication—something you can’t fully understand just by studying data at a desk.

Ways to Support and Stay Connected

Please note: The donation (support) button appears on the right side of the screen when using a PC, and at the bottom of the screen when using a smartphone.

Approximate amounts in USD and EUR are listed for reference. Since exchange rates vary, these are estimates only. The actual donation will be charged in Japanese yen.

Friendly Cheer Plan – 1,000yen

(≈ 7 USD / 6 EUR)

Your support will be used to provide ISEP Starter Kits—which serve as an introduction for interns to learn about sustainability—and to subsidize the purchase of books.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online)
2. Internship activity report (online)

First Step Plan – 3,000yen

(≈ 21 USD / 18 EUR)

Your support can provide interns with high-quality orientation and an enriching first-day experience at ISEP.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online)
2. Internship activity report (online)

Connection Building Plan – 5,000 yen

(≈ 34 USD / 29 EUR)

Your support can deliver networking experiences at events like alumni parties.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online)
2. Internship activity report (online)
3. Thank-you & Sharing Event (hybrid)

Connection Strengthening Plan – 10,000 yen

(≈ 68 USD / 58 EUR)

Your support can deliver community-building experiences through their own planned events and activities.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online, or handwritten postcard by mail upon request)
2. Internship activity report (online)
3. Thank-you & Sharing Event (hybrid)
4. 25th Anniversary Reflection (online) by Internship Coordinator, Mr. Yamashita

ISEP 25th Anniversary Plan – 25,000 yen

(≈ 170 USD / 145 EUR)

Your support can deliver short-term field learning experiences to interns and young researchers.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online, or handwritten postcard by mail upon request)
2. Internship activity report (online)
3. Thank-you & Sharing Event (hybrid)
4. 25th Anniversary Reflection (online) by Internship Coordinator, Mr. Yamashita
5. Name listing on website (optional)

Field Learning Plan – 50,000 yen

(≈ 340 USD / 290 EUR)

Your support can deliver mid-term field learning experiences to interns and young researchers.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online, or handwritten postcard by mail upon request)
2. Internship activity report (online)
3. Thank-you & Sharing Event (hybrid)
4. 25th Anniversary Reflection (online) by Internship Coordinator, Mr. Yamashita
5. Name listing on website (optional)
6. Exclusive invitation to young researchers’ presentation (hybrid)

All-in for Youth Plan – 100,000 yen

(≈ 680 USD / 580 EUR)

Your support can deliver opportunities to tackle new challenges through experiences like field surveys.

[Our Thanks & Updates]

1. Thank-you letter (online, or handwritten postcard by mail upon request)
2. Internship activity report (online)
3. Thank-you & Sharing Event (hybrid)
4. 25th Anniversary Reflection (online) by Internship Coordinator, Mr. Yamashita
5. Name listing on website (optional)
6. Exclusive invitation to young researchers’ presentation (hybrid)
7. One-on-one online networking and consultation with interns and young researchers