Andres Lopez, University of Florida

My time in Japan began with a week filled with enriching tours and site visits that provided an excellent foundation for everything that followed. I had the chance to learn about Japan's pharmaceutical regulatory framework through visits to key institutions like the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), and to explore the long-standing tradition of Kampo medicine, which remains a respected and widely used part of healthcare in Japan. I also visited a Keio University-affiliated community pharmacy, where I saw how pharmacists operate and how personalized services, such as Kampo preparation and single-dose packaging, are integral to patient care. Following this, I spent a week in the Keio University School of Pharmacy's research laboratory, where I joined a team working in Molecular Oncological Pharmacy. It was truly inspiring to witness the complexity, rigor, and quality of pharmaceutical research in Japan. The students welcomed me with warmth and enthusiasm, often taking me out to eat and share in their favorite local foods, which became a wonderful part of my cultural immersion. Next, I had the opportunity to join the clinical team at Juntendo University Hospital, where I participated in the care of patients in the pediatric department. I was able to contribute to discussions by reviewing international treatment guidelines, helping with patient interviews, and exploring options for optimizing therapy. It was an incredible learning experience that strengthened both my clinical reasoning and confidence as a future pharmacist. I also spent time at Kyoto University Hospital and Keio University Hospital, where I observed hospital pharmacy operations and the specific roles pharmacists play in Japan's highly coordinated healthcare teams. These experiences highlighted both the precision of Japan's pharmaceutical systems and the unique structure of the pharmacist's role in inpatient care compared to the U.S. Overall, my time in Japan was profoundly educational and personally meaningful. I gained a broader understanding of pharmacy practice, research, and healthcare policy, while also forming lasting friendships and memories. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity and hope to return to Japan in the future to continue learning and contributing!