About the Conference
The aim of this conference is to connect Japanese and Non-japanese young researchers in algebraic geometry. Both Japan and Europe have very lively and dynamic research activities in the area of symplectic varieties and moduli spaces. Due to the physical distance and cultural and linguistic barriers it is nevertheless still highly uncommon for European young mathematicians to visit Japan for study or research. And in the opposite direction the situation is not much different even though in recent years it became more popular for young Japanese to spend one or two years in Europe. We hope to stimulate a more intensive exchange of mathematical ideas between the participants by bringing together young researchers that certainly share a strong common interest in the topic. By introducing Non-japanese researchers to Japan, Kyoto and its mathematical world we want to tear down barriers and encourage the participants - Japanese and Non-japanese - to become more open to other ways of living, thinking, researching. For there is always something to learn - about mathematics and about the rest of the world.
About Kyoto and RIMS
Kyoto is surely one of the optimal places to hold a math conference which aims at connecting young people from different parts of the world. The University of Kyoto host a vast number of high level researchers at the Mathematics Department and the Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences (RIMS). Furthermore Kyoto is not only a touristic highlight - with its 17 UNESCO world heritage sites - but it is also one of the most international and diverse places in Japan. Finally, the RIMS is located in the calm north-east part of Kyoto, still central for a convenient acces from the city center and the major touristic attractions, but also in walking distance to the entrance of the forest and the promising quietude of a walk on one of the hills surrounding the city. There are few places in the world with such a perfect combination of cultural intensity, metropolitan flare and stimulating, sometimes elevating beauty of nature. The area around the university is full of good and pricy restaurant, bars and cafes that make it easy to enjoy the wide culinary variety of Japan.
Some Advice for Foreign Participants
Japan is a very safe, very clean and very well organised country. There is hardly any pickpocketing nor fraud. The public transportation and road traffic works extremely efficiently. Directions are indicated very systematically, you will find maps and signs, also in english or at least in latin alphabeth in all touristic spots and train stations etc. Almost everywhere you will find convenience stores which are usually open 24/7, have a public toilet and supply you with most basic goods. The level of English proficiency with Japanese varies a lot. In general, most Japanese have a good vocabulary and might understand you better than you think, especially if you speak slowly. Because of the school education, it is rather difficult for Japanese to use there vocabulary in a fluent and fast way. Therefore you should be patient and polite. You will find that the vast majority of Japanese is extremely friendly and helpful to foreigners.
The only problematic point of travelling in Japan is cash. Many Japanese ATMs do not accept foreign cards, not even credit cards. Also some ATMs have opening hours, so do not serve you at night time. The easiest ways to get Japanese cash is either changing foreign cash at the Airports (The exchange offices usually have a very fair handling charge.) or using the ATMs of the Japanese post bank. They are available in every post office of which you find plenty all over the country. It can be advised to just withdraw a bigger amount of cash to be on the safe side. Because of the safety it is no problem to carry a bit of cash with you.
Japanese food has much more to offer than (only) Sushi and Yakitori. You should try to visit as many different kinds of restaurants as you can. They reach from very basic noodle soups around the corner to exclusive Kaiseki restaurants in the city center. Eating out in Japan does not have to be expensive at all. The basic noodle soup and rice bowl places are very unexpensive and fast. It is therefore not unlikely to see people lining up infornt of a renowned place. (If the restaurant is full, it is not advised to stay much longer than you eat, rather go somewhere else to have a beer or Sake.) Kyoto is very famous for its vegetables. Why not try an O Banzai restaurant, where you can explore phantastic vegetables you have never heard of, or discover new ways of preparing your favorite vegetable with completely different seasonings and sauces. In Japanese cuisine there are virtues which might be unexpected for foreign visitors. Of course, Japanese food is also about aesthetics, but there are also dishes which are famous for their special texture. Finally, do not try to give a tip to the waiters. This is very unusual and might even not be understood.