I’ve fully recovered from the flu and got back into a normal routine of work: wake up at 6 am and have a chat with Luca (there is a nine-hour time difference between the UK and Japan), have breakfast, then work.

I started making hand-written field notes on 9th January, and I keep writing about everything that happened, who I have met, and what I have done. I also have another notebook to record my systematic literature search and review.

 

Ask the local expert

On Saturday I met up with a medical scholar who has helped me with my research since 2016. We had an in-depth discussion on our research topics over fish and chips at a restaurant. It was truly fun! He gave me many suggestions and ideas to solve all of the issues with my data collection. Before meeting him on that day, I had some uncertainty about the amount of data, but I shared my feelings with him and asked for solutions. He had an established network to solve my concerns and gave me help. That was like a miraculous moment for me. I offered to do something to help him in return because I really would like to do something for him. We discussed some seminars he organises, and I am going to help them, which I am really excited about!

This is my advice about fieldwork. When you have concerns, ask experts or scholars, and offer something (coffee, a meal or helping with seminars).

 

My achievements in Week 54

• Recovered from the flu and got back to normal.
• Had a very meaningful discussion with a scholar and gained support!

Goals for Week 55

• Start systematic literature search.
• Edit Chapter 2.