On 8 April, we held our annual cherry blossom viewing party!
We had a lovely time with the new members who joined us this year.
Over the coming year, I’m sure each of us will face both enjoyable and amusing moments, as well as difficulties and challenges, but I hope we can share these experiences, overcome them together, and make this a year we can look back on with no regrets.
It was a day that marked the start of such a wonderful life in the lab!
On 23 March 2026, the Hiroshima University Architecture Group held its degree conferment ceremony and graduation and completion celebration party to congratulate the graduates and those completing their programmes.
From our laboratory, six undergraduate students and twelve postgraduate students (ten Master’s students and two PhD students) successfully reached this milestone and will be moving on to new environments from April. Congratulations to you all.
The after-party was held at an izakaya near Hiroshima Station. This marked the final lab social gathering of the academic year. The first-year M.Sc. students organised the event to provide an opportunity for them to spend quality time interacting with the senior and junior students who had looked after them. We were also treated to a few words from our graduates. It certainly brings back a flood of memories.
After the after-party, we took the final group photo of the year.
It was a wonderful team. Let’s meet again soon. Until then, we’re breaking up temporarily.
We enjoyed delicious meat and vegetables while spending a lively and fun time together. This time, we also got to use the pizza oven and tried our hand at various dishes like roasted sweet potatoes!
Additionally, the filmmaker who has been supporting the Yano Minami Elementary School project joined us. We had the opportunity to hear fascinating stories not only about furniture but also about the world of filmmaking.
Gathering around the bonfire, we had many conversations. This not only deepened our connections with the people involved in the Yano Minami Elementary School project but also allowed us to thoroughly discuss how to proceed with future projects. It was an extremely fruitful day.
From September 9–12, 2025, the AIJ Annual Meeting (Kyushu) was held at Kyushu University’s Ito Campus.
Students from the Sumikura–Ishigaki Laboratory presented their work — 16 in the academic session (2 doctoral, 14 master’s) and 2 in the design session.
The students enjoyed the atmosphere of the conference, and a reunion with alumni was also held, where former members, now studying at other universities, seemed well.
Lab’s participants also enjoyed architecture tours and local cuisine.
The next conference will be held in Hiroshima, 2026.
Congratulations!
Three students from our laboratory received the Encouragement Award at the 31st Union Design Award, a public competition held by the Union Design Foundation in 2024, for their work titled “100 Years of Architecture.”
YAMADA Kohei, AKIYAMA Yuki & LI Hao Union Design Award Encouragement Award
“Earth Towers 100 Years After Its Construction”
Our lunch gathering is an event where students bring a homemade dish and enjoy lunch together. This time, we had a delicious spread including ginger pork, potato salad, and tomato soup. Everyone enjoyed the meal in a lively and friendly atmosphere!
At our monthly seminar, students share updates about their recent activities, and this time, we had many wonderful presentations, including travel experiences and recommended books!
Additionally, we shared insights into the renovation project of the former Kino Police Residence in Osakikamijima Town. We also exchanged feedback on the “Connected by the Sea Art Walk Event,” which took place on May 3rd and 4th, and discussed ideas to further enhance our future initiatives. It was a truly meaningful and engaging session!
After the seminar, we held a welcome party! We welcomed six fourth-year undergraduate students and one first-year master’s student, bringing together a diverse and lively group. We’re excited for all the activities and collaborations ahead this year!
We appreciate your support for the newly restructured Sumakura-Ishigaki Laboratory, and we look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
