We participated in the second workshop for the ABW Office Transformation Project with The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. EnerGia Comprehensive Research Institute on November 6!
Following the previous session, teams of employees and students exchanged ideas on “current issues to be improved” and “our vision of an ideal office.” Participants brought in photos representing the kind of workplace they would like to work in, created collages, and shared their images with the group. Each team wrapped up the session with a presentation of their concepts.
The next workshop will feature cross-team discussions. We look forward to seeing what new ideas will emerge!
It’s already been one month since I started studying abroad in the Philippines.I feel this term is shorter than I expected. At first, I was worried about my English skills for not being able to speak English well. Although I made a lot of mistakes while talking in English, I was sure that my English was getting better through conversations. But still, I can’t pronounce like a native speaker, so I will keep on practicing so that I can communicate with foreigners more smoothly.
By the way, I’d like to introduce the spots I visited. I came across various sightseeing spots and experienced a variety of foods and diverse cultures. For example, there was a traditional dance in Baguio. I saw it, and I was impressed with it. There were also traditional houses, and they were terrific. Moreover, I went to the Igorot Stone Kingdom, where I could see a nice view of Baguio City.
Traditional Dance in BaguioLocal Houses in BaguioThe Igorot Stone Kingdom
Especially, the night market was wonderful. It was held in the park and on the road in front of the park from 9 pm to 2 am. I ate balut for the first time. Before eating it, I was scared because I wasn’t used to seeing it, but once I attempted to eat it, I felt that it tasted good. My wallet was almost empty because I spent too much money on trying foods and buying clothes.
The Night Market in Baguio
I have four weeks left. Therefore, I will make an effort so that my studying abroad goes well.
On 23 October, Chugoku Electric Power’s Energia Research Institute officially launched its ABW implementation project!
During this workshop, participants set post-renovation goals. Employees, acting as students, divided into three teams to identify current issues hindering goal achievement and present ideas for overcoming them.
How will the institute’s ABW transformation progress? We’ll be keeping a close eye on developments!
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.
On September 26th, the undergraduate fourth-year midterm presentations were held.
Six members from our lab presented their research findings.
By incorporating advice received from seniors during practice sessions, I believe everyone approached their presentations with confidence. Though nervous, I think all presenters effectively communicated their research.
I hope the insights and areas for improvement gained through these presentations will be applied to future research activities.
On August 5th and 6th, the second-year master’s students gave their midterm presentations.
Nine members from our lab presented their research findings.
By incorporating advice received from classmates and juniors during practice sessions, I believe everyone was able to approach their presentations with confidence. Though nervous, I think all presenters effectively communicated their research.
I hope they apply the insights and areas for improvement gained from these presentations to their future research activities.
I wish them the best for the remaining six months.
Due to the connection with the Oosaki Kamijima Project, eight middle and high school students from Eichi Academy visited the laboratory on July 31 (Thursday)!
In the first half, we introduced the architecture program and the laboratories, and everyone listened with great interest, asking questions and reacting actively, creating a very good atmosphere. Many of the kids are interested in architecture, and it was enjoyable for us to introduce it!
後半は、VR体験や施設見学へ。VRは初めてという子も多く、みんな楽しそうに体験してくれていました。
In the second half, we went for a VR experience and facility tour. Many of the kids were experiencing VR for the first time, and they all seemed to enjoy it.
In the structural experiment building, it was very impressive to see their eagerness to learn, as they participated in experiments to measure the strength of wood by applying pressure and asked a lot of questions. In the drawing room, they didn’t just look at the presentation boards and models created by the students, but also showed interest in the atmosphere and lighting of the space.
Finally, we visited the “Omoshiro Lab.” The students were excitedly discussing the renovations they worked on, and it was clear that they were having a great time.
By talking little by little with everyone, I found that each person has many dreams and things they want to try, and it became a time that energizes me too!
On July 6, 2025, we held a Tanabata Festival at the former police station in Kinoe, Osakikamijima Town. Everyone wrote their wishes on colorful tanzaku and had fun sharing nagashi-somen together.
Despite the hot weather, we built a somen slide using bamboo kindly brought by local residents of Osakikamijima, and not only somen noodles but also fruits and vegetables were sent down the flowing stream!
We also decorated bamboo branches with tanzaku bearing everyone’s wishes, fully enjoying the spirit of Tanabata. Many people joined us — students from Osakikamijima and local residents who always support us — and it turned into a truly wonderful time. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, and to those who helped build the nagashi somen slide!
We plan to host more events at the former Kinoe Police Station in the future, so if you’re interested, we would love for you to join us!
