On noon of July 27, 2013 (Saturday), a barbecue party was held at the Kajima Shinkan/ Atsumi Foundation Hall. Bathed in Tokyo's summer sunshine, around 40 people gathered including Atsumi scholarship recipients, RaccoonKai members, family, and staff. It was a chance to take a break from the daily stress of busy research and summer fatigue. The participants had an enjoyable time conversing with each other while tasting the various dishes.

The barbecue set was placed at the inner garden of the Atsumi Hall. Amidst the fresh green of the inner garden, Rijicho's personal cook and others in charge of the barbecue were busy broiling. The smell of charcoal and grilled seafood and meat soon filled the Hall, whetting everyone's appetite. The first to be grilled were fresh and delicious turban shells, scallops, and abalones, and shrimps, all these "Umi no Sachi" were directly delivered from Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. Next on the barbecue menu were chicken and beef steak. There was also sweet and delicious corn at the end. Various side dishes were also prepared such as salads and veggies. To top it all, Ho Van Ngoc (2011 Raccoon) dished up a flavorful Vietnamese Pho. We also enjoyed desserts like summer favorite water melons, Indonesian sweets with the exotic fragrance of lime leaf. There was also, of course, wine and beer, and the Japanese wine kindly brought by Yeh Wen-chang (1999 Raccoon) from Shimane Prefecture. Lunch ended with a champagne toast.

After lunch, Imanishi-san gave some guidance at the Atsumi Hall about "The 2nd Asia Future Conference: Diversity and Harmony" to be held in Bali, Indonesia on August 22-24, 2014, while explaining the details of the conference and showing photos of the venue (Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel).

This party reunited the scholarship recipients, RaccoonKai members, and staff after the Tateshina Trip/Workshop three weeks ago. It was another chance for lively and friendly exchanges with fellows of various nationalities and backgrounds. The participants, like me, look forward to the next gathering.

Photos by Ngok

(by Aroz Rafael Aingeru, trans. by Max Maquito)