On July 20th, 2024, a bright summer day, the Atsumi Foundation family gathered at the Atsumi Foundation Hall in Sekiguchi for 2 events. The first Executive Director Atsumi Naoki's fascinating lecture on "The History and Technology of Kajima", held both in-person and online. The second was a fun barbeque. At 16:00 PM Japan time, Executive Director Atsumi's lecture began. Many participated, including the 2024 fellows and the senior fellows known by the nickname "raccoons". Many joined with their families, spending the day in the warm and inclusive atmosphere of the Atsumi Foundation.

In the lecture, Executive Director Atsumi began by recounting the genealogy of the founders of Kajima. According to his explanation, especially tailored for the 2024 fellows, Kajima Corporation is a construction company with a long history, playing a significant role in Japan's development. The company began in 1840, when Kajima Iwakichi started business at Nakabashimasaki-cho, Edo. Then, in 1860, Kajima built the "Ei-ichibankan" and "America-ichibankan" in Yokohama, becoming a pioneer of Western-style building construction.

Under the lead of its second president, Kajima Iwazou, Kajima constructed the Tsuruga line railway (present-day Hokuriku Main Line), and since then joined in the construction of railway in the entire country. Later on, starting with railway construction in Taiwan and Korea, Kajima expanded its business overseas. Since then, Kajima has handled various projects both domestic and abroad, including Japan's first skyscraper and dam, hydraulic plant, bridge, tunnel, restoration of historical structure, and nuclear power plant.

Finally, the Executive Director concluded by explaining that Kajima is currently conducting joint research with JAXA to develop a remote operation system that would allow outpost construction in space, going beyond automated/unmanned operation technology that is already in place. As such, for Kajima, "the next job site is space".

Kajima's continuous development and innovation is based on the corporate philosophy of "As a group of individuals working together as one, we pursue creative progress and development founded on both rational, scientific principles and a humanitarian outlook, through which we strive to continually advance our business operations and contribute to society". The Executive Director's lecture was infused with the message that "we must constantly innovate, to contribute to the development and welfare of society".

The barbeque party began at 17:00 PM. The participants socialized while enjoying the taste of grilled delicacies, filled with a family-like atmosphere. During this, senior fellows gave a valuable direction to 2024 fellows who completed their degree and were job hunting. Japanese became the common language to unite everyone, making the barbeque party a great time. There was also a grill with seafood, for those with certain dietary requirements, reflecting the culture of tolerance, inclusiveness, and mutual respect. This thoughtfulness fostered a sense of togetherness, making each participants feel truly accepted into the Atsumi Foundation family.

This memory of the fascinating lecture and the joyous barbeque will certainly remain in the hearts of all fellows, even after completing their degrees, joining the workforce, or return to their home country. The Atsumi Foundation is an essential bridge that connects the present and future fellows across time.

Written by: Idrus (2024 fellow)

Photos from the day

Translated by: Motoki Luxmiwattana