In the afternoon of Saturday, July 18th, amidst the humid heat dousing my face with sweat, a soothing breeze flowed down the hill. Associate Director Imanishi's home, today's venue, is at the top of this hill.

The gathering today features Executive Director Atsumi's lecture on the "Kashima's History and Technology" and a barbeque. As we arrived, we were brought to a room on the 3rd floor. I could not resist looking around out of curiosity, and I was told that the room was a living room used by the late Advisor Itsuko. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to meet her directly, but I could feel her warm presence remaining in the room, overlapping with the evening light shining in from the window.

Director Atsumi's lecture began with an explanation on the founding history of the Kajima Group, the leader in each era and the group's track record. As part of my hobby, I often take a picture of the Tokyo Station, which was built by Kajima Corporation as well. The Director also discussed various initiatives of Kajima Corporation today, from research and development of technology, automated and unmanned methods to improve safety and productivity at construction sites, and efforts to realize a safe and sustainable society. Even though I am not an expert, they were fascinating and I listened intently. These various projects expanding from Japan to the world and into space gave me an exciting sense of scale and hope for the future.

Afterwards, we moved to the barbeque party. The preparation was already well underway by two professionals in the garden, welcoming us who on the 1st floor with appetite-inducing smell. The barbeque they grilled for us were exquisite, with great ingredients prepared meticulously. The beef let out juice as I chew, and the pork melted in my mouth. My favorite, lamb, was surprisingly without gamey-ness, and I may have ate a bit too much.

The amazing catering helped facilitate everyone's socializing. I was able to chat with other fellow scholars of 2026, as well as other seniors, on various topics. The exchanges with others who are also taking the monumental task of writing a doctoral dissertation was a great mental support, and advices from the seniors turned my anxiety to a future as a researcher into hope. My hands were tied throughout the party, as I wanted to capture everyone's bright faces in my camera on the one hand, and enjoy the food on the other. There was also a watermelon-cracking game, and the children's cheering colored this little, happy summer moment.

During a life of research which forces me to face loneliness, having a place that warmly accepts me is something I am truly thankful of and find irreplaceable. With the energy I was shared here, I shall continue to solemnly face my challenges.

Written by: Yamagishi Tetsuya (2026 Fellow)

Pictures from the day