On November 27, 2024, students sponsored by the Atsumi International Foundation (Chairperson: Naoki Atsumi) for the 2024 academic year visited the construction site of the Kouchigawa Bridge on the Shin-Tomei Expressway (Yamakita Town, Kanagawa; built by a Kajima joint venture).

Established in 1994 based on the wish of Kajima's late Honorary Chairman Takeo Atsumi, the Foundation provides annual scholarships to international and Japanese students pursuing doctoral degrees at Japanese universities. This site visit was organized to give the scholarship students firsthand exposure to Kajima's frontline construction activities and to deepen their understanding of the construction industry.

The day began with opening remarks from Chairman Atsumi, followed by an overview of the project presented by the Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager. The students then toured the site. Standing directly beneath the arch shortly before its connection, they observed the dynamic structure of steel and concrete. They also rode a temporary elevator to scaffolding 125 meters above the river, where they enjoyed the panoramic view while learning the importance of ensuring safety and maintaining quality standards. The students shared a variety of impressions: "I was profoundly impressed by the sense of responsibility and professionalism shown by those working on-site," commented one participant. Another remarked, "I was struck by how Kajima builds relationships with local residents and values its connections with the community."

* Atsumi International Foundation website
https://www.aisf.or.jp/news.php?id=67ff2b13c5239