In the afternoon of September 24th (Fri.), I headed to Utsunomiya to give a lecture at the Japanese Society of Nephrology Eastern Regional Meeting. Nephrology had been my main background, so it was nice to see Dr. Kusano, the President, and many colleagues at the venue.
Reception was held at a huge underground hall about 15 minutes’ travel by car from downtown Utsunomiya which was originally remain of a mining pit of Ohya stone (Ohya Ishi).
The place actually had quite a good atmosphere. I found many photos at the blog site of a person who had been here before. (in Japanese)
Underground was quite cool (around the year average temperature is ８℃ (46F)). Gyoza, the local specialty, beer, wine were served at the reception as well as the special flamenco show. We spent a good time.
The schedule of events at this underground space, as I saw it, seemed to have room for more variety of activities.
I suggest that you visit here when you have an opportunity to go to Utsunomiya area.
After returning to the hotel, I participated in a teleconference on Grand Challenge Canada for two hours from 10pm to midnight. Toronto served as the hub for this telecommunication.
On the next day, September 25th (Sat.), I returned home briefly and then headed to Mishima city in Shizuoka Prefecture. This trip was to give a lecture at the Japanese Telemedicine and Telecare Association (JTTA) (in Japanese) organized by Professor Nakajima, who created telemedicine and telecare training program at Tokai University School of Medicine mainly for international students. I owe Professor Nakajima for his presence at the Pacific Science Association in which I am part of, in Okinawa and Tahiti (Ref.1, 2, 3). By the way, although this meeting displayed a number of interesting corporate exhibitions they seemed somehow to be intended only for Japanese audience (users) from the start. I think this is a pity since the world is broad and there must exist great needs.
Giving lectures at annual meetings of scientific societies was something I have done less for a while. I enjoyed and appreciated these opportunities of two days in a row.