On 6 November 2017, the Uji Campus hosted the 12th recycling fair, inviting international researchers and students to pick up household items donated by the Campus' faculty and staff.
The annual event typically offers items such as ready-to-assemble furniture, appliances, futon mats, clothes, table- and kitchenware, toys, and children's goods, making it popular with people from both single- and multi-person households.
The 2017 fair featured around 960 items, all displayed in the Hybrid Space at Uji Obaku Plaza. A total of 75 researchers, students, and families attended.
As in previous years, the event included an exchange meeting, held next to the fair venue, promoting interaction between participants, faculty, and staff. Visitors enjoyed conversation over tea in an amicable atmosphere, and listened to greetings from the directors of Uji-based research institutes: Professor Yasuaki Kishimoto of the Institute of Advanced Energy (IAE), Professor Norihiro Tokitoh of the Institute for Chemical Research (ICR), and Professor Takashi Watanabe of the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH). Professor Hajime Nakagawa, director of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), was out of town, and had his message conveyed by a colleague.
Afterwards, participants introduced themselves, and took part in a home appliance raffle, which generated a great deal of excitement.
Around 500 researchers and 130 students from abroad annually visit, or come to live near, the Uji Campus. Uji's faculty and staff are committed to supporting international visitors and residents through this and other initiatives.
International students and researchers entering the fair venue
Examining the items offered
RISH Director Watanabe greeting the visitors
Exchange meeting
