Dam Expedition Diary: the Japan Society of Dam Engineering's Dam Visiting Event

Hi everyone, this is Pitri. It is my first time writing a blog article here, so I excited to share my story. Enjoy reading!😊

In early September 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Dam Visiting event organized by the Japan Society of Dam Engineering. This event promised a unique adventure, featuring visits to two remarkable dams, Nanma Dam and Kusaki Dam, along with collaborative discussions on the development of infrastructure for tourism in the dam industry. This experience was truly unforgettable, filled with awe-inspiring construction marvels and picturesque landscapes.

(Sept 4th) Day 1: Nanma Dam - Amidst the Storm

Our journey began on a rather stormy note, as heavy rainfall greeted us on our visit to the Nanma Dam. Despite the weather, there was an undeniable sense of excitement in the air as we approached the dam. Nanma Dam was a work in progress, allowing us to witness the intricate construction process firsthand. The sight of massive machinery and skilled workers tirelessly toiling in the rain was truly remarkable.

Though the weather was far from ideal, it added a unique element to the experience. The rainwater cascading down the dam's face created a mesmerizing spectacle, reminding us of the sheer power and importance of these colossal structures in managing water resources.

(Sept 5th) Day 2: Kusaki Dam - A Serene Contrast

Our second day was a complete contrast to the first. As we arrived at Kusaki Dam, we were greeted by a brilliant sun and clear blue skies. The serene beauty of the surroundings was breathtaking. The dam was nestled amidst lush greenery, and the tranquil atmosphere was a stark contrast to the previous day's hustle and bustle.

We spent hours admiring the panoramic views, taking in the picturesque landscapes, and learning about the dam's role in providing water resources and electricity to the region. It was a moment of quiet reflection on the importance of these engineering marvels not only in managing resources but also in creating spaces of natural beauty for us to enjoy.

Nightttime Discussion: Infrastructure Tourism

One of the highlights of the trip was the nighttime group discussion on developing infrastructure for tourism in the dam industry. While this was a valuable opportunity, it was also a significant challenge for me as the discussion was conducted in Japanese. As a non-native speaker, keeping up with the conversation was not easy.

However, I was immensely grateful for the support and patience of my fellow participants. They were eager to help translate and ensure that I could contribute meaningfully to the discussion. This collaborative spirit exemplified the essence of the event, where individuals from diverse backgrounds came together to share their expertise and insights.

Making Connections: The Unexpedted Friendship

On the first day, as I struggled to communicate with my limited Japanese skills, I found myself in a conversation with a fellow participant. We shared smiles and a few awkward laughs, making the best of the language barrier. It was the beginning of a friendship that would add a another twist to my Japanese adventure.

As it turns out, my new friend was not just any ordinary individual. She was a talented violin player and a member of a her university orchestra. Little did I know that this newfound connection would lead to a memorable experience of me watching my first orchestra concert in Japan because she invited me to her concert. Now I am developing a new hobby which is watching orchestra concert because it was amazing and I love music in the first place so it was memorable.

This journey reminded me that sometimes the most memorable moments happen when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace new experiences. As when I left Japan, I'll carry with me not just the knowledge of dams and infrastructure but also the cherished memories of a friendship. That is all of my story, I excited to write another blog articles here. See you!😊