By IISEE Senior Research Engineer, Dr. Mizuo Inukai

Latin America, one of the earthquake prone regions, has　been severely devastated by strong jolting many times during its history, lagging behind in dissemination of earthquake resistant structural technology.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 1.

(1) Mr. Faouzi Gherboudj (Algeria, Seismology Course)
In this study trip, we had a great opportunity to visit Kansai region in the western part of Japan. Our itinerary includes three main cities: Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 1.

(2) Mr. Mukunda Bhattarai (Nepal, Seismology Course)
We visited some parts of Kansai region focusing on Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto cities of Japan. It was a great opportunity for us to closely observe world’s largest suspension bridge and shaking table located in this region.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 2.

(3) Mr. Nurpujiono (Indonesia, Tsunami Disaster Mitigation Course)
Study trip to Kansai areas was very advantageous trip.
I was very impressed with Inamura-no-Hi story which was created in order to learn and hand down the achievements and spirit of Hamaguchi Goryo, who is renowned for saving villagers from tsunami with “the fire of rice sheaves.” Japanese people respect and learn from historical disaster, therefore the victims are reduced.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 2.

On Friday April 4, IISEE had a “Cherry Blossom Viewing” lunch party.
Although it rained the day before, we enjoyed a good view of cherry blossoms and Japanese style lunch boxes. New staff members, Dr. Azuhata, Ms. Fujinuma and Ms. Maeda introduced themselves.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 2,3.

✉Prof. Florin-Ermil DABIJA, Emeritus Professor
Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest
(Romania, Earthquake Engineering course, 1966-1967)

Prof Dabija from Romania has sent us his kind message of condolence following the death of Dr. Sheldon Cherry. With his permission, we are carrying his message as follows;

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 3.

Please see the Newsletter attached on page 4.