MECOH Research Summer Camp 2024

Kanpai!

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"

So far, this year has been a busy year for MECOH. We need to take a break once in a while to refresh our minds. Of course, MECOH members are no exception!

On 8th-9th August 2024, Arata, Haruma, and Tetsu planned a summer camp for all MECOH lab members to enjoy the Japanese summer.  Friends and family were also invited! The location? It is a place that is just an hour and a half drive from Ehime University, called Akehama Seaside Sun Park.

Akehama seaside sun park
〒797-0201 愛媛県西予市明浜町高山４６１−１ あけはまーれ 内

​Akehama Seaside Sun Park is a campsite by the bay that is flanked by lush greenery on its sides. It has log house cabins, trailers, and several tent sites. In the cabins and trailers just about all of the camp’s supplies are provided so all the MECOH members can enjoy a carefree outdoor life.

​To get there, the group traveled by car. With each car having a unique pick-your-own-adventure experience.

Some members took a scenic seaside route to enjoy the Japanese coastal view

Some of us visited a famous rest-stop called "donburikan". They recommend the Jyakoten mikotoshi donじやこ天三子とじ丼 (Bowl of rice topped with a unique blend of fish cake, eggs, and onion) 道の駅 どんぶり館(donburikan) 〒797-0013 愛媛県西予市宇和町稲生１１８

Of course nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer day!

Some of us had some delicious western-style food at Yuboku steakhouse ゆうぼく民（レストラン） 〒797-0045 愛媛県西予市宇和町坂戸６７３−１

​By noon, all MECOH members had gathered at the campsite and were greeted by the scenic vista of Akehama Bay

​Of course, as a research group, MECOH could not pass this opportunity to gather some samples around the campsite. Two teams were formed, one worked on gathering microplastics from the beach while the other made mosquito traps and placed the traps around the mountainous area.

Microplastic team with their back facing the adjacent mountain

Mosquito-trap team and friends

Once work was done, members are free to enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and playing games to relax.

Suddenly, at around 4:50 p.m., the group was alarmed by sirens blaring in the background. Apparently, an earthquake and tsunami warning was issued.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever megaquake advisory, covering 707 municipalities from Okinawa to Ibaraki prefectures after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck off Miyazaki Prefecture at 4:42 p.m. on that day. 

The group happened to be in one of the 707 municipalities that were designated in advance under the protocol for an expected monster quake emanating from the Nankai Trough in the Pacific Ocean. People were urged to take caution for any possibility of danger.

Once informed, the group then moved to higher ground in an orderly fashion and stayed at the upper cabin for the rest of the day. The group took the warning seriously and acted accordingly.

​By evening, biochemists, virologists, and molecular scientists transformed into bartenders, grill masters, and professional taste-testers.  

​Throughout the barbeque, MECOH members enjoyed each others' company while sharing a meal. The overall mood was still jovial. Not even a tsunami warning could entirely dampen the mood of the group on that day! 

The highlight of the event is having Prof. Kozo Watanabe give an inspirational speech to congratulate the group for a job well done. To that, MECOH members responded with a resounding "cheers" or kanpai (乾杯).  

As night falls, everyone got to enjoy some Japanese fireworks aka hanabi (花火).  While some stared thoughtfully into the dark sky, others pondered about life's big questions just before calling it a day.