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International students inspect A-bomb Dome, learn about preservation techniques

by Michiko Tanaka, Staff Writer

On March 4, international students from various Asian countries studying at Hiroshima University inspected the A-bomb Dome, located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima. Entering the compound, they learned about the methodology and the mindset for preserving a World Heritage site in order to contribute toward the preservation of historical buildings and relics in their native countries.

A total of eight students from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Indonesia took part. They are students in the first class of the “Taoyaka Program for creating a flexible, enduring and peaceful society,” which nurtures problem-solving skills for challenges facing developing nations. Three Japanese students, also enrolled in the program, took part, too.

The participants were guided by city officials, who provided such information as the history of the A-bomb Dome and the method for undertaking a soundness survey to determine the deteriorating conditions of the building. By climbing up to the upper parts of the dome, using temporary scaffolding for the preservation survey, they could closely examine the preservation method which involves applying resin in the cracks of walls and reinforcing the structure with a steel frame so the building will not collapse.

Aliansyah Zulhaji, 23, is from Indonesia. The first-year student in the Graduate School of Engineering, a Master’s program, and current resident of Higashihiroshima City, said, “I’m impressed by the decision made by the people of Hiroshima to preserve the dome, a symbol of painful memories, for future generations. There are many old temples in my country, so we can learn a lot from these preservation techniques.”

(Originally published on March 5, 2015)

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