Message from the Organisers
Prof. Mitsuyoshi Akiyama OC Chair
Prof. Toru Takeuchi SC Chair | The Japan National Group of the IABSE and the Organising and Scientific Committees are pleased to invite you to the IABSE Symposium Tokyo 2025. This is a 4-Day event to be held from 18 May (Sunday) to 21 May (Wednesday) 2025 at Waseda University and RIHGA Royal Hotel on “Environmentally Friendly Technologies and Structures: Focusing on Sustainable Approaches.” The Japanese archipelago is characterised by its geographic length extending from north to south. Climatic conditions vary greatly, which have nurtured a variety of cultures and histories in each region. These regions have been exposed to various natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and, more recently, heavy rains and floods due to climate change. Learning from the lessons of past disasters, Japanese engineers and researchers have been striving to create a resilient society by providing structures and infrastructure systems with substantial reliability, robustness, and redundancy. However, under the current circumstances of climate change, it is also becoming important to consider the design, construction, and maintenance of structures and infrastructure systems to ensure sustainability, while minimising negative environmental impacts from a life-cycle perspective. It is essential for those involved in structural engineering to have access to the latest knowledge and research outcomes related to such issues. The main goal of the Symposium is to provide a forum for discussion on “Environmentally Friendly Technologies and Structures - Focusing on Sustainable Approaches -”. There are many ideas on how structural engineering can contribute to sustainability. For example, the construction of green infrastructure, facilities to create new energy alternatives to fossil fuels, carbon-neutral technologies, the use of new materials to replace conventional concrete and steel (e.g., timber and other natural materials), as well as classical structural technologies for natural disaster mitigation are all essential to ensure sustainability. The Symposium will focus on the most important issue of our time, sustainability, and the role of structural engineers in achieving this goal. It is hoped that the Symposium will serve as a platform for governments, engineering associations, academic and educational institutions, and industry to forge global partnerships and strengthen collaboration to realise the global sustainability development agenda. In addition to the in-depth intellectual discussions at the Symposium itself, we are sure that you will enjoy Tokyo's diverse attractions, including museums, historical sites, arts and crafts, markets, shopping, and cuisine, etc. May is the best season for sightseeing in Tokyo, and you can enjoy the abundant nature and fresh greenery of late spring amidst the skyscrapers. Tokyo has one of the largest rail and subway networks in the world. With airline and high-speed rail networks extending across Japan, other major tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka can be easily reached within a few hours. In particular, Expo 2025 Osaka will be held from April to October 2025 under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. The theme is very similar to that of IABSE 2025, and there will be many pavilions and other exhibits that will be of great interest to structural engineers. We will do our best to make IABSE 2025 a fruitful event for you. We are confident that you will have an unforgettable experience in Japan and look forward to welcoming you to Tokyo in May 2025. Message from the OC Chair, Professor Mitsuyoshi Akiyama and the SC Chair, Professor Toru Takeuchi. |
Organising Committee
Chair: Mitsuyoshi Akiyama
Vice Chair: Satoshi Yamada
Secretary: Tomonori Nagayama
Advisors:
Akira Wada
Mitsumasa Midorikawa
Shunichi Nakamura
Yozo Fujino
Organising Committee Members
Yukari Aoki Shuichi Fujikura Kaori Fujita Takeshi Hanji Hideki Idota Kikuo Ikarashi Hiroki Ishibashi Tatuya Itoi Jun Iyama Yoshihiro Kimura Shoichi Kishiki Yasuo Kitane | Yuji Koetaka Minoru Kunieda Yusuke Kurihashi Ryota Matsui Yuka Matsumoto Masahide Matsumura Hiroshi Matsuzaki Yasunori Miyamori Hideki Naito Shozo Nakamura Narutoshi Nakata Mayuko Nishio | Taichiro Okazaki Yoshiaki Okui Eiichi Sasaki Jun Sato Kunitomo Sugiura Yoshikazu Takahashi Hiroshi Tamura Naoshi Ueda Takashi Yamaguchi Jiaqi Wang |
Event Secretariat iabse2025tokyo@bridge.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp Prof. Tomonori Nagayama |
Hidekatsu Asai Taku Hanai Katsuhiko Imai Manabu Inoue Yoji Ishibashi Akio Kasuga Tomohiro Kinoshita Tomoya Kitagawa Kentaro Kuraji Motohiko Kuwa Toshiki Mizuguchi Tsutomu Niina |
Shinya Nishimoto
Takashi Ohshima Chamila Kumara Rankoth Shinichi Sawaizumi Ikuhide Shibata Kohei Shintani Hideaki Takaku Shinji Takatani Atsushi Takeda Masao Utsumi Shin Yamaguchi Shinsuke Yamazaki |
Objective and Scope The Symposium will provide an opportunity for discussion and deliberation with a focus on sustainability. As a professional association, IABSE would like to contribute to the achievement of the larger global goal of sustainability, using its expertise and experience, enriched by adaptation and innovation. The Symposium can also address broad areas including the built environment, disaster resilience, innovation (in materials, technologies, design practices, and codes of practice), and carbon footprints. In addition to cutting-edge topics such as mega-structures, high-rise structures, offshore structures, new and innovative materials, technologies, and structural solutions, discussions will also cover advanced structural analysis, dynamic behaviour and analysis, digital technology and fabrication, and the resilience of structures and cities. Symposium Format The scientific program will include keynotes and parallel sessions over three days. The official language will be English. Keynote speakers will introduce topics relevant to the theme and give state-of-the-art lectures, followed by presentations in parallel sessions. The vast majority of presentations will be oral in regular sessions, but there will also be special sessions. Special sessions provide the opportunity to present developments related to a specific topic proposed by highly respected individuals in that area of research or technical practice. Each contribution to these sessions will consist of a paper and an oral presentation followed by an open floor discussion with audience participation.
About TokyoTokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. As one of the world's largest and most populous metropolitan areas, Tokyo offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modernity. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village called Edo to its current status as a global economic powerhouse, Tokyo has undergone remarkable transformations over the centuries. Key industries in Tokyo include information technology, electronics, publishing, and broadcasting. The city is also a major center for research and development, with numerous universities and corporate R&D centers. Tokyo's Akihabara district, known as "Electric Town," is famous for its concentration of electronics and tech-related businesses.
Invitation Letter for VISA Application Please check if you need a visa to enter Japan by clicking the link below. If you require the visa, the IABSE Symposium Tokyo 2025 Registration Office will provide supporting documents after confirmation of your registration fee payment. Detailed information will be provided after you register. Please refer to below link to confirm whether you need a visa for entry into Japan. Check list of countries exempted from Japanese visa acquisition here:
Accommodation Hotels along the Tozai Line (Iidabashi Station, Kudanshita Station, etc.), or Takadanobaba Station, Shinjuku Station, and Ikebukuro Station on the JR Yamanote Line are convenient for transportation. The IABSE Symposium Tokyo 2025 Secretariat does not provide or advise on accommodation. Please make your own arrangements. Kindly note that hotels in Tokyo are quite busy at this time of year, so we recommend making arrangements early. Rooms at RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo (venue) at the special rate for participants have all been sold out.
Map
Airport Limousines: https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/Top.aspx Tokyo Metro: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/index.html |
Who Should Attend Engineers, contractors, developers & policy makers, students, scientists, experts, designers and all those interested in advances and problems in civil engineering and structures are invited to attend the Symposium to exchange experiences, expertise and information in various fields of structural engineering. Venue and Access
RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo and International Conference Centre, Waseda University. The IABSE Symposium Tokyo 2025 will be held in the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo and Waseda University. They are located next to each other, and it takes 8-10 minutes on foot to walk between the hotel and International Conference Centre, Waseda University. -RIHGA Royal Hotel: https://www.rihga.com/tokyo/location -International Conference Centre, Waseda University: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/access/waseda-campus Hotel Map
Access to Transportation Waseda Station (T04) on the Tozai Line is the most convenient toaccess the IABSE Tokyo 2025 venue. In addition, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo (venue) offers a free shuttle bus from Takadanobaba Station(T03 on Tozai Line/JY15 on JR Line) on the JR Yamanote Line and TozaiLine. Useful Links Narita Airport: http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/ Haneda Airport: https://tokyohaneda.com/en/index.html Welcome Desks at the Airports Welcome desks will be placed at the airports to be a one-stop information counter for international delegates arriving in Tokyo. Dates: May 17 (Sat) and 18 (Sun) 8:00-20:00 Location: 1. Narita Airport Terminal 1, 1F International Arrival Lobby, near Central Exit 2. Narita Airport Terminal 2, 1F International Arrival Lobby, near Central Exit 3. Haneda International Airport, 2F Arrival Lobby, Meeting Service Counter ◆Narita Terminal 1/2: Both are located in the center of the Arrival Lobby (1F) .
◆Haneda Terminal 3 : Arrival Lobby (2F)
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SOCIAL PROGRAMME Welcome Reception & Gala Dinner Welcome Reception Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025 Time: 18:30 - 20:00 Place: RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo All participants are invited to join this Welcome Reception. Gala Dinner Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Time: 19:00 - 21:00 Place: RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo Style: Formal dinner (seated) Price: JPY 20,000 (Early Bird Rate), JPY 22,000 (Standard Rate) Attraction: The Tsugaru shamisen is a genre of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese musical culture. It combines the qualities of both stringed and percussion instruments, and is characterized by a unique technique called “Tataki” that produces a lower, more powerful sound than the other types of shamisen. Join us, and you will be lead to the world of immense power created by more than 10 players. Please enjoy a full-course meal while enjoying traditional Japanese culture. |
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Social and Cultural Tours
A Complimentary Hospitality Program
*Only one program per person
Tour registration at “TOKYO CITY INFORMATION DESK” on the 3rd floor of RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo.
All tours will be available for sign-up from May 18 to May 21 at the TOKYO CITY INFORMATION DESK.
Please note that registration is on-site only and tours will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person may register for only one tour.
May 18 (Sun) 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
May 19 (Mon) – 21(Wed) 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
| May 18 (Sun) 1:30 pm～5:00 pm TeamLab Planets & Zojoji Temple Capacity: 30 participants teamLab Planets, located in Toyosu, has various immersive genre-blending galleries and installations. You will also visit one of the famous traditional temples, Zojoji. TeamLab, Floating Flower Garden: Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One © teamLab May 19 (Mon) 1:30 pm～5:00 pm Tokyo River Cruise & Hamarikyu Gardens Capacity: 40 participants Through a cruise on the Sumida River, you will see scenery from downtown Asakusa to other parts of the city. You can discover a world separate from the high-rise buildings of the city at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens.
May 19 (Mon) 1:30 pm～5:00 pm Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue Capacity: 40 participants Meiji Shrine is a dense forest-like precinct in the middle of Tokyo. After that, you will also see Hachiko Statue, which has become a main meeting spot, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which is an iconic spot in Tokyo. May 19 (Mon) 6:00 pm～9:00 pm Tokyo Tower (Main deck) & Odaiba Area Capacity: 40 participants Relax and enjoy the view from the observation deck located at 150 meters in the Tokyo Tower. Afterwards, visitors will enjoy the view of Rainbow Bridge and a stroll around the Odaiba area. May 20 (Tue) 8:00 am～10:00 am Zazen (Zen meditation) Experience Capacity: 30 participants Go to Korinin Temple to experience Zazen. Zazen is a traditional Buddhist meditation method and a popular activity among overseas visitors. In the silence, your mind will be refreshed and clear. May 21 (Wed) 6:00 pm～9:00 pm Tokyo City View (Observation deck) & Omoide Yokocho Capacity: 30 participants Experience the night view from the observatory of the modern Roppongi Hills before taking in the old-town atmosphere of a bar district in Shinjuku. You can see two sides of Tokyo! ▶These complimentary tours are offered by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau for overseas registered participants. These tours aim to showcase a variety of experiences in Tokyo and its surrounding areas, including nature, culture, and other attractions (The tour courses are subject to change). |
FACTS ABOUT TOKYO Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). Accepted Currency: Only Japanese Yen is widely accepted. ATMs: Widely available; international cards work at 7-eleven, Japan Post, and major bank ATMs. Electricity
Time Zone and Time Difference Japan Standard Time (JST): UTC+9. Language Official Language: Japanese. English: Some signage and assistance are available in tourist areas. Useful Links for your travel ・Travel Japan: The Official Japan Guide https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/) ・Jorudan – Japan Transit Planner (https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en) Website and app where you can search schedules for trains, flights, and buses throughout Japan. | Banks and Currency Exchange Banks: Major banks like Mitsubishi UFJ, SMBC, and Mizuho Bank operate in Tokyo. Currency Exchange: Available at banks, airports, and currency exchange centres. Payment: Many places accept credit cards, but cash is still widely used in smaller shops and restaurants. Transport Public Transport: Highly efficient—trains, subways, buses, and taxis. IC Cards: Prepaid cards like Suica or Pasmo are convenient for public transport. Emergency Numbers Police: 110 Ambulance and Fire: 119 Other Tips Tipping: Not customary in Japan. Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink. Cleanliness: Public spaces are very clean; trash bins are limited. |
