IHI Infrastructure Systems Conducts Class at High School in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture
On July 18, IHI Infrastructure Systems (IIS) held a special class on bridge engineering for 171 first-year students at Hatsushiba Ritsumeikan High School in Higashi Ward, Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. Designated as a Super Science High School (SSH) by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as of the 2024 academic year, Hatsushiba Ritsumeikan High School focuses on advanced science, technology, and mathematics education. The IIS headquarters and factory located in Sakai, and the company director, Mr. Inoue, serving as a supervisor for the SSH program at the high school, led to this special class being held.
During the session, representatives from IIS provided lectures and workshops on bridge engineering, a pillar of IIS’s business. The first hour featured a lecture by Director Inoue titled “The Story of Bridges –Is What We Learn in School Actually Useful?” In this session, he discussed how engineering knowledge and expertise are applied in suspension bridge construction and explained the potential accidents that can occur when such insights and considerations are lacking. He encouraged students to understand the real-world applications of science and mathematics.

For the next two hours, students divided into five groups of 30 and engaged in workshops on one or two of the following themes provided in advance:
1. Bridge-Building Contest
Students constructed bridges using paper and other materials within a set time. The team with the strongest bridge won.
2. Exploring Engineering Work with Diverse Talent: Experience the World of Bridge Engineering with Female Engineers
Women bridge engineers from IIS led a lecture, helping students make engineering calculations and exploring career paths for women in engineering.
3. Multinational Team Communication
Four IIS employees, each from a different country, shared photos from their home countries and engaged in discussions to broaden the students’ interest in and awareness of international perspectives.
4. Taking Measurements using 3D Scanning
Students explored 3D scanning techniques and measurement precision, learning how modern construction leverages technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.




Participants shared their impressions, with comments such as, “I thought 3D technology would be much more difficult, so I was surprised that it was accessible even on a smartphone,” and “Communication with people from overseas was challenging, but I want to actively participate in similar opportunities in the future.”
Through this special class, participants had a valuable opportunity to engage with employees from various roles and career paths related to bridge engineering, expanding their interest in STEM fields and encouraging them to think about their future careers.
IHI Group remains dedicated to youth development, contributing to local communities, and supporting social progress.