The Bridge Construction Association invited 150 people to its "Sumida River Bridge Tour Cruise," promoting familiarity with steel bridges.

The Nihon Bridge Construction Association (Hashikenkyo) held a "Bridge Appreciation: Sumida River Bridge Tour Cruise" on November 16th as a pre-event for its 50th anniversary. The purpose was to foster familiarity with steel bridges and promote understanding of the Bridge Construction Association's activities through a Sumida River cruise from the Ship Science Museum in Odaiba, Tokyo, to Asakusa. Participants were recruited via the Bridge Construction Association's website, and 150 people were invited by lottery from approximately 1,000 applicants.

The event day blessed with clear skies, perfect for cruising. At the starting point, the Ship Science Museum, Mr. Akio Benibayashi, Chief of the Bridge Structures Section, Road Management Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Construction, gave a lecture titled "Bridges of the Sumida River." Incorporating quizzes, he encouraged understanding of bridges in an enjoyable way. Afterwards, participants boarded a chartered boat to tour the bridges spanning the Sumida River, accompanied by explanations from Chief Benibayashi. Participants received an original Bridge Construction Association jigsaw puzzle as a gift. Feedback included comments such as: "I gained a deeper understanding of the construction and history of bridges I've known since childhood, like the Eitai Bridge and Ryogoku Bridge, making them feel even more familiar," and "I was moved to see how the techniques of the past are still being passed down today."

Ahead of its 50th anniversary in June next year, the Bridge Construction Association plans to continue various PR activities for the general public.

Bridge Construction Association website: http://www.jasbc.or.jp/