The 20th International Conference on Precision Engineering (ICPE 2024) turned the spotlight on Sendai, Japan, from October 23-27, 2024. As a key event in its field, ICPE brought together over 650 participants from 26 countries and regions to share groundbreaking research and foster international collaboration. This year’s conference marked a dual milestone: the 50th Anniversary of ICPE & Nanotechnology, adding a special layer of prestige.
With 434 presentations, 12 industrial exhibitions, and 23 organized sessions, the event underscored the importance of precision engineering in advancing technology and sustainability. Hosted at Tohoku University’s Aobayama Campus, the conference not only highlighted Sendai’s natural beauty but also showcased its capacity to host world-class international events.
To better understand the success and impact of ICPE 2024, we interviewed two key contributors: Associate Professor Yasuhiro Mizutani from Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Assistant Professor Ryo Sato from Tohoku University’s (Sendai) Department of Finemechanics.
Profile pictures of ICPE 2024 organizers: Japan Chair of the Publicity Committee, Yasuhiro Mizutani (left), and Japan Chair of the Organization Committee, Ryo Sato (right). Photos courtesy of respective professor.
“Precision engineering is engineering on a very small level,” explained Professor Mizutani. “Its developments create countless opportunities for technological applications.”
Professor Sato illustrated this with his conference presentation titled “Second Harmonic Confocal Probe with a Mode-locked Femtosecond Laser”. In the presentation he introduced this innovative method to combine various tools for studying materials at the nano-level without causing damage to the specimen. For example, this technology can be used to investigate material properties, create detailed 3D images of microscopic structures, or even detect defects in advanced electronics, emphasizing the wide range of possibilities in the field of precision engineering.
Professor Mizutani further emphasized that with so many possibilities in the field, there is no “ultimate goal”, though progress in precision engineering is pivotal to achieving the so-called “Industry 5.0”, the next phase of industrial evolution. “While Industry 4.0 focuses on automation and connectivity, Industry 5.0 reintroduces human collaboration with machines to create sustainable, socially responsible solutions,” he noted.
A Tozai Line subway train heads westward toward Aobayama Station from Sendai’s city center, crossing the Hirose River. Even within the bustling urban core, Sendai boasts abundant natural beauty. (Photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau)
ICPE 2024 was hosted at “Centersquare” on Tohoku University’s Aobayama Campus, conveniently located just a 9-minute subway ride on the Tozai Line from Sendai Station to Aobayama Station, followed by a 6-minute walk from the subway exit. Attendees praised the campus’s functional yet scenic environment, with Professor Mizutani also commenting on the tree-lined streets and lush greenery integrated into the campus design—a perfect reflection of Sendai’s identity as the “City of Trees.”
Professor Sato highlighted practical advantages of hosting the conference on-campus, such as cost-effective facilities, excellent public transportation access, and on-campus dining options, including a large cafeteria, cafes, and convenience stores. He also noted the value of showcasing Tohoku University’s facilities to a global audience.
ICPE 2024 balanced its technical focus with an array of engaging cultural and recreational activities, ensuring participants enjoyed their time in Sendai from start to finish.
Pre-Conference Excursions:
The conference commenced with pre-conference excursions, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore the region while getting to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Attendees could select from four distinct travel routes, each designed to showcase a blend of cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and technical visits.
A glimpse into the excursions enjoyed by ICPE 2024 participants includes (clockwise from top left): the Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum, Nanoterasu Radiation Synchrotron Facility, Matsushima Bay, and JAXA Kakuda Space Center. (Compilation of photos from organizers and Sendai Convention Bureau.)
Cultural highlights included a tour and tasting at Ichinokura Sake Brewery, and hands-on workshops and museum tours at the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi-kan (a museum dedicated to the region’s handcrafted wooden dolls) and the Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum. Nature enthusiasts enjoyed excursions to Matsushima Bay, renowned as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, the dramatic Zao Okama Caldera Lake (unfortunately cloud cover obscured the view during the visit), and Akiu Otaki Waterfall, celebrated as one of Japan’s three great waterfalls.
ICPE 2024 participants posing in front of Akiu Otaki Waterfall (photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau)
The itinerary also featured technical visits to cutting-edge facilities, such as the Kakuda Space Center, operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), where participants learned about advancements in rocket design, and the Nanoterasu, a state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facility for nano-level material observation, which began operations in April 2024. Each tour thoughtfully balanced cultural, natural, and technical elements, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience. English interpretation for some tours was provided by dispatched “Special Supporter” volunteers from our bureau.
The evening reception, held at the Sendai Metropolitan Hotel conveniently located next to JR Sendai Station, offered a culinary and cultural experience that delighted attendees. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner showcasing regional specialties, including traditional umen short, oil-free noodles, freshly grilled gyutan (beef tongue)—Sendai’s iconic dish—and a sake-tasting quiz featuring selections from Ichinokura Brewery, Miyagi Prefecture’s largest sake producer. The quiz winners received exclusive prizes, adding an element of fun and excitement to the evening.
Cultural booths enriched the experience further, allowing participants to purchase and create traditional crafts such as kokeshi dolls and kaleidoscopes. The hands-on kaleidoscope-making activity proved especially popular with attendees who brought their children, emphasizing the event’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Scenes from the ICPE 2024 reception, held at Sendai Metropolitan Hotel (Photos courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau).
The Sendai Convention Bureau provided various services to support ICPE 2024. Beyond offering complimentary consulting services during the pre-event phase, the bureau contributed a financial subsidy, dispatched English-speaking convention volunteers to guide participants across the multiple venues on campus, and set up a welcome board in Sendai Station to mark the event. Additional support included distributing tourism pamphlets and operating an on-site information desk to answer questions about sightseeing, shopping, and transportation in Sendai.
A convention supporter volunteer dispatched from the Sendai Convention Bureau offers assistance to an ICPE 2024 participant at the “Hospitality (Information) Desk” (Photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau).
A standout feature of the conference was the sustainable chopstick-making workshop, coordinated by the Sendai Convention Bureau. Participants crafted chopsticks from recycled wood, which were packaged in holders made from upcycled Sendai Tanabata Festival decorations. Professor Mizutani commented that though only around 20 participants could join due to the busy conference schedule, the activity left a lasting impression. Convention volunteers provided interpretation support during the activity, ensuring accessibility for international participants.
ICPE 2024 participants enjoying the sustainable chopstick-making experience, alongside a representative from the local chopstick-making group (Photo courtesy of ICPE 2024 organizers).
The Sendai Convention Bureau collaborates with local groups to offer Japanese cultural programs for international conference organizers (conditions apply). These experiences include activities such as kimono-wearing, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy, enriching the cultural dimension of international events and creating memorable experiences for participants.
Professor Mizutani: “Sendai is a fantastic conference destination. Its compact size, abundance of dining and excursion options, and ease of transportation make it highly convenient. However, I’d love to see improved access to the many attractions outside the subway network, perhaps through better rental/share bicycles or bus options. Also, having a selection of ready-made tours for accompanying family members would be a great thing to offer as an organizer.”
Professor Sato: “Organizing a conference is a demanding task. The support from the Sendai Convention Bureau was invaluable but it would be best if the bureau could be in contact with organizers from the very beginning. This way organizers could use all available resources and minimize potential oversights.”
*The Sendai Convention Bureau provides dedicated support for all conferences once contacted. We recognize this comment as an opportunity to enhance our outreach efforts and improve awareness of our services. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen our connections with various stakeholders, including PCOs and Tohoku University professors, by sharing the latest information through direct visits, explanatory meetings, and diverse communication channels.
Commemorative photo of ICPE 2024 participants at Centersquare, Aobayama Campus of Tohoku University in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (courtesy of ICPE 2024 organizers).
ICPE 2024 was not only a celebration of precision engineering but also a showcase of Sendai’s ability to host international academic conferences with a blend of tradition, innovation, and hospitality. Participants left with new knowledge, meaningful connections, and cherished memories of their time in the “City of Trees.”
Thank you, professors Mizutani and Sato, for your hard work in bringing and hosting ICPE 2024 participants in Sendai. We at the Sendai Convention Bureau look forward to welcoming future conferences, conventions and business meetings while continuing to refine our services to make each event as impactful and memorable as this one.
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