Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving thermal spray industry was the focus of the 13th Asian Thermal Spray Conference (ATSC 2024), which took place from December 11th to 13th at Tohoku University’s Aobayama Campus in Sendai, Japan. This event was held immediately following the related Tsukuba International Coating Symposium (TICS) held on December 9-10 at the same location. ATSC 2024 highlighted innovations in thermal spray technology, such as thermal barrier coatings and wear & corrosion protection, which are driving progress in safety, efficiency, and durability across a number of industries through the production and operation of various machinery.
Organized by the Japan Thermal Spraying Society and led by Professor Kazuhiro Ogawa of Tohoku University, the conference attracted around 200 participants from 12 countries, with a strong international presence, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region.
Yuji Ichikawa, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Engineering and the Fracture and Reliability Research Institute, which co-organized the conference, graciously introduced us to an eager interviewee. While the Sendai Convention Bureau typically interviews foreign conference organizers for feedback, this time we spoke with a special guest—Associate professor Andrew Ang, a key figure in the thermal spray industry. A/Prof. Ang, from Swinburne University of Technology’s School of Engineering in Australia, is also the current President of the Thermal Spray Society (ASM-TSS) and Chief Investigator for the Australian Research Council’s ITTC Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM). With knowledge and connections in thermal spray, space technology, microscopy, and advanced materials, A/Prof. Ang offered valuable insights into both the conference and his experiences in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.
A/Prof. Yuji Ichikawa (left) and A/Prof. Andrew Ang (right) inside the Tohoku University’s Science Campus Hall, the main venue of ATSC 2024. (Photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau)
“Tohoku University is undoubtedly one of the powerhouses in this field,” A/Prof. Ang remarked, emphasizing the institution’s global reputation for cutting-edge research and reason why the conference was held in Sendai for the first time, following Japan’s previous hosting of the event in Nagoya in 2005 and Tsukuba in 2012.
A/Prof. Ang went on to share his positive impressions of Sendai, noting its similarity to his hometown of Melbourne, with its well-organized grid layout and walkability. “Sendai is a safe and compact city that encourages exploration, whether solo or with fellow attendees,” he added.
Andrew is a frequent world traveler and always busy, but he feels it is important to take advantage of immersing oneself in local culture during his business trips, even with a packed schedule. In Sendai, he enjoyed navigating Iroha Yokocho, a vibrant maze of alleyways filled with cozy bars and eateries near the Sun Mall shopping arcade, and waking up early to the sights, smells, and tastes of the Asaichi Morning Market. This local market named “Sendai’s Kitchen” is where the city’s chefs and citizens come to find the highest quality produce, seafood, and dry goods. A/Prof. Ang sampled fresh seafood, including oysters from nearby Matsushima Bay. “The freshness of the oysters was unmatched,” he said.
Even MICE participants with busy schedules during the day can explore local attractions in the morning or evening outside conference hours, such as the Asaichi Morning Market (left) and the Iroha Yokocho alleyways (right). (Photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau)
One evening, A/Prof. Ang enjoyed the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, a winter illumination event that transforms Jozenji-dori Avenue with thousands of LED lights, creating a magical winter scene.
The Pageant of Starlight “warms the hearts” of visitors to Sendai during the chilly month of December (Left photo courtesy of A/Prof. Ang, right photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau)
The final day of the conference concluded with an excursion to Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery, located in the outskirts of the mountains bordering Sendai and Yamagata Prefecture. A/Prof. Ang noted, “Japanese whisky has gained significant popularity in Australia, and Nikka is a sought-after brand. I was really looking forward to this visit!” There are only two Nikka Whisky distilleries in Japan. The Miyagikyo Distillery, with over 50 years of history, offers a fascinating introduction to the whisky production process, tastings, and stunning views of the red-brick buildings on a backdrop of lush green, natural surroundings.
The success of ATSC 2024 can be credited to the meticulous planning by the Japan Thermal Spraying Society and the welcoming environment provided by Tohoku University’s Science Campus Hall. The venue’s modern facilities were well-suited for the conference’s diverse program, which included keynote sessions, an exhibition showcasing industry innovations, and ample networking opportunities.
The social events—such as the Welcome Party at Tohoku University and the banquet at Hotel Metropolitan Sendai—enhanced the overall experience. The banquet featured a selection of local Miyagi cuisine paired with renowned regional sake, offering attendees a taste of the Tohoku region’s rich culinary heritage. Entertainment was provided by Date Bushotai, a troupe of historical actors led by the city’s founder, Date Masamune, famously known as the “One-eyed Dragon.”
A/Prof. Ang (center) standing next to the “One-eyed Dragon” Date Masamune at the ATSC 2024 banquet. (Photo courtesy of A/Prof. Ang)
A/Prof. Ang offered a valuable suggestion for making Sendai a more MICE-friendly city by proactively coordinating family-friendly services. Many conference attendees consider traveling with their families, and by offering additional support, such as tours for accompanying family members or on-site daycare services, Sendai could encourage more participants to bring their families. This could, in turn, boost conference attendance and attract more visitors to the city. In fact, our bureau has previously dispatched volunteers to guide accompanying family members and introduced local child support services. However, these services are not well advertised, and the coordination could be improved and more clearly communicated in advance during the conference planning process.
Sendai, known as the “City of Trees,” is just 90 minutes north of Tokyo by direct shinkansen bullet train. As the largest city in the Tohoku region (consisting of northeastern Japan’s Honshu island, it has a population of around 1 million. Despite its size, the compact city center feels spacious, convenient, and seamlessly integrated with nature. (Photo courtesy of Sendai Convention Bureau)
ATSC 2024 not only pushed forward discussions on thermal spray technology, methods and research but also emphasized the value of international collaboration in this rapidly advancing field. We hope that the support provided by the Sendai Convention Bureau—ranging from convention subsidies to promotional materials and volunteer dispatch—played an important role in the success of the conference.
A/Prof. Ang’s reflections perfectly encapsulate the spirit of ATSC 2024: a combination of cutting-edge research, meaningful connections, and a deep cultural immersion in Sendai. As the conference wrapped up, participants left not just with new insights into thermal spray technology but also with fond memories of Sendai’s warm hospitality and unique offerings. “Arigato” to A/Prof. Ang, and to all the organizers and participants of ATSC 2024 for hosting such a successful event in Sendai, Japan.
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