On July 21, 2026, four alumni, Fiorella Patricia Cárdenas Toro, Hanpadungdhama Nathawan, Omar Bazavilvazo, and Oscar Gomez, returned to Sendai and Tohoku University to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their time as students. Now living and working both in Japan and overseas, they reunited with one another and revisited the places where many of their memories at Tohoku University began.

The first part of the reunion featured a tour of Tohoku University's Aobayama Campus, guided by Davide Bitti, International Exchange Officer from the Alumni & Outreach Office. The alumni were joined by several of their family members.

The visitors were amazed by how much the campus had changed and developed over the past two decades. They also had the opportunity to revisit their former laboratories, bringing back many cherished memories of their student days at Tohoku University.

After exploring the campus and purchasing original Tohoku University souvenirs, including the now incredibly popular Kenichi mascot plush, the group headed to the Sanjo student residences, where even more memories came flooding back.

Most of the alumni had lived in the International House Sanjo I dormitory or in the nearby family residences during their time in Sendai. As they walked through this familiar neighborhood, they discovered just how much the area had expanded. Today, the Sanjo residential complex includes University House Sanjo 1, 2, and 3, facilities that did not yet exist when they were students.

After the nostalgic walk through Sanjo, it was time for the main event.

Beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of the "Old Kaikan" building, the alumni were welcomed as special guests at the final Students & Alumni Lunch Meeting of the semester.

During the gathering, they introduced themselves and shared stories about their time in Sendai and at Tohoku University, reflecting on their student experiences, career journeys, and the lessons they had learned along the way. Their talks were followed by a soba-making demonstration before everyone enjoyed lunch together.

In total, 35 participants from countries around the world joined the event. For the students, it was a valuable opportunity to learn directly from alumni who had once walked the same path. For the alumni, it was a meaningful chance to see today's students and, in many ways, catch a glimpse of their younger selves, as if stepping back in time for a few hours.

The Alumni & Outreach Office is always delighted to welcome Tohoku University alumni back to their alma mater. We are proud of the achievements of our graduates around the world and look forward to creating many more opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the University and inspire future generations.