Obayashi Corporation Technical Research Institute hosted a Riko Challenge 2026 tour for 15 female junior and senior high school students and their parents. Female researchers explained the institute’s work through tours of cutting-edge facilities and discussion sessions.
On 25 August, Riko Challenge 2026, “Experience the Cutting Edge of Construction Technology!”, was held at Obayashi Corporation Technical Research Institute in Kiyose, Tokyo, with 15 female junior and senior high school students and their parents taking part.
Riko Challenge is an initiative jointly promoted by the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Japan Business Federation as part of efforts to promote women’s advancement. It aims to help students envision their futures in science and engineering fields. Obayashi Corporation has held these tours since 2018, making this the 7th event.
The participants toured facilities including the Main Building Techno Station, Open Lab 2, the Environmental Engineering Laboratory and 3dpod. At the Materials Chemistry Laboratory, they learned about the delamination of exterior walls, among other introductions to cutting-edge technologies. They also viewed a demonstration at the Environmental Engineering Laboratory, where wind and sound are studied, and tried operating a strawder at Open Lab 2.
After the tour, the participants held small-group discussion sessions and deepened their exchange with female researchers.