What better way to get to know your peers than pulling some stubborn weeds together? A community party after pulling some stubborn weeds together! Campus Clean-Up Day is a chance to finally meet all the other NAISTers locking themselves up in their labs, all in the name of science and service! Students, faculty, and staff all come together for an afternoon of community service and camaraderie.

This year, October 5 proved to be the perfect day for this event. One, the sky was cloudy and the breeze was cool—the perfect weather for an outdoor event. Two, the event was scheduled just after the arrival of the autumn freshmen—providing the new students an early and convenient avenue to get to know the rest of the community. With the perfect weather and the perfect timing, the event went off without a hitch. People got down and dirty and worked through most of the walkways in and around campus.

With the cleaning done and the tools put aside, the volunteers came together near the pond to have a toast for the cooperation and hard work of the entire NAIST community. The tired volunteers were welcomed with warm yakisoba, edamame, and hotdogs.

People cheerfully mingled with peers and new friends, creating a warm atmosphere that went on late into the sunset. However, the wind blew stronger and colder that night, as a reminder that the season’s changing, and that we have work again the next day. See you at the next Campus Clean-Up Day!