Lab's Sketch
At a marathon weaving through verdant Sendai, we develop the tenacity and endurance that we apply into our research.

Staged in Sendai, "the City of Trees," strong runners competed in the 23rd Sendai International Half Marathon of 2013 held on the 12th of the verdant month of May. Beginning with Assistant Professor Abe, fourth year students and above from the Watanabe Laboratory participated in the marathon. Oblivious to the lack of daily exercise, they completed the 21.0975 km run with about 15,000 other runners.

Having been part of the orienteering club and having a firm reputation for stamina, Hiroshi Yamada (M1), who is said to be number one in terms of ability in the laboratory, fully demonstrates that power in his research as well. Takayuki Azuma who ranks second is also a strong member, having been part of this university's Windnauts, a club that constructs human-powered aircraft that won the 2011 Japan International Birdman Rally. Foreign exchange student and the lone female called "Hime (princess)" in the laboratory Zhai Ziquing is also a good runner, having left most of the other male members of the lab in the dust.

Most of the research conducted at the Watanabe Laboratory is long-term, and entails the same endurance required of marathon runners. The fact that everyone was able to complete the marathon was due to nothing but the inborn persistence backing up and cultivated by steady, day-to-day research.

Participation in the Sendai International Half Marathon, which is fast becoming an annual event for the Watanabe Laboratory, cultivates the tough mental strength needed to continue persistent research while allowing us to enjoy a sport.