With gratitude for Otama Village in my heart, I head back to Peru.

I'll be on a business trip to Peru for a little under two weeks, starting today, October 5th. I'm about to depart from Narita Airport.
This is my fifth trip since April of last year. Including the planning stages, this is my ninth trip.

The origin of this initiative lies in October 2015, the day when Otama Village and Machu Picchu Village signed a friendship city agreement.

Otama Village was quick to welcome us, the residents of Tomioka Town, who were forced to evacuate due to the earthquake and nuclear accident. We wanted to repay that kindness in some small way with our technology. With that in mind, we began planning a project with our sister city, Machu Picchu Village, to preserve the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu.

It's been about 10 years since the initial concept. Thanks to the understanding and support of many people, last year we were able to conduct a full-scale investigation by Futaba Co., Ltd.

To date, we have conducted research on the conservation of the Machu Picchu ruins, discovered new archaeological sites in the surrounding forests, and carried out research and studies on disaster prevention for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu village. We have also been working on providing technical guidance and transfer of knowledge to staff members of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture who are collaborating with us on-site.
This time, we will present these results at a local seminar, and also report to and exchange opinions with ministers and other relevant officials from the relevant organizations.

What began as a feeling of gratitude towards Otama Village has transcended national borders and led to work protecting irreplaceable cultural heritage and the way of life of the local community. I am once again reminded of the profound significance of this connection.

This business trip is the culmination of all the thoughts and achievements we have accumulated so far. It is also the next step in enabling the local people to utilize technology themselves and continue conservation and disaster prevention efforts.

With gratitude in my heart for everyone who has supported me, I will do my best.

I'm off!

Hidefumi Endo