The 12^th IMSUT gathering for foreign researchers and students was held on 17^th December 2008 for the first time in 4 years. 42 foreigners from 16 different countries and 15 faculty members and staff, altogether 57 people attended the party.

　It was a 2-hour Italian Buffet style party. Starting with an opening address by Prof. Kiyono (the Head of International Exchange Committee) and an address and toast by Prof. Seiki (the Dean), the party got underway. Mid way through all foreigners gave brief　 self-introductions. The party this time was well attended compared with the past and was very rewarding. In the normal course of daily life, foreigners of different laboratories have little chance to meet and get to know each other; therefore many were delighted with this rare opportunity.

　Two hours passed quickly and the party closed with a closing address by a representative of foreign attendees, Ismael Gritli (Sweden), and group photos were taken of all participants. It was the first time to ask a foreign student instead of a faculty member to give a closing address and this worked out very well. Ismael made a creative speech with toasts in different languages and fostered a strong sense of unity. There were also many foreigners who exchanged their e-mail addresses, reluctant to leave. We received the strong feeling that this party contributed to construction of a network among foreigners in our institute.