The 1st training session for the volunteer staff was held on September 23. The upcoming competition will be supported by a total of 106 registered volunteers with various backgrounds -- some are much more experienced in the operation of the competition than the members of the Secretariat, and some applied for the job for the first time. The participants were reading the manual with a serious look on their faces while they were waiting for the training session to start. And this is only natural, given the important role of the volunteers as ‘the face of the Hamamatsu Competition.’ While the new members looked a little nervous, those who have worked in the previous competition were enjoying their reunion with old colleagues for the first time in three years, creating a sense of togetherness among the participants. The first training session began in such an atmosphere filled with excitement and nervousness.

After the greeting by the Head of the Secretariat and the introduction of the staff members, DVD video of the 6th Competition was played. The atmosphere in the room became more relaxed after a while; more and more members who took part in the previous competition had a smile on their faces as they watched the contestants and themselves (they must have looked younger!) in the video from three years ago. I also took a time trip back to 2006 and had an emotional moment.
As the participants loosened up, they received a presentation of the overview of the Competition and had group meetings to conclude the first training session. The volunteer staff will have a few more training sessions before they work in the real competition. They should look professional in a month and a half when the competition starts.