2026/07/31
A Weekend Experience During a Business Trip to the United States
Discovering American Nature, Culture, and Community Between Work Assignments
When people think of overseas business trips, they often imagine busy schedules and demanding work. While that is certainly true, business travel also provides valuable opportunities to experience local culture, connect with people, and explore places that are unique to the region.
During a recent assignment in the United States, I had the chance to spend several weekends experiencing the natural beauty and local atmosphere of West Virginia. Here are some highlights from my stay.
Experiencing the Scale of American Nature

One weekend, I visited New River Gorge National Park, one of the most impressive natural destinations in the region.
Surrounded by expansive forests, rocky riverbanks, and powerful streams, I was struck by the sheer scale of the landscape. Standing in the middle of such vast nature offered a perspective that is difficult to experience in Japan.
Another memorable sight was the iconic New River Gorge Bridge spanning the canyon. The combination of magnificent natural scenery and impressive engineering created a truly American landscape. It was a moment that reminded me just how expansive everything seems in the United States.
Sitting on the rocks beside the river and enjoying the fresh air provided a welcome break from the demands of daily work and allowed me to recharge for the week ahead.
Enjoying Weekend Evenings in Downtown Huntington

On Saturday evenings, I often visited downtown Huntington.
The relaxed atmosphere, outdoor gatherings, and local craft beers created a welcoming environment that quickly became one of my favorite weekend activities. In fact, I enjoyed the experience so much that I found myself returning several times during my stay.
Live music performances were held throughout the downtown area, attracting people of all ages. It was inspiring to see families, friends, and visitors naturally gathering around music and enjoying the evening together.
Although I originally came to Huntington for work, these everyday scenes provided meaningful insights into American culture and community life.
Celebrating Independence Day

Another unforgettable experience was witnessing Independence Day celebrations on July 4.
Throughout the area, fireworks illuminated the night sky as local communities gathered to celebrate one of the most important national holidays in the United States. Fireworks displays could be seen from many locations, including near the hotel where I was staying.
The festive atmosphere and strong sense of community made a lasting impression on me. Being able to experience this celebration firsthand was one of the most memorable moments of my time in the United States.
The Purpose of My Business Trip
While weekends offered opportunities to explore local culture and scenery, the primary purpose of this trip was business.
I am currently supporting the installation and commissioning of REX-ROBO™ at a customer site in the United States. International projects often involve challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences, but we continue working closely with customers and project partners to ensure a smooth startup process.
Working overseas is not always easy, but the opportunity to engage with different cultures, meet new people, and experience remarkable places makes it highly rewarding. The knowledge and experiences gained through this assignment will continue to contribute to future projects as we support the successful implementation of REX-ROBO™ around the world.
To learn more about REX-ROBO™, please visit:
https://www.krosaki.co.jp/kgx/en/rex-robo
Yusuke Yamaguchi, Engineering Department