NTT R&D FORUM2023

■NTT R&D FORUM2023

NTT R&D FORUM 2023

Technology Showcase @ Musashino Telecommunications Research Institute, again this year.

IOWN is a technology-driven vision unveiled by the leadership of Chairman Sawada and Vice President Kawazoe.

This is a grand vision following in the footsteps of INS (New Media) in the 1980s, VIP (Multimedia) in the 1990s, and NGN (Natural Network Network) in the 2000s.

IOWN.

Network modernization through "all-optical" technology that transcends IP, and "digital twins" that create a model identical to the real world in cyberspace.

Technologies such as AI, VR/AR, quantum computing, and biomedical fields are intertwined within this, like nested layers.

This is a comprehensive technological approach, distinct from Web3, aiming to surpass GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon).

"IOWN concept"

http://ichiyanakamura.blogspot.com/2020/11/iown.html

wrote about this last year too, you know.

"NTT R&D FORUM2022"

https://ichiyanakamura.blogspot.com/2023/02/ntt-r-forum2022.html

always absolutely blown away every year .

Last year, the digital twin metaverse on a gigantic display really blew me away .

But this year was the biggest surprise yet .

We've unveiled the large-scale language model Tsuzumi , which fully demonstrates our AI x IOWN strategy.

Tsuzumi, whose president, Shimada, and head of research and planning department, Shingo Kinoshita, just held a press conference on November 1st .

An LLM (Learning Language Master) that incorporates over 40 years of expertise in natural language processing technology.

It is said to have three key features: being ultra-lightweight, proficient in Japanese, and flexible.

The parameter size is significantly smaller, at 600-700 million compared to GPT-3's 175 billion, resulting in lower training and tuning costs.

It boasts world-class performance in Japanese language processing, supports modal information such as visual and auditory input, and allows for tuning specifically tailored to particular organizations and job roles.

They plan to launch their commercial service in March 2024.

 

Based on LLM, each organization customizes and implements its specialized AI.

This will be the main battleground for the AI business.

The fact that they implemented and fully showcased ChatGPT within a year demonstrates the strong commitment of a heavyweight organization.

(And I was impressed by how well-rehearsed the researchers' presentations were!)

This research involves extracting specific words from noise.

It seems possible to create a system that retrieves clips from a video archive based on specific keywords.

It looks like it could be sold to film and television companies around the world.

If applied, it could be used to create a system that extracts high-purity data from rough data and uses it to train AI.

It looks like it will sell to AI-using companies all over the world.

It's surprisingly big .

IOWN seems poised to realize low-latency, low-cost AI services, and I imagine they'll integrate them into spaces like stores and cars .

They're developing an all-light car. The car's interior becomes a single, integrated computer. It becomes a terminal directly connected to other cars, roads, and the cloud via light. It's going to be interesting.

Speaking of light, they proposed a system that changes the color of clothing using lighting.

Interesting research. And apparently, they even showcased it at Paris Fashion Week .

We take basic research and bring it to practical use, presenting it to the world through collaborations with fashion.

This is a good example of research outreach.

Artificial photosynthesis. I didn't know NTT was working on something like this .

I heard that while it's still some time away from being put into practical use, this will allow NTT to reduce the CO2 emissions necessary for communications and become "carbon negative . "

NTT is supposed to reduce the Earth's CO2 emissions.

Anyway, I like those kinds of stories.

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iU President-kun Gachon. Kenji Sudo

■iU President-kun Gachon:Mr.Kenji Sudo

From being the youngest executive officer at Recruit to starting a Silicon Valley company, he listed his UI improvement platform "Kaizen Platform" on the Mothers market. This is Sudoken.

https://bit.ly/3VLt66k

◆Why I quit my job

If I were the CEO, I would pursue M&A of overseas companies.

Indeed was the most formidable, and I couldn't think of any way to beat it, so I thought I would lose if it came along. Then Recruit, the company I used to work for, acquired it. It's amazing that they bought a company that I thought I couldn't beat. It's also amazing that they decided to acquire a company that possesses technology. If it were me, I would manage it that way. Cash flow comes from domestic companies, so I would buy overseas companies and do business in areas where the population is growing more rapidly.

I like creating businesses and doing hands-on work. I felt that what Recruit was trying to do didn't fit with my interests. I quit in order to work in a way that made me happy.

◆Why start a business in America?

There was no market for it within Japan. At Recruit, I was in charge of M&A and investments in overseas companies, and while observing how market capitalization grew, I realized how much of a discount you get when doing business within Japan. That's when I thought I had to go abroad. I wanted to become someone who could do business globally.

◆Difficulties after starting a business

Things went smoothly for about three years, but most startups struggle in their fourth to sixth year. There was a period of stagnation. When the growth of our initial business stalled, we had difficulty generating growth for our next business. Our video production business didn't grow until 2019, but it grew thanks to our partnership with Facebook and a 20% increase in wholesale paper prices in Japan.

This level of difficulty was beyond anything I had anticipated.

◆Did you start a business even though you knew it would be difficult?

If I had a time machine, I would do everything in my power to stop myself from starting a business. Global competition is incredibly tough.

However, my ignorance was actually a good thing. Because I started, I felt I had to do something about it, and that motivated me to keep going.

◆The existence of schools

There are so many things I wish I had studied. I only realize this when I understand how that knowledge is useful. To start a business in America, you need English. School was a place that taught me that in advance.

I lacked the social experience to know how to apply what I learned in school, so I slacked off a lot back then. I understand the meaning of school much better now that I've graduated.

I study more now that I'm an adult.

◆Areas where school education should change and areas where it has been useful

Those relationships continue to this day and are still useful. KNOW WHO. Who do you know? The friends you've shared meals with are irreplaceable.

It would be good to understand how the studying you're doing is actually useful. I think rote memorization is quite important, but it would be good to understand why you're rote memorization and what benefits it brings.

To thrive abroad, you need to be well-educated. Not just be able to speak English, but have a language to speak in. You need to be able to answer questions like, "What's Japan like?"

I didn't have many opportunities to interact with adults or members of society during my school life, so it would be great to have such opportunities.

◆A message for you

What we learn in school is about the past. We learn about things that have happened up to now. People who will live in the future might wonder if knowing the past is useful.

History repeats itself. Humans won't change much in the future. For example, cryptocurrencies and the tulip bubble have some similarities. Thanks to COVID-19, I researched the plague, and there are some commonalities. Knowing and learning from the past is never a waste of time when it comes to knowing the future.

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STEAM? Leave it to me.

 ■STEAM? Leave it to me.

Nikkei Children's Future Economy Forum: "What kind of learning fosters creativity in the DX era?"

Four women and one middle-aged man. I was completely out of place.

The theme is STEAM. First, let's introduce ourselves.

I've been involved in STEAM activities as a pioneer in Japan for the past 20 years, but the education sector has been hesitant about digitalization. From 2010, I worked with Hiroshi Komiyama, former president of the University of Tokyo, and Masayoshi Son to promote the digitalization of schools, but we faced opposition from the education sector and were even blacklisted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which was very difficult.

It took 10 years to enact legislation promoting digital education and to make programming a mandatory subject. Then COVID-19 hit, and the GIGA School initiative made it possible to have one PC per student all at once. There was hope that Japan could quickly transform from a digitally developing country to a developed one. However, AI is changing the landscape again. Now we are working on "super education" for the AI era.

iU, a university dedicated to cultivating digitally-driven innovators . While some predict that AI will eliminate half the world's universities, we aim to create a creative environment that will still be in demand. Digital technology and AI present a significant opportunity to shift from traditional, knowledge-cramming-based education to a more creative one, from early childhood to higher education.

Two questions.

1. How's GIGA ?

According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, teachers say there have been positive changes and are hopeful for future results.

The important thing is that they are being evaluated as having improved motivation to learn.

The biggest challenge in Japanese education is that, compared to other countries, children don't find lessons interesting or useful.

The primary role of digital technology is to make things interesting and useful, and the results are showing.

There are regional disparities, but they will eventually be resolved. Above all, Japan was a developing country with a large information and digital gap with the rest of the world, so we should be happy that this gap has been closed in a leap of 25 years.

Japan has built a world-class education system using analog methods, and its teachers are excellent.

From here, we'll use digital technology to raise the overall level nationwide.

The cost of replacing the terminals was a problem, but with the recent supplementary budget, after receiving opinions from mayors and education superintendents nationwide, and with the support of members of parliament, 260 billion yen has been allocated, and funds will be established in each prefecture. I'm relieved.

The next challenge is how to integrate information technology into the home and how to approach AI.

GIGA devices haven't been brought home. This is a problem of internet inequality within households.

From how to connect 40,000 schools to how to connect 10 million households with children.

Digital education universal service.

In that context, it is necessary to learn digital literacy.

This is more of a Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications job than a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology job.

And then there's the question of how to use AI. Universities are taking a wide range of approaches.

AI will become integrated into the digital world, and its use will become unavoidable. AI literacy will become crucial.

The Super Education Association proposed using AI in all classes.

iU also kept its AI policy to just seven characters: "We recommend using it."

Having suffered a digital defeat, Japan will have no chance if it also suffers a defeat in AI.

Q2. What should adults do?

The government should focus on infrastructure.

The money will be invested in public education. - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

(Subsidies to companies are not needed.)

Home digitalization and internet connectivity. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The Digital Agency will promote the use of AI and data.

Coordination among these relevant ministries is crucial. In other words, it's a political issue.

I want this to be the government's top priority.

The younger generation will naturally become DX (Digital Transformation) professionals. The problem lies with the adults.

Recurrent education is important, but companies no longer have the resources to cultivate it internally as they once did.

We will nurture them in collaboration with universities and other institutions.

iU 's partnerships with 1,000 companies also stem from its desire to create a learning environment for the talent of those companies.

Recurrent education or reskilling—working and then going back to school to study again—is not a realistic option.

In this era of 100-year lifespans and constant change, designing an ever-learning approach—a continuous learning process—is crucial.

Universities shouldn't be limited to two or four years of study; we need a subscription-based system where students can stay for 10 or 20 years, learning whenever they want.

Before that happens, AI tutors may become highly developed, and having a good AI tutor could become a key factor in determining competitiveness.

The disparity in whether or not people can afford to invest in AI is likely to become a decisive factor.

Therefore, a guarantee that "everyone can use AI" is important.

 

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Cool Japan: Housing

 ■Cool Japan: Housing

NHK Cool Japan: The "Housing" episode.

The importance of "staying at home" has become paramount due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to one survey, more than 70% of Japanese people said they have spent more time at home in the past year.

Furthermore, more than 60% of people said that their stress levels have increased as a result of spending more time at home.

Is the home where we spend so much time comfortable? Are Japanese homes cool?

"Storage"

In the past, Japanese homes had fewer possessions and furniture.

Storage space was limited, so a wardrobe was part of the bride's trousseau.

As we became wealthier, we accumulated more possessions. We started showing them off, and things became chaotic.

These days, it's actually considered smarter to keep your home tidy.

Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic has increased the amount of time I spend at home.

I'm currently re-evaluating my family's lifestyle from a hardware perspective.

"Share house"

This is a row house from the Edo period.

A lifestyle where wells, tools, and food are all shared within a single town.

In the modern era, life became centered around the workplace, and communities became more fragmented.

For generations that have grown accustomed to smartphone sharing services, a lifestyle of sharing and living together in a relaxed and enjoyable way has become natural.

with the decrease in person-to-person interaction due to the COVID-19 pandemic , I think this is a lifestyle worth paying attention to.

"Subscription"

Subscriptions are familiar to the smartphone generation.

I think that working from home during the coronavirus pandemic is less about forcing people to stay indoors and more about giving them the freedom to be wherever and whenever they want.

An era where people can live anywhere. A service that anticipates this.

In Japan, the problem of vacant houses is becoming serious due to an aging population and depopulation, and some estimates suggest that by 2033, approximately one in three houses will be vacant.

Furthermore, it serves as a means of matching people with new ways of working and living.

This could be seen as a more accessible way to revitalize a region than relocating, and it's likely to attract attention.

"Traditional construction methods"

Currently, the mainstream method of house construction is the "pre-cut" method, where lumber is processed by machines rather than by the hands of craftsmen.

Because carpenters only need to assemble pre-processed lumber on-site, traditional construction methods like hand-cutting are steadily declining.

This program often shows foreigners struggling to preserve Japanese traditions, but I think we Japanese should realize the importance of the wisdom we have passed down through generations.

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Coronavirus, Ukraine, and the Future: Academic Conference @ iU

 ■Coronavirus, Ukraine, and the Future: Academic Conference @ iU

I am the chairman of the International Association for Public Economics (CIRIEC).

Its headquarters are in Belgium. It is an international academic network.

We held our first academic conference at iU . Welcome!

Symposium: "Coronavirus, Ukraine, and the Future."

"In recent years, the world has faced two challenges: COVID-19 and Ukraine."

While the virus threatened human lives and devastated the economy, it also spurred digital transformation, such as teleworking and distance education.

The 14th-century plague is considered a contributing factor to the Renaissance, but what will the 21st-century epidemic produce?

"The conflict initiated by Russia involves modern nations still engaging in infantry battles over territory, while also incorporating digital warfare such as cyberattacks and disinformation. And now, fighting is also erupting in Israel and Gaza."

The world has entered another period of war. What legacy will 21st-century warfare leave behind?

The coronavirus and Ukraine. This double challenge, a combination of natural and artificial factors, is a pivotal event marking the turning point of the era.

What kind of changes await us after we overcome these challenges?

Some will develop, grow, and become larger.

Some may decline, be suppressed, and become smaller.

How should we respond?

And what are the challenges that public economics faces?

Panelists

Hiroto Fujii, Mayor of Minokamo City

Monte Cassem, President of AIU (International Christian University)

Naoto Kikuchi CIRIEC Director

Hiroshi Osaki, Chairman of the Expo Organizing Committee

Professor Nanako Ishido, KMD

Kang Hanna

Professor Noriyuki Yanagawa, University of Tokyo

Shinichi Yamaguchi, Associate Professor, International University of Japan

Everyone has a completely different background.

Politics, cities, music, comedy, education, society, economics, the internet.

As expected, the comments were all over the place.

However , if we try to interpret it forcefully,

This change will continue (Osaki), the entrance (Yanagawa).

The impact of AI (Ishido and Yamaguchi) may, conversely, lead to a return to the nation and nature (Kang).

using a different yardstick than growth or evolution ( Osaki ), and requiring well-being (Yanagawa) and satisfaction indicators (Yamaguchi).

"Festivals" are important (Osaki), and micro-communities and connections with people are being re-evaluated (Yanagawa and Yamaguchi).

That's where it all came together.

However, what's important, on top of all that, is "gardening" (according to Osaki) and "romance" (according to Fujii).

That might be the case.

International public economics is a broad field of study that deals with macroeconomics.

However, when specialists gather together, a tendency towards tunnel vision comes into play.

Embrace big changes, break down assumptions, and focus on the micro.

I think this is very important right now. Thank you.

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iU President Gachon: Prof.Masaru Sugiyama

■iU President Gachon: Prof.Masaru Sugiyama

He is a professor at the University of Tokyo and the director of the RIKEN AIP Center. In other words, he is at the top of AI research in Japan.

It's amazing that he became the top leader at the age of 41, and the government that appointed him deserves credit for that .

◆ AI research in Japan

There are a certain number of brilliant people conducting world-class research. However, their numbers are small, and the pool of talent is thin.

The RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project will continue basic research for 10 years, but to do so, we need a solid team of talented people. Therefore, we invite researchers not only from within Japan but also from overseas.

◆Singularity

It cannot be said that the era when AI surpasses human capabilities will not come. Indeed, AI is already surpassing humans in various aspects. We are in the midst of the beginning of the singularity.

◆Gap between researchers and users

Researchers enjoy developing technology because they understand its inner workings. On the other hand, ordinary users worry that their data is being collected without their knowledge, that they are being monitored, or that they will be controlled by AI. This gap is difficult to bridge. I would like to explain this from the perspective of a researcher.

◆ Let's make use of our technology

I personally like working in isolation. I'm comfortable working alone from home. That's fine when I'm developing technology, but when it comes to actually getting people to use it, I need to communicate with various people around me. I want to convey the possibilities to many people and connect them to actual applications, even if only a little.

◆ Research Institutes and Universities

RIKEN is a research institute, so it's mainly staffed by postdoctoral researchers who have earned their doctorates. Universities, on the other hand, are mainly staffed by graduate and undergraduate students. The age range and the degree to which research is dominated by different groups are different. There is value in doing both. If you do it right, you can get the best of both worlds.

◆Today's students

They are always excellent. Today's students know a wide range of things. They possess knowledge that we don't have, so we can learn from them.

◆ Working with companies

It's fun. Universities have students, RIKEN has researchers from public institutions, and companies have lots of people with the drive to actually turn that into a business. When you go there, you're just a newbie in your first year. You get all sorts of stimulation. You learn from that and use it as the seed for basic research.

◆Time Management

It depends on the time. My main job is at a university and research institute, so I only act as a corporate advisor in my spare time.

◆Student days

I didn't have a particularly fulfilling student life. I didn't really like school. I studied in class to some extent, but nothing more, nothing less. I spent my time at home playing on computers and video games. I'm from the Famicom generation. Programming came naturally as a result of that.

◆The reason I decided to pursue a career as a researcher

Without any hesitation, I chose information engineering. However, once I entered university, programming suddenly became less enjoyable. I didn't study very hard during university.

In my fourth year, I joined a research lab studying mathematical theory. I had a great professor, and working with him there made me realize how interesting it all was. After entering graduate school, I started researching machine learning. That's when I finally understood the meaning of coming to university. As an undergraduate, I thought I was done with studying since I was just attending lectures, but as a graduate student, I realized that output is what's required. That's when I understood that I had been studying in order to produce output. In my first year of graduate school, I realized how necessary it was, so I started attending first and second-year undergraduate classes. That's when I first found it interesting.

◆Motivation to learn

I'm trying my best to convey to first and second graders that even the seemingly boring math lessons they'll be taking are actually useful, but it's difficult.

◆Japanese Education

We're always adding things, wanting to do this and that. We need to subtract. Time is limited. Let them find something they love and enjoy studying it. We can create new things, but we can never destroy them.

◆A message for you

There's no need to rush. Life is long. You might feel anxious when you see young people who are very successful, but you can start new things even at 22, 30, or 40. Don't get discouraged; just enjoy it at your own pace. The world is constantly changing, so trying to keep up will be exhausting. It's important to focus on doing things that don't change much.

★Postscript

He apparently didn't study much at university. Then something clicked, and he rose to the top of academia and management at a young age. But he doesn't seem to give off any sense of gravitas . I admire him. Though, even if I admire him, I could never imitate him!

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My number one recommendation for a Kyoto book: Ken Ariga's "Kyoto"

■My number one recommendation for a Kyoto book: Ken Ariga's "Kyoto"

I've read all sorts of books about Kyoto, from history and culture to the Kyoto School of Studies, long-established businesses, and people who love or hate Kyoto, but this is the Kyoto book I would recommend as number one.

A senior alumnus of the Faculty of Economics at Kyoto University re-examines Kyoto's industry, culture, society, and infrastructure from the perspective of its modern development, based on applied economics.

This is a dense and insightful book.

There are stereotypes in books about Kyoto.

A town that is both old and new, represented by Nishijin weaving and companies like Nintendo and Kyocera.

The coexistence of conservatism and innovation. The contrast between closed-off, conservative societies and radical student movements/punk.

And then there's the sense of chosenness among the people of Kyoto and the disconnect from those outside the city.

This book will unravel its secrets. So that's how it is.

The conclusion, as stated in the final chapter, is that "Kyoto failed to achieve what Tokyo and Osaka did" because "the city and society of Kyoto could not completely break away from the cities and societies of the early modern period."

low mobility .

First, there's the outdated and closed-off nature of the heart of Kyoto.

The "rice field" district in central Kyoto is home to traditional industries such as Nishijin weaving.

The "townspeople," who are small and medium-sized self-employed individuals involved in handicrafts such as silk weaving, are the ones who hold society together.

This shows that while the culture is preserved, the economy is stagnant and hollowed out.

The area known as "田の字," or the district that supports the Gion Festival, is called the "former school district" of the Bancho Elementary School, which was established after the Meiji era.

The exclusive system of self-governance among the townspeople is depicted.

I live in the former school district of "Honnō Elementary School," where the burnt-down Honnō-ji Temple once stood.

I participated in the Gion Festival's "Kamakiri-yama" float procession as a former member of the Honno school district.

Until the Meiji era, Kami-Kyo, Naka-Kyo, and Shimo-Kyo wards were part of the city. Sakyo, Ukyo, Higashiyama, Kita, and Fushimi were outside the city, and low-income residents migrated to these areas.

Population trends since the modern era and the perception of regional divisions have also been analyzed.

The author's impression of the Shirakawa area around 1970 as a rural town inhabited by shabby old people resonates with me, as I spent my childhood in that region.

Meanwhile, industry grew in the suburbs and southwest.

High-tech companies such as Nintendo, Kyocera, Murata, Omron, and Nidec are located in the southwest and experienced rapid growth in the latter half of the Showa era.

These isolated companies, primarily B2B parts manufacturers with limited business relationships with other companies, have ventured into the global market.

Its location, due to its proximity to the Hanshin Industrial Zone and excellent transportation access, meant it was separated from central Kyoto.

In central Kyoto, people were cautious about market transactions, and the financial industry did not develop.

Kyoto Bank is the only bank headquartered in Kyoto. This is a difference from Osaka.

There is also a lack of venture capital firms, securities companies, and other entities that act as "guides to the market."

The city also has a weak incubation function, which the author calls a "cradle city."

Another characteristic is the lack of urban infrastructure.

It has particular peculiarities in its railway network.

While the city's streetcar system was abolished and subways were built to the east and west, the Keifuku and Eizan Electric Railway lines are essentially dead ends.

From Kyoto towards Osaka, there are the Keihan, Hankyu, Kintetsu, and JR lines, but the coordination between them is poor.

The city center is practically empty, while there's a lot of waste in the outward-facing areas.

We will also touch upon Japanese cuisine, particularly Kyoto cuisine, which has now become a central part of tourism.

Originally, Kyoto was known for its extravagant clothing and Osaka's extravagant food, but it wasn't a city of food.

A town with no fish and food that's too expensive for ordinary people.

I wonder if the emergence of restaurants like Osho and Tenkaippin was a reaction to that?

There's an interesting analysis using web data from sites like Tabelog that shows the majority of popular restaurants were founded this century.

The comparative analysis of Boston and Paris is also interesting.

Boston was an old industrial city centered on the textile industry, with universities such as MIT and Harvard concentrated there.

After its decline, it revived in the 1990s and beyond through strengthened incubation programs and urban redevelopment.

The finance and consulting industries, as well as the IT industry, are strong, and venture businesses are also thriving.

Insightful.

And Kyoto aims to be the city that comes closest to its ideal, which is Paris.

"A city of culture, art, and cutting-edge industry."

However, Paris's prosperity is also a mirror image of France's extreme centralization, and some argue that Kyoto has no chance of occupying a similar position.

Besides Kyoto and Tokyo, I've also lived in Boston and Paris.

Both cities are sister cities of Kyoto. Let's learn from our sister city.

Now, the two policy recommendations stand out.

First, the "rice field" district will be redeveloped to have two lanes.

Destroy the city center. It's reminiscent of Haussmann's redevelopment of Paris.

In addition to the circular subway system, the plan includes extending the expressway into the city and converting it to an underground expressway.

It's reminiscent of the redevelopment of Boston.

Bold.

It has also been pointed out that Kyoto lacked power within the central political system.

Finally, the topic of digital defeat will also be mentioned.

The loss of international competitiveness in the ICT sector is attributed to a failure of central government policy.

My ears hurt.

Furthermore, they are placing their hopes on creating a cluster of ICT companies that can rival Tokyo.

I too closed the book, feeling a sense of hope.

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Cool Japan: Motorcycles

■Cool Japan: Motorcycles

NHK Cool Japan: The "Motorcycle" episode.

All four of the world's major motorcycle manufacturers are Japanese.

Recognized for its high quality, it has achieved a global market share of 50%.

While the motorcycle itself is appealing, there's also a whole range of related cultures that can be called motorcycle culture.

"Various Motorcycles"

Motorcycles have developed in Japan because they are well-suited to the Japanese environment.

Due to the narrowness of the roads, it has been highly valued for practical purposes such as transportation and delivery.

In rural areas with limited public transportation, some universities and even some high schools allow students to commute by motorcycle.

Securing a parking space for a car is difficult, but a motorcycle doesn't take up much space.

This is likely why there's been an increase in the variety of motorcycles available to suit a wide range of uses and age groups.

Furthermore, this has given rise to a unique culture, which could be described as a form of "Galapagos syndrome," particularly in fashion.

Classic cars

When I was young, the epitome of cool things were electric guitars and motorcycles.

The motorcycle, in particular, was an integral part of the hero's character.

Moonlight Mask and Kamen Rider. I admire them.

However, things that made such loud noises were also symbols of delinquency. Biker gangs.

Even though I longed for it, it was expensive, and adults weren't allowed to do it, so I missed my chance.

Having grown up and let go of his children, the uncle rekindled his old dream and once again embraced motorcycles.

"Police motorcycle"

In Japan, where roads are narrow and winding, police motorcycles are effective for enforcing speed limits.

In Japan, where there are many mountain roads and fallen trees during disasters, the role of off-road units is highly anticipated.

A cool vehicle that zooms along at high speed.

On the other hand, the image of police motorcycles these days is that of people leading marathons and ekiden (long-distance relay races).

It runs slowly and steadily, ensuring safety. A gentle presence.

Recently, the number of female members has increased and they are playing an active role.

They're cool and kind. The role of motorcycle police officers is also expanding.

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Arizona State University, making its first appearance.

■Arizona State University, making its first appearance.

Low and sparsely covered with cacti, Arizona's Phoenix is a place for that.

Sunday morning, quiet. Lots of homeless people .

The Diamondbacks must be disappointed after losing to the Rangers 4-1 in the World Series.

growing city that's ranked 5th in the US .

TSMC is apparently setting up a factory there. I wonder if everyone will become rich like in Hsinchu City.

The whole town is filled with Arizona State University (ASU) buildings.

It has six campuses and 50,000 students. It is considered a world leader in online learning.

Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, and Kate Spade all grew up there.

They filled the area with universities, which improved public safety and even reduced the number of homeless people.

So, it's a city development project centered around a university.

Thunderbird School of Global Management.

It maintains its No. 1 ranking in the US for international management, innovation, and other areas.

It's advertised everywhere as being superior to MIT and Stanford.

It is a prestigious MBA program with a 75-year history, which was merged into ASU in 2014.

I had an in-depth conversation with President Sajeev Khagram.

Global, digital, and innovation are our guiding principles.

We are developing and implementing a digital environment that could be called the "school of the future."

're making it themselves . Amazing.

LED 360-degree immersive video classroom, VR learning, and digital tables for action learning.

There are no traditional classes; instead, we use video-on-demand (VOD) and workshops.

Right?

They've also created a digital twin, and it's capable of metaverse learning.

You can learn just as much, if not more, than you would on campus, no matter where you are.

Right?

In reality, we have offices in Moscow and Geneva.

So, they want to open an Asian school in Tokyo.

President Khagram suggested, "Why don't we do that at iU ?"

Thank you for choosing me.

Let me show you another good thing.

I was then taken to the Media Immersive eXperience (MIX) Centre at the Sydney-Poitiers Film School of ASU.

This film school utilizes cutting-edge Hollywood studio environments, such as theater-like classrooms where 8K projections are shown while editing, and 360-degree immersive labs .

Video production, media technology, game development, and incubation.

It opened in the fall of 2022 and has 1,000 students.

Learn and create in a cutting-edge environment, then go out into Hollywood/the world.

I was blown away by the scale of it.

The director who guided us, Cheryl Isaacs, was a former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

That's the person who decided on the Academy Awards , right ?

This is a university that makes students envious.

"Let's do it together," I said, shaking hands, and my whirlwind inspection came to an end.

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NHK, NTT, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Johnny's, and commercial broadcasters

■NHK, NTT, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Johnny's, and commercial broadcasters

I made two comments at the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan meeting.

1. NHK, NTT, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

The direction of discussions within the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications regarding NHK's internet services and subscription fees has become clearer.

I do have some points to make, such as the fact that the discussion is still stuck in a dichotomy between commercial broadcasters and NHK, and that there's not enough attention to global internet trends or data-driven approaches. However, the question of where to draw the line regarding deregulation of NHK is more of a political issue than a policy one.

Once this is finalized, broadcasting administration will be completed, and the government will have no further work to do for a while.

At that same time, the topic of abolishing the NTT Law came up. For broadcasters, this would mean NTT's investment in broadcasting would become more unrestricted. This, too, is more of a political issue than a policy issue, concerning where to draw the line regarding deregulation of NTT.

If this is resolved, then the government's telecommunications administration will be completed, and for a while, there will be no government work other than deciding what to do with Rakuten.

This reminds me of something that happened 25 years ago. At that time, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, which had just finished the NTT reorganization that had been underway for 12 years since the privatization of NTT, and was eager to tackle the NHK problem next, was hit with the Hashimoto administrative reform plan to dismantle the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. This time, too, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which has just finished its major work, may be hit with a reorganization of government ministries.

2. The Broadcasting Industry and the Economy

Another issue currently gripping broadcasting is the Johnny's scandal. The agency is maintaining its structure without change, and the broadcasting industry has accepted this. At least, no stations have called for the termination of their business relationship. However, this has drawn objections from the industrial sector and economic organizations that act as sponsors, leaving the situation once again at a crossroads.

When I was in charge of the broadcasting industry at the government office, I thought the biggest problem was that the broadcasting industry (including advertising and entertainment) was isolated from the industrial sector and not integrated into the economic value chain.

Advertising spending is dependent on GDP, making it secure during periods of growth regardless of the state of the industry. However, even if the economy declines, it is unrelated to industrial policy and will not receive any assistance.

No one listened to my arguments. In fact, it seemed more like, "Perhaps it's better that way, that is, that broadcasting should be independent . "

Around that time, the internet emerged, and the industrial sector shifted its focus to it, but broadcasting rejected convergence and remained secure for a quarter of a century. Now, however, that situation is becoming precarious, and recently, broadcasters have been increasingly pushing towards the internet.

And now we have this case. Compliance standards in the industrial sector are becoming internationalized and are striving to be integrated into global chains. However, broadcasting is unaware of this and intends to get by with its old ways. In response to this, Mr. Niinami of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives and other members of the industrial sector have sounded the alarm about this disconnect.

How will the broadcasting industry perceive this? How will the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which previously considered this someone else's problem, be affected by political pressure? These concerns remain.

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Cool Japan: Made in Japan

■Cool Japan: Made in Japan

NHK Cool Japan: The "Domestically Produced" episode.

The value of Japanese products is being re-evaluated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, they received a flood of inquiries from various countries asking if they had masks, thermometers, and protective clothing.

Japanese people themselves are re-evaluating domestically produced goods for their peace of mind.

However, I think that right now, people around the world are probably re-evaluating domestically produced goods.

With people moving less, trade volume has decreased.

In the midst of a global crisis, there is also a desire to protect one's country and prioritize one's own nation.

In this context, how does the image of Japanese people cherishing domestically produced goods appear?

"Food labeling"

When you go to the supermarket, you'll find that some products display not only the place of origin but also the producer's face and name.

The information about when, where, and by whom something was made is becoming increasingly precise.

The emphasis on food safety—the idea that food is safe to eat—is unique to Japan, and manufacturers have always strived to meet this expectation.

If we don't provide products that are 100% free of defects, we will lose credibility. A customer-first culture.

Rather than focusing solely on domestically produced goods, we pursue a more localized approach, seeking trust and reliability based on personal connections.

This level of dedication seems likely to continue for a while.

"Used agricultural machinery"

Apparently, not only used agricultural machinery, but also heavy machinery, construction equipment, and medical equipment are very popular overseas.

Durable, long-lasting, and affordable – the quality of Japanese products is recognized worldwide.

Even more importantly, the key selling point of second-hand goods in Japan is that they have been carefully used by Japanese people.

Japanese people, on the other hand, like new things, but they take good care of them and maintain them well , so even when they sell used, they can be worth almost as much as new.

it's often said that the apartment is cleaner when the tenant leaves than when they rented it out .

lies in the fact that it was used by Japanese people .

"whiskey"

Anime, games, ramen, and curry—they all originated from foreign countries.

When something is made into a Japanese product, domestically produced, and then surpasses the original to go out into the world, that's what we call Cool Japan. Whiskey is a good example of this.

it's sushi , sake , or kimono , there's still nothing about Japanese culture that has been surpassed by overseas countries in its country of origin, Japan. Japanese whiskey is amazing, though .

During the Meiji era, under the banner of "Japanese spirit, Western learning," Japan adopted Western civilization with a Japanese spirit. And we're still working on that, a process that will take another 100 years.

In the past, people longed for imported goods, but as Japan's national power grew, the value of domestic products increased, and they gained recognition worldwide, and Japanese people also came to love domestic products.

I think it's truly wonderful that we can enjoy delicious domestically produced whiskey.

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Kyoto International Film Festival 2023: Art and more.

■ Kyoto International Film Festival 2023: Art and more.

Otaku Summit Satellite @ Kyoto Seika University.

The guests included Hatsune Miku's Mr.Hiroyuki Ito, Dr. Kang Hanna, Professor Mariko Koizumi of Kyoto Seika University, Mr.Kazuki Sato, representative of the International Otaku Event Association, entertainment sociologist Professor.Atsuo Nakayama , Mr.Hirotaka Yoshida of Toranoana, and otaku comedian Mr.Kicchomu Yoshikawa .

A luxurious group of people discuss the present and future of otaku culture, pop culture, and content.

I want to translate this into action.

How about we do it in Tokyo next time?

Events include a live ikebana competition at Ikenobo and an exhibition by Mr.KAORUKO and Mrs.Kishimoto Mai at Gion Kagetsu.

Thank you very much.

Professor Naoko Tosa of Kyoto University gave a presentation at the "NY Fashion Week Participation Report Meeting" at Kyoto University.

I also walked (or ran) down the runway for Sound of Ikebana, and we had a discussion about it.

This is a joint research project conducted by the Disaster Prevention Research Institute in collaboration with Epson as part of an industry-academia partnership.

Instead of presenting research findings in papers or at academic conferences, I want to express them as art on an international stage. That's it.

The clothes I designed are now being sold in a boutique in New York. I'm turning it into a business. This is it.

I will learn from you.

Eirakuya x COOKIE New Product Launch Event @ Hosotsuji Ihei Museum

Ihei XIV and Okakenta.

The title is "Earth CEO Goes Overseas".

this into a product tenugui (Japanese hand towel ).

"This is the first time something like this has happened in 400 years," said the 14th generation.

Art @ Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art

Tomoko Sawada's "Ripples".

Your own face will spread like ripples.

Apparently, this is the first time a work of art has been created that allows viewers to view this space from above.

The advancements in printing technology were also a factor in making this work possible.

Creators Factory.

An exhibition of works and a workshop by Miwa Ichiko and Takada Yuhei.

"Let's make masks out of cardboard!"

"Let's make a giant rising dragon out of newspaper!"

Higashi artwork by Mrs.Saeko Hirano @ Kagizenyoshifusa

Thank you very much. 2000 yen.

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iU President Gachon: Mrs.Kaori Sasaki

 ■iU President Gachon: Mrs.Kaori Sasaki

From interpreter to journalist to entrepreneur to business owner. She's an amazing woman, even though we're the same age.

I've known him since I was a bureaucrat, around the time digitalization began, so I've been following in his footsteps for about 30 years now.

◆Why start a business?

Back then, the word and concept of entrepreneurship didn't even exist. After graduating from university, I ended up working at the same place where I had a part-time job. Eight or nine years passed, and I thought, "Is this how I'm going to continue?" so I quit.

1. I was working as a freelance interpreter in the music industry. As my workload increased, I was told that having a business name would make it easier for people to pay me.

2. I wondered how I would survive without getting a job, and how I would make a living.

3. It's a waste to only use interpreters and translators as language experts; it would be good to have a system in place to utilize them as comprehensive consultants.

These three factors led me to decide to establish a company (Unical International Co., Ltd.).

◆ e-Woman Co., Ltd. established

I worked in a way that believed doing a thorough and good job would lead to future business. I started using databases and email in 1988 or 1989, and switched entirely to email in 1992. I created a website in 1995. I had always advocated for the impact of the internet on the working lives of women, people with disabilities, and people living in rural areas, and for the concepts of SDGs and ESG, as they are known today.

They were doing it voluntarily using Unical International's profits. I was thinking it was about time we could break even and stop wasting money, and that's when IT came along in 1999.

We hit the bubble. And a lot of people and money came together.

What started as a discussion about how to make the volunteer project less of a burden on Unical International quickly escalated to the point where hundreds of millions of yen in capital were raised. Unical International couldn't handle it all internally, so they reluctantly created a second company. E-Woman was established in 2000.

◆Difficult period

The period from around 2000 to 2010 was incredibly difficult; I barely felt alive. I saw many different sides of people. There were about three times when I could have easily lost my life.

Some companies may struggle with things like not being able to come up with new product ideas, not knowing how to market, or not knowing their people, but all of these problems can be solved by people.

◆ Envisioning the future

I always have ideas and things I want to do. I've been able to continue because I'm basically serious about what I do. I was looking 10 or 20 years into the future. I've been talking about SDGs, ESG, and diversity for 20 years, and now people are finally starting to think they're important. Even when I explained it 20 years ago, my employees didn't understand.

◆People are everything

who work honestly and correctly, who are motivated and give their all even when no one is watching, and who improve themselves and their skills every day. People who can work as a team and understand the company's vision—when such people come together, the company will move towards success.

◆What is a school?

School is a place that constantly presents you with questions. About 50 years ago, school was a place that provided knowledge. Now, you can find knowledge by searching online. School is a place where you deepen your own thinking by exchanging questions with fellow students and teachers about how to use knowledge and why things are the way they are.

◆Roundtable Discussion for Working People

Typically, the media relays what the proprietress says to the common people. The internet is largely the same. The common people ask questions, and experts answer them.

The process is streamlined, with experts asking questions and ordinary people responding with their own experiences and opinions in the form of iStatements, within a set word count. It's training in diversity thinking, and because various experiences and perspectives are gathered from different angles for a single question (North Korea, abuse, education, parenting, beauty, etc.), a database of experiences and wisdom is created. We continue this because it's online and not limited by time or location.

◆University is a place to discover behavior

Universities should provide a more regular setting for professors and students to discuss such questions. Professors should pose questions and offer different perspectives.

A place to discover the habits of learning, thinking, discussing, and combining different perspectives to arrive at better answers.

◆A message for you

I think the most important thing is to increase your experiences, such as meeting many people and going to many places. I want you to accumulate a variety of experiences.

When you travel abroad, you encounter many regions without electricity or even safe drinking water. Returning from such places made me realize just how fortunate I am to live, study, and work in Japan—a rare and exceptional situation in the world.

To make this planet a better place, let's not get discouraged or discouraged by small things, but instead work towards a bigger goal. I also recommend taking advantage of the International Women's Business Conference, which is being held online, to immerse yourself in a shower of knowledge.

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Kyoto International Film Festival 2023, including all kinds of films.

 ■ Kyoto International Film Festival 2023, including all kinds of films.

Kyoto International Film Festival.

Greetings from the Executive Committee Chairman at Gion Kagetsu.

It's like a film festival, but not quite a film festival.

It's like an art exhibition, but not quite an art exhibition.

When I asked what it was

Movies, art, and everything else

Kyoto International Film Festival.

Ready, set, go!

It always began with a call from Honorary Executive Committee Chairman Nakajima.

That chant is missing.

I offer my deepest condolences for the passing of Mr. Sadao Nakajima.

Thanks to your support, this film festival has reached its 10th year.

Coincidentally, the Agency for Cultural Affairs came to Kyoto at that very time.

This year's film festival, we convey our "thank you" to Sadao Nakajima in heaven,

Building upon its 10-year history, this must be a milestone that leads to the future.

That's why I opened it.

Thank you very much.

Next year, we aim for a new format.

Thank you in advance.　I beg you .

Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa,

Hiroki Furukawa, Vice Governor of Kyoto Prefecture,

Nobukazu Hinata, Councillor at the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

The host is the usual Kim-ni.

Thank you very much.

The Shozo Makino Award goes to Junji Sakamoto.

"The night brings the alcohol."

I love the line that Renji Ishibashi says in "I've never fired a shot ."

I also like Naomi Fujiyama and Ittoku Kishibe in "Kao" and "Danchi," as well as the sticky, lingering feel of the people of Kyoto.

Congratulations on winning the award.

Thank you very much, Yuko Natori.

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Cool Japan: Takeout

 ■Cool Japan: Takeout

NHK Cool Japan “Takeout” episode.

In my neighborhood too, Japanese, Western, and Chinese places all started doing takeout, and around lunchtime the streets got lively with people calling out, “We have bento!”

Japanese cuisine, with lots of soups and noodles that stretch easily, didn’t really lend itself to takeout—but this is the result of tearful efforts during COVID.

“Takeout Surge”

Chinese, curry, French, Italian—everyone started takeout.

There’s a foundation in bento culture.

Food designed to taste good even when cold.

Visual presentation through small portions and careful arrangement.

Containers that are easy to obtain for that purpose.

In Japan, where takeout and takeaway weren’t very common before, a new bento culture has been born through COVID.

“Ramen”

Ramen appears again and again in this program.

In the past, ramen delivered as “demae”—something like takeout or delivery—was often soggy and cold.

But it has been evolving rapidly, and even what’s sold in convenience stores is now quite delicious.

They keep developing, obsessing over noodle texture and soup.

That level of dedication is almost abnormal.

And with COVID, new innovations are emerging.

I’m impressed.

There are over 30,000 ramen shops in Japan, and even during COVID everyone continues refining their flavors.

“Edible Containers”

Japan has long devised ways to eat fish completely, even down to the bones.

And yet, over the past few decades, we’ve been throwing away containers and chopsticks—maybe that was a bit off track.

But making something “edible” to reduce waste, and making it “delicious” at the same time—that feels very Japanese.

Food was one of the sectors most heavily damaged by COVID.

But at the same time, it is trying to use that as a springboard to create new culture.

After COVID settles down, it would be nice if this rich takeout culture remains.

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iU President Gachon :Mr.Junya Komatsu

■iU President Gachon :Mr.Junya Komatsu

 He is the creator of "Chiko-chan ni Shikarareru!". He has also created "Gottsu Ee Kanji", "Laughing Dog Life", "SMAP x SMAP", "Fountain of Trivia", "Honmadekka TV", and many more. In other words, he is a legend.

◆The difference between television and smartphones

The basis is to create something that is enjoyable to look at. It never changes.

The interesting thing about smartphone content is that it uses a touch panel. Television can make what is otherwise a one-way stream interactive. It's interesting and fun to be able to customize the viewing experience for each viewer. The line between television and games is disappearing.

◆ What inspired me to start making this

We're not always looking out at the world trying to create something new.

I often get inspiration from other people. For example, Chico-chan scolds me.

The director suddenly handed me a piece of paper with the question "What is the expiration date for ice cream?" I thought about it, but there was no expiration date. I thought it was interesting that I had lived for 50 years without knowing such a thing. If it was just a trivia quiz, it would end with whether you knew it or not. What's interesting is that we live our lives aimlessly without knowing things that we should know. What would it be like to be asked such a thing and not be able to answer, and a little girl would scold us? This idea was born from a conversation that lasted about 10 minutes.

When something interesting happens in front of you, it becomes a gateway that connects the things you experience in your daily life.

The Fountain of Trivia. Why is Isetan's paper bag the biggest? It was born from that. It's strange, but there are people who are thinking about the same thing at the same time. I started it with those people.

◆Weaving with friends

You may not have thought of it spontaneously. Arrange something that you find interesting while talking. Think of a way to share something that you find interesting with others.

How to spend your student days

I hardly went to college. I wrote scripts for plays and skits in coffee shops. When I was thinking of a skit with a forced theme, I felt like I was training myself quite thoroughly to gather various things and combine them to create a story.

I often made skits. What makes me popular is that I bring out things that are in the everyday lives of people. I value what I think about in my daily life. I thought about what was interesting and lived a fun life every day, and that's all the input that connects me to the present.

◆ Differences between being an employee and starting a business

While in an organization, you have to empty yourself. It's the aesthetics of working. Even if you disagree with something, you have to take responsibility for what's been decided and carry it out. That's work. I think that's a wonderful thing. But it was stressful. After I quit, I felt free.

The reason I decided to quit was because I felt that TV was the only outlet for video entertainment, but times have changed, and various things such as streaming and games have appeared, and the way people spend their time has changed. In order to realize a plan within a TV station, the organization must give the go-ahead. There are some things that can't be done just by being interesting.

Now, if you find something interesting, you can take it to various broadcasting stations, stream it, make it into a game, or make it into an app, so your ideas never die. If you find something interesting, you can make it a reality in some way.

◆Message for you guys

My father told me, "Don't become a craftsman." He was in a research lab, but he said that if you become a specialized technician there, your potential as a human being will be closed off. In other words, "Don't become a professional." Of course, it is important to acquire various skills and use them to gain confidence and confidence.

With the advancement of technology, access to many things has become easier. Many things can be realized. If you decide who you are, you will not be able to go beyond that, and your life will become boring. It is more enjoyable to live life by being amateurish, being loved by everyone in an unfamiliar place, and doing things you have never done before.

★Postscript

He is quiet and calm. He may look like that, but he is really scary on the set. That's what I heard from someone at Yoshimoto + NTT's video platform "Laugh & Peace Mother." Of course. Although he is my junior at university, he is cool and I admire him.

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Cool Japan: Massage

■Cool Japan: Massage

NHK Cool Japan: "Massage" edition.

The word massage is French, but there are many different types, including anma, which originated in China, and shiatsu, which originated in Japan.

Among them, Japan is a major country in the world.

Stiff shoulders have been said to be a national disease, and massage has undergone a unique evolution.

It used to be said that Westerners don't suffer from stiff shoulders, but I hear that with the spread of smartphones and games, stiff shoulders are becoming more prevalent worldwide.

Can Japanese massage bring relaxation to the world?

"Goods"

It seems that it is not actually the case that Japanese people are prone to stiffness and Westerners are not.

In the past, it was said that differences in lifestyle, such as sitting cross-legged and wearing traditional Japanese clothing, were the cause, but that difference no longer exists.

However, compared to Westerners, Japanese people are more aware of the pain of stiffness, so the threshold for massage is lower and they use it casually and without hesitation.

Producing lots of goods for anything is a Japanese specialty, but another factor may be that stiff muscles are more readily available in Japan.

"school"

The national qualification is a combination of the three, called "Anma Massage Shiatsu Therapist."

Massage is a technique performed directly on the skin that was introduced from Europe after the Meiji period.

On the other hand, massage over clothing originated in ancient China and was introduced during the Nara period.

Shiatsu, the technique of pressing with the fingers, originated in Japan during the Taisho period.

Use your fingers to press the acupressure points connected to the affected area.

Shiatsu is now attracting attention around the world, with vocational schools being established one after another in Asia, Europe and the United States.

If smartphones and games make people overseas more aware of their stiff muscles, then Shiatsu may become more popular.

"chair"

When it was first invented about 60 years ago, it was just a big ball sticking out of a chair that opened and closed, but it has evolved since then.

More than 10 years ago, when asked what they would like to bring back to their country, a foreigner answered, "A massage chair."

They say it's a fusion of technology that gently massages the body and beautiful interior design that looks great in the home.

I realized that Japanese massage chairs are the most advanced in the world.

It has continued to evolve since then, and the latest models have become "massage computers" that read each person's body shape and adjust the massage intensity accordingly, with the chairs connected to a communications network and managed using AI and data.

It's like wondering how far it will go.

 

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iU President Gachon. Mr.Tomonori Aoyama

 ■iU President Gachon. Mr.Tomonori Aoyama

He was a researcher at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, then a professor at the University of Tokyo and Keio University. He is a leading figure in academia. I was greatly indebted to him during my time at Keio University.

◆Until now

Born before the war in 1943. Evacuated to his mother's hometown of Yagi-cho, Kyoto. Kyoto was not bombed, and he worked as a farmer, so there was no need to worry about food. At the age of four, he moved to Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, where his father worked for the Asahi Kasei factory. In middle school, he moved to Suginami, Tokyo. He entered the University of Tokyo, specializing in electrical and electronic engineering, and then went on to a master's degree. In the year he graduated (1969), a university riot broke out, and he joined NTT (Nippon Telephone and Telephone Public Corporation). 1969 was the year that ARPANET used packet communication for the first time, the first moon landing, and The Beatles broke up.

In 1973, he went to MIT for a year. After that, he moved around to various NTT laboratories. In 1997, he became a professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering. In 2006, he retired and went to Keio University's DMC Research Institute. He also worked at SFC and the Faculty of Science and Technology.

He later became chairman of the NPO Broadband Association, and is currently a special advisor to the Broadband Association and a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo.

◆ Research

Transmission, digital signal processing, light. 4K. The world's first screen projection system was developed at NTT Laboratories with Mitsubishi and VICTOR. In film. It started in 2001. It has received the Ibuka Award and the Takayanagi Kenjiro Award. It implemented digital TIFF at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

◆Student days

The two years of liberal arts education seemed like a continuation of high school, and I lost all motivation and focused on club activities. I joined the car club. During the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, I worked part-time driving the press to the venue. I watched the Oriental Witches final on a big NHK color TV. I was amazed. I drove through the Shuto Expressway right after it opened. I didn't study, I just did stuff like that.

I moved to a specialized course in my third year. Until then, I just listened to lectures and took exams. For my graduation thesis, I did something I had never done before. I thought it would be good to try new things and ideas on my own. It was my first time experiencing university. Professor Hiroshi Inose told me to join IEEE (an international conference). It was very exciting. He also told me to write a patent. I was supervised by Professor Tadao Saito.

◆Message for you guys

The thesis is extremely important, so put all your effort into it.

The first three years will be crucial

Acquire a specialty in 5 years

If you are going outside, it is preferable to do so after

Join the Society

Experience abroad before you're in your early 30s

English is essential because the other person is not Japanese.

Always keep your antennae out to the world

★Postscript

I didn't know that the great professor didn't study and was in the automotive club. What was the switch that led him to go from there to academia? I'll ask him again next time to dig deeper.

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Cool Japan: Roads

■Cool Japan: Roads

NHK Cool Japan "The Road" edition.

Japan is surrounded by the sea, its land area is small and mountainous, and unlike countries like Europe, the United States, and China which have large land masses and well-developed land routes, it is not blessed with many roads.

However, many people say that Japanese roads are interesting.

"Expressway"

The Shuto Expressway is a 20th century, Showa era infrastructure built in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

It was modeled after highways in New York and Boston.

While highways in Europe and the United States run around city centers, in both Tokyo and Osaka they run through the center of the city.

Run like you're flying through the skyscrapers.

It is a realization of the vision of the future of the 20th century/Showa era.

Nihonbashi was built as a Showa-era road over Edo's waterway.

Now there is a movement to restore the landscape and bury it underground.

I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of infrastructure and roads will be built in the 21st century and Reiwa era.

"Horn"

From the 1960s when I was young until the bubble era, Japan had some of the worst traffic congestion in Asia and the honking was loud.

Traffic congestion has improved considerably now and you don't hear many honks.

Drivers are becoming cooler, technology to alleviate traffic congestion is becoming more widespread, and both software and hardware are evolving.

From now on, sensors and cameras will be embedded in the roads and artificial intelligence and data will be used to make the hardware even more high-tech.

Using technology to improve infrastructure is Japan's specialty.

I hope they will continue to create roads that are safe, fast, and fun to drive on.

"Kumano Kodo"

Pilgrimages to European holy sites are often thought of as paved roads, but Kumano is a deep, deserted rural mountain path.

Yet it continues to receive high praise, including being featured in Lonely Planet, a well-known travel magazine in the West.

In Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where the Kumano Kodo trail is located, the number of foreign overnight guests increased 35-fold, from 1,200 in 2011 to 44,000 in 2018.

The reason for this is the story and history.

There is a story that gods live here, and a history of over 1000 years of emperors, samurai, and common people walking along the path.

It is a mixture of the mystique of being the birthplace of Japan, yet the commonality of being a place where anyone can walk around easily.

The local people are making a great effort to maintain this environment. I hope they will cherish it.

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