新社会システム総合研究所 List of News Articles

[Instructor] Mr. Rui Ibuki, Principal, Arthur D. Little Japan Inc. [Key Lecture Content] In addition to patent application and management, how to link intellectual property information and internal know-how/data to business growth and revenue improvement. This lecture will introduce initiatives that the intellectual property department can implement, based on the findings from the Japan Patent Office's "Trends Survey on Intellectual Property Management for Fiscal Year 2025" and examples from advanced companies. It will explain specific measures such as inventorying the company's strengths, proposing to business divisions through competitive and market analysis, collaboration with research and development, co-creation and licensing, and intellectual property disclosure. Additionally, it will present ideas on organizational and business processes and performance indicators to embed intellectual property activities into the business, providing hints for considering the current state of one's department and the next steps. [Lecture Items] 1. The concept of linking intellectual property activities to business outcomes 2. Understanding the sources of the company's competitive advantage 3. Utilizing intellectual property information in business strategy 4. Connecting intellectual property analysis to specific business activities 5. How to protect and leverage intellectual property 6. Accelerating technology and product development using intellectual property 7. Learning from advanced companies' practices in intellectual property management 8. Enhancing the company's intellectual property activities 9. Q&A

[Speaker] Executive Officer, Accenture Japan Ltd. Lead – AI and Data, Head of AI Center Co-Head of Accenture Innovation Hub Tokyo, Ph.D. (Science) Masayo Hoshina [Key Lecture Content] The use of AI is rapidly expanding, and simply adopting AI is no longer a competitive advantage. What companies will be asked to do moving forward is not just to achieve efficiency through AI, but to seize new growth opportunities and enhance their competitiveness while transforming their organizations and operations. In this lecture, we will explain the transformation strategies that companies need to adopt to maintain leadership in the "post-AI era," where AI becomes commonplace. We will introduce AI strategies that balance efficiency and growth investment, the business opportunities that physical AI brings to Japanese companies, and key points for transformation to connect from Proof of Concept (PoC) to company-wide utilization.

[Speaker] Masayuki Yamamoto, Representative of Yamamoto International Consultants / Lecturer at Meiji Gakuin University Faculty of Law [Lecture Topics] 1. The Mechanism of International Card Brands 2. Business Models and Systems of International Cards 3. The Mechanism of New Cashless Payments 4. Noteworthy Developments (Topics to be explained) 5. The Future of Cashless Payments in Japan 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange ● Keywords expected to be included in the lecture or distributed materials (some may be included as materials only without explanation) Stripe / PayPal / Adyen / Worldline / PayPay / d Payment / au PAY / Rakuten Pay / Apple Pay / Google Pay / Convenience Store Post-Payment (BNPL), etc.

[Lecture Topics] 1. A Review of the Mobile Market in 2026 and Outlook for 2027 Mr. Toshiichi Kita, Senior Partner, Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. 1. What happened in the mobile market in 2026? 2. Changes in the sales agency business 3. Evolution of devices and terminals 4. Expansion of the used and refurbished device market 5. The future of communication infrastructure business/telecommunication business 6. The direction of consumer protection rule revisions 7. The direction of competition rule revisions 8. Outlook for 2027 9. Q&A / Business card exchange 2. The Outlook for 5G Infrastructure Development and Network Sharing in the AI Era - The Significance of Neutral Hosts in Future 5G Infrastructure Development Mr. Daisuke Maeda, Executive Officer, Sharing Design, Inc. 1. The history of mobile communications 2. Traffic growth in the AI era and the digital infrastructure development plan for 2030 and the progress of sharing 3. From passive to active sharing 4. Summary 5. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Speaker] Ministry of Defense, Maintenance Planning Bureau, Cyber Maintenance Division, Director Shinpei Ara [Key Lecture Content] From peacetime to emergencies, information and communication infrastructure is the foundation for both the lives of citizens and the activities of the Self-Defense Forces. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces are advancing the construction of a "New Defense Information and Communication Infrastructure (tentative name)" utilizing next-generation information and communication technologies, based on the "Ministry of Defense Next-Generation Information and Communication Strategy," to respond to "new ways of fighting" backed by advanced technologies. Additionally, ensuring cybersecurity for this information and communication infrastructure is essential for the activities of the Self-Defense Forces. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces are working to improve their own cybersecurity while also contributing to the overall strengthening of the country's cybersecurity. In this lecture, I will explain the outline of these initiatives and the direction for the future. [Lecture Items] 1. Security Environment (New Ways of Fighting) 2. Information and Communication 3. Cyber 4. Q&A / Business Card Exchange *The program may change according to the latest situation.

[Speaker] NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation Career Solutions Sales Division, Second Sales Department, Senior Partner Yoshinobu Akasaki [Key Lecture Content] In data centers, the evolution of AI servers has led to a dramatic increase in power consumption for high-performance servers. To harness this performance, effective cooling methods such as water cooling are necessary. However, cooling in data centers must consider both the facility aspects associated with the building and the IT equipment such as servers as a whole. This seminar will explain the points to consider in cooling data centers, the challenges and solutions in cooling systems, including results from immersion cooling experiments. [Lecture Items] 1. Introduction (Current Status of Energy Saving in Data Centers) 2. Background of Efforts Towards Realizing Data Centers Utilizing Immersion Cooling Systems 3. Overview of Immersion Cooling Technology 4. Summary of Immersion Cooling Experiments 5. Effects Revealed by the Experiments 6. Challenges and Solutions for Social Implementation 7. Conclusion and Future Prospects Including Social Implementation 8. Supplement 9. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] President and CEO of ICT Solution Consulting Co., Ltd. / AI Architect Takashi Tominaga [Lecture Topics] Chapter 1: How to Perceive the Current Era - Five News Items and the End of Rationalism OS (The Inversion Phenomenon of Capital, Vitality, and Management) Chapter 2: The Fundamental Issues Faced by Companies - Dismantling the Old Organizational Structure that 'Domesticates' Human Resources and Transitioning to a "Living Organism Model" for Companies Chapter 3: New Organizational Management (Dissecting the Disruptors) - Learning from Elon Musk and Donald Trump: The Dynamics of Redefining Rules / 25 Diagnostic Questions to Strip Your Company Bare Chapter 4: The Nature of Hybrid Management (Fignetics) - Integration of "Western Logic (Structure)" × "Eastern View of Life (Circulation)" / Weaponization of AI / System Design Based on Reliance on Others Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Representative Director, KKR Consulting Co., Ltd. Representative Employee, KKR Consulting Administrative Scrivener Corporation Director of Yamada Junya Tax Accountant Office, Tax Accountant and Administrative Scrivener, Mr. Junya Yamada Tax Accountant, Ms. Mika Ikeda [Lecture Items] 【1】Overview of the Latest Renewable Energy Schemes 【2】Detailed Explanation of the Productivity Improvement Equipment Investment Promotion Tax System Established in Fiscal Year 2028 【3】Explanation of Subsidies Available for Renewable Energy Generation Equipment and Storage Batteries 1. National Subsidies (1) Storage Parity Subsidy (2) Subsidies for Agricultural Land, Carports, etc. (3) Regional Resilience Subsidy (4) Subsidies for Warehouse Operators (5) Perovskite Solar Cell Subsidy (6) Subsidy for the Introduction of Grid-Connected Storage Batteries 2. Subsidies from Local Governments Mainly in the Kanto Region Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, etc. 【4】Explanation of Tax Systems Available for Renewable Energy Generation Equipment and Storage Batteries 1. Immediate Depreciation under the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Management Strengthening Tax System 2. Carbon Neutral Tax System (Applicable to Large Enterprises) 3. Reduction System under the Advanced Equipment Introduction Plan 【5】Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Mr. Daishi Konoe, Partner Lawyer at KKM Law Office [Key Lecture Content] In recent years, due to fluctuations in the economic situation, wage increases and labor shortages have become serious issues, making it urgent for companies to figure out how to effectively utilize their existing workforce as a survival strategy. However, it cannot be denied that employees who are mismatched with the company and those who cannot fully demonstrate their abilities are lowering the operational efficiency of the business. While companies are required to implement improvement measures and build human resources aimed at placing the right people in the right positions, they may also be faced with the need to make tough decisions regarding employees. However, while companies may harbor dissatisfaction with mismatched employees, employees also have their own grievances against the company, leading to potential conflicts arising from each response made by the company. In this lecture, the speaker will discuss the responsibilities of the company regarding mismatched employees, methods for resolution, and the associated risks, focusing on four scenarios where issues are likely to arise, and will provide a wealth of case law to illustrate the nuanced examination of difficult cases.

[Speaker] Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy, Kyoto University Member, Subcommittee on Emission Trading System, Industrial Structure Council, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Mr. Toru Morotomi [Lecture Topics] 1. Basics of Carbon Pricing (1) What is Carbon Pricing? (2) Its Impact on Economic Growth (3) Global Carbon Pricing (4) Case Studies from Other Countries: United Kingdom and Germany 2. Key Issues in Carbon Pricing Design (1) Carbon Tax (2) Emission Trading System 3. GX Promotion Act and Carbon Pricing (1) Significance of the GX Promotion Act (2) Overview of Japan's Carbon Pricing under the GX Promotion Act (Towards the 2030s) 4. Design of GX-ETS Phase 2 (1) Issues in GX ETS Phase 1 (2) System Scope, Calculation Methods, Verification (3) Calculation Methods for Emission Allowance Allocations and Considerations 5. Detailed Design of the Emission Allowance "Trading Market" 6. Measures Related to Price Floors and Ceilings 7. Q&A Session

[Lecturer] Professor Kazuhiro Fukushiro, Graduate School of Technology Management, Yamaguchi University [Key Lecture Content] While the electric vehicle (EV) market is growing, a problem that is becoming increasingly significant is the disposal of used lithium-ion batteries utilized in EVs. From the perspective of environmental conservation and securing metal resources, the recycling of used lithium-ion batteries has become an urgent issue. In this lecture, I will explain the problems occurring in the upstream processes of recycling, such as the collection and dismantling of used batteries, trends in the development and practical application of recycling technologies like wet and dry refining, and the realities of domestic and international businesses involved in recycling. Additionally, I will touch upon the recycling of all-solid-state batteries, which are expected to be practical in the future. [Lecture Items] 1. Market trends for EVs and lithium-ion batteries for EVs 2. Structure of lithium-ion batteries, cathode materials, lifespan, and causes of degradation 3. Issues in the collection and dismantling of used lithium-ion batteries 4. Recycling technologies (wet refining, dry refining, direct recycling, and others) 5. Development trends in recycling technologies for all-solid-state batteries 6. Realities and future outlook of the recycling business 7. Q&A

[Speaker] Director of the Energy Policy Research Institute, Mr. Kimio Yamba [Key Lecture Content] Against the backdrop of the rapid spread of generative AI, investment in data centers (DC) is expanding in the United States, while securing electricity has become a significant constraint affecting the realization of business operations. The demand characteristics of large-scale, centralized, and 24/7 operations are forcing a transformation of the traditional supply-driven power system. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO) are advancing institutional reforms related to system connections, transmission planning, securing supply capacity, and cost allocation. In this lecture, we will analyze specific investment projects in the U.S. and reforms in major RTOs, considering their impact on power procurement and business risks. Furthermore, looking ahead to the expansion of DC demand in Japan, we will explore the ideal form of a power system that integrates power sources, grids, batteries, and demand control, as well as implications for domestic systems and businesses.

[Speaker] Yoshiaki Otsuki, Special Counsel Attorney, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune Foreign Law Joint Enterprise [Lecture Topics] 1. Supply Chain Disruption and International Trade Contracts 2. Supply Interruptions and Force Majeure 3. Performance After Supply Interruptions and Alternative Measures 4. Additional Costs and Quantity Shortages Arising from Disruption 5. Long-term Disruption and Review of Contractual Relationships 6. Contract Design to Prepare for Supply Chain Disruption 7. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Lecture Topics] 1. The Rush for Data Center Locations and Regional Renewable Energy ~ How should municipalities and regions respond in the competition for power procurement? ~ Kazuyoshi Kitamura, Representative of the Japan Renewable Energy Institute CEO of Japan Renewable Energy Link Co., Ltd. Representative Director of the Regional Vitalization Energy Link Council 2. Responding to the Rapidly Expanding Demand for AI Data Centers ~ Strategies for Utilizing Cogeneration to Overcome Power System Constraints ~ Daisuke Isshiki, Manager of the Energy Solutions Department, Tokyo Gas Engineering Solutions Co., Ltd.

[Speaker] Partner Attorney Ato Takase, Uchida & Samejima Law Firm [Lecture Items] 1. The Three-Tier Structure of AI Contracts 2. The Boundary Between "Development" and "Use" 3. Technical Composition of AI Systems 4. Points of Consideration by Technical Composition 5. The Chain of Contracts and "Cutting Points" 6. Case Type Determination 7. Procurement of Base Models 8. Rights Management of Training Data 9. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Lecture Topics] 1. How Will Data Centers Change in the AI Era - The Current State of Watt-Bit Collaboration and What is Needed to Transform Concepts into Actual Demand Wataru Kurata, Manager, Telecommunications and Media Industry, Fortience Consulting Inc. 1. It’s not that power is "insufficient," but rather "unable to be transported." 2. The current state of watt-bit collaboration. 3. Where are the new aggregation points? 4. The idea that "if you build it, they will come" does not hold. 5. What will the next generation of data centers look like? 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange 2. The Current Status and Future of All-Photonics Networks (APN) Akira Sugiyama, General Manager, Strategic Sales Engineering Division, Network Customer Success Division, 1Finity Inc. 1. All-Photonics Network (APN) 2. AI Data Centers and Interconnections between DCs 3. Distributed Data Center Computing 4. Evolution of Coherent Technology 5. Expansion of APN into Submarine Cable Networks 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Kuniomi Mabuchi, Co-Founder and CEO of XinobiAI Inc. [Key Lecture Content] The evolution of generative AI is expanding from the digital space into the real world. How will "Physical AI," which recognizes, judges, and acts through robotics and autonomous driving, change industries, society, and our work? In this lecture, based on the book "The True Nature of Physical AI," we will clearly explain its fundamental concepts, the technologies supporting its evolution, trends among major global companies and countries, and areas of application such as manufacturing and logistics. Furthermore, we will explore the changing roles and responsibilities of humans and AI/machines, unravel Japan's strengths and challenges, and envision the changes in industry and society towards the 2030s, as well as the future brought about by Physical AI. [Lecture Topics] 1. What is Physical AI? - Changes occurring after "Generative AI" 2. Technologies supporting the evolution of Physical AI 3. Global competitive trends and changes in industrial structure 4. The potential of Physical AI spreading in the field 5. How will human work and responsibilities change? 6. Outlook for the 2030s and Japan's potential 7. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Speaker] Hideo Hakomori, Chief Analyst, Equity Research Department, Daiwa Securities Co., Ltd. [Key Lecture Content] For Japan's automotive industry, which has expanded through globalization, global divisions such as U.S. tariffs and conflicts in the Middle East present headwinds. Additionally, responding to the rise of Chinese competitors is urgent, making it difficult to steer growth strategies. Nevertheless, a "once-in-a-century transformation" is occurring. The axis of competition has shifted from a "two-dimensional world map" to a "three-dimensional map with a time axis." Rather than Renault-Nissan, Nissan's collaboration with Honda seems inevitable despite various twists and turns. This lecture will explore this background while considering changes in the industry structure. In the U.S., rising gasoline prices are driving demand for HEVs and compact cars. This is a tailwind for Japanese manufacturers, but at the same time, demand for BEVs is expanding again in Europe and other regions. It is also important to confirm that BEVs are a growing market.

[Speaker] CBRE, Inc. Research Senior Director, Mr. Arishi Iwama [Key Lecture Content] Due to the spread of cloud computing and AI, the supply and demand for data centers in the metropolitan area is tightening. There are numerous development plans for data centers, and it is expected that the market size in the metropolitan area will expand by approximately 3.3 times in the future. However, securing the necessary power for the establishment of data centers in the metropolitan area can take up to 10 years in some cases. As a result, securing power has become the biggest bottleneck in data center development. On the other hand, it is anticipated that the decentralization of data centers will progress in the future, supported by government policies and aimed at securing power. This lecture will explain the trends in the data center market, future outlook, and characteristics as an investment target. [Lecture Items] 1. Overview of the data center market in the metropolitan area 2. Outlook for data center power demand and measures to alleviate power supply and demand tightness 3. Overview and location conditions of data centers 4. Potential of AI data centers in regional decentralization 5. Data centers as an investment target 6. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecturer] Professor Qing Shen, Graduate School of Information and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Electro-Communications [Key Lecture Content] Quantum dot solar cells are next-generation optoelectronic conversion technologies expected to achieve low-cost manufacturing through control of light absorption characteristics based on particle size and solution/printing processes. This lecture will introduce research trends in PbS, perovskite, and AgBiS2 quantum dot solar cells, explaining the enhancement of efficiency through surface/interface control and conductive-type control. Furthermore, examples of the development of stable quantum dot inks and their application to large-area modules using printing technology will be presented. Finally, the challenges of long-term stability, mass production and manufacturing costs, environmental safety, and lead-free materials will be organized, and prospects for applications in building-integrated and flexible solar cells will be discussed. [Lecture Items] 1. Characteristics and latest research and development trends of quantum dot solar cells 2. Enhancement of efficiency in quantum dot solar cells through material, surface, and interface control 3. Conductive-type control of quantum dots and development of conductive quantum dot inks 4. Low-cost manufacturing through stable quantum dot inks and printing processes 5. Scaling up quantum dot solar cells and developing high-efficiency modules 6. Challenges and prospects for the practical application and social implementation of quantum dot solar cells 7. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecturer] Takeshi Oshima, Deputy General Manager, Advanced Technology Lab, Japan Research Institute, Ltd. [Key Lecture Content] Biological signals obtained from the human body, such as brain activity, heart rate, pulse waves, respiration, gaze, and skin electrical activity, are becoming important data resources that support the next generation of digital society, beyond the fields of medicine and healthcare, based on appropriate data governance. In recent years, alongside the miniaturization, cost reduction, high precision, and diversification of sensors, rapid technological advancements combining biological signals with AI have led to the emergence of new services and businesses worldwide that continuously understand and support human conditions and internal changes. Taking these technological and market trends into account, we will explore five future societies that are highly likely to be realized by 2030, as well as the technologies that support their realization, initiatives from various countries, market trends, and challenges toward social implementation. Considering the progress of technology in this field, it is believed that the international competitive environment surrounding biological signal technology will be significantly shaped by 2030, and there is an urgent need to advance technology development, rule formation, and social implementation in an integrated manner.

[Key Lecture Content] 1. Direction of Bioindustry Policy and Future Priorities Ayako Yukawa, Deputy Director (General) of the Biological Chemistry Industry Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry 1. Global Trends Surrounding the Bioindustry 2. Japan's Strengths and Challenges to Overcome 3. Direction of Bioindustry Policy at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry 4. Q&A / Business Card Exchange 2. The Future of Bio-Manufacturing Opened by Industrial Smart Cells - Industrial Transformation through Integrated Biofoundry Akihiko Kondo, CEO of Bacchus Bioinnovation 1. Trends in Bio-Manufacturing and the Potential of Industrial Smart Cells 2. Creation of Smart Cells through AI, Robotics, and Data-Driven Biofoundries 3. Comprehensive Technological Foundation from Microbial Breeding to Manufacturing Process Development 4. Resource Utilization of CO2 and Untapped Biomass and Prospects for Industrial Transformation 5. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Key Lecture Content] 1. Circular Economy Policy Centered on Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy Keiko Osawa, Deputy Director, Resource Circulation Economy Division, GX Group, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - Transition to a circular economy against the backdrop of economic security and decarbonization - Trends in system development through the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act and others - Formation of the recycled plastic market and strengthening the competitiveness of the resource circulation industry - Progress and achievements of the plastic resource circulation strategy so far - Future policy directions towards realizing a circular economy and expectations for the private sector - Q&A / Business card exchange 2. JEPLAN's Initiatives in PET Chemical Recycling and Future Prospects Masaki Takao, President and CEO, JEPLAN Inc. - Domestic and international trends and challenges surrounding PET resource circulation - Features of JEPLAN's PET chemical recycling technology - Efforts towards achieving bottle-to-bottle recycling - Funding from the GX Promotion Organization and business expansion - Future prospects towards realizing resource circulation and a decarbonized society - Q&A / Business card exchange

[Speaker] Hideo Ishihara, Specially Appointed Professor at Gifu University, National University Corporation Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Former Head of Semiconductor Division at Denso [Lecture Topics] 1. The Discovery of Quantum Mechanics and the Invention of Semiconductor Technology 2. Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC, Kumamoto JASM, Chitose Rapidus in Hokkaido, and Global Trends) 3. A 100-Year History of Computers and AI Semiconductors (CPU, GPU, NPU, Photonic-Electronic Integration) 4. A 100-Year History of Mobility and Semiconductors 5. Mobility (Autonomous Driving) and Semiconductors (Edge AI, Chiplets) 6. Mobility (Electrification) and Semiconductors (IGBT, SiC, GaN, Ga2O3, Diamond) 7. The Impact of Nobel Prize Research on "Quantum Entanglement" and "Bell's Inequality" 8. The Transformation of Future Society Seen from AI to AGI: Where is Humanity's Place? Living with Dreams 9. Q&A

[Speaker] Keiko Hirayasu, President and CEO of Selection and Variation Inc. [Key Lecture Content] "Nothing changes no matter how many times I say it," "I just wait for instructions and don't take initiative," "When I gave feedback, I was accused of power harassment" -- many managers struggle with developing their subordinates. However, many of the problematic subordinates are not a result of their own qualities, but rather are "shaped" by the goodwill of their superiors and the company's systems, such as evaluation and placement. In this seminar, a human resources consultant who has supported over 400 organizations will explain how to identify troublesome subordinates using three types: "cognitive, relational, and structural," as well as the three essential skills for managers: "active listening, assertion, and collaboration," incorporating rich examples and insights from psychology and behavioral economics.

[Speaker] Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Research Institute, Technology and Innovation Information Department Senior Project Manager, Zhao Jian [Key Lecture Content] Low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) lithium-ion batteries are expanding their adoption worldwide. To prepare for future mass emissions, promoting their recycling is essential. However, due to the low material value of LFP batteries, ensuring the profitability of recycling operations has become a challenge. In pursuit of profitability, Chinese companies are seeking economies of scale and integrating battery material manufacturing, while in Europe and other regions, there is a focus on developing high-efficiency and high-purity recovery technologies such as direct recycling. This lecture will explain the current status, challenges, latest trends in technology development, and the impact on the battery supply chain regarding LFP battery recycling. [Lecture Items] 1. The necessity of LFP battery recycling 2. The current status of LFP battery recycling 3. Efforts to improve the profitability of LFP battery recycling 4. Impact on the supply chain & summary 5. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecture Items] 1. Initiatives for Promoting Smart Cities at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Urban Bureau, International and Digital Policy Division, Digital Information Utilization Promotion Office Planning Specialist Mr. Masahiro Kobayashi 1. Initiatives to Promote the Spread of Smart Cities 2. Promotion of the Development and Utilization of 3D Urban Models in Project PLATEAU 3. Q&A / Business Card Exchange 2. Smart Cities in the AI Era - Creating "Light Cities" that Continuously Unleash the Potential of Urban Areas - NTT Urban Solutions Inc., Urban Development Promotion Headquarters, Innovation Promotion Department, Deputy Director NTT Urban Development Corporation, Digital Innovation Promotion Department, Director Mr. Shinya Date 1. Changes in the Environment Surrounding Smart Cities and the Transformation of Urban Development 2. NTT's Vision for Creating "Light Cities" - Urban Development that Continues to Unleash the Potential of Cities 3. Evolution and Value Creation of Smart Cities in an AI-Driven Society 4. Considering Future Urban Models and Co-Creation Possibilities from Social Implementation Cases in Hibiya 5. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Lecturer] Koichi Iwama, Professor, Faculty of Economics and Management, Wako University / Chairman, Resource Economics Committee, Petroleum Technology Association [Key Lecture Content] In light of the prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, what will happen to the development of shale gas and shale oil in the United States moving forward? After the midterm elections, what will be the international LNG prices under the Trump administration after winter 2027? How will Japan's business strategies related to LNG projects grow? A leading expert on the shale gas and shale oil revolutions will clearly explain the future outlook.

[Lecturers] EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd. Infrastructure Advisory Partner Kenichiro Fukuda Strategy Partner Ken Fujiyama Infrastructure Advisory Director Takashi Matsumura [Key Lecture Content] The water supply and sewage business is facing structural challenges such as facility aging, a shortage of workforce, and a decrease in revenue due to population decline. The government is promoting the introduction of Water PPPs, regional consolidation, and the digital transformation of water supply and sewage systems, marking a significant turning point in the way these businesses are operated. This change is expanding business opportunities for private companies in various areas, including operation and maintenance, pipeline renewal, digital technology, and the utilization of smart meters and data. Additionally, as a means of expanding business domains and enhancing competitiveness, there has been an increase in capital and operational partnerships and M&A between companies, leading to industry restructuring. In this seminar, based on the latest trends in policy and the market, we will introduce business strategies for private companies to enter and expand in the water supply and sewage market, including the use of M&A and capital operational partnerships, drawing on achievements from both public and private support.

[Speaker] Hideo Yamamoto, President and CEO of DIVE COMPASS Inc. [Key Message] "Consumers will no longer be at the end of the power system." By reconfiguring the energy landscape starting from the "consumer" rather than viewing renewable energy, electricity retail, PPA, storage batteries, EVs, VPP, and DSF as separate businesses, there is potential to create new energy businesses in Japan. This presentation will not only introduce the latest trends in Europe but will also consider future market changes and business opportunities from the perspective of "what can be commercialized next in the Japanese market." [Presentation Items] 1. Why consider the electricity market from the consumer's perspective now? 2. Five market changes confirmed at FLEXCON 2026 on the front lines of European DSF 3. The current state of the Japanese DSF market seen through comparison with Europe 4. New consumer-centric energy businesses emerging in Japan 5. Who will hold the connection with consumers by 2030? 6. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecture Topics] 1. Trends and Business Opportunities in Japan's Expanding Energy Storage Industry Koichiro Danno, Principal and Head of Social and Policy Design Unit, Research and Consulting Division, Japan Research Institute, Inc. 1. Background Necessitating Energy Storage Business 2. Behind the Meter (BTM) Business and In Front of the Meter (IFM) Business 3. Trends in Japan's Energy Policy Related to Energy Storage 4. Current Revenue Models in Japan 5. Verification of Profitability in Energy Storage Business 6. Summary 7. Q&A 2. Expansion of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Business in Europe and Japan and Future Prospects Takayuki Ogawa, Executive Officer, Deputy Head of Business Strategy Division, Japan Kogyo Energy Solutions, Inc. and Executive Director, Nippon Koei Energy Europe B.V. 1. Overview of the Company and Introduction to Energy Business 2. Efforts in Energy Storage Business in Europe 3. Efforts in Energy Storage Business in Japan 4. Role and Importance of Aggregators 5. Challenges and Future Prospects of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Business 6. Summary 7. Q&A

[Speaker] Keiichi Motohashi Country Manager for Japan, H Energy Co., Ltd. Director and GX Advisor, Yu Green Co., Ltd. Environmental Energy Journalist [Key Lecture Content] In recent years, grid-scale energy storage systems have garnered significant interest as a new energy business, but some argue that it may be a bubble. While there are a large number of projects under consideration for grid connection, it has been pointed out that it often takes a considerable amount of time to finalize connection contracts. Additionally, the main revenue comes from the supply-demand adjustment market, but changes in market rules have made it difficult to predict future revenue opportunities. In any case, it is expected that the business environment will undergo significant changes. While examining the situation overseas, the structure of the Japanese market, and the future of the power system, I would like to deliberately consider the post-grid energy storage systems. [Lecture Topics] 1. What are grid-scale energy storage systems? 2. Why did a bubble occur in Japan? 3. New movements in the battery business 4. Trends overseas 5. Post-grid energy storage systems 6. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Instructor] Yasuhiko Ogushi, Co-Representative, Bayside Energy Insights LLP [Key Lecture Content] In Japan's demand-supply adjustment market, the entry of storage batteries has intensified bidding competition, with the national bidding competition rate for primary adjustment capacity exceeding 1x by June 2026. Furthermore, preliminary figures from September indicate a notable decline in the average winning bid price for storage batteries. Is the current change temporary, or does it signal a transformation in future revenue structures? This lecture will analyze the current state of the domestic market using data on recruitment volume, bidding volume, contract rates, and prices. It will then conduct a detailed analysis of the leading markets in the UK and the US, examining how the increase in storage battery entries has impacted the revenue of the adjustment capacity market and how the roles of other markets, such as the wholesale electricity market, have changed following the revenue decline. Attention will also be paid to the differences in market systems and the factors contributing to revenue decline across countries and regions. Finally, the lecture will organize the factors that will influence future revenues in Japan's demand-supply adjustment, wholesale, and capacity markets, providing business operators engaged in grid storage battery investments with materials to create new revenue assumptions or to reassess existing revenue assumptions.

[Lecture Topics] 1. Co-creation Strategy to Deliver AI to the Field - Business Development and Joint Ventures in the Era of Generative AI and Physical AI Mr. Haruto Suzuki, Industrial and Regional Research Department, Development Bank of Japan 1. The Mechanism of Generative AI and Its Current Utilization by Companies 2. Expansion of the Generative AI Market and AI Infrastructure 3. Transition from Generative AI to Physical AI 4. Bottlenecks in Social Implementation and Solutions through Joint Ventures 5. Formation of an Implementation Ecosystem through Policy and Finance 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange 2. Needs, Development Trends, Future Possibilities, and Challenges of Physical AI Mr. Kazushi Asama, Senior Researcher, Next-Generation Robot Research Organization, Waseda University / Emeritus Professor, University of Tokyo 1. What Physical AI Means 2. Needs for Physical AI and the Technological Trends of Generative AI Behind It 3. Development Trends of Physical AI 4. Future Possibilities and Challenges of Physical AI 5. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Daisuke Imaizumi, President and CEO, Infra Commons Inc. [Lecture Topics] Part 1: What kind of company is TSMC? ~ A company that allocates production capacity for advanced semiconductors, not just a contract manufacturer. Part 2: What is TSMC actually purchasing? ~ The vast procurement market for Japanese companies extends beyond just equipment. Part 3: How are Taiwanese companies generating revenue from TSMC? ~ The approach Japanese companies should learn from the "TSMC supply chain" (the group of TSMC suppliers). Part 4: The new TSMC mega market emerging in the AI era ~ How will the market for sellable products change with 2nm and CoWoS? Part 5: Ultimately, what can Japanese companies sell? ~ Viewing the TSMC mega economic zone as a potential sales target for their own business. [Q&A Session]

[Lecturers] Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. DX Planning Department Fellow Narumi Nonami Manager of the Business Reform Promotion Team, DX Planning Department and Special Assistant to the Director of the Management Planning Department at Daigas Energy Co., Ltd. Kei Itakura [Key Lecture Content] As the environmental changes surrounding the energy industry accelerate, companies are required to transform their businesses beyond merely improving the efficiency of existing operations. In this lecture, we will introduce the DX policies and organizational initiatives promoted by the Daigas Group, as well as practical examples of digital utilization in business settings. We will also discuss efforts to leverage advanced technologies such as generative AI, the establishment of AI utilization infrastructure, and case studies of application in operations and services, providing insights into the concepts of DX and AI utilization that support corporate transformation and future prospects. This content aims to offer hints for executives and managers considering the promotion of DX within their own companies.

[Speaker] Director of F Research Ltd., UK / Mr. Yasuo Kamisato, EN × LINK [Key Lecture Content] The UK has strengths in the creation of university-originated technologies and deep tech startups, while Japan excels in implementing technology with high quality in fields such as manufacturing and social infrastructure. There is a high degree of complementarity between these strengths in both countries, and connecting the UK's advanced technologies to the Japanese industrial sector holds great potential. However, there is a significant gap between "finding" excellent technologies and "linking" them to actual business collaborations. This lecture will provide an overview of the latest trends in UK deep tech, build application hypotheses from technology seeds, assess compatibility with Japanese companies, and explain the process of expanding into PoC, verification, and joint development. Additionally, practical perspectives for incorporating overseas technologies into new business and R&D will be presented, along with methods for application exploration using AI and examples of startups.

[Speaker] Ryo Shu, President and CEO of Marketing Eyes Inc. [Lecture Topics] 1. "Jobs that will change" and "Jobs that will not change" in the AI era 2. Why "marketing thinking" is necessary for all business people now 3. The unchanging "ability to understand others" in the AI era 4. The increasingly important "hypothesis-making ability" in the AI era 5. The ability to design strategies - the unchanging principle is "not starting from means" 6. Planning and communication in the AI era - from "communicating" to "being understood and moving people" 7. The "power of organizations and people" that cannot be replaced by AI 8. Summary - the new order of work in the AI era 9. Q&A

[Lecture Topics] 1. Why Chemical Recycling Now? ~Preparing for New Management Challenges in the Era of Resource Circulation~ Idemitsu Chemical Recycling Japan Co., Ltd. President and CEO, Yoshihiko Okamura 1. Transition from Linear Economy to Circular Economy 2. Latest Domestic and International Trends in Plastic Resource Circulation 3. Required Corporate Responses 4. Our Company's Initiatives 5. Future Prospects and Challenges of Chemical Recycling 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange 2. New Markets Created by the Circular Economy Strategies for Building a Recycled Material Supply Chain Boston Consulting Group Associate Director, Ikuya Ueda 1. Changes in the Management Environment Surrounding Resources 2. Policy Trends in Europe, the U.S., and China and the "Circular Economy Action Plan" 3. "Three-Tier Supply Infrastructure" Supporting the Recycled Material Supply Chain ~Collection, Recycling, and Market Infrastructure~ 4. How Access to Supply Infrastructure Affects Corporate Competitiveness 5. Three Management Decisions Required of Companies (1) Pre-investment in Procurement Capability (2) Controlling Key Nodes (3) Viewing CE as a Starting Point for Business Models, Not Just a Cost 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Mr. Takashi Muratani, President and CEO of AnPrenergy Co., Ltd. Mr. Atsushi Nakajima, President and CEO of PandaPower Co., Ltd. [Lecture Topics] 1. The Essentials of Low-Voltage Battery Business / Mr. Takashi Muratani 2. New World Lines Created by Flywheel Batteries / Mr. Atsushi Nakajima 3. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Lecturers] PwC Consulting LLC Senior Manager Yosuke Enomoto Senior Manager Tomoe Ejiri [Key Lecture Content] Against the backdrop of the rapid proliferation of generative AI, the digital infrastructure supporting data processing, communication, and computing resources is undergoing a significant transformation. In this presentation, we will first organize the trends in the terrestrial data center market expanding from AI demand, as well as the structural changes surrounding power, location, and networks. Furthermore, as communication and data processing infrastructure expands into space, we will take a broad view of the future of next-generation digital infrastructure that integrates terrestrial and space elements. Additionally, we will explore new business transformations and opportunities that arise from combining satellite data and internal and external data with AI, and implementing them in business and decision-making through the Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) approach.

[Instructor] Tetsu Hasimoto, Partner, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Foreign Law Joint Enterprise [Key Lecture Content] Data centers as investment targets are attracting significant attention, with many development and investment projects observed in various countries. On the other hand, data centers are a complex field that intersects real estate, energy, IT, and finance, which presents unique characteristics and hurdles not found in other asset types. Additionally, many transactions are led by foreign data center operators, necessitating approaches that take into account foreign contractual practices. Furthermore, the attributes of the players and the type of data center, such as campus-type or container-type, also influence the structure and considerations involved. In this seminar, an instructor who has handled numerous data center projects will provide a comprehensive explanation of data centers, covering everything from structuring to contractual practices. [Lecture Items] 1. Overview of Data Centers 2. Permits, Regulations 3. Investment Structure 4. Due Diligence & Contract Practices - Key Related Contracts and Features 5. Debt Financing - Focusing on Differences from Other Asset Types 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Hiroaki Suehiro, Partner Attorney, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto Law Firm Foreign Law Joint Enterprise [Key Lecture Content] Against the backdrop of the needs for business restructuring in large corporations and business succession in small and medium-sized enterprises, there has been an increase in M&A driven by acquisition funds, and the necessity for LBO financing (acquisition financing) as a means of raising acquisition funds is also growing. With the increase in small to medium-sized deals, the pool of players is expanding, creating new business opportunities for regional financial institutions. In this seminar, the speaker, who has been involved in many LBO financing cases from both the lender and sponsor perspectives, will explain practical considerations regarding contracts and schemes, as well as the M&A knowledge necessary for engaging in acquisition financing. Additionally, the latest topics, including recent market trends and the impact of amendments to collateral laws, will also be introduced. [Lecture Items] 1. What is LBO Financing? 2. Essential M&A Knowledge 3. Key Points of Loan Agreements 4. Key Points of Collateral Agreements 5. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Instructor] Daisuke Fujii, Executive Officer, Lead-Cybersecurity, Japan, Accenture, Inc. [Key Lecture Content] With the evolution of frontier AI, the "quantity" of vulnerability discovery and the "speed" of successful attacks are becoming more advanced. Traditional operations that assume a few months' grace period for patch application are becoming untenable, and regulatory authorities have begun to demand action. This lecture will introduce the mechanisms by which AI discovers vulnerabilities in large quantities, its attack capabilities, and risk management, as well as the measures to be taken in the short, medium, and long term, including asset management, patch automation, AI-driven diagnostics and penetration testing, and the safe use of AI itself. Additionally, we will share management-level points regarding cost asymmetry, investment decisions, and promotion systems. [Lecture Topics] 1. Turning Point of Threats Brought by Frontier AI 2. Overview of Risks and Trends in Regulations and Guidelines 3. Limitations of Traditional Operations - Difficulty in Responding to "Quantity" and "Speed" 4. Short-term Measures: Immediate Response to Large-scale Vulnerabilities (Asset Management and Patch Automation) 5. Medium to Long-term Measures: Making AI an Active Defense Entity 6. Management-level Discussion Points 7. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Key Lecture Content] I. Latest Trends in Information and Communication Policy Kentarou Nagai, Deputy Director, Information and Communication Policy Division, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 1. Current State of the Information and Communication Market 2. Positioning of the Information and Communication Sector in Growth Strategies 3. Budget Request for the Fiscal Year (Information and Communication Related) (1) Overview and Overall Picture (2) Examples of Individual Measures 4. Q&A / Business Card Exchange II. Direction of Japan's Digital Industry Policy Kiyoshi Ito, Chief of the General Affairs Section, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry 1. Changes and Current Situation Surrounding AI and Semiconductors 2. Overall Picture of Semiconductor and Digital Policies 3. Initiatives to Strengthen the Semiconductor Industry 4. Initiatives to Strengthen the AI Industry 5. Initiatives to Strengthen Other Digital Industry Foundations 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange