新社会システム総合研究所 List of News Articles

[Speaker] Shinya Okimoto, Founder & CEO of Oki Studio LLC [Lecture Topics] Part 1: Transformation of Mobility and Redefinition of In-Car Space 1-1. Paradigm Shift in the Automotive Industry 1-2. Rise of UX-Centered Design Part 2: Evolution and Application of In-Vehicle Interior Sensors 2-1. Evolution of DMS and OMS and Regulatory Framework 2-2. Intelligence in HVAC and HMI 2-3. UX Optimization through the Fusion of Sensors and AI Part 3: The Future of Electrification and Energy Management 3-1. Role and Evolution of BMS 3-2. Energy Optimization through AI Part 4: Evolution of AI and Integration into In-Vehicle Systems 4-1. Generative AI and In-Vehicle UX 4-2. Possibilities and Challenges of AGI and ASI 4-3. Future Vision of Mobility x AI Part 5: Summary / Q&A

[Speaker] Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Natural Energy Foundation Senior Researcher, Climate Change Group, Mr. Toshikazu Ishihara [Key Lecture Content] As the decarbonization of power sources through the expansion of renewable energy in the power generation sector is rapidly advancing worldwide, expectations for hydrogen are rising, particularly in industrial sectors where electrification cannot provide a solution. In Japan, the Hydrogen Society Promotion Law has been enacted, and large-scale support projects for hydrogen procurement and infrastructure development have begun. However, there are also uncertainties regarding its realization, such as the slowdown in Europe, which has been ahead in this area, and policy shifts in the United States. Considering these global trends, this lecture will explore the positioning and role of hydrogen in Japan's energy policy, taking into account the challenges and looking ahead to future possibilities. [Lecture Items] 1. Positioning of hydrogen in Japan's energy policy 2. Trends overseas 3. Potential of hydrogen in Japan 4. Challenges and responses 5. Summary and outlook 6. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Instructor] Mr. Daishi Konoe, Partner Lawyer at KKM Law Office [Key Lecture Content] Despite the lack of a tangible sense of economic improvement, companies are struggling with labor shortages in hiring and employment. Some companies, even while in the black, have been unable to maintain their current scale due to labor shortages, leading to personnel reductions. This can be attributed to the pressure on corporate finances caused by securing wage resources, including the rise in minimum wage. Therefore, we will examine how to secure the necessary human resources in line with the appropriate scale of the company, as well as how to improve or reorganize problematic employees and mismatched employees, through the lens of the age-old yet contemporary major issue of ordinary dismissal and restructuring dismissal. [Lecture Items] 1. Human resources that match the scale of the company 2. Methods for controlling wage resources and the legal principles of disadvantageous changes 3. Personnel reductions and the abuse of dismissal rights to secure wage resources 4. Personnel reduction part 1 - Ordinary dismissal of mismatched employees 5. Personnel reduction part 2 - Restructuring dismissal 6. Handling problematic employees that do not lead to dismissal 7. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Speaker] Taigo Isobe, Senior Manager, Innovation Center, Innovation Technology Department, NTT Data Corporation [Key Lecture Content] Quantum computers are attracting attention as a new computational mechanism based on quantum mechanics, providing innovative solutions to complex and large-scale problems that have been difficult to handle with traditional classical computers. In this lecture, I will first overview the foundational technologies and current status of quantum computers, organize the application examples that have been highlighted in the financial and chemical fields, and then outline the potential in new application areas such as odor reconstruction, weather forecasting, and digital agriculture. I hope you will realize that quantum computers are not just an extension of computational technology but are expanding into diverse areas such as perception, environment, and human sensibility.

[Speaker] Shunsuke Suzuki, President and CEO, Management Techniques Co., Ltd. [Lecture Topics] 1. Introduction - Learning from the History of Success and Failure 2. How to Create a Project Concept Note - The Journey from Idea to Realization 3. Planning for Achievement - The Process from Planning to Execution 4. Selecting Engaging Talent - Defining Capability Requirements and Analyzing Talent Portfolios 5. Communication for Persuasion and Promotion 6. Exercises in Thinking Techniques using "Unique Brain Lab®": Mastering sharpened thinking by questioning "Why?" and extracting the essence.

[Speaker] Yukio Sakaguchi, Representative, Clean Energy Research Institute [Lecture Topics] Part 1: Policy and Market Trends 　(1) Turning Point in Federal Policy 　(2) Shift to State Leadership 　(3) Changes in Power Market Structure 　(4) Transmission Constraints and Storage Demand Part 2: Technological Systems and Industrial Structure 　(1) From Lithium-Ion to Long-Duration Storage 　(2) Modularization and Scalability of BESS 　(3) Supply Chain Restructuring 　(4) Safety and Reliability Challenges Part 3: Business Models and Investment Strategies 　(1) Revenue Structure of Utility-Scale BESS 　(2) New Trends in Corporate PPAs and Distributed Storage 　(3) Structure of Private Capital Entry 　(4) Opportunities for Japanese Companies to Enter Part 4: Q&A / Business Card Exchange *The program may change based on the latest situation.

[Key Lecture Content] 1. The Significance of International Standardization and Global Strategies Utilizing It (Tokyo Institute of Technology) National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Senior Researcher Chairman of IEC TC85 Domestic Committee, Mr. Tatsuji Yamada In June of this year, the Cabinet Office's Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters decided on a "New International Standard Strategy." This aims to lead solutions to important domestic and international issues through international standards and to create new markets. Here, we will reaffirm the significance of international standardization, introduce examples of global strategies utilizing it, and also discuss international standardization in NILM. 2. Global Strategies Leveraging International Standardization by Venture Companies - The Case of Infomatis Infomatis Inc., President and CEO, Mr. Taro Tadano In creating new businesses in the global market, international standardization can be an effective strategic tool for Japanese ventures. In this presentation, we will introduce the insights and practical examples of international standardization utilized by Infomatis, cultivated in large corporations, and consider its potential and practical significance.

[Lecturer] Masanao Moriwaki, Head of the International Nuclear Technology Division, Hitachi GE Vernova Nuclear Energy, Inc. [Key Lecture Content] In light of the rapidly expanding demand for electricity, the realization of a decarbonized society, and energy security, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention as a stable decarbonized power source. In Ontario, Canada, construction has begun at the Darlington site of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for the BWRX-300, promoted by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), which is the first SMR in Western countries. This seminar will introduce the technical features and implementation status of the BWRX-300, as well as organize the potential and challenges faced by SMRs, explaining how the BWRX-300 aims to address these challenges.

[Speaker] Ren Taro Hayashi, Senior Manager, Environmental, Energy, and Resource Strategy Group, Research and Consulting Division, Japan Research Institute, Ltd. [Lecture Items] 1. Overview of Data Centers 2. Impact of Data Centers on the Power Industry 3. Policy Trends in Data Centers and Power (1) Expert Meeting on Digital Infrastructure Development (2) GX2040 Vision (3) Public-Private Dialogue on Watt-Bit Collaboration (4) GX Industry Location Working Group 4. Future Approaches to Power Procurement for Data Center Development 5. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Instructor] Toshiya Araki, Copywriter, Dentsu Inc. [Key Lecture Content] "For all business people struggling with the inability to articulate what they want to say..." The ability to verbalize is a skill that anyone can acquire through very simple training. The Dentsu copywriter, author of the bestsellers "People Who Can Verbalize Instantly Succeed" (over 150,000 copies sold) and "This is How to Verbalize What's in Your Head" (over 100,000 copies sold), will introduce a newly developed training based on his experience conducting verbalization workshops with over 2,000 business professionals. The key is to follow the three steps of "concretization" → "abstraction" → "balancing concretization and abstraction." Just by doing this, anyone can come up with, organize, and communicate what they want to say. During this seminar, we will also engage in practical exercises to experience the methods and effects of verbalization training together. Please take home useful tips that will benefit your daily work.

[Speaker] Yohei Katakawa, Manager, Global Affairs Division, Marubeni Corporation Senior Researcher, Marubeni Institute of Economic Research [Key Lecture Content] The electric vehicle (EV) market is showing signs of demand stagnation globally, but the shift towards EVs in Europe continues unabated. On the other hand, the rapid shift to EVs and the rise of Chinese manufacturers have put European automakers in a difficult position. With the automotive and battery industries becoming a battleground for geopolitical and economic security issues, as exemplified by China's rare earth export regulations and Trump-era tariffs, how should we interpret the signs of future market changes? Considering the trends in new industrial policies, we will examine the environmental changes surrounding the European market and implications for the future. [Lecture Items] 1. Current state of the European automotive and battery industry 2. Green policies 3. Economic security policies 4. Shift towards competitiveness-focused policies 5. Implications for the future considering the geopolitical environment 6. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Speaker] Representative Director of KKR Consulting Co., Ltd. Director and Tax Accountant Junya Yamada of Yamada Junya Tax Accountant Office Tax Accountant Mika Ikeda [Lecture Items] ● Explanation of recent renewable energy installation methods, along with an overview of subsidy systems and tax incentives ● Regarding subsidy systems, an explanation of local government subsidies, primarily in the Kanto region 【1】Latest Renewable Energy Schemes 【2】Explanation of Renewable Energy-related Subsidies 1. National Subsidies (1) Storage Parity Subsidy (2) Subsidies for Agricultural Land, Carports, etc. (3) Regional Resilience Subsidy (4) Subsidies for Warehousing Businesses (5) Subsidies for Accommodation Facilities (6) Perovskite Solar Cell Subsidy (7) Support Subsidy for the Introduction of Storage Batteries for Grid Use 2. Local Government Subsidies, Primarily in the Kanto Region Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, etc. 【3】Explanation of Tax Systems Related to 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 4. Taxation when receiving subsidies 【4】Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Lecturer] Visiting Professor, Nagoya University Future Society Creation Organization, Doctor of Engineering Senior Advisor, Espec Corporation Outside Director, Iriso Electronics Co., Ltd. Expert Committee Member, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry "Battery Industry Strategy Promotion Council" Former Executive at Samsung SDI Mr. Noboru Sato [Lecture Topics] 1. Electrification of Automobiles and Battery Strategy 2. Development Competition of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Vehicles 3. Fire Accidents Caused by Vehicle Batteries and Their Causes 4. Recycling Business of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Future Prospects 5. Development Status and Future Prospects of Next-Generation Vehicle Batteries 6. Japan's Strengths and Challenges 7. Q&A Session

[Key Lecture Content] 1. How should companies promote regional management? ~ What is the business scheme for utilizing public spaces? ~ Miyamoto Mariko, Senior Researcher, Public Policy Research Department, SOMPO Institute Plus Inc. 1. Business schemes for regional management by companies 2. Regional management utilizing public spaces (domestic examples) 3. Creation of public spaces using urban infrastructure and regional management (international examples) 4. Q&A / Business card exchange 2. Utilization of public spaces in central Tokyo ~ Utilization of squares at Toranomon Hills and Azabudai Hills, and utilization of roads on New Torii Street ~ Mori Building Co., Ltd. Azabudai Hills Operations Promotion Office, Operations Department Town Management Group, Section Manager and Town Management Business Department, Operations Planning Department Park Management Promotion Group, Section Manager and Azabudai Hills Planning Strategy Office Naka Hiroki 1. Mori Building's philosophy of urban development and environmental policy 2. Utilization of public spaces in Mori Building projects 3. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecturer] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Rural Development Bureau, Design Division, Planning Coordination Office Planning and Planning Section, Assistant Manager Takushi Iketani [Key Lecture Content] Land improvement projects directly intervene in "water" and "soil" to secure farmland and agricultural water with favorable farming conditions, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and achieving a stable food supply to support the food and livelihoods of the nation. As a rapid decrease and aging of farmers is anticipated, it is crucial to promote the consolidation and intensification of farmland for successors and the introduction of smart agricultural technologies. The role of land improvement projects, which are responsible for the development and preservation of agricultural production infrastructure, such as large-scale farmland consolidation and the improvement of agricultural water facilities, is significant for the sustainable development of agriculture. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries formulated a new long-term land improvement plan in September of this year, and this lecture will introduce the role of land improvement projects and future initiatives. [Lecture Items] 1. Characteristics and roles of land improvement projects 2. Changes in the situation surrounding agriculture and rural areas 3. About the new long-term land improvement plan 4. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Instructor] Professor Makoto Kawase Ritsumeikan University Business School [Key Lecture Content] The rapid evolution of AI, the development of electric vehicles and autonomous driving, and the ongoing issues of declining birth rates and aging populations, along with the rise of Generation Z, are all significant changes that are currently transforming the structure of industries and society. The future is not a continuation of the present. To create our own future, we must first think about what we can do in the future through "backcasting," which involves envisioning from the future. Then, we consider how to realize that vision and what actions we need to take to make it happen. By going through this series of processes, the somewhat vague image of the future connects with our current reality, becoming concrete and achievable. In this seminar, the instructor, who has worked on future creation projects in large corporations, will introduce the steps for creating the future that have been developed through trial and error, and will also explain how to cultivate future creators. This seminar is recommended for those who wish to create new businesses in a changing future and for those who are struggling with the idea that the future does not exist on the current trajectory.

[Instructor] Professor Makoto Kawase, Ritsumeikan University Business School [Key Lecture Content] The "rapidly evolving digital" symbolized by generative AI will fundamentally change manufacturing industries such as machinery, automotive, and chemicals, as well as service industries like distribution and finance. We are witnessing a "transformation of industrial structure through digital," essentially a new "industrial revolution." In ten years, all industries and society will likely look significantly different from today. While existing jobs and sectors may disappear, new and substantial business opportunities will emerge. A major transformation of industrial structure and society is certain to occur within the next 5 to 15 years. Let’s gain a comprehensive understanding of this change and consider pathways to transform our company’s strategy. In this course, we will use nearly 300 pages of dense and rich materials to concretely and comprehensively overview the cutting edge of technology and its future, interpreting the "future." The primary target audience includes executives and members of management planning departments who wish to understand and organize the impact of technological evolution on business and reimagine their company’s strategy.

[Speaker] Kawaguchi Shoji, Senior Executive Officer, Expert Division, Userbase Inc. Representative Director / Founder, Mimiru Inc. [Key Lecture Content] We will share the essence of "making effective decisions" in a short time. This includes how to identify the right timing for decisions, tips for conscious judgment to reduce hesitation, and developing a habit of learning from processes rather than just results. Additionally, we will touch on practices that promote autonomy by sharing intentions and thought backgrounds within the team. [Lecture Items] 1. Three approaches to improve decision-making 2. Reflecting on processes rather than results 3. Principles and benefits of hypothesis building 4. Acquiring information as a decision-maker 5. How to communicate decisions and share organizational context 6. What is happening in the business field 7. Q&A

[Speaker] Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Research Institute, Technology and Innovation Information Department Senior Project Manager, Zhao Jian [Key Lecture Content] Semi-solid batteries, positioned between liquid lithium-ion batteries (LIB) and all-solid-state batteries, offer higher safety and energy density than liquid LIBs while not having the same high barriers to mass production as all-solid-state batteries. As a result, battery companies worldwide are working on their implementation as a bridge until all-solid-state batteries are commercialized. This lecture will explain the technical overview of semi-solid batteries, their main applications, the latest trends in research and development and implementation by companies in various countries, the impact on the development of next-generation battery technologies such as all-solid-state batteries, and future prospects. [Lecture Items] 1. Overview of semi-solid battery technology 2. Latest trends in research and development & commercialization 3. Impact of all-solid-state battery commercialization on the development of next-generation battery technologies 4. Future prospects and summary 5. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecturer] Taro Kawamura, Deputy Director, Carbon Neutral Technology Center, General Incorporated Foundation Energy Comprehensive Engineering Research Institute [Key Lecture Content] As the introduction of variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power progresses, the importance of energy storage technologies necessary for leveling and utilizing these sources is increasing. In particular, the development of long-duration energy storage systems (LDES) that can provide continuous electrical output for approximately 8 to 10 hours or more is considered key to expanding the future adoption of renewable energy. In Japan, the 7th Basic Energy Plan, which was approved by the Cabinet in February 2025, clearly states the goal of introducing LDES. Additionally, LDES is expected to be included in the bidding targets for long-term decarbonized power source auctions starting this fiscal year, making 2025 a pivotal year for LDES in Japan. In this lecture, we will discuss the importance and background of LDES, provide an overview of the technology, and introduce specific development trends and case studies both domestically and internationally.

[Speaker] Akira Miyoshi, Organizational Development Consultant, Self-Directed Evolution Organization Research Institute [Lecture Topics] 1. What is "proactive leadership" that dramatically enhances team performance even in times of drastic change? 2. Essential skills for new era leaders: the ability to become a transparent presence 3. The reason why employees' eyes do not shine even when setting goals and having 1-on-1 meetings 4. What kind of leadership allows young employees to act vibrantly without having to set goals? 5. The formula to stop turnover completely! How to become a self-directed organization in 7 months starting today 6. Managers solving problems themselves! A communication model that remarkably enhances autonomy 7. Learning from failure cases: blind spots of leaders that hinder transformation 8. Concrete action plan to enhance management skills that can be implemented starting tomorrow! 9. Q&A

[Speaker] Toru Kumagai, Journalist from Germany [Lecture Topics] 1. The German government holds a summit meeting to support the automotive industry 2. Will the EU change the ban on new internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2035? 3. The main players at the Munich Auto Show IAA Mobility are China and BEVs 4. The strategy of Chinese OEMs steadily expanding their foothold in Europe 5. Reasons for the recovery of new BEV registrations in Europe by 2025 6. Is the hollowing out of the German automotive industry progressing due to Trump tariffs? 7. Q&A

[Speaker] Daisuke Imaizumi, President and CEO of Infra Commons, Inc. [Key Lecture Content] The term "Physical AI" began to gain traction following the keynote speech by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) in Las Vegas in January 2025. In this seminar, we will explain the overall picture of "Physical AI that Japanese manufacturing can develop and sell," which has been clearly defined for the first time by the recently released robot edge computer Jetson Thor, based on the definition of Physical AI provided by the CEO of NVIDIA, a company that has become one of the world's leading firms by market capitalization. There are various specific applications, including autonomous robots, drones, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and inspection and maintenance robots, suggesting that a new era is approaching for Japanese manufacturing. [Lecture Items] 1. Introduction: The Three Stages of AI Evolution 2. Technical Explanation: Translating Jensen Huang's Definition Technically 3. Tools Available for Development in Japanese Manufacturing: Jetson Thor and the NVIDIA Stack 4. Use Cases 5. Summary and Q&A

[Speaker] Koichi Sato, Representative Member of HR Plus Social Insurance Labor Consultant Corporation / Certified Social Insurance Labor Consultant [Key Lecture Content] Labor law reflects the lifestyle and social conditions of the people and is frequently revised. Additionally, after the enactment of revised laws, the effective dates of the amendments often vary, making it a significant burden for HR personnel to keep up with the revision information according to the enforcement dates. In this seminar, we will comprehensively explain the key points from the perspective of "what changes, when, and how?" so that HR personnel can avoid missing any important details and confidently decide on their practical response policies. [Lecture Items] 1. Amendments to the law that took effect in 2025 2. Amendments to the law scheduled to take effect in 2026 3. Amendments to the law scheduled to take effect after 2027 4. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Instructor] Mr. Takao Yamamoto Former Full Professor, Faculty of Law, Meiji University (1999-2014) / Former Legal Department, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (1966-1999) / Director, Corporate Law Society (1995 - Present) [Key Lecture Content] This course, titled "Basic Course on New English Contracts 2026," will provide fundamental knowledge on how to "read" and "write" English contracts. Using the instructor's authored texts "How to Read English Contracts, 2nd Edition" (Nikkei Bunko: 2020) and "How to Write English Contracts, 3rd Edition" (Nikkei Bunko: 2019) as materials, the lectures will be conducted in a gentle and thorough manner. January 20 (Tuesday) 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Session 1: How to Read English Contracts *Includes business card exchange and Q&A with the instructor February 10 (Tuesday) 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Session 2: How to Write English Contracts *Includes business card exchange and Q&A with the instructor

[Lecturer] Professor, Aichi Institute of Technology, Comprehensive Technology Research Institute Member, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Subcommittee on Decarbonized Fuel Policy Member, Carbon Management Subcommittee, among others Mr. Motohiro Kondo [Former Toyota Motor Corporation] [Key Lecture Content] In our country, there are already recycling laws for specific products, and in the automotive sector, appropriate recycling and processing are progressing in accordance with the "Automobile Recycling Law." On the other hand, in response to carbon neutrality and the issue of marine plastic waste, the structure and materials of automobiles themselves are changing, and it is necessary to change our efforts towards recycling used products to facilitate the transition to a circular society. Additionally, some countries have already strengthened their initiatives, starting from addressing these environmental issues, with a focus on enhancing their industrial competitiveness and fostering new industries. In this seminar, we will explain the trends in these foreign countries and our country's policies, as well as efforts towards recycling automotive plastic waste in the formation of a circular society. [Lecture Items] 1. Direction of our country's efforts towards GX and CE 2. Trends in automotive recycling in foreign countries 3. Towards advanced automotive recycling 4. Summary 5. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Instructor] Shintaro Fukazawa President, BM Consulting Co., Ltd. Representative Director, Japan Business Mathematics Association Business Mathematics Educator [Key Lecture Content] Shintaro Fukazawa, an educator who advocates for "Business Mathematics" to cultivate personnel who work mathematically, has conducted unique research on the comprehension abilities of successful individuals. He discovered significant commonalities with mathematical thinking and systematized it as a method that anyone can practice. The content is planned to be published in a book, allowing many business professionals to learn from it. In this seminar, we will extract only the essential elements from the know-how presented in that book and introduce it as a "comprehension" acquisition method to develop intelligent personnel. Participants will receive a special gift of the instructor's latest book, "Truly Becoming Smarter: New Comprehension (Tentative Title)" (the title may change). We encourage you to participate enthusiastically.

[Instructor] Mr. Toshio Kimura, Senior Consultant, Japan Management Association Consulting, Inc. [Purpose of the Event] Japan aims to be a nation of science and technology, and Japanese companies face many barriers and challenges. Since the collapse of the bubble economy in the early 1990s, short-term thinking and profit-oriented management have become mainstream, leading to a prolonged period of stagnation in innovation. However, even in such circumstances, there are a number of companies that have achieved sustainable business and corporate growth centered around technology. In Japanese companies, especially in the manufacturing sector, technology is the unique growth driver. It is essential to integrate business strategy and technology strategy, rooted in the business vision, and to spiral up the value of technology along with the value of products and services. This seminar will provide a detailed explanation of the concepts of the technology strategy currently required, as well as specific methods for formulating technology strategies, including technology roadmaps, along with concrete examples. [Knowledge to be Acquired] 1. Redefinition of technology strategy* - *Basic concepts of the technology strategy currently required 2. How to integrate business strategy and technology strategy rooted in the business vision 3. Detailed process for formulating technology strategies, including technology roadmaps

[Instructor] Takahisa Saito, Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultant, Saito Social Insurance and Labor Consultant Office [Key Lecture Content] Inspections by the Labor Standards Inspection Office can occur suddenly one day. Corporations do not have the authority to refuse them. This is called an inspection. If legal violations are clearly identified during the inspection, a corrective recommendation will be issued. How should one respond before or after this happens? It is essential to know in advance. Additionally, as work style reforms progress, they are influencing inspections by the Labor Standards Inspection Office. The number of inspections, which temporarily decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now on the rise. In this seminar, we will provide a clear explanation of the overview of inspections and the preparation of reports in response to corrective recommendations, sharing anticipated information based on the enforcement of revised labor standards laws. Furthermore, attending in person allows for meaningful information exchange through questions and mutual confirmation. [Lecture Items] 1. Labor Standards Inspection Office and Labor Standards Inspectors 2. Overview of Inspections 3. Preparation for Inspections (Before the Inspector Arrives) 4. Response on the Day of Inspection to Reporting 5. Issues to Consider During Inspections 6. Recent Trends 7. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Speaker] Hiroto Takagi Senior Director, Strategic and Technical Partnership 24M Technologies T3 Bridge Consulting [Key Lecture Content] With the rapid spread of renewable energy, the fluctuation of power generation and the difficulty of forecasting have become significant challenges. In this context, the importance of energy storage technology as a means to maintain the balance of electricity supply and demand is increasing. While companies like China's CATL and BYD, as well as the U.S. Tesla, are advancing the large-scale development of lithium-ion battery cells and systems, the development of next-generation storage technologies by new players is also accelerating. This lecture will provide an overview of the evolution of lithium-ion storage systems worldwide, while also surveying next-generation storage solutions such as iron-based batteries and flow batteries, and will introduce the prospects of innovative technologies that will support these future energy sources. [Lecture Topics] 1. Market trends in energy storage systems for electricity 2. Evolution of lithium-ion storage systems 3. Will they replace lithium-ion batteries? - Next-generation storage solutions 4. Q&A