[Seminar] Challenges and Prospects of Social Implementation of the EV Battery Circular Economy

[Speaker] Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Telecommunications Bureau, Telecommunications Business Division, Business Policy Section Director of the Telecommunications Economic Security Office, Mr. Daisuke Hayashi Deputy Section Chief, Mr. Akio Yamamoto [Key Lecture Content] International submarine cables account for approximately 99% of our country's international communications, and against the backdrop of a dramatic increase in data traffic and advancements in digital technology, their strategic importance has reached unprecedented heights. On the other hand, they face complex and structural challenges such as increased risks of damage, intensified market competition, and the emergence of security threats. In this lecture, we will share our understanding of these current situations and challenges, and explain the policy direction regarding how our country's international submarine cables can continue to maintain their functions stably and sustainably while further developing, including aspects of protection. [Lecture Items] 1. Current situation and challenges regarding international submarine cables 2. Promotion of multi-routing of submarine cables and regional distribution of landing stations 3. Strengthening the protection of submarine cables and landing stations 4. Strengthening autonomous supply systems 5. Strengthening supervisory systems 6. Q&A / Business card exchange

[Lecture Topics] 1. Roadmap for Public-Private Investment and Outlook for the Plant Factory Market Takahide Kubota, Head of Food and Agriculture Division, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. 2. Business Strategy for Artificial Light Plant Factories from a "Manufacturing Industry" Perspective - Approaches to Achieving High Productivity and High Quality through Optimization of Environmental Control and Hygiene Management Takao Otsuka, Senior Manager, Future Business Promotion Group, New Business Development Department, Management Strategy Headquarters, Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. 3. Initiatives and Outlook for YUASA's Plant Factory Business Koichi Aizawa, Manager, Food Tech Promotion Department, YUASA Corporation Kohei Nabeya, Assistant Manager, New Business Development Office, YUASA Corporation

[Lecturer] Mr. Takashi Momiyama Incubation Producer, Innovation Strategy Center, Japan Research Institute, Ltd. [Key Lecture Content] As expectations for the formation of a circular economy for EV batteries rise from the perspective of resource security and the creation of new markets, discussions aimed at commercialization are beginning to shift from "future predictions and plans" to "on-site implementation." However, in Japan, issues such as the outflow of used EVs overseas, soaring costs of collection and transportation for used batteries, and the difficulties in setting residual values due to the black-box nature of battery conditions are revealing the limitations of existing models and various bottlenecks. In this lecture, we will reflect on the changes in market structure from past technological demonstrations to market formation, and further to the "eve of mass discharge" of EV batteries, while organizing the fundamental challenges of market structure. Additionally, we will outline the effects of establishing "regional models" to reduce transportation costs and retain resources domestically, as well as the potential and challenges of battery diagnostic technologies that dramatically accelerate reuse, recycling, and residual value assurance by resolving information asymmetry.

[Speaker] Baker McKenzie (Foreign Law Joint Enterprise) Partner Attorney Masafumi Tamagawa [Lecture Topics] 1. Basics of Grid-Connected Energy Storage Systems 2. Latest Trends in Grid Connection (including recent regulatory enhancements) 3. Selection and Development of Project Sites 4. Practical Negotiation of Key Contracts 5. Project Finance 6. Q&A / Business Card Exchange

[Instructor] KPMG Consulting Co., Ltd. Senior Consultant Takamasa Matsubara, Cross Innovation Department [Key Lecture Content] Brain tech (the industrial application of brain and neuroscience) is transitioning from the research stage to becoming a subject of business consideration for companies, driven by the miniaturization of devices and improvements in analysis accuracy through AI. However, in corporate settings, while the potential of the technology is recognized, there are often cases where companies struggle to determine which of their assets should be connected to which areas, leading to stagnation in their considerations. This seminar will not only introduce technological trends but will also provide an overview of the market and technology as a whole, helping participants identify business opportunities that leverage their strengths and guiding them through the process of moving towards proof of concept (PoC). We will cover the progress of commercialization both domestically and internationally, the potential for entry by industry, choices of entry forms, and the construction of PoCs, as well as the ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications) and governance that are prerequisites for implementation, offering perspectives on where to begin.