Event Report: The "2040 Independence and Self-Respect Project" Launches! An Open Community of Researchers x Industry x Students to Tackle the 2040 Problem (Held on May 31, 2022)

June 22, 2022

The official kickoff event for the 2040 Independence and Self-Respect Project was held on May 31, 2022.

The event, titled "The '2040 Independence and Self-Respect Project' Launches! An Open Community of Researchers x Industry x Students to Tackle the 2040 Problem," was held in a hybrid format, both in-person at CIC TOKYO and online.

The event drew approximately 250 participants, including representatives from about 55 companies, 6 government organizations, 36 students, researchers, and investors.

In the researcher pitch session, the following five researchers took the stage to discuss the theme, "What is your vision for 2040?"

・"The Future Brought by Smart Home Research"

Ms. Manami Ogawa / Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University

・"Creating Extraordinary Materials from Ordinary Polymers and Water"

Dr. Takamasa Sakai / Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

・"Soft Robot Group"

Mr. Keinosuke Sota / Master's Program, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University

・"The Language of Cells: A New Disease Biology Governed by Exosomes"

Mr. Kei Sugiura / Doctoral Program, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology

・"Law Goes to the Moon: At the Intersection of Law and Neuroscience"

Mr. Chijun Kokubo / Researcher, Graduate School of Law, Keio University

We welcomed astronaut Naoko Yamazaki as a special guest to speak on the topic, "Where Are Humans Headed in 2040? (The Possibility of People Living in Space)."

She began by explaining that after a history of space programs aimed at "going to space," we are now entering an era of "space utilization," which includes resource mining and the use of space facilities like factories and power plants. She also suggested that the science and technology related to the circulation of water, air, energy, and food to support life in space could be the key to a future circular society.

Next, she stated that by understanding the changes the human body undergoes in the space environment, we can gain insights into preventive medicine, and that the mechanical and computer technologies developed through space exploration, when returned to society, could lead to the augmentation of human capabilities. Furthermore, she pointed out that viewing Earth from a cosmic perspective encourages us to consider global environmental issues and risks, and that we must take action sooner rather than later. She also touched on the need to consider the order and rules of space, asking questions such as, "Is it permissible for humanity to impact the environments of other planets?"

She concluded by stating that humanity is entering an era where we can advance into space and choose our own evolution, and that as we head toward 2040, it would be ideal if we could create the future while working in collaboration with the Earth.

Afterward, a panel discussion was held on the topic, "This is the world I want to see in 2040, but can we really make it happen?!" The panel featured moderator Risa Fujise / CIC Tokyo Project Lead,

Makoto Asai / Project Professor, KGRI, Keio University,

Naoko Yamazaki, and the following researchers, students, and corporate representatives:

Genya Ishigami / Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University

Kanna Takahashi / Department of Law, Faculty of Law, Keio University

Daisuke Yokota / Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

In the corporate pitch session,

Shizuka Uehara / Beauty Development Department, KOSÉ Corporation

Hiroshi Ogino / General Manager, Sustainability Department, Tokyo Electron Limited

Daisuke Yokota / General Manager, Minato Mirai 21 Development and Area Management Unit, Yokohama Branch, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

Tetsuto Aoyagi / Business Development Group, Corporate Planning Department, Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd.

Jiro Kato / General Manager, Analysis & CAE Center, Technology Development Division, Seiko Epson Corporation

these five individuals spoke about their "vision for 2040."

(A detailed report on the content of this event will be posted at a later date.)

Announcement of the Next Public Event for This Project

"What Can We Do in a Super-Aged Society?! ~Technology x Social Systems"

Date: Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

Location: CIC Tokyo (15F Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo) & Online

Fee: Free

How to Apply: Please register from here .