OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE Vol.69 2007-11
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INDEX
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Japan's future as an aging country with a low birthrate - Building a "good mix" society
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LCV-100 Incubation Imaging System (LCV-100)
This system allows continuous observation over several weeks of processes occurring in an incubator, which creates an environment closely resembling conditions inside a living organism. It is used to investigate life science phenomena, and in research in fields that include drug development and regenerative medicine. An LCV-100 has been installed in Riken BOCC. |
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FV 1000-MPE Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscope
This system is based on the two-photon excitation microscopy principle. Ideal for in vivo observation of deep sites, it is used in advanced research and the development of next-generation medical technology in such fields as cranial nerve research. A system has been installed in Riken BOCC. |
Japanese society is aging and our population is shrinking, while surging economic activity is bringing growth to other countries, notably China and India. Looking ahead 30 to 50 years, how do you envision Japan's future in this environment?
In my view, the most important thing is to improve the quality of society. The key question is how individuals can improve their own quality and work together to build a good country. This will require greater emphasis on education, and we will also need to promote science. Of course, respect for culture is essential. If we have a world-class culture, and if we have pride, then there is no need to worry.
Japanese-made vehicles seem to be selling well throughout the world. Quality is obviously a factor, but many people attribute the popularity of Japanese-made vehicles to the sense of security and satisfaction that you feel when driving one, which means you can appreciate the Japanese culture embodied in these products.
In other words, we need to develop Japan as a brand. A brand is a symbol of respect and trust. The role of brands varies from country to country, but they are all the products of relentless effort by previous generations. We must continue to maintain and enhance them in the future.
It is pointless to follow others. We can't compete with China and India on volume.
I always say that the greatest compliment for a product is to say that it is "irreplaceable" or "inimitable." The current practice of uniformly ranking things on a scale of one to ten is not good. Even if you win the race and gain a score of 10, that is meaningless unless your product is seen as unique. The greatest value is an absolute reason for existence.
That's easy to understand.
We need a good mix in the world around us. Homogeneity is not good. A family consists of a couple with children, each with their own characteristics and their own virtues and flaws. When all of these elements are combined, you have a richly varied family. That's what I mean by a "good mix."
In this sense, as you said earlier, international cooperation is needed even in an environment of fierce international competition. We are talking about cooperation, not dependence, and that takes considerable strength and ability. I want Japan to be a country that people see as playing an essential role in the world.
We want to build Riken BOCC into a forum for experiments that will lead to the creation of unique and inimitable things.
For Riken, this is the first initiative based on a new model of collaboration with a company. We have very high hopes.
Thank you for your time today.
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