TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - With Energy Security as a core topic, Social Innovation/Smart City Week 2014 will open with remarks by City of Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi. A highlight of the morning program will be Professor Takao Kashiwagi, a key thinker for developing Japan's multi-faceted and better-balanced approach to combining renewable with existing energy resources for densely populated cities and the country as a whole, as he presents on "Japan's Growth Strategy for Energy Policy".
Dramatic change in the Japanese energy market inspires entry by new firms from other sectors. These firms seek to utilize changes in regulations such as fixed-cost renewable energy purchase and systems for handling gas and electricity, etc. There is also active debate on energy policy and its effects on Japan's industrial competitiveness. Many questions remain as to which policy can contribute to an effective growth strategy.
From his position on the Basic Policy Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, Professor Kashiwagi will discuss the current outlook for energy policy in Japan.
As the East Asian market continues rapid growth and is set to become a center of world commerce, systems exports to this market will be a major driver for Japanese growth in the future. In terms of Smart City, it will be essential to grasp local needs in sectors including medicine, agriculture, environment, energy, and transportation, and take the initiative in supporting growth in industrializing economies. At the same time, Japan must address internal problems including its aging population and dropping birth rate.
Jitsuro Terashima, Chairman of the Japan Research Institute, will address the opportunities and challenges as he brings together the three-day program on October 31 with a presentation on an effective, high-growth scenario for Japan. He will present key concepts such as "tourism nation," "mobility," and "interaction," based on post manufacturing-based interaction.
Midway through the event, an interesting benchmark for action in localities will be presented by Obihiro City Mayor, Norihisa Yonezawa. His October 30 speech will present "The Food Valley Tokachi: Innovation Challenge for the 19 Cities and Towns of Tokachi. He will take up topics his City has promoted in these times of economic globalization, decreasing birthrate and aging population. The presentation will discuss how the environment surrounding regional development is undergoing significant change. To respond to these challenges, establishment of the local economy through the region's own intent, initiative and responsibility is necessary for true and sustainable revitalization. Under the slogan of "Food Valley Tokachi", the Tokachi region is rediscovering the value that it holds, and undertaking a region-wide industrial policy based on the pillars of "food" and "agriculture, forestry, and fisheries".
The afternoon of October 30th will feature a first time event titled "From Japan, To Japan. This international and interactive session will focus on social Innovation or Smart City in terms of city planning, energy issues, success stories/challenges, medical/caregiving/advances in ICT Technology, etc. Representatives from the Indonesian, United States and Togo Embassies in Japan will speak about positive aspects of Japan as well as related initiatives from their home countries.
The "From Japan, To Japan" presentation, aims to create an environment of open discussion about Social Innovation/Smart City related activity not just in Japan but also around the world.
Participants can pre-register to attend the world's largest Social Innovation & Smart City related event this month in Yokohama, Japan from October 29 to 31. Entrance fee will be waived for those who pre-register.
Just 32 minutes by train from Shinjuku in Tokyo, Minato Mirai in Yokohama is one of Japan's most advanced Smart Cities. Access details can be found here.
Please note that listed speakers and speech titles are based on current plans and subject to change without prior notice.
Contact Information:
Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.
SOCIAL INNOVATION/ SMART CITY WEEK 2014 Managing Office
1-17-3 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8646 Japan
TEL: +81-3-6811-8084/FAX: +81-3-5421-9170
e-mail: social(at)nikkeibp(dot)co(dot)jp
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