Kenichiro Murakami and Edward Fukui Host Talk Show
Author of "Declaration of a Smart Japan"
Talk Show Held by Norio Murakami and Edward Fukui
Accelerating "Smart Business"
Published in AugustDeclaration of a Smart Japanis a highly valuable book for predicting the future of Japan after 3.11. Two months after its publication, a talk show with the authors, Norio Murakami and Edward Fukui, was held in Akasaka.
Text by OPENERS
Turning 3.11 into an Opportunity
The organizer, "Clean Green Forum," is an organization that has been holding various lectures on markets, investments, and technologies in cleantech and green business since before 3.11. Edward Fukui serves as its Managing Director, and Norio Murakami also participates as an advisor. As such, many businessmen interested in the future of energy and smart society attended the venue.
After 3.11, discussions continue on how to compensate for the shortage of nuclear power, but "Declaration of a Smart Japan" argues that "peak shift," which involves shifting electricity usage times with incentives, and "negawatts," a system where saving electricity generates profit, are important. Murakami states that this requires smartening up infrastructure networks, and such movements are steadily accelerating.
For example, Panasonic's large-scale smart city project in Fujisawa. Although there are rumors that the profitability calculations are not yet complete, I believe it is a challenge undertaken with the expectation of business opportunities, including corporate responsibility.
Expecting "Spontaneous Order" from the Private Sector
In addition, there are movements in various areas such as solar panels andHEMS,smart homes, etc. For smart homes, wireless LAN technology is also important, leading to movements for those with such technology to unite. Systems that not only visualize but also allow for on/off switching from a PC have also emerged. Seeing so much emerge in just a few months, I believe we can expect great things from the private sector.
While the commercialization of smart grids was said to begin around 2013 before 3.11, Fukui believes that 3.11 has accelerated this, with full-scale movements starting as early as next year.
Now that the nuclear power system is damaged, various trial-and-error efforts are underway to compensate for it, with private sector managers looking for business opportunities. Ultimately, market forces will determine which low-cost electricity survives, and the private sector is fiercely competing for the coming future. Murakami is optimistic that despite Japan facing the unfortunate event of 3.11, a new future will ultimately unfold through "spontaneous order." The rapid developments in this field mean that we must continue to pay close attention, especially from a business perspective.