119 TH YEAR NO. 41,739 ISSN 0289-1956 ©THE TIMES, LTD., 2015 WECC2015 Monday, November 30, 2015 the role of engineering and its impact on society

Junichi Sato topics of discussion are devoted to: Chair, WECC2015 Organizing COmmittEE “Resilient Infrastructure for Society,” “Energy for a Sustainable Society, The fifth World Engineering Confer- Natural Resources for a Sustainable ence and Convention (WECC2015) is Society,” “Urban Development and now being held at the Kyoto Interna- Infrastructure, Mobility and Commu- tional Conference Center from Nov. nication Technology,” “Industry for 29th through Dec. 2nd. About 2,000 Society,” “Life Innovation, Engineer- people are attending this conference ing for Society and Engineering in to discuss a variety of engineering Society,” and “Engineering Education issues relating to society. and Women in Engineering.” How does engineering compare to These topics were chosen by exam- science and technology? Engineering ining the current state of different is the act of using science and tech- fields of engineering in light of the nology to meet the needs of society problems faced by the Earth and and humanity through ingenuity, with humanity. Consideration was also consideration for the requirements given to future, coming innovations and boundaries presented by society. and their relationship with society. Accordingly, scientific discovery and Each topic was then divided into six technological advancement lead to sessions covering different fields of new innovation in engineering and engineering. enable engineering to propose to soci- Approximately 200 leading experts ety how change and advancement in each of the fields of engineering should be realized. playing an important role in the sus- Furthermore, engineering is often tained development of society will called upon in order to realize new give in-depth presentations on the innovations to solve the problems of current state of their respective fields society and humanity and build a bet- Junichi Sato and their directions for the next ten ter society. As new innovations imple- years and beyond, while participating mented for society have a direct effect nomic Development,” “Engineering in panel discussions to promote com- on humanity, those involved in engi- Research and Development for Inno- munication with attendees. neering must consider numerous con- vation” and “Engineering for Society To further promote these discus- ditions and engage in the open and Engineering in Society.” The con- sions, about 400 posters submitted by exchange of opinions with society in ference features seven Conference the public will also be presented. The order to achieve mutual understand- Plenary Lectures, technical programs discussions will foster a deeper ing and trust. covering every engineering domain understanding of the present and The world is faced with numerous and summary lectures for each of the future conditions of each field, and problems today. These include prob- technical programs. this understanding will enable discus- lems of population, poverty, energy The Conference Plenary Lecture sions on the unification of those fields and the environment. Global warming series consists of seven lectures. and on engineering, science and tech- is closely related to these problems These include a lecture on engineer- nological directions. and steadily having more effect on the ing and society by professor Shahbaz On the afternoon of Dec. 2nd, the planet. The emission of greenhouse Khan of UNESCO, a lecture on the final day of WECC2015, a concluding gasses such as carbon dioxide is global water problem by U.N. Secre- lecture and discussion will be given accelerating global warming. tary-General Special Envoy professor regarding the technical programs. The Climate change causes effects such Han Seung-soo, and a lecture on results of the discussions will be com- as drought, heavy rains, as well as global energy issues by professor piled to produce the Kyoto Declara- extreme temperatures throughout the Nobuo Tanaka, former executive tion, a final outcome document that world. This affects the survival of director of the International Energy will set forth a vision for the ideal plants and animals and has a major Agency. There is also a lecture on future of engineering. impact on food production. Engineer- automotive technologies and environ- A key factor for progress in engi- ing must intensely apply its profi- mental issues by Takeshi Uchiyamada, neering is the culture that fosters it. In ciency to reduce carbon dioxide chairman of the board of WECC2015 in Kyoto, we are planning emissions in numerous fields, includ- Motor Corp., a lecture by the Minister to hold not only technical programs, ing in the development of diversified of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and but also cultural programs to enhance energy sources, as well as power gen- Tourism Keiichi Ishii on national participants’ understanding of indus- eration, energy usage and energy con- resilience technology and its global tries in Kyoto that have roots in the servation technologies. impact and a lecture by the Minister community and culture. We must make proactive efforts to of Economy, Trade and Industry There are many creative companies address these issues through innova- Motoo Hayashi on engineering inno- in Kyoto and their advancement is tions in engineering. This is a must if vation and its global contributions. profoundly affected by the culture of we wish to ensure that all people can Finally, there is a lecture on LED light- the city. It is my sincere hope that all Clockwise from top: engineering is creating something contributing to society using science and technology; the Lake Biwa enjoy safe and comfortable lives. The ing and environmental issues by pro- of the engineers will, through the Canal, which enabled water to be transported from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, was built in the Meiji era when Japanese engineering was primary theme of WECC2015 is “Engi- fessor Hiroshi Amano of Nagoya WECC2015 conference, gain a fresh very advanced; turning high technology into something to enrich human life is the role of engineering; Former Slovenia president neering: Innovation and Society.” This University, recipient of the 2014 Nobel and more profound appreciation of danilo turk (front row, second from right) listens during a conference at the World engineering Forum 2012, held in Ljubljana, includes discussions on “Innovation Prize in Physics. the relationship between engineering, Slovenia, in September 2012. iStOCk, tEruhikO yOda, kazumaSa itO for Sustainable Growth and Socioeco- In the technical programs, major industry, culture and society. Studying problems facing engineers today

About 2,000 engineers and others peace and security, safe and sufficient theme was “Engineers Shape the Sustain- involved in engineering are expected to food, sustainable energy, pollution pre- able Future,” and was attended by 3,000 participate in the World Engineering vention and control, water and environ- people in Shanghai in November 2004. Conference and Convention 2015 mental resource management, disease The third WEC was in Brasilia, Brazil, in (WECC2015), which is to be held in Kyoto control, mobility, natural and man- December 2008, under the theme “Engi- from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. induced disasters, population growth, neering: Innovation with Social Responsi- WECC2015, under the theme of “Engi- urbanization and sustainable cities. bility,” and around 5,000 people neering: Innovation and Society,” covers a Amano’s presentation is titled, “Wide- participated. The fourth WEC, held under range of topics with more than 50 confer- bandgap Semiconductors as Tools for the theme “Engineers Power the World — ences and seven plenary lectures on engi- Realizing a Sustainable Society.” The Facing the Global Energy Challenge” in neering taking place at the Kyoto development of wide-bandgap semicon- Geneva, Switzerland, in September 2011, International Conference Center. Addi- ductors (WBGs) is essential for realizing a drew about 2,000 people. The sixth will be tionally, participating companies will sustainable society as they enable manu- in Melbourne in 2019. showcase their engineering technologies facturing low-loss, high-power and high- The fact that the WECC2015 is held in at the same venue. frequency devices. GaN (gallium nitride) Japan is significant to the world because “Fruitful discussions should be carried and related alloys are among the most Japan is advanced in many aspects of out over issues such as the current level of important materials used in building engineering. Japan has focused on how engineering or problems facing modern WBGs. engineering contributes to society, espe- engineering,” said Junichi Sato, the presi- The conferences cover many issues cially in terms of disaster risk reduction, dent of The Japan Federation of Engineer- such as engineering education, the role of as the country has experienced so many ing Society and the chair of WECC2015 women in engineering, patents, robotics, disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunami, Organizing Committee, during a round- energy management, next generation typhoons, floods and more. Because of table discussion with engineers and aca- broadcasting systems, smart communi- this, Japan has managed to build infra- demics in June. “I’d like people to think ties, railway technology and many other structure resistant to those disasters, and about and discuss those issues in addi- subjects. other countries can learn from this expe- tion to broader issues such as how engi- The exhibitions cover and rience. neering develops in the future, or what infrastructure for society, energy, the WECC2015 participants are very engineering should look like.” environment, machinery, medicine and diverse because the event is co-organized The plenary lecturers include Shahbaz life sciences, chemistry, electronics and by the World Federation of Engineering Khan, deputy director and senior science other areas. Organizations, which brings together program specialist of UNESCO, whose The conference is just the second to be national engineering organizations from background is in water and the environ- held in Asia and the first to be hosted by over 90 nations and represents some 20 ment; Han Seung-soo, the U.N. secretary- Japan. Additionally, this year’s event is the million engineers. Thus, the participants general’s special envoy on disaster risk first to be called WECC, as the previous represent diverse social needs that reduction and water; and Hiroshi Amano, ones were known as World Engineering require different types of engineering, who won a Novel Prize for his research on Conventions (WEC). The difference stems depending on the stage of the countries’ blue LEDs. from a preference of the organizing com- development. Khan plans to discuss the 2030 Agenda mittee of the WECC2015, according to the In the early stages of development, for Sustainable Development, a plan of committee. social needs are life-related infrastruc- action for people, the planet and prosper- The first WEC, held under the theme ture, such as water supply systems, ity, promoted by the U.N., and the role of “Humankind, Nature and Development,” schools and hospitals. In later stages, engineering in it. The agenda is to address in Hannover, Germany, in June 2000, they can be more diverse. For example, Kenichi Suganuma, then ambassador of the permanent Mission of Japan to the international organizations in geneva delivers a major issues such as poverty eradication, drew 3,500 participants. The second WEC Continued on page 2222 speech at the closing ceremony of the World engineers’ Convention 2011 in geneva in September 2011. kazumaSa itO

PAGE: 1 B2 THE JAPAN TIMES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015 WECC2015 Celebration of technology Engineering needed

Keiji Yamada neering and international exchanges to and as an industrial center where tradi- for sustainable society KYOTO GOVERNOR achieve world peace and bring about the tion and enterprising spirits blend, progress of the economy and society. Kyoto, among many Japanese cities, is I would like to extend my heartfelt con- With the WFEO as a core organization, home to a sophisticated manufacturing Daisaku Kadokawa gratulations to the World Engineering the WECC’s  rst meeting was held in industry. e industry, academia and KYOTO MAYOR Conference and Convention 2015 Germany in 2000, and this year marks government of Kyoto have been united (WECC2015), which is holding its  fth the  fth in the series of conferences. in their e orts to foster the growth of I am very grateful that the World Engi- conference with great  air and is being e WECC is being held in Japan for start-up  rms and small and medium- neering Conference and Convention attended by H.I.H. Crown Prince the  rst time, and it is a great honor and sized companies. While Kyoto has cher- 2015 (WECC2015) is taking take place in Naruhito. I sincerely welcome our guests privilege for Kyoto to host this confer- ished its tradition as an old capital with a Kyoto for the  rst time. It is a great from Japan and the rest of the world on ence. We believe this conference will 1,000-year history, it has also produced honor that Kyoto was selected to host behalf of the residents of Kyoto. help demonstrate that Japan is a land of numerous world-renowned companies the WECC2015 where more than 2,000 Also, I would like to express my deep science, technology and innovation that at the forefront of industry. I hope that engineers and researchers and other respect for the enthusiasm and great will achieve sustainable development in visitors will take a close look at Kyoto, related people from all over the world e orts of Junichi Sato, chair of the the 21st century. We also believe this which is an exquisite combination of the will discuss energy, the environment, WECC2015 Organizing Committee, and conference will serve as a valuable venue old and the new. industry, urban planning and other those who have contributed to organiz- for Japan to showcase to the world its I am convinced that the conference in important  elds. ing this conference. engineering and technological prowess Kyoto will bring together wisdom from I also would like to pay my great I understand that the origin of the and human resources. ese have been around the world, foster the exchange of respects to the World Federation of WECC is the World Engineering Con- utilized for national reconstruction in opinions for the future of the earth, Engineering Organizations, which is gress, which was held in in 1929 the aftermath of a great number of achieve signi cant results more than engaged in various activities based on by the Japan Federation of Engineering national crises and are carrying us ever and further enhance the impor- the noble motto of using engineering for Societies enlisting the maximum sup- toward sustainable development tance of WECC2015. world peace and development in econ- port of industry, government and aca- through learning from those experi- In conclusion, I would like to o er my omy and society, as well as the Japan demia. In 1968, the World Federation of ences. best wishes for the WECC2015’s success Federation of Engineering Societies, the Engineering Organizations (WFEO) was As a leading academic center that was as well as good health and happiness for Science Council of Japan and UNESCO. founded with the aim of promoting engi- cultivated by a long history and culture all participants. Kyoto is a city that has developed by way of a number of ongoing innovations in its 1,000-plus-year history. Playing a key role in reducing disaster risk For example, traditional ceramics have led to modern cutting-edge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and recovering from disasters, he opined. ceramics, sake brewing has led to bio- environmental issues do not arise until a Ironically, the great Hanshin Earth- technology and Buddhist altar manu- country reaches a certain level of devel- quake in January 1995 and the Great East facturing has helped precision Additionally, I heard some of the con- opment with factories emitting pollutants. Japan Earthquake in March 2011 have put equipment development. ference programs, such as the “Engi- But even when Japan was in the early Japan at great advantage in engineering In the Meiji Era, Sakuro Tanabe, a neering Cafe,” which will introduce stages, it possessed a high level of engi- for disaster risk reduction. For example, graduate of an engineering university Kyoto’s industries and culture, will neering prowess. Japanese high-speed train systems utilize that later became the Engineering accept participation by the general pub- For example, the Lake Biwa Canal was some of the highest technologies in quake Department of the University of Tokyo lic. Kyoto is currently working on the a huge project in the Meiji Era (1868 to resistance. and with a close connection with the promotion of MICE (Meeting, Incentive 1912) that used advanced technology to Although it is not widely known, Tokyo Japan Federation of Engineering Societ- tour, Conference or Convention and supply water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. successfully hosted the World Engineer- ies, played a leading role in creating the Exhibition) events participated in by Now that Japan is in the later stage, its ing Congress in October, 1929, just  ve Lake Biwa Canal, the  rst large-scale residents. I am grateful the WECC2015 is social need, more than anything, is reduc- days after Oct. 24, 1929, known as Black modern civil engineering project under- planning programs along the same lines tion of disaster risks, said Hideo Naka- ursday when the U.S. stock market taken by only Japanese. e canal sup- the city is taking. mura, president emeritus of Tokyo City crashed that triggered the Great Depres- The opening ceremony of the World Engineering Congress, was held in Tokyo in plied water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, Engineering is indispensable to achiev- University, in the same round-table dis- sion. e era also saw the emergence of October 1929. WECC2015 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE enabling commercial hydroelectric ing a sustainable society. I hope the par- cussion, adding that WECC2015 is the Fascism and the build up to World War II. power generation in Kyoto, which later ticipants and others related to WECC2015 perfect place for Japan to showcase its e 1929 WEC was the very  rst inter- chibu, with then-Prime Minister Osachi tangible and useful to society, he said. became the  rst city in Japan to run an will be even more successful in what they superiority in engineering for disaster risk national conference of engineers and Hamaguchi as honorary president and Manufacturing equipment, cars, houses, electric train, thanks to the water carried do after the conference and contribute to reduction. about 4,500 participants came from Baron Koi Furuichi, the president of Japan factories and infrastructure involve engi- along the canal. building a sustainable society. “Japan is notorious for having many around the world, said Yumio Ishii, the Federation of Engineering Societies, as neering that uses science and technology. I strongly feel it is very signi cant that I have the  rm belief that Kyoto’s natural disasters. It has many more disas- chair of the Steering Committee of the president. “Engineering is an act of planning and Kyoto, with such a history, will host dis- strengths, which are its many traditional ters than other developed countries,” he WECC2015 in a newsletter. Also during the round-table discussion, designing something that contributes to cussions among many engineers and and cutting-edge industries, numerous said. “We can’t rely on other countries to It was Dr. Elmer A. Sperry of the Ameri- Sato tried to answer the basic question of society by using and arranging science people related to engineering from all universities and its accumulation of come up with solutions to reduce disaster can Society of Mechanical Engineers who “what is engineering?” and technology,” Sato said. “ is does not over the world, under the theme of unique knowledge, will open the path to risk. Nobody will do it unless Japan does.” proposed holding the 1929 conference in Engineering is distinguished from sci- mean science equals engineering. Engi- “Innovation and Society.” I hope the a better future. I will do my best to sup- erefore, Japan must play a leading Japan. e patron of the  rst engineering ence and technology in a way that it turns neering is creating something based on participants will share their intelligence port activities in various  elds to role in predicting disasters, reducing risk event in the world was then-Prince Chi- science and technology into something the needs of society.” and share many excellent achievements. achieve this future. Advantages ▪Reduce Resources Reduce Reduce Filing Space Reduce The latest version of Electronic Bidding ▪Transportation Fees Core System is Ver 5.3. JACIC is planning the release of Ver 6.0 in March Electronic ▪Expansion of Bidding Expansion Opportunities 2016. 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PAGE: 2 The Japan Times Monday, noveMber 30, 2015 B3 WECC2015 WeCC2015 program and schedule More seeking disaster-risk reduction tech The World engineering Conference and • Date and time: nov. 30, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Convention 2015 (WeCC2015) is being • Venue: Main Hall Kozo Keikaku engi- on evaluating the quake resistance of ting for existing buildings, Mochizuki was held at Kyoto International Conference part 4: lecture by Minister of Land, neering (KKe) Inc.’s structures and providing advice to solve in a department dealing with KKe’s seis- Center in Kyoto through dec. 2. Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism disaster-risk reduc- customer problems. mic isolation systems for new buildings, Keiichi Ishii tion technology is Mochizuki says that most structures giving her valuable experience for her cur- Conference plenary lectures part 5: lecture by Parliamentary needed globally, that were built before the amendment of rent job. • Date and time: nov. 30, 10:30 a.m. to vice-Minister of economy, Trade and especially in those building Standard act in 1981 do not meet Seismic isolation systems function as a 12:30 p.m. Industry Tsuneo Kitamura asian countries the current standard or could be more cushion between the earth and a struc- • Venue: Main Hall part 6: “building a Hydrogen Society: prone to earth- vulnerable in a major seismic event. old ture, reducing the shaking of the structure part 1: “Science and Technology for Toyota’ s Strategy for environmental quakes. buildings that underwent remodeling or dramatically during a major earthquake. Water in a Carbon-Constrained Technology” by Takeshi Uchiyamada, after the 8-mag- expansion could also have a low seismic In 2009, KKe installed a 3-d seismic World” by Han Seung-soo, the U.n. chairman of the board, Toyota Motor nitude earthquake performance, thus seismic evaluation is isolation system, which reduces both hor- secretary-general’s special envoy on Corp.; vice chair of Keidanren (Japan hit nepal in april, considered significant nowadays, espe- izontal and vertical shaking using “Hyper disaster risk reduction and water; for- business Federation) The exhibition will include cutting-edge KKe, which has cially with facilities such as hospitals, air Suspension” technology, under a resi- mer prime minister of the republic of technologies. kazuMasa ito consulted on the hotels and schools where many people dential building in Tokyo’s Suginami Korea Oral and poster sessions structural designs Mio Mochizuki gather. Ward. That was the first instance in the part 2: “engineering-Society Inter- The overall theme of the conference and engineering in Society; engineer- of various well based on requests from customers such world in which a residential building had face for delivering new agenda 2030” “engineering: Innovation and Society” ing education and Women in engineer- known buildings, including the Guam Pal- as factories, hospitals and residential a 3-d seismic isolation system installed. by professor Shahbaz Khan, director will be discussed at 50 oral sessions ing; and Groundwork for Future. also, ace Hotel, Shanghai World Financial Cen- building operators, KKe conducts evalua- The company had begun the project of and representative, regional Science categorized according to subjects as there will be various poster sessions in ter and Istanbul’s Swissotel The tions and retrofits in a way that allows 3-d seismic isolation systems after a huge bureau for asia and the Pacific, follows: Sakura Hall. bosphorus, has received a number of them to continue regular operations, by quake hit niigata Prefecture in 2004, when UneSCo office, Jakarta resilient Infrastructure or Society; inquiries on its technology and services. using its seismic-isolation equipment. a designated national treasure, Jomon part 3: “energy Security and Sustain- energy for a Sustainable Society; natu- Exhibition businesses and governments in countries With such constraints and limits KKe pottery, fell and broke from a seismically able nuclear Technology” by nobuo ral resources for a Sustainable Society; WeCC2015 exhibition will include cut- that do not have Japan’s level of quake- adopts the best approach to address the isolated table designed to mitigate hori- Tanaka, former executive director, Urban development and Infrastruc- ting-edge technologies developed by resistant technology are asking KKe to structural deficiencies by considering zontal vibration. In Japan, there are many International energy agency, visiting ture; Mobility and Communication research institutes and enterprises in evaluate their key structures. continuity of building operations, func- active fault lines that could possibly expe- professor, the University of Tokyo; Technology; Industry and Society; Life industrial fields encompassing electri- In addition to others, this year KKe has tionality, cost and constructional work- rience inland quakes, which could cause director, Chiyoda Corp. Innovation; engineering for Society cal and electronic goods, ICT, machin- received inquiries on school buildings in ability. heavy damage due to vertical vibration. ery, chemicals, materials, resources, nepal and fire stations in bangladesh. To For example, in a project on the Tajima because of this, prompt and effective energy, environmental technology, meet growing demand and pursue the Joint Government building in Fukushima countermeasures were needed. Nobel Prize laureate lecture open to public transportation systems, construction possibility of providing its engineering Prefecture, the retrofit construction was KKe has close connections with univer- medical treatment, life sciences, and technology in asia, the company estab- carried out with most of the furniture and sities, including one with a professor who Conference Plenary Lecture Part 7 is open to the public, as well as WeCC2015 services. lished a subsidiary in Singapore this year. building contents unmoved, allowing has been working on a 3-d seismic isola- participants. • Date and time: nov. 30 and dec. 1, KKe employs a variety of technologies office work not to be disturbed by the ret- tion project. • Date and time: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to reduce risks of earthquakes, tsunami rofit work. When it was thought the 3-d seismic • Venue: kyoto international Conference Center, Main Hall • Venue: event Hall and annex Hall, and other disasters. It designs structures, “There are some cases when a client isolation system became technically via- “Wide-bandgap semiconductors as tools for realizing a sustainable society” Kyoto International Conference Center evaluates and retrofits existing structures with cultural value structures, such as ble, KKe raised its hand to test it and built by 2014 Nobel Prize laureate professor Hiroshi amano, director, Center for inte- and provides new structures with solu- brick buildings erected more than a hun- a building that implemented the 3-d seis- grated Research of Future electronics, institute of Materials and systems for Information derived from the official tions with respect to seismic isolation. dred year ago, wishes to maintain the mic isolator. sustainability, Nagoya university. website of the World Engineering Quake-resistance evaluations for exist- structure’s exterior appearance. In such “In one of our engineering teams, more simultaneous interpretation is available. admission is free. Conference and Convention 2015. ing structures and subsequent structure cases, we make proposals after discussing than half of its members are non-Japa- online preregistration is required at For more information, visit reinforcements are among KKe’s areas of how the client plans to use the structures. nese. as the world requires earthquake- https://convention-net.jp/p/cg/wecc/new1.php www.wecc2015.info/index.html. expertise. For instance, we have proposed reinforce- resistant technologies more than ever, we The company has inspected about ment construction that involves installing are increasingly interested in expanding 1,700 buildings so far. The types of struc- support devices or building support walls business overseas,” said Mochizuki, who is tures evaluated range from hotels, resi- inside,” she said. planning to obtain further architectural Rocket software launches office in Japan to boost business dential complexes and hospitals to evaluating and retrofitting cultural heri- certifications to broaden the scope of her historic structures, one of which is the tage sites contributes to the preservation career. rocket Software Inc. is a global software ware as an original equipment manu- Faculty of Law bldg. 3, University of Tokyo, of landmark structures and the revitaliza- development firm that builds mission- facturer. The company is actively built in 1927 and registered as a Tangible tion of remote areas. It is not easy to find critical software products for enterprises engaged in business and technology Cultural Property of Japan in 1998. the best solutions for cultural heritage across four segments: business intelli- partnerships with IbM, eMC, HP enter- Since the disaster in March 2011, structures, which have no guidelines on gence and analytics; storage, networks, prise Services, australia and UK, demand rose in and outside of Japan for quake resistance, by using analytical tech- and compliance; application develop- data Systems, avaya, epicor and quake-resistance evaluation due to a gen- nology. ment, integration, and modernization; many other technology companies. eral increase in awareness of disaster risk but KKe makes it possible with its and database servers and tools. about In addition to celebrating its 25th reduction. expertise to combine professionals in not 1,200 rocketeers on five continents are anniversary this year, the Waltham, Rocket Software headquarters in KKe has received an increasing number only structural design, but also ground working every day to build and deliver Massachusetts-based company in april Waltham, Massachusetts RoCket of such requests, especially from schools solidity evaluation and structural analysis. software solutions for more than 15,000 also opened a Japan office in soFtWaRe and hospitals that typically become shel- “There are many cultural structures that enterprise customers and 10 million end to better serve customers in Japan. ters in case of emergency. have never been inspected. I would like to users. rocket Software was founded on the wavered from that. It’s the cornerstone Mio Mochizuki, a young architect with be more involved in those kinds of jobs in Many of the company’s software premise that it would build products of the company’s core values: “We put KKe, has been working with the compa- the future,” Mochizuki said. The Faculty of Law Bldg. 3, University of products are delivered with rocket Soft- that matter for people and it has never you, our customers and partners, first.” ny’s core technology and currently works before her work on evaluation retrofit- Tokyo kke Nifco’s group companies span industrial and national boundaries Using its fastening technology as a base, Nifco has successfully incorporated different fields, products and technologies into its business. Continually expanding by “connecting, bundling and joining” different technologies, Nifco has grown beyond its beginnings as a fastening company and is now a global player in many areas. Nifco’s principle of “Value Fastening” focuses on combining an array of existing values to create new value. With an increasing number of international customers, Nifco continues to overcome challenges and seek out new fields of business.

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PAGE: 3 B4 The Japan Times Monday, noveMber 30, 2015 WECC2015 Savoring Kyoto’s culture

Throughout its 1,000-year history as the their legs by touring the extensive former capital of Japan, Kyoto has nur- grounds of ryoanji Temple, which tured a rich array of culture. Today the includes larger gardens with moss-cov- city is like a theme park of Japanese cul- ered trees and the Kyoyo-chi pond, ture and history complete with temples, which is particularly striking in autumn. shrines, UneSCo World Heritage sites, after a stroll, guests can return to the traditional Japanese buildings and mod- rock garden for another moment of con- ern Western architecture. templation. There are many interesting things to Kiyomizu-dera Temple is perhaps see on the grounds of the many temples: the most popular of the temples in Kyoto buddhist statues, soaring pagodas, and a fixture in the minds of the Japa- ornate halls and more. among them is nese people. built on the side of a moun- the Japanese-style garden, which sym- tain, the temple’s balcony is supported bolizes the philosophy of Japanese cul- Strolling along the narrow streets in by 13-meter wooden columns. The main ture and recreates seasonal beauty or Gion will lead tourists to discover the hall with its distinctive hip-shaped roof religious beliefs in a limited space. visi- world of geisha is still alive. Kyoto media of cypress bark sits to the rear of the bal- tors can enjoy walking in some of the Support center cony and houses a priceless statue of gardens and while looking at teahouses, Kannon bodhisattva, the goddess of but many other gardens are only to be sight. The is surrounded by a beautiful mercy. From the west-facing balcony, appreciated visually. garden that houses a graceful teahouse. visitors can appreciate panoramic views among the myriad temples and Ryoanji Temple is the site of Japan’s over the city. The balcony is a popular shrines in Kyoto, the following are some most famous mysterious rock gardens. place to watch sunsets, something that Tofukuji Temple is a popular destination for viewing autumn foliage. tofuKuji of the most popular destinations. The garden attracts hundreds of visitors may contribute to the romance associ- Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) every day and shows the stunning sim- ated with the temple. The magical, seemingly unending It also makes for a wonderfully eerie fox statues. The animal is seen as the is a Zen temple covered in gold leaf. The plicity and harmony of the principles of Shrines have distinct architectural trail of over 5,000 vibrant orange torii stroll in the late afternoon and early messenger of the god of grains, Inari, image of the temple richly adorned in Zen meditation. enclosed by an earthen styles and one representative structure is gates that wind through the hills behind evening, when the various graveyards and the stone foxes are often known by gold leaf reflects beautifully in the water wall, fifteen carefully placed rocks seem the torii shrine gate. a torii symbolically Fushimi inari Taisha shrine make it and miniature shrines along the path the same name. The keys often depicted of the adjoining Kyokochi (mirror pond). to drift in a sea of raked white gravel. marks the transition from the everyday one of the most popular shrines in take on a mysterious air. This shrine, in the fox mouths represent keys to gra- It is perhaps the most widely recognized after sitting and pondering the garden’s world of people to the sacred realm of Japan. The walk around the upper pre- dedicated to the god of rice and sake in naries. This shrine is the central loca- image of Kyoto and a truly breathtaking “sermon in stone,” visitors can stretch deities. cincts is a pleasant hike during the day. the eighth century, also features dozens tion for some 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Lake Biwa Canal: A home-grown marvel of engineering Fall foliage The Lake Biwa Kyoto is located in a valley surrounded Biwako Sosui (Lake Biwa canal) is a waterway con- considered it an ill-advised plan. the project was Canal Museum of on three sides — north, east and west — structed in the meiji era to draw water from Lake designed and supervised by young engineer Saku- Kyoto shows how by mountains. due to this geographic Biwa in Shiga prefecture to Kyoto. ro tanabe. the canal played a feature, the city experiences extremely following the meiji restoration and the subse- the canal has two routes: the 19,968-meter canal role in Kyoto’s hot, humid summers and harsh, severe quent transfer of the capital to tokyo, Kyoto suf- no. 1, which is mainly used for hydroelectric power modernization. winters. of the four seasons, autumn is fered a decrease in population and industrial generation and the 7,423-meter canal no. 2, which one of the best, along with spring, to activity. as a solution is used for drinking water. visit the city. to this problem, Kun- in 1891, the newly completed Keage power Sta- People from all over Japan and the imichi Kitagaki, the tion started to transmit electricity. this was the first world are mesmerized by the changing third governor of hydroelectric power generation project in japan and one can imagine how amazed people must have colors of autumn leaves. The best time Kyoto, took the initia- from 1895 it provided electricity for Kyoto’s trams. been looking up at it in the early days. However, to view the fall foliage is from the middle tive to construct the the Keage purificationp lant was completed in today, partly covered by moss, it presents a very to the end of november, but some spots, Lake Biwa canal, which 1912 and began supplying water the following year, dignified face. including Tofukuji Temple, still boast was devised to facili- as the first plant in japan to use the rapid sand fil- in an age when many of japan’s important con- brightly colored leaves through early tate water and passen- tration method. struction projects relied on foreign engineers, the december. Many temples are open in ger transportation and due to the 36-meter difference in elevation be- Lake Biwa canal was the first large-scale project un- the evenings during the autumn and be used in industry and tween the upstream dam and its terminus, an in- dertaken japanese only. despite historical transitions, many illuminate the leaves during the electricity generation. clined plane was built, which allowed boats to travel the canal is still used for many purposes, including as season. it was unprecedent- on land via the use of a flat car. a water supply for 1.47 million residents and hydro- ed in scale to build a traveling along the canal from the Keage Boat electric power generation. Information derived from the official canal connecting Kyoto dock, eventually leads to the Suirokaku aqueduct in in 1996 the canal was designated a Historic Site. website of Kyoto City Tourism with Lake Biwa. at first, the precincts of nanzenji temple. although this Association and Kyoto City Official Travel in view of the then tech- Lake Biwa Canal in brick structure is said to have been built so as not to For more information, visit the website of Kyoto Guide. For more information, see Suirokaku (Elevated Aqueduct) in the precincts of nological level of autumn raKucHu impinge on the historic scenery of nanzenji temple, Okazaki Concierge at www.kyoto-okazaki.jp/en/ www.kyokanko.or.jp Nanzenji Temple raKucHu pHotograpHerS Society japan, many people pHotogapHerS Society it is a completely foreign style of architecture, so or http://kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp.

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Sponsors Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. Hokuriku Regional Management Service Association Rocket Software Japan Ltd. CORPORATION The Japan Civil Engineering Consultants Association Top Runners of Japan Local Construction BroadBand Tower, Inc. FUJITSU LIMITED Shikoku Create Association SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER CO.,LTD. CONSOLIDATED CONTRACTORS GROUP Company, Limited Kanto Regional Management Service Association The Jiangsu Institution of Engineers S.A.L. (OFFSHORE) (CCC) Shimadzu Corporation Kyusyu Regional Management Service Association Tohoku Regional Development Association Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Development Association of Central Japan Grant Organizations River Center Of Hokkaido Komatsu Ltd. Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers NEC Corporation IHI Corporation Chugoku Kensetsu Kosaikai The Tokyo Club Hitachi, Ltd. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Construction Services in Kinki Region Kyoto City Corporation Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. Okinawa Shimatate Association The Murata Science Foundation Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The Japan Society of Industrial Machinery Manufacturers Corporation MAEDA CORPORATION Japan Commission on Large Dams

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