November 26, 2020 < Press Release > Entering into an advisory agreement with Akira Fujishima, Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Science, a World-renowned Chemist and the Discoverer of Photocatalytic Reactions. - Photocatalytic research launched in pursuit of environmental protection and hygiene management, which are issues facing modern society - Aderans Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO, Representative Director and President Yoshihiro Tsumura) promoting the wellness industry of hair, beauty and health, has concluded an advisory contract with Akira Fujishima, a world-renowned chemist, professor emeritus at Tokyo University of Science and discoverer of photocatalytic reactions, in conjunction with the launch of its hygiene business using photocatalytic technology. In response to the recent increase in awareness of hygiene management, Aderans will launch a hygiene business using photocatalysts as a part of SDGs activities, based on the philosophy of contributing to the hygienic environment of society. In addition, we will establish a new research facility for photocatalyst in our “Aderans Niiza Artificial Hair Research Institute” (Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture) to promote full-scale research and development. Accordingly, we have invited Professor Emeritus Fujishima, the father of photocatalyst and a leading researcher, to become our advisor and ask for his technical cooperation in our photocatalytic business. In 1967, while a graduate student at the University of Tokyo, Professor Emeritus Fujishima first discovered that a photocatalytic reaction occurred on the surface of titanium dioxide when a titanium dioxide electrode in aqueous solution was exposed to strong light. This phenomenon was later termed the “Honda-Fujishima Effect” in combination with the name of his co-researcher, Kenichi Honda. In 2010, he assumed the position of President of Tokyo University of Science, and in 2013, he established and became the Director of the Tokyo University of Science Photocatalysis International Research Center, where he is working to develop diverse applications of photocatalysts. He has also received many awards, including the Order of Culture. <Biography of Akira Fujishima, Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Science> Akira Fujishima Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Science Date of birth: March 10, 1942 1971 Completed his doctorate in engineering at the Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo (Doctor of Engineering) 1986 Professor, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 2005 Special University Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo 2010 President, Tokyo University of Science 2018 Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Science 2019 Professor Emeritus, Beijing University 1 Received Asahi Prize (1983), Chemical Society of Japan Award (2000), Medal with Purple Ribbon (2003), Japan Prize (2004), Japan Academy Prize (2004), National Commendation for Invention Award (2006), Award for Cultural Merit (2010), Order of Culture (2017), Chinese Government Friendship Award (2019) ■ About Photocatalyst A photocatalyst can be defined as “something that does not change on its own, but promotes a reaction when exposed to light.” When a substance processed with titanium dioxide is used as a photocatalyst, it is said to have the characteristic of decomposing organic matter by causing a chemical reaction on its surface when exposed to light rays emitted from sunlight or fluorescent lamps. < Media Inquiries> Group CSR and Corporate Communications Office, Aderans Co., Ltd. TEL: 813-3350-3268 E-mail: [email protected] Aderans home page: https://www.aderans.co.jp/corporate/english/ 2 .