Research Institute for High-Life

What we do

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:19:56 +0900

Research concerning lifestyle and its proposal activity. Representation and providing information of the outcome of research.-Publication of the yearly journal: "Research for high-life" -Publication of books: "Marketing transfer -Rule of 8th-" etc. -Distribution of information through the web site : http://www.hilife.or.jp Science Council and research forum Lectures, seminars, research society, and classes Gathering information about lifestyle

The Policy of the Activities

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:21:35 +0900

Our mission is to research the propositions, "Proposal of new lifestyle which we aim for in the 21st century" and "what we can do for the achievement", with the view to enlightening peoples's livelihood in the future through the outcome of the research. The basic idea is to establish policy through the research and study on purpose to improve in people's life quality.

Purpose of the Foundation

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:26:16 +0900

With the twenty-first century now before us, seikatsusha are seeking the realization of a society in which they can feel both affluence and comfort. It is becoming clear that the dimensions of this realization will be based not only upon the individual level of consumers but also upon the level of local communities and on a more global scale, as well as upon harmony with our natural environment. Therefore, to realize such a society, what is required is a fundamental change in direction in, as well as improvements of, the various areas of our economic or social systems. Namely, in order for the aims of our national economy to more directly lead to improvements in people’s quality of life, there is a need to immediately reorient concepts of growth and the perceptions toward the application of its results in a direction centered on individual lifestyles.

Earth

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:29:18 +0900

Profiles of societies and livelihoods based on models of environmental harmony and resource conservation Example research theme: Efforts toward a sustainable society The Research Institute for High-Life conducts research and investigations on the concept of a “Sustainable Society” from various viewpoints, with fundamental issues comprising “Breaking away from the civilization of mass production, mass consumption, and disposability,” “Revitalizing the global environment,” and “Recovering our humanity and pursuing happiness as human beings.” Example findings of our research and investigations 1. Research on environment and city lifestyles 2. Aiming toward a sustainable society 3. Investigative research on cases of environmental advancement

Human Beings

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:32:50 +0900

Profiles and livelihoods of aging societies Example research theme: Research on the baby-boom generation The Research Institute for High-Life has continuously researched the baby-boom generation. By researching and investigating the baby-boom generation, which has seen changes to its role over time, we will continue to bring up issues. Example research theme: Research on the lifestyles of senior generations The Research Institute for High-Life conducts seminars and research investigations centering on the lifestyles of senior generations, who will be key players in the future of Japanese society. We will continue to bring up issues related to improvements in the quality of life in today’s aging society. Example findings of our research and investigations 1. Children and the environment: Toward the construction of play areas for children 2. The lifestyles of families affected by the falling birthrate 3. Research on the “Neo-fifties” generation 4. Women of the baby-boom generation: “Our” resumes 5. Research on views toward marriage amidst the falling birthrate 6. The baby-boom generation and the pre-war/post-war generations: “Portraits of 50- to 54-year-olds” 7. Geographical distribution and lifestyles of the baby-boom generation 8. Whereabouts of the husbands and wives of the baby-boom generation 9. Research investigation on the “light” and “shadow” of retired married couples 10. Research on the baby-boom generation and the second-generation baby boomers 11. Research on hospitality

Society

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:34:53 +0900

Profiles of regional societies and livelihoods Example research theme: Research on urban lifestyles Based on the theme of “Profiles of regional societies and livelihoods,” we have developed a project to research both the construction of attractive cities and lifestyles in metropolitan areas. Example findings of our research and investigations 1. Ginza and the high life as viewed by younger generations 2. Transformations of family life caused by informatization (penetration of multimedia) 3. Comparative research on Ginza and Shinsaibashi: Research on Ginza in 1995 4. Research on Yamanote culture: Glossary of keywords 5. The roles and realities of multimedia in the Great Hanshin Earthquake 6. Roundtable talk on Ginza: The future of Ginza 7. Net life in 2000: Toward an affluent community 8. Research on mobile multimedia 9. Issues faced by convenience stores: Based on an investigation on utilization 10. Expectations and actual conditions of multiple residency 11. The diversifying social backgrounds, ownership patterns, and design trends of residences 12. Basic concepts of the comprehensive development plan for Shin-Oemachi 13. Research on the informatization of homes in the high-tech era 14. Research on the metropolitan scene 15. Research on the formation of new communities through the rejuvenation of intergenerational interaction 16. Research on the capital sphere 17. Research on the whereabouts of local societies in an aging society 18. Research on livelihoods in the Ubiquitous Era 19. Area marketing in the Tokyo region: “Tokyo is a mosaic city” 20. Measuring the value of cities 21. Rejuvenating the city of Tokyo, Urban fashion and culture, and the Cultural town: The lineage of Tokyo’s downtown areas

Values

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:36:25 +0900

Values and behaviors of human beings in the twenty-first century Example research theme: Efforts toward research on dietary education, food, and family Dietary life is a foundation of one’s lifestyle. The Research Institute for High-Life has developed a project to research current strategies for using dietary life to strengthen ties between family members and community members and allow people, from children to senior citizens, to enjoy more affluent and fulfilling social lives. Example findings of our research and investigations 1. Lifestyle as seen through Japan’s dietary culture 2. Research on reconsidering the desire for self-fulfillment: Prospects after Maslow 3. Investigation for establishing a basic plan for promoting volunteer activities for international contributions 4. Survey on attitudes toward food 5. Changes in dietary lifestyle as seen through brands 6. The trend toward social services for housework 7. Roundtable talk: “New humans, new societies: Responding to the ‘Pleasure value’” 8. Lifestyles and stresses of the modern family 9. Whereabouts of the Japanese family 10. Research on the recovery of dinner-table communication 11. Research on the lifestyles of the rich 12. Educational dietary support at stores: Dietary health and Educational dietary marketing

Board Members and Councilors

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:38:21 +0900

Board Members and Councilors Councilor: Takeo Takasu, Board Chairperson of Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. Councilor: Gota Morinaga, Board Chairperson of Morinaga Co., Ltd. Councilor: Yoshiyuki Matsuda, President of Shobi University Councilor: Toyoki Kozai, Visiting Professor of Chiba University Councilor: Yukio Kitamura, Lawyer of Toranomon Sogo Law Firm Councilor: Hiroki Kato, Executive Director of The Distribution Economics Institute of Japan Councilor: Katsufumi Miyazaki, President and Representative Director of Yomiko Crosscom, Inc. Councilor: Akira Iwashita, Director and Senior Operation Executive of Yomiko Advertising, Inc. Representative Director and Administrative Director (part-time): Yasunori Nakata, President and Representative Director of Yomiko Advertising, Inc. Representative Director and Administrative Vice-Director : Shinji Takatsu Executive Director and Managing: Haruki Takatsu Executive Board Member (part-time): Yotaro Hayashi, Advisor of Mitsui Fudosan, Co. Executive Board Member (part-time): Yasuko Niimura, Auditor of National Archives of Japan (Ex-Councilor of the Research Bureau of the Economic Planning Agency) Executive Board Member (part-time): Fumio Hasegawa, Professor of Meiji University Executive Board Member (part-time): Machiko Osawa, Professor of Japan Women's University Auditor (part-time): Atsushi Hentona, President and Chartered Accountant of Seisen Audit Corporation Auditor (part-time): Haruyasu Terauchi, Director and Operation Executive of Yomiko Advertising, Inc. Bureau Chief: Hirohito Hagiwara Date of Establishment: May 12, 1993 (All basic funds are contributed by Yomiko Advertising, Inc.) Governmental Authority in Charge: Cabinet Office

Study on Regional Innovation

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:28:47 +0900

Study on Regional Innovation -The future of regional communities in an aging society- PDF: Japanese version (677KB) Report Summary 1.The purpose and the main themes This study has been conducted since 2007 with the aim of understanding the variety of efforts being made in regional communities both in Japan and other countries and to propose policies to revitalize regional communities in our aging society. One of the challenges facing regional revitalization lies in the areas of industry and employment. In this year’s report, we focus on regional innovations in cases related to the promotion of regional industries in Europe, compare them with regional innovations implemented during the same periods in Japan,we presented our proposals for regional improvement in Japan. In 2008, businesses involved in subprime loans, which have become a serious issue, went bankrupt, leading to the collapse of financial markets and affecting the current economy. Although financial institutions on Wall Street and in the cities, the heartlands of financial capitalism, will effectively be managed under government control, Japanese businesses that have relied on foreign markets have also suffered losses, resulting in a strong sense of stagnation among subcontracted small to medium-sized businesses that have relied on these large corporations. Considering the problematic “lost decade” after the burst of the bubble economy in Japan, nobody believes this situation will be resolved in a short period of time. Moreover, there is likely nobody who believes industrial societies will ever be the same again. The future of the world, including all of its countries and communities, is unknown. Innovation is derived from the Latin word “innovation”, which means the creation of something new. It means the production of something new and improved, the introduction of new production processes, the development of new markets and new supply destinations, the reconstruction of corporations, and such. In addition, different types of innovation can be categorized by their respective characteristics, such as normal innovations (improvements of productivity and quality, excellence in staff training), niche innovations (affiliation and cooperation with new corporations for new markets), structural innovations (entering new fields with new technologies and methods), and revolutionary innovations (entering existing markets with new technologies and methods). Although innovation is an essential theme for all countries, regions, and corporations in any age, regional engagement for innovation is especially needed in situations such as the present. Innovation involves more than just research and development and technical developments; it should correspond to prospective markets of the near future that are demanded by society. Moreover, it is necessary to promote such innovations strategically through public procurements and financial support. In the EU, there are 6 fields of socially and economically valuable markets. 1. E-health: establishing health information systems to provide better care at lower costs. 2. Sustainable construction: the construction sector constitutes a high share of GDP, final energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Protective textiles: for example, clothes that protect people from accidents and other dangers. 4. Biological products: for example, bioplastic and lubricants. 5. Recycling: reducing the amount of waste products and the consumption of natural resources and improving energy efficiency. 6. Renewable energy: the European Parliament aims to provide 20% of energy consumption with renewable energy by 2020. The 2007 Communication on a "Lead Market Initiative for Europe" has many implication for future innovations in Japan. One of the common themes for promoting employment and industry in each country after the financial crisis has been government investments in the field of renewable energy, and various measures including public procurement, laws, and incentives will be implemented. At the same time, energy-saving houses and construction are necessary for global warming policies. The utilization of renewable energy as well as the development of energy-saving houses and construction constitute optimal solutions for regions with varying natural landscapes and climates. For this reason, these two solutions have become the main themes of regional innovation. Regarding tourism, which has been a means of vitalization common across communities in Japan, the promotion of health tourism in accordance with social purposes such as health and prevention may provide possible markets for Japan’s aging society and for China, where the population will soon begin aging rapidly. In this study, we will review efforts to promote renewable energy in regional communities and new fields in the service industry, such as health tourism, while considering the creation of regional industries and the sustainable local economy.

Investigating the value of urban living

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:23:50 +0900

PDF: Japanese version (618KB) Study report 1. Purpose, methods, and organizational structure for the study Organizational structure of the study This study is conducted by the following team members: Chief researcher Ryuzo Ohno, Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Doctor of Engineering Research planning and analysis Naoko Wakabayashi, CEO of Living Environment Studio ACT, Doctor of Engineering Masashi Soeda, Grand planner of LLP Human Environment Design Laboratory, Doctor of Engineering Research study analysis Nagisa Tatsumi, Writer and Marketing planner Koji Sugawara, Living Environment Studio ACT Pre-study Hajime Enomoto, Director of the Urban Environment Planning Department of Yomiko Advertising, Inc Hiroyuki Kakinuma, Urban Environment Planning Department of Yomiko Advertising, Inc. Akiko Tsuruta, Urban Environment Planning Department of Yomiko Advertising, Inc. Yumi Kato, Pistaccio Inc. Mayuko Koga, Environmental Planning Laboratory Inc. Research project coordinators Hitoshi Nakamura, LLP Human Environment Design Laboratory Masashi Soeda, LLP Human Environment Design Laboratory Ichiro Miyazaki, Environmental Planning Laboratory Inc. Research supervisor Shinichi Sentouda, Chief researcher of Research Institute for High-Life (1) Purpose of the study The purpose of this study is to identify the kinds of value that city dwellers associate with their urban lives. We will attempt to find out "what" kinds of value they find in their cities or "what parts" of their cities they feel are valuable. Customarily, when assessing the livability of a city, evaluations are made based mainly on "service" factors, such as convenience for shopping and commuting or the sufficiency of public facilities. These evaluation factors can be standardized and indexed to some extent and are reflected in real estate value. However, "service" is not the only reason why urban residents live in cities; rather, these residents seem to find more value in intangible factors related to enriching their quality of life, such as being able to relax at a nearby park, having neighborhood stores where they can meet friends, and safe environments for their children to play. These kinds of value cannot necessarily be measured by real estate price. Unlike convenience factors, which can be quantified even by an outsider, these kinds of value are latent and are perceived only by those who have lived in the city for some time. We believe that cities with such latent value can lead people to develop emotional attachments to their environment, leading to the desire to continue living in those cities. Given the difficulty of measuring such kinds of value, there is no straightforward way to draw clear answers from residents. Therefore, our first step is to conduct a survey among urban residents in multiple areas throughout Tokyo. We will ask them "what" kinds of value they find in their city or "what parts" of the city they feel are valuable. The answers will be provided as free responses (keywords). In this way, we will be able to grasp a general idea of what kinds of value are appreciated in specific kinds of city. At the same time, in order to analyze the linkage between people and the keywords, we will also ask them about their degree of attachment to the city, their intentions of settling down (whether or not they would like to reside there permanently), their degree of interest, and their lifestyle values. Based on the survey results, we will assess the relationships between the "city", its "people", and the "value and values associated with residential environments". We will analyze and investigate various factors, such as triggers of emotional attachments to the city or factors causing long-term residents to lose their attachment to the city, with the aim of offering guidelines for better residential environments. (2) Method of study This study consists of two parts. 1) Pre-study of the kinds of value perceived by urban residents There have been several studies involving assessments of residential environments or surveys on residential preferences conducted in the past. Before proceeding with our study, we will study these previous reports and examine the findings obtained through lectures given by the researchers. Our objective is to establish a clear perspective and hypothesis for the present study. We will also try to obtain an accurate picture of urban residents through a report prepared by an analyst with a concrete viewpoint on what specific points of urban life are appealing to those residents. What we learn here will be incorporated into the survey agenda. Our objective is to obtain a foothold for exploring different kinds of residential value. 2) Online survey of urban residents After establishing a clear perspective for our study through the above pre-study, we will conduct an online survey to understand the level of awareness regarding urban living. We will collect keywords that the residents associate with their urban life. We will also ask them about their degree of attachment to the city, their intentions of settling down, their degree of interest, and their lifestyles. This survey will be done through a website on the Internet. In order to examine the regional differences, we will select a total of 2,000 people who reside in 3 different areas in Tokyo ("Downtown", "Uptown", and "Bay area".) The people, whose ages range from the 30s to the 60s, are registered survey participants. The collected keywords will be examined and analyzed by area and level of resident’s awareness. The purpose of this survey is to identify the relationships between the "city", its "people" and the "value and values associated with residential environments".

Study on "Dietary Health and development of Shokuiku aid by generation"

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:04:36 +0900

- Shokuiku-Aproach for the family having infants or children - PDF: Japanese version (83KB) (Summary of the report) RE: Shokuiku is a Japanese word, meaning "education of appetite" or "education about having a good diet". Since it has no appropriate word translated into English, we call it, "Shokuiku". 1：Purpose of Study on "Health of Food and improvement of Shokuiku Aid by age" In June 10, 2005, the fundamental law on Shokuiku has been enacted and announced.　Shokuiku guidance is aimed at national lifetime health to form healthy eating habits. The theme of the Japanese life innovation is concentrated on health, relief, safety, and environmental protection, although, these headings have been developed as policies for Shokuiku suggestion and improvement of Metabolic Syndrome. Suggestion for healthy diets will be announced as a subject of Shokuiku. There are lots of subjects take that root in education of national healthy eating habits and dietary culture. The variety of subjects concerning Shokuiku promotion are what we consider as subjects related to dietary life improvement cultural fixation, and cultivation of mind. Keeping this fact in mind, we aim at rapid penetration and realization of Shokuiku development and will launch 2 years of study to complement national Shokuiku promotional activity. At the point of Shokuiku, each carried subject is quite different according to each generation. In our research, we aim to propose a right direction for Shokuiku approach concerning focused subject by clarifying subjects by generation clear. In this year, we focused on families carrying infants or children who would form Japan’s next generation and conducted questionnaire survey of the parents and their children about consciousness and gaps in actual condition level of their dietary lives regarding nutrition. In reference survey results, we made it clear how the Shokuiku should be and also made the direction of concrete approach to aid the policy for bringing up children clear, through diet. 〈Summary - Study report component〉 Chapter 1:　 National regulation of Shokuiku and engagement of local public organizations and enterprises. Chapter 2: Suggestion on Shokuiku so far and its' subjects Chapter 3: Thoughts on Shokuiku research on the families with infants or children Chapter 4: Items seen in survey about eating habits and Shokuiku- regarding families with infants or children Chapter 5: Shokuiku approach for the families with infants or children Chapter 6: Suggestion and activity on Shokuiku realized and experienced (Study members) Study organization: Resarch Institute for High-life Study composed by: Niitsu Shigeaki (Trustee/Takachiho University/Graduated School Professor) Tanno Toshiaki (President/Behavioral Science Institute ,Inc,) Takatsu Haruki (Vice Director General/Resarch Institute for High-life)

Research on Lifestyles created by Content

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:16:40 +0900

PDF: Japanese version (1.2MB)

Organizational structure of the research Planning and promotion Fumio Hasegawa, Professor of Meiji University, School of Global Japanese Studies Research and promotion Kazuo Midorikawa, CEO of Digital-Image Tadakazu Fukutomi, PROFESSOR, Senshu University Hirohiko Koyamada, CEO of Think Communications, Inc Akio Kunii, Chief researcher of InfoCom Research, Inc. Research partners Kazuhiro Niinuma, Counselor of Office of the President, Wellness Department, Namco Bandai Games, Inc. Yujiro Ono, Chief researcher, Research Laboratory of Human Amusement, AM Specialized Machine Development Department, Namco Bandai Games, Inc. Hisakazu Hirabayashi, CEO of INTERact Shuzo Ueda, Director of Kyoto International Manga Museum Chapter 1: Purpose of the Research 1-1. Background So-called “Content”, which includes manga, anime, and video game, has been consumed mainly for the purposes of entertainment and leisure-time amusement. However, Content has started to garner attention in areas other than entertainment due to its friendliness and its eye-catching characteristics. It has started to be used for the purposes of improving everyday convenience in particular. For example, manga is now very familiar because it even appears in various instruction manuals and community pamphlets. In addition, manga and anime have started to be used for educational purposes to promote understanding regarding luxury grocery items or cuisines, such as wine. Additionally, the game console Wii, which was released last year by Nintendo, can function as a sport simulator and serves as a lifestyle-oriented device in various areas, such as health management. This trend will be accelerated with the development of our information-driven network society. In this research, we will investigate the relationship between Content and everyday life by researching current conditions and trends. 1-2. Purpose of the research With the above background in mind, the purpose of this research is as follows. (1) To study the potential usage of Content (manga, anime, video games, etc.) in areas other than entertainment. (2) To analyze how Content creators view the relationship between Content and everyday life. (3) To identify and pni-che Niredict how Content will be involved in our everyday lives. 1-3. Details of the research We will conduct research in the following specific areas.

(1) Analysis of social environments that promote the current conditions.
(2) Case research on the relationship between Content and everyday life. Examine cases that match the purpose of our research from books, magazines, and websites.
(3) User evaluations Conduct a survey interview of 10 subjects ranging in age from their 10s to their 50s regarding the current usage of Content and its involvement in their everyday lives.
(4) Intentions of Content developers Conduct a survey interview with Content providers and researchers that match the purpose of our research.
(5) Future trend analysis Discuss future trends with other members of the research team.
(6) Links with future lifestyles Based on the results of our research, study the relationship between Content and lifestyle.

1-4. Research methods

(1) Conference discussions with experts
(2) Case studies using relevant literature
(3) Survey interviews with Content developers
(4) Interview-style questionnaire survey

Summary of hospitality study: 2006 to 2007

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:39:00 +0900

PDF: Japanese version (2MB) Study organization Junichi Takahashi, professor, Waseda University Ryusuke Seike, part-time professor, Waseda University Yuko Adachi, CEO, Bunka Gijutsu Design Miwako Hori, researcher Haruki Takatsu, Research Institute for High-Life Shinichi Sentoda, Research Institute for High-Life Hirohito Hagiwara, Research Institute for High-Life Purpose of the study Modern industrial society has brought us great benefits, but it has also created various problems in the name of progress, such as the continued destruction of nature, health problems, stress, and disparities in wealth. Modern industrial society has provided satisfaction and fulfillment in everyday life through material wealth and innovations in the area of convenience, but it can also been said that it is a society that has lost an understanding of the true meaning of "pleasure". When we look at the current social situation, we need to think about how we should obtain "pleasure" or "fulfillment" in a meaningful way through our individual abilities and lifestyles. The goal of hospitality, in simple terms, is how to "realize pleasure", and we believe this concept includes solutions to the problems describe above. Even for industries that are currently facing limitations in providing satisfaction and fulfillment to ordinary citizens through manualized services, "hospitality" has been focused on as a concept that allows for the provision of satisfaction and fulfillment beyond service. In our study, we hope to construct a working hypothesis while focusing on establishing design principles to realize a society and culture that embodies hospitality, and to seek the establishment of techniques (tentatively referred to as "hospitality management") to control the activities of both a society structured based on the principles of hospitality and the businesses and public administrations composing such a society.

The 17th High-Life Seminar: Eco-city contest

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:05:28 +0900

The 17th High-Life Seminar: Minutes Eco-city contest Seven proposals to change Japan from its regions Seminars to commemorate publication in Tokyo and Kyoto PDF: Japanese version (2MB) Organizers: Research Institute for High-Life The National Eco-City Contest Network Citizens Environment Foundation, specified nonprofit corporation Tokyo venue Time: Friday, March 6, 2009. 13:30 to 17:00 Place: Kodama Hall Kyoto venue Place: Mielparque Kyoto Time: Monday, March 9, 2009. 13:00 to 16:30 Seminar venue in Tokyo　　　　　　　　　　　Seminar venue in Kyoto

Minutes of lectures “Seven proposals to change Japan from its regions”: Purposes and contents of the book Lecturer: Mr. Ikuo Sugimoto (President of NPO Citizens Environment Foundation) (Representative of the National Eco-City Contest Network) http://www.kankyoshimin.org/ Profile of the lecturer: Ikuo Sugimoto Graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture of Kyoto University. Established the Citizens Environment Foundation with various people and experts engaged in environmental issues in 1992. Published “Green Consumer: Tips for Shopping for the Earth’s Ecology”, “Visiting the World’s Eco-cities” (co-author), Iwanami Junior Shinsho (2002) , and many others.

Thinking about Urban Lifestyles in the 21st Century | "Living in Urban Waterfronts": Prospects for the Future

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:07:18 +0900

Scheduled date and time: February 21, 2010 (Sunday), 13:00-16:10 Location: Tokyo International Exchange Center Sponsor: Research Institute for High-Life Planning and supervision: Professor Norihisa Yokouchi, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University MC: Saori Nishihara Project overview Since ancient times, waterfronts have nurtured the lives of many organisms, and humans have also used waterfronts in various ways and found peace in waterfronts as civilizations developed new living environments. Shipping remains at the center of the distribution of goods, and ports play an important role, but with the development of larger ships, ports that cannot accommodate large vessels are escaping attention and large portions of land are not being used effectively. At the same time, landfill areas in regions near urban areas are spreading. And Japan is a maritime nation with one of the world’s longest coastlines (35,000 km). For Japan, with its narrow landmass, these coastal regions can be said to be the most important spaces for considering living environments in the 21st century. Therefore, we have organized this international symposium to think about living environments in the 21st century from a global perspective based on case studies and research from various countries around the world engaging in the development of waterfront living environments that suit modern lifestyles. For this symposium, we asked Professor Norihisa Yokouchi of Nihon University, the leading authority on waterfront research who popularized the term “waterfront” throughout Japan, to handle general supervision, and in addition to keynote remarks from an expert invited from overseas, researchers and cultural figures from Japan will join for a frank exchange of views in a panel discussion on cases such as Ariake, which is currently under development. Furthermore, through lessons on the world’s leading case studies and comprehensive discussions, we will examine prospects for a better future. Opening remarks: Yasunori Nakata, Director, Research Institute for High-Life Keynote remarks: (1) Norihisa Yokouchi (Professor, Nihon University) (2) Rinio Bruttomesso (Director, International Centre Cities on Water, Venice; Professor of Urban Design, Department of Urban Planning and Design, University Iuav of Venice, Italy) Panel discussion: Host: Tetsuya Muroyama (Executive Commentator, NHK) (1) Professor Norihisa Yokouchi (2) Rinio Bruttomesso (3) Professor Hidenobu Jinnai (4) Maako Kido (Artist) [Japanese version]

Opening remarks Yasunori Nakata, Director, Research Institute for High-Life Flash video | 600kbps | 3 mins.

Keynote remarks Supporting new urban functions through Japan’s waterfronts: Current conditions and future prospects Norihisa Yokouchi Flash video | 600kbps | 25 mins.
Professor Yokouchi outlines the current status of development of waterfronts in Japan and ideal directions for the future. In particular, Professor Yokouchi provides an overview regarding new urban development that takes advantage of waterfronts in Tokyo Metropolis and other major cities and explains the possibilities for such waterfronts while using case examples to discuss issues facing waterfront development. Professor Yokouchi also explains the role of waterfronts in creating compact cities to address the aging of society and environmental issues.

Keynote remarks Redeveloping Italy’s waterfront cities Rinio Bruttomesso Flash video | 600kbps | 25 mins.
Mr. Bruttomesso discusses the past and present conditions of Venice, the historical city of water, as well as urban redevelopment in Venice.

Panel discussion Panel discussion: Host: Tetsuya Muroyama (Executive Commentator, NHK) (1) Professor Norihisa Yokouchi (2) Rinio Bruttomesso (3) Professor Hidenobu Jinnai (4) Maako Kido (Artist) Based on images of actual case examples of lifestyles in waterfronts in major cities around the world, panelists provide visions for the future of living in Tokyo’s waterfronts, using conceptual drawings of the future of Ariake prepared by Professor Yokouchi and his research students as an example. Part1 Case examples: London and Barcelona
Flash video | 600kbps | 25 mins.
Part2 Case example: Singapore
Flash video | 600kbps | 30 mins.
Part3 Visions for the future of living in Tokyo’s waterfronts
Flash video | 600kbps | 30 mins.
Part4 How waterfronts can be harnessed in our daily lives
Flash video | 600kbps | 25 mins.

Panelists Professor Norihisa Yokouchi College of Science and Technology, Nihon University After obtaining a master’s degree from Nihon University Graduate School, Professor Yokouchi obtained a doctorate in engineering. His specializations include waterfront planning, landscape engineering, and environmental planning. Based on his view that waterfront planning refers to urban development focusing on “water” and should aim to integrate the vast urban spaces behind waterfronts with the spaces around waterfronts, he is engaged in studies on how to realize this vision. He is Japan’s leading authority on waterfront research. Rinio Bruttomesso Director, International Centre Cities on Water, Venice; Professor of Urban Design, Department of Urban Planning and Design, University Iuav of Venice, Italy Born in 1948, Mr. Bruttomesso is the Director of the International Centre Cities on Water, Venice and a Professor of Urban Design at the Department of Urban Planning and Design of the University Iuav of Venice. He is a specialist on “redeveloping Italy’s waterfront cities”, redeveloping urban waterfronts, and urban design for floating cities, and is well-versed on international case examples. He recently served as a professor at the University Iuav of Venice and now devotes his time to working as the Director of the International Centre Cities on Water, Venice. An international authority in the field of waterfronts, he produced the Cities on Water Themed Plaza at Expo Zaragoza 2008. Tetsuya Muroyama Executive Commentator at NHK (Japan Broadcasting Cooperation) Muroyama joined NHK in Showa 51 (1976) and took a role as a producer for scientific programs such as "Ultra Eye", "Close-up Gendai" and "NHK Special" before working as a leading commentator for NHK. He provides comments mainly on issues ranging from science and technology, life and neuroscience, the environment, and space engineering, and has been committed to science education in his capacity as headmaster for a science program for children, "Kagaku Daisuki Doyo Jyuku" (Educational TV). Muroyama has received a number of awards, including the Monte-Carlo Television Festival Golden Lion, the Silver Lion, and the Rainier III awards, the Hoso Bunka Foundation Award, the Shanghai International Film Festival Filming Award, the Science and Technology Film/Video Festival Science and Technology Agency Director-General Award, and the Sugako Hashida Award. He is a board member of the Japanese Association of Science & Technology Journalists, the Planetary Society of Japan, and the Young Astronauts Club. Professor Hidenobu Jinnai Faculty of Engineering, Hosei University Born in 1947 in Fukuoka prefecture, Professor Jinnai studied abroad at University Iuav of Venice from 1973 to 1975 with a scholarship from the Italian government, and in the following year, he studied at UNESCO’s International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). After returning to Japan, he obtained a doctorate from the School of Engineering of the University of Tokyo in 1983. Subsequently, after serving as an assistant at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo and as assistant professor of architecture at the Faculty of Engineering at Hosei University, he is now a professor of architecture at the Faculty of Engineering at Hosei University. He is engaged in urban studies and surveys in the Mediterranean world, particularly Italy. He also won the Suntory Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities for his book “Tokyo: A Spatial Anthropology”, in which, based on comparisons with Venice, he argued that Edo (present-day Tokyo) was a city of water. His commentaries are frequently published in magazines related to the arts and architecture, and he also appeared in NHK Ningen Koza’s “Lifestyles in Mediterranean Cities” (June-July 2001) as a lecturer. In 2003, he was awarded a prize of the Architectural Institute of Japan (Research Theses Division). Maako Kido Ms. Kido graduated from the Department of Painting of Musashino Art University in 1987. In 1998, she competed in the VOCA exhibition. She has also created many works of public art, including a giant mural for a coffee shop in Kanbocho and a mural for the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line’s Umihotaru island. She is President of the Gakken Kido Maako Art School. She is also engaged in a wide variety of activities, such as serving as a consultant for Central Japan International Airport Co., Ltd. and as a member of the advisory board of the Central Nippon Expressway Company. She has released a book, “Honwaka kaigo - watashi kara haha he arigatou enikki (Warm Nursing Care: A Picture Diary of Gratitude for my Mother)”, from Shueisha Inc.