CEATEC JAPAN 2015

Shigeaki Mizushima, Chairman of the CEATEC JAPAN Executive Board

First, representing the three host organizations, Shigeaki Mizushima, Chairman of the CEATEC JAPAN Executive Board, greeted the guests and announced that, from this year, CEATEC JAPAN is charting a new course as a CPS/IoT exhibition.

“This is 16th CEATEC JAPAN to be held. Over the years this event has tracked changes in society brought about by the invention of new household appliances and devices, while serving as an invaluable source of information to improve the lives of the Japanese people. As we look about us today, though, aware of the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, it is clear that not only are the uses of IT/electronics multiplying but so too are the links with other fields and industries. Lifestyles are improving and we are witnessing dramatic advances in social productivity. To reflect these trends and to be in closer alignment with government policies, CEATEC JAPAN is starting afresh as a CPS/IoT exhibition this year.

“As the first step, we have ourselves created the NEXT Street Special Exhibit to demonstrate advanced technologies and services and show how they will impact our lives, for example, with IoT driven by big data. In future, the strengthening of collaboration and coordination – with other industries, with emerging and overseas companies – through such gathering and supplying of information will be crucial. I can state that we are committed to further enhancing these very capabilities, working together with the Tokyo Motor Show.”

Kosaburo Nishime, State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

Next, Kosaburo Nishime, State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, took the podium. As well as offering his congratulations on the opening of CEATEC JAPAN 2105, he expressed a determination to realize ICT throughout society.

“It is almost three years now since the inauguration of the Abe administration. Thanks to the various Abenomics initiatives and the progress made by our corporations, the virtuous cycle is clearly in motion and Japan’s economy has begun to recover its strength. We believe that making the most of ICT is important as a foundation for supporting Abenomics, now in its second stage. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for its part is promoting the use of ICT aimed at the creation of new innovations. We are comprehensively adopting initiatives designed to foster adaptation to the IoT age, employing ICT to find solutions to the issues confronting society, while strengthening and developing ICT competitiveness in the international arena.

“We are committed to realizing ICT throughout society. At CEATEC JAPAN visitors will be able to learn about various new applications of ICT. Also, a keyword for CEATEC JAPAN is 2020, the year of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games, and this is really an ideal opportunity to highlight the most advanced ICT in the world. I look forward to seeing increased cooperation between industry, universities and government ministries and agencies as we all work towards realizing ICT throughout society.”

Dr. Daishiro Yamagiwa, State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Dr. Daishiro Yamagiwa, State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry expressed congratulations and also his high expectations for the role played by CEATEC JAPAN 2015 in pointing the way towards society of the future.

“I am truly surprised by how much our world can change in just one year. Japan is fast becoming the foremost country in the world to tackle issues involving new technologies, and in finding solutions for them we are contributing toward the development of not only Japan but also mankind. Terms like IoT, big data and AI have already become part of our daily vocabulary. Artificial intelligence is without doubt responsible for an industrial revolution. We are surely going to see AI as a part of our lives ten years hence or even six months hence. The big data gathered from sensors will be analyzed by AI to provide the feedback for improving our lives.

“Looking ahead at such a future, I trust that the companies exhibiting at CEATEC JAPAN are collectively riding, harnessing the wave of IoT vigorously and proactively. A public/private-sector approach has in fact been already launched. At this event there is a special exhibit that specifically focuses on this wave, and I sincerely hope that CEATEC JAPAN will continue to grow and develop as this society of the future evolves.”

Following this speech, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to raise the curtain on CEATEC JAPAN 2015.

Fumihiko Ike, Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (left), and Shigeaki Mizushima, Chairman of the CEATEC JAPAN Executive Board (right)

The reception was followed by a prize-giving ceremony at which the CEATEC AWARD 2015 winners were announced. The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award went to NEC’s SDR-based Emergency Mobile Radio Network, while the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award went to Panasonic’s DMR-UBZ1 Ultra HD Blu-ray Recorder.

Representing the host organization for the Tokyo Motor Show, which is held in coordination with CEATEC JAPAN, was Fumihiko Ike, Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. He spoke about the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association will demonstrate how the automobile and ICT will integrate into people’s lives in future, showcasing Japan’s technologies in this area.