EBC ニュースレター　2024年10月23日

Visit to the National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory (NTSEL)

On 16 October, the EBC Railway Committee visited the National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory (NTSEL) to re-establish links. The Committee had previously visited NTSEL about ten years ago when it began its involvement with international standards. During this visit, the Committee received an update on NTSEL’s recent activities and shared the latest developments from their side. Both parties agreed to maintain close communication and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

On 17 October, the EBC Automotive Components Committee organised its Second Digital automotive summit, exploring Generative AI and Innovation. We were honoured to have Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the EU to Japan, share his insights on the EU’s leadership in this field. Ludger Trockel from TDK discussed fostering innovation, while Matt McDevitt from McKinsey & Company delved into the transformative impact of Generative AI. Makoto Saito of the Digital Agency closed the event by outlining Japan’s policies and initiatives. Two engaging panels examined how businesses are tackling challenges and unlocking opportunities with AI. The day wrapped up with a networking reception, where attendees continued great discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.
A big thank you to all our speakers, panelists, moderators, and sponsors, including the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan. Special thanks to our EBC Committee Chair Chris Seidel of Voltaira group, whose dedication made this event a huge success.

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

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• Japanese companies are speeding up efforts to develop technology that will make it possible to reuse or recycle electric vehicle batteries. Japan has relied on China and several other countries for key mineral resources that are essential to producing batteries. However, if a system to reuse or recycle those materials within Japan can be developed, it would greatly improve the country’s economic security. (The Japan News)
• Glinting in the sun by the world’s biggest nuclear plant, the Sea of Japan is calm now. But as the huge facility gears up to restart, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa has a new tsunami wall, just in case. Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, but with the G7’s dirtiest energy mix, it is seeking to cut emissions, and atomic energy is making a steady comeback, in part because of AI. (Japan Today)
• Women accounted for 16.1 percent of executives at Japan’s top-listed companies, a survey by its top business lobby showed Wednesday, up 2.8 percentage points from the previous year and moving steadily toward the government’s goal of at least 30 percent by 2030. But women who were internally promoted to board members made up just 3.4 percent, or fewer than 300, of the total, highlighting the need for companies to enhance training programs to help female workers advance their careers to top positions. (Kyodo News+)

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