Activity Report
Events addressing loneliness and isolation “Towards a Society Without Unwanted Loneliness” (May 28)
Social isolation and loneliness are significant societal issues highlighted in the “Listings of Societal Issues 2025” that require a strong call for solutions. In conjunction with the “Strengthening Measures against Loneliness and Isolation Month” in May, we held a joint event with ICF supporting member, Ibasho Chat.org, an NPO which operates a chat consultation service available 24/7, year-round, free of charge and anonymously to anyone, regardless of age or gender.
At the beginning of the event, Junko Mihara, the Minister for Policies Related to Loneliness and Isolation in the Cabinet Office gave us a message in person.
The meeting report and video are available below:
Report: https://icf.mri.co.jp/activities/activities-23314/
(in Japanese)
Recorded Video (member-only website):
https://icf.mri.co.jp/limited/field/field-23367/
(in Japanese)
Seventh session of ICF Online Discussion: How Sports Connect Local Communities and Shape the Future (May 29)
We held a discussion with Sports Nation Co., Ltd., which aims to create regional value through sports by connecting young people and companies through the platform “NEO FUKUOKA”, and the Sasakawa Sports Foundation, Japan’s only sports-oriented think tank that is working to solve regional societal issues through the “Active City Promotion Project” and implementing town development through public-private partnerships, to discuss initiatives for regional revitalization through sports.
Through this discussion, we have reaffirmed that utilizing the drawing power of sports can be effective for regional revitalization and nurturing the next generation, and it has become clear that building long-term relationships between local governments and private companies is the key to success.
*Details of the event report and archive videos will be announced later on the ICF website.
Start of ICF Deep Tech Column
In addition to ICF core policy of addressing societal issues as the starting point for our activities, we are also embarking on a new initiative this fiscal year: leveraging technology to solve societal challenges and create the society of the future.
As part of this effort, we will be introducing technologies, particularly deep tech, that contribute to resolving societal issues through columns and other features. The first edition is titled “Evolving Robots with Haptics,” exploring how the integration of tactile technology with robotics could help shape the future of society. We invite you to take a look and discover more.
https://icf.mri.co.jp/information/information-23255/
(in Japanese)
Upcoming Activities
Eighth session of ICF Online Discussion: Menopause Crisis (June 24)
It is well known that people in midlife often experience a combination of psychological and physical challenges. This period often concurs with a natural phase of life reflection, along with physiological changes such as hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause and andropause in both women and men. Supporting the active participation of these individuals -most of whom are in the middle tier of the organization as managers or experts- will help improve labor productivity and willingness to participate in community activities, which will contribute to addressing issues such as regional revitalization.
In this discussion, we will consider not only the importance for both men and women to understand their own menopause, but also the methods to deepen mutual understanding.
Please refer to more details at
https://icf.mri.co.jp/activities/activities-22988/
(in Japanese)
Robotics Study Group #1: How Robots Will Change Future Working Styles (June 25)
We will be hosting the first event of the newly established Robotics Study Group this fiscal year. In this session, we will introduce the “Remote Work Research Group” by DENTSU SOKEN INC., which aims to utilize advanced technologies to promote location-independent work. Through this case, we will envision a future society where humans co-create with robots.
Moreover, a second event is planned for the latter half of July. We will have speakers from university-launched ventures and receive presentations on societal issues from the perspective of technology providers, as well as their visions for the future society they aim to create. We look forward to your participation!
Please refer to more details at
https://icf.mri.co.jp/activities/activities-22990/
(in Japanese)
Societal Issues Discussion (Jun. 26, Jun. 27, Jul. 3, and Jul. 4)
In each of the seven areas addressed in the Listings of Societal Issues 2025, we will have an introduction and discussions to share real-world examples and explore business opportunities.
The schedule is as follows, with a 90-minute program for each area.
-June 26 (Thursday): Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), Education and Human Resource Development
-June 27 (Friday): Energy and Environment, Mobility
-July 3 (Thursday): Agrifood, Resilience
-July 4 (Friday): Wellness
Please refer to more details at
https://icf.mri.co.jp/research/research-23070/
Registration:
https://mri.smartseminar.jp/public/application/add/9356
(in Japanese)
An article introducing Listings of Societal Issues 2025 has been uploaded to Mitsubishi Research Institute’s note. Please have a look.
https://note.mri.co.jp/n/nd2cbd70dd154
(in Japanese)
New ICF Members
From May 15 to June 12, 2 companies/organizations joined ICF.
《Current list of ICF members》
https://icf.mri.co.jp/member/
(in Japanese)
Announcement from ICF Promotion Office
Revision of ICF Participation Rules
We will be revising some parts of the ICF participation rules effective July 1, 2025.
Please check the revised sections, the reasons for the revisions, and the participation rules after the revisions at the URL below.
https://icf.mri.co.jp/note/info-20250605/
(in Japanese)