141
Nonetheless, if the world’s third largest economic power, Japan, is to continue
developing, it is vital that those in a position of leadership understand the newest
knowledge in various fields and how such knowledge is undergoing change. Then,
by strengthening their ability to foresee the future and their ability to communicate,
it is necessary to strengthen the impact on other countries.
Learning is not just necessary for those in leadership positions. Through advances
with AI, computers, sensors, robots, and 3D printers, part of the work currently
done by human beings will be taken over by these inventions. That does not mean
that people’s work will be taken but rather, new kinds of jobs and new work will also
be created. At such a time, conventional knowledge and skills will not be enough to
deal with this new situation. New knowledge and skills are necessary for tackling
new work. Until now, it was possible to learn on the job and accumulate experience
through work after one had finished school and become a working adult. But from
now on, in order to keep step with the social changes happening, knowledge and
technology must constantly be updated. A diverse educational system that supports
people’s learning is needed.
In the future, labor productivity will increase through the application of new
systems and people will have plenty of time and opportunities to receive education
after they have become working adults. Many people will receive education appropriate for the new times and partake in work that is advanced and of a high level,
thus contributing to the further development of society.
6.7 The Platinum Society Becomes More Visible
6.7.1 How to Promote a Platinum Society
Even in Japan, which is a leading country in resolving societal problems, problems
have come to light in remote island regions, making them problem-saddled regions.
Tanegashima in Kagoshima prefecture has a population of about 33,000 and a
surface area of 445 square kilometers. Tanegashima is a narrow yet long island
stretching from north to south. It is divided into one city, Nishinoomote, and the two
towns of Nakatane and Minamitane. Out of all the outlying islands not connected to
any of the four main islands of Japan, Tanegashima is the fifth largest. The rate of
its declining population and the aging of its population are higher than the national
average thus truly making it a problem-saddled region.
In 2012, the University of Tokyo’s Organization for Interdisciplinary Research
Projects set up the Presidential Endowed Chair for Platinum Society. Collaborations
between industry, academia and the public, based on this Presidential Endowed
Chair have been advanced, and this movement has expanded to a point where a total
of nine universities are conducting activities on Tanegashima (as of August 2016).
This provides university researchers with the opportunity to verify technology they
developed themselves and brush it up as technology that can further enrich the local
community (Fig. 6.14).
6.7 The Platinum Society Becomes More Visible
Nonetheless, if the world’s third largest economic power, Japan, is to continue
developing, it is vital that those in a position of leadership understand the newest
knowledge in various fields and how such knowledge is undergoing change. Then,
by strengthening their ability to foresee the future and their ability to communicate,
it is necessary to strengthen the impact on other countries.
Learning is not just necessary for those in leadership positions. Through advances
with AI, computers, sensors, robots, and 3D printers, part of the work currently
done by human beings will be taken over by these inventions. That does not mean
that people’s work will be taken but rather, new kinds of jobs and new work will also
be created. At such a time, conventional knowledge and skills will not be enough to
deal with this new situation. New knowledge and skills are necessary for tackling
new work. Until now, it was possible to learn on the job and accumulate experience
through work after one had finished school and become a working adult. But from
now on, in order to keep step with the social changes happening, knowledge and
technology must constantly be updated. A diverse educational system that supports
people’s learning is needed.
In the future, labor productivity will increase through the application of new
systems and people will have plenty of time and opportunities to receive education
after they have become working adults. Many people will receive education appropriate for the new times and partake in work that is advanced and of a high level,
thus contributing to the further development of society.
6.7 The Platinum Society Becomes More Visible
6.7.1 How to Promote a Platinum Society
Even in Japan, which is a leading country in resolving societal problems, problems
have come to light in remote island regions, making them problem-saddled regions.
Tanegashima in Kagoshima prefecture has a population of about 33,000 and a
surface area of 445 square kilometers. Tanegashima is a narrow yet long island
stretching from north to south. It is divided into one city, Nishinoomote, and the two
towns of Nakatane and Minamitane. Out of all the outlying islands not connected to
any of the four main islands of Japan, Tanegashima is the fifth largest. The rate of
its declining population and the aging of its population are higher than the national
average thus truly making it a problem-saddled region.
In 2012, the University of Tokyo’s Organization for Interdisciplinary Research
Projects set up the Presidential Endowed Chair for Platinum Society. Collaborations
between industry, academia and the public, based on this Presidential Endowed
Chair have been advanced, and this movement has expanded to a point where a total
of nine universities are conducting activities on Tanegashima (as of August 2016).
This provides university researchers with the opportunity to verify technology they
developed themselves and brush it up as technology that can further enrich the local
community (Fig. 6.14).
6.7 The Platinum Society Becomes More Visible