Indonesia and Japan Forge Deals in Energy and Transportation Support

JAKARTA, Dec 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – During his visit to Japan, Indonesian President Joko Widodo obtained support in several sectors, including energy, transportation, and the economy. The Indonesian President visited Tokyo to attend the Japan-ASEAN Summit on Saturday (Dec 16) and the AZEC Summit on Monday (Dec 18).

During Monday’s inaugural AZEC Summit (Asia Zero Emission Community), Indonesia obtained at least 24 energy transition projects. “The summit’s deliverables include 69 cooperation agreements on energy transition, 24 of which are projects that will be worked on together by Indonesia and Japan,” Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said.

The 24 projects involve various parties, including state-run electricity company PT PLN, state-run fertilizer enterprise Pupuk Indonesia, the National Capital Authority (OIKN), and PPT Energy Trading Co. Ltd., and cover aspects such as capacity-building for energy transition, ‘waste-to-energy,’ decarbonization, and the development of electric transmission, geothermal, and green ammonia.

The AZEC, co-initiated by Indonesia and Japan, is a platform for countries to cooperate in achieving net-zero emissions in Asia and its surrounding areas. Australia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are community members.

Indonesia considers it essential to support cooperation in decarbonization through inclusive financing and the transfer of low-carbon technology. Indonesia hoped Japan would support its downstream mineral industry and emerge as a crucial player in the global supply chain of electric vehicle batteries.

During the bilateral meeting between President Widodo and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday (Dec 16), the leaders discussed the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, hoping that construction of the north-south corridor continues as planned with a commitment from Japan for the East-West Corridor, with groundbreaking set for August 2024.

The two leaders witnessed an MoU signing on cooperation worth 10 billion yen (equal to Rp1 trillion) between Harapan Kita Hospital and Tokushukai Medical Corporation to improve cardiovascular services in the Asian region.

Widodo and Kishida also received proposal documents issued during the ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit and the ASEAN-Japan Gen-Z Business Leaders’ Summit, and they witnessed the exchange of documents on the grant of a patrol ship worth US$ 63.3 million from the Japanese government to the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla).

Besides the economic sector, Indonesia discussed the current situation in Palestine with Japan. Widodo reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to pushing for a lasting ceasefire, planning continuous humanitarian aid, and encouraging the immediate commencement of a peace process to end the prolonged conflict.

Copyright (c) Antara 2023.


Topic: Press release summary

RX Japan Debuts International Optical Fair and Wellness Fashion Expo at FaW TOKYO 2023

 FASHION WORLD TOKYO (FaW TOKYO), one of Japan’s premier fashion exhibitions hosted by RX Japan, concluded its three-day event from October 10 to 12 at the iconic Tokyo Big Sight with resounding success, reaffirming its position as a global hub for fashion and innovation with a global visitor count of 20,195.

FaW TOKYO brought forth a spectacular “first” this year with the inclusion of the 36th International Optical Fair Tokyo (iOFT), Japan’s largest optical trade show dedicated to eyewear and optical innovation. This move was met with great enthusiasm as buyers had the unique opportunity to efficiently view products while exhibitors were able to connect with industry professionals they might not usually encounter.

iOFT also hosted the 27th Japan Eyewear Awards, a prestigious ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in eyewear design and technology. This event provided a platform for innovators and creators to be acknowledged for their contributions to advancing eyewear aesthetics and functionality.

In the Design Category, IWAKI OPTICAL claimed the grand prize, while other acclaimed companies EIGHT OPTIC, TANIGUCHI OPTICAL, DETAIL GRAM, and tonysame japan, got special citations. In the Technology Category, SANKO KOGAKU secured the top award, with other notable companies like IC-Berlin Japan, EYETEC, WicueDirect, and uchida plastic also receiving recognition.

The 2023 edition of FaW TOKYO featured a total of 1,088 exhibiting companies, with 358 of them hailing from Japan and 730 from 30 different countries, including the United States, Italy, India, Indonesia, Canada, and more. Meanwhile in iOFT, 181 companies participated, with 112 representing Japan and 69 coming from nine different countries, such as Australia, Spain, Germany, France, South Korea, and more.

Exhibitors expressed their satisfaction in achieving their goals at the event. KFashion82 from Korea shared, “Since it was our first time at FaW TOKYO, we were worried and afraid that there might be difficulties, but when we actually came, we found that buyers are very friendly, looking through each brand carefully and trying to understand the concept of the design. There was also an opportunity for our brands to be connected to a variety of different retailers.”

NEXTEVO from Singapore added, “We were very excited to share our sustainable textiles made from pineapple leaf fibres with Japanese customers, and everyone felt very excited to see new sustainable materials. We met a lot of fashion brands, a lot of designers and trading companies based in Japan.”

One significant highlight of this year’s event was the absence of travel restrictions, marking the first time in four years that exhibitors and visitors from around the world could participate without constraints. This created a truly international atmosphere, fostering global networking and collaboration.

Another exciting addition to the show was the Wellness Fashion Expo, which served as the primary marketplace for products specializing in health, beauty, athleisure, sports, and highly functional clothing. This showcased the evolving intersection of fashion and wellness in today’s world.

FaW TOKYO further enriched the visitor experience with an extensive conference program and international pavilions at the showground. These components provided attendees with valuable insights, education, and the opportunity to explore fashion trends from around the world.

Looking ahead, the 2024 Autumn show promises to be even more exciting with the launch of the Japan Fashion Export Show, that aims to foster innovation in textiles and strengthening international ties. Visitors from different corners of the world, including Bangladesh, Korea, and Greece, expressed their anticipation for this initiative. One visitor from Bangladesh noted, “These days a lot of Japanese companies are sourcing clothes from Bangladesh, but we want to go for new innovation in textiles. So, in that case, Japanese companies can help us move forward.” Visitors from Korea and Greece praised the quality of Japanese items and highlighted the potential attraction of this new show for overseas buyers.

The success of FaW TOKYO 2023, coupled with the events and exhibitions expertise of RX Japan, sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future, demonstrating that the world of fashion is alive and thriving in Tokyo.

RX Global
Midori Kishiwada
+81-3-6739-4108
https://www.fashion-tokyo.jp/hub/en-gb.html

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Japan – Japan and U.S.-based TerraPower expand SFR development partnership to support carbon neutrality efforts

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Mitsubishi FBR Systems (MFBR), and TerraPower have expanded their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) technologies.

In January 2022, TerraPower, JAEA and MHI signed a MOU to collaborate on SFR technology development. In December 2022, the Japanese government revised their Strategic Roadmap for FR development, clarifying that Japan will begin FR concept design in 2024. The government in July 2023 selected a 650MW pool-type SFR concept proposed by MFBR as the design to be developed, and MHI as the main manufacturer and constructor.

This expanded MOU will allow TerraPower and Japan to explore the opportunity to collaborate on a common reactor design concept, based on the Japan’s FR demonstration program and TerraPower’s existing technologies. This MOU has been revised to include an increase in size of the Natrium™ design* for enhanced cost competitiveness, and metal fuel safety.

TerraPower is currently developing the 345-MW Natrium reactor in the United States, with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). The first Natrium plant will begin commercial operations in 2030.

“We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with JAEA as Japan works to bring advanced nuclear reactors to market,” said TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque. “In order to achieve our climate goals, countries across the world are going to need to deploy advanced reactors starting in the 2030’s, and this agreement will help us evaluate the design opportunities for large-scale Natrium plants that can support Japan’s carbon targets.”

In recent years, many countries have accelerated technology development to reach net zero emissions, focusing on nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source. Generation IV nuclear energy systems have enhanced safety features, increase cost competitiveness, reduce the amount and toxicity of high-level radioactive waste, and more efficiently use uranium resources.

Japan’s Strategic Roadmap for FR technology identifies SFR is one of the most promising technologies and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in contributing to a clean energy future.

JAEA president Masanori Koguchi said, “JAEA will play a role as one of organizations in the strategic roadmap for fast reactor development. For effective development, we believe that international cooperation is one of key issues. We will promote Japan – US collaboration on FR development through this expanded MOU.”

MHI executive vice president Akihiko Kato said, “MHI group, as the core company in charge of design and development of the Japanese demonstration fast reactor, will steadily proceed in accordance with the strategic roadmap. We would like to contribute to fast reactor development cooperation between the US and Japan by utilizing the technology and experience we have cultivated over many years.”

*A TerraPower and GE Hitachi technology

About MHI Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Japan – Biogen Japan and Eisai Provide Update on Co-Promotion Of Multiple Sclerosis Treatments In Japan

Biogen Japan Ltd. and Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today the termination of the co-promotion agreement that has been in place since January 2018 for Biogen Japan’s multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments TECFIDERA (dimethyl fumarate), TYSABRI (natalizumab, genetic recombinant) and AVONEX (interferon beta 1a, genetic recombinant) in Japan as of March 31, 2023.

The two companies have been jointly engaged in promotional activities for MS treatments in Japan. However, since a certain objective has been achieved regarding penetration of the products into the Japanese market, the two companies decided to terminate this co-promotion agreement. As a result, Biogen Japan will have full responsibility for all operations related to the products after a transition period between the two companies. Upon termination of this agreement, Biogen will pay Eisai 31 million USD.

The termination of this co-promotion agreement does not impact any of the other agreements between Biogen and Eisai.

For more information, visit www.eisai.com/news/2023/news202315.html.

Contacts:

Biogen Japan Ltd.

Japan – Japan, United Kingdom and Italy Formally Announce Joint Development of a Next-Generation Fighter

The Government of Japan today announced the joint development of the country’s next-generation fighter together with partners in the U.K. and Italy.

In recent years, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed cutting-edge technologies for fighter through diverse research initiatives, including the “X-2,” an advanced technology demonstrator jet. Since October 2020, when a contract was concluded with the Ministry of Defense on development of the future fighter aircraft (F-X), MHI has conducted a conceptual design and other development-related work. Simultaneously, MHI has been looking into the feasibility of collaboration with the U.K. and Italian defense industries under the leadership of the governments of the three nations.

Following the formal announcement of the joint development by the three nations’ governments, the development program will now go forward concurrently in Japan, the U.K. and Italy. MHI will work closely with the government authorities and corporate partners from all three nations, in order to develop the next-generation fighter, pooling our respective cutting-edge technologies and expertise.

This international collaborative project, with the broad participation of Japan’s defense companies, will foster innovation in the country’s industrial sector such as digital transformation, as well as the development of human resources in the field of science and technology. Through its development of the next-generation fighter, MHI will strengthen the country’s defense industrial base as a whole and continue making significant contributions to Japan’s national security.

About MHI Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.

Copyright ©2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.