What kind of activities does the Production Department Board of Councilors engage in?

Over the past few years, there have been major, rapid changes in the environment around us, and we have had to not only deal with various natural disasters and the Covid pandemic but also respond to challenges such as the digital revolution and carbon neutrality. In a world that is becoming increasingly unpredictable and uncertain, it is imperative that manufacturing responds to changes in the environment. In particular, taking measures to achieve carbon neutrality and resolving production crises are vital issues that affect all sectors. The Production Department Board of Councilors has been visiting different companies to learn about their approaches to these two issues first hand at work sites and has been promoting activities to solve problems through collaboration rather than competition.

How important do you think it is for companies in different industries to discuss issues common to management (sectors/regions)?

Carbon neutrality, which is currently being addressed by the Board of Councilors, is an issue that affects all industrial sectors as well as local communities. It involves a wide range of issues that need to be addressed but, as a first step, we believe that it�fs important to promote mutual understanding through joint discussions with relevant companies including those in different industries, regardless of whether they are "producers" or "users" of electricity, as well as the government. Through such efforts, I believe that we can promote investment in carbon neutrality and create a framework for circulating the beneficial effects throughout a region.

Please tell us about the topics you would like the Board of Councilors to address in the future.

What we, the Production Department Board of Councilors, need to work on at the moment are initiatives for strengthening Japan's manufacturing system. While businesses around the world are no longer willing to pay money for convenience, the added value of meaningful products is universally recognized, and the meaning of "high quality-low cost" is changing. To deal with these issues, I believe that we must start discussing topics that will bring about a change in the way we think. This includes, for example, the modalities of manufacturing that will be required in the future. The Japan Management Association has Boards of Councilors involved in a wide range of fields, and I look forward to the chance to interact with other councils and attend lectures.