The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Talk Session: Creating a Well-Balanced Future Lifestyle with Automation
Azbil Corporation
By 2050, we might see a world where human comfort and the Earth's environment are harmoniously balanced, in ways we can't even imagine today. Through Azbil's concept of "Human-Centered Automation," we will delve into themes such as smart cities, carbon neutrality, and rural urbanization to discuss the global future. Join us in envisioning the "well-balanced" or "chodo ii" lifestyle of future generations with our esteemed guests. We invite you to participate and help shape this vision!
Discussion
- Smart cities
- Digital garden cities
- Regional Revitalization
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Agenda2025
Participation Programme
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Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.05.16[Fri]
14:30 ~ 16:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
The Japanese concept of "chodo ii" (ちょうどいい) is
often translated as "just right" or
"well-balanced", but its essence is more nuanced
than the phrase suggests. At its core, "chodo ii"
embodies a sense of perfect balance and harmony, where
everything is neither too much nor too little, but exactly as
it should be.
This concept of "just right" or "chodo ii"
is something we often don't notice. For example, when the
room temperature and humidity are satisfactory, we remain
comfortable without even realizing it.
At Azbil, we achieve this comfortable "chodo ii"
feeling through automation technology that goes unnoticed.
By 2050, we hope to welcome an exciting future where everyone
can live true to themselves. To achieve this, we need to
address current issues, while looking ahead into the slightly
far future. We believe "Human-Centered Automation"
technology can become a solution to solve these issues, and to
move forward into the future.
In our talk session, we will discuss "the well-balanced
lifestyle of the future" with experts and distinguished
guests. We will explore the optimal balance between
individuals and the environment from an international
perspective. Join us and let's envision a "chodo
ii" future for people and the earth.
Reports
【Reflection】
This program offered a valuable opportunity to explore the
concept of a “well-balanced lifestyle” for the future,
focusing on sustainability and the balance between technology
and society. It also resonated deeply with the core vision of
the Expo 2025—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—by
bringing together diverse perspectives.
The session began with a thought-provoking definition and
proposal of “well-balanced” living by Mr. Fritz Frenkler (f/p
design CEO, Emeritus of Excellence at Technical University of
Munich (TUM)). Mr. Akifumi Yogo (Ph D, Prof., Vice Director,
Institute of Laser Engineering, The University of Osaka)
followed with insights into energy challenges and the
forefront of laser fusion technology. Clarence Chua (Head of
Region Japan and Korea & SVP Business Environment,
Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)) then shared
real-world policy examples centered on human-focused
development. These three experts, each from distinct fields,
offered multifaceted insights into what a well-balanced future
lifestyle could look like.
Moderated by Mr. Takushi Izawa (CEO of QuizKnock Inc., Quiz
Player), with two azbil employees serving as MCs, the
discussion covered a wide range of themes—from national policy
and partnerships to respect for others, including nature, and
the balance of sustainable energy. A particularly lively
debate emerged around the role of advanced technologies. The
session concluded with a shared understanding: that
cutting-edge technologies must not be used merely for human
convenience, and that a long-term perspective is essential.
This conclusion was met with prolonged applause from the
studio audience. Feedback from attendees showed a strong sense
of satisfaction and engagement throughout the session.
At azbil, we believe in “human-centered automation”—a
philosophy that puts people first while contributing to a
safer, more comfortable, and environmentally conscious world.
As a company built on technology, we’re reminded of the
importance of using innovation in ways that truly benefit
society. This Theme Week was a meaningful opportunity to
reflect on that responsibility and reaffirm our commitment to
creating well-balanced solutions for individuals, communities,
and the planet.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
We view the outcomes of our presentation as a meaningful first
step toward realizing a “well-balanced lifestyle” for the
future. Our participation in Expo 2025 is ongoing, and we plan
to continue engaging throughout the Expo period. As a company,
we are now considering future initiatives that build on this
momentum.
One of the most encouraging developments was the surge in
activity among our younger employees. The team behind the
presentation was composed of members from various departments
and generations, and their success story has been widely
shared within the company. This has become a model for
cross-functional collaboration and a foundation for generating
new value and innovation.
The presentation also inspired admiration among new employees,
who saw their peers as role models. In turn, the young
presenters began to embrace their roles as mentors, fostering
a sense of responsibility and leadership. This positive cycle
has significantly boosted engagement and teamwork across the
organization.
Moreover, the Theme Week facilitated meaningful exchanges with
other companies. Through mutual attendance and communication,
we have begun building relationships that transcend corporate
boundaries. These interactions have not only provided learning
opportunities but also laid the groundwork for sustainable
partnerships moving forward.
This presentation has brought significant value both inside
and outside the company—strengthening networks, energizing
teams, and deepening our sense of purpose. As we continue
working toward a future that’s truly well-balanced—not just
convenient—we remain committed to long-term thinking,
meaningful partnerships, and growing together with society.
Cast
Moderator
Takushi Izawa
CEO of QuizKnock Inc. , Quiz Player
Izawa graduated from Kaisei Junior & Senior High
School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics
from the University of Tokyo.
He began competing as a member of the Kaisei Gakuen
Quiz Research Club in junior high school, and during
senior high, achieved an unprecedented back-to-back
individual championship at the All Japan High School
Quiz Championship.
He is a former student of Hayashi-Sensei and
University of Tokyo graduate, also known as the
“knowledge monster.”
In 2016, he launched the web media platform QuizKnock
with the concept of “learning that begins with fun,”
serving as Editor-in-Chief while personally planning
and appearing on its YouTube channel.
In 2019, he founded QuizKnock Inc. and became its
CEO.
He is currently affiliated with Watanabe
Entertainment.
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Speakers
Fritz Frenkler
f/p design CEO, Emeritus of Excellence at Technical University of Munich (TUM)
1983年 Graduated from the University of Fine Arts
Braunschweig, Germany
1984年 Joind frogdesign, Germany/ United States of
America
1986年 Founded frogdesign Asia in Tokyo, Japan
1992年 Appointed CEO of Wiege Wilkhahn
Entwicklungsgesellschaft, Germany
1999年 Became chairman of the jury for the iF Product
Design Award, Germany
1999年 Served as CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG
2000年 Founded f/p Design gmbh, Germany
2005年 Appointed honoary professor at the University
of Fine Arts Braunschweig, Germany
2006年 Appointed Chair of Industrial Design at the
Technical University of Munich
2018年 Appointed board member of the iF Design
Foundation, Germany
2020年 Awarded the title Emeritus of Excellence by the
Technical University of Munich
2021年 Appointed section Director for Architecture at
the Academy of Arts, Berlin
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Clarence Chua
Singapore Economic Development Board, Business Environment division, Head for Japan and Korea region
Clarence Chua leads the Business Environment division at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) which oversees policies related to incentives and trade. He is also head for Japan and Korea region. After graduating from the University of Tokyo with a Bachelor of Economics, he worked in EDB’s International Policies and Electronics divisions. From 2008 to 2013, Clarence was based in Japan, managing EDB’s operations in Japan and Korea. Upon his return to Singapore, he was appointed as Director for EDB’s Corporate Planning division which oversees EDB’s performance as Singapore’s lead economic development agency. He oversaw the development of the Professional Services cluster from 2015-2018 and Hub Services strategy from 2018-2019, followed by the Strategic Planning division in 2019-2020. He was Director Strategic Planning Division in the Ministry of Communications and Information in 2020-2022.
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Akifumi Yogo
Ph D, Prof., Vice Director, Institute of Laser Engineering, The University of Osaka
March 1999: Undergraduate School of Engineering
Science, Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University,
Bachelor
March 2001: Department of Nuclear Engineering,
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University,
Master
March 2005: Department of Nuclear Engineering,
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Ph.
D.
April 2005: Kansai Photon Science Institute, Japan
Atomic Energy Agency
March 2014: Associate Professor, Institute of Laser
Engineering, The University of Osaka
June 2022: Professor, Institute of Laser Engineering,
The University of Osaka
April 2025: Vice Director, Institute of Laser
Engineering, The University of Osaka
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The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Talk Session: Creating a Well-Balanced Future Lifestyle with Automation
By 2050, we might see a world where human comfort and the Earth's environment are harmoniously balanced, in ways we can't even imagine today. Through Azbil's concept of "Human-Centered Automation," we will delve into themes such as smart cities, carbon neutrality, and rural urbanization to discuss the global future. Join us in envisioning the "well-balanced" or "chodo ii" lifestyle of future generations with our esteemed guests. We invite you to participate and help shape this vision!
-
2025.05.16[Fri]
14:30~16:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
- Theme Weeks Studio
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Community and Mobility Week












