Connections built with friends through the EXPO 2025 Promotion Project " HAKARU MIRAI EXPO 2025 PROJECT "
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter EXPO 2025) opened in April and has already surpassed 17 million visitors. Many more are expected to visit in the coming months. HORIBA is EXPO2025 Signature Pavilion "Future of Life", Bonze Partner produced by Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University, a leading expert in Android development and robotics. The pavilion's exterior features a light wave performance based on data from HORIBA's air quality monitor and water quality analyzer, symbolizing "Shores: Edge of Evolution." This time, we spoke with members involved in air quality monitoring from the internal project " HAKARU MIRAI EXPO 2025 PROJECT " ※1promoting EXPO 2025.
What roles did Ms. Takaya and Mr. Chiba play in this project?
Mr. Chiba
Chiba: I typically work on product design for HORIBA Group products, and for this project, I was responsible for the design of the air quality monitor. As a designer, I was also involved in various aspects related to "visual communication," including graphics for public relations, AR experiences, and signage consultations.
Takaya: Mr. Shimizu, who was originally the leader of the air quality monitor team, was sent to the United States for training starting in January 2025, and at that time, I became the leader. I coordinated with development members, conducted evaluation tests, managed the overall schedule for project shipment, and handled communications with various departments as needed. Since my work involves production management, I was able to apply that experience.
Were there any challenges or difficulties you faced?
The air quality monitor installed inside the pavilion
Chiba: The pavilion represents what the future will look like 50 years from now. However, although I like the design of the air quality monitor as a product, it was not easy to come up with a concrete image of what the future would look like 50 years from now. So, I decided to base the design on the futuristic atmosphere of Professor Ishiguro's android.
By focusing on creating a sense of futurism that is not currently present in HORIBA, we were finally able to arrive at a design that we are satisfied with.
Takaya: The air quality monitor is equipped with HORIBA's proprietary next-generation infrared spectroscopy technology, "IRLAM™" (※) (2) This technology is used to measure gas concentrations, but it is an area that we rarely encounter in our daily work. Therefore, even when participating in meetings with Mr. Shimizu, I relied heavily on him for technical discussions. After taking over as leader, there were many challenging moments where the technical details of "IRLAM" were too advanced for me to fully grasp. However, with the support of my team members, I gradually deepened my understanding and was able to move forward with the project.
Chiba: Actually, when Ms. Takaya took over as leader, there was a problem with the atmospheric measuring device. You had to deal with the problem soon after taking over, and there must have been many things you didn't understand, but you worked hard to solve the problem by checking with various people and managed to meet the deadline. Your ability to respond quickly was crucial to the project, and I still believe that we couldn't have overcome that problem without you.
Takaya: No, no, I was just doing my best. I was helped by many colleagues, including other project members and developers. I'm truly grateful! (Blushing)
What did you gain from this experience?
Ms. Takaya
Chiba: The connection with the project members. Since we were all working toward the same goal, there was a strong sense of unity. I think that connection is also reflected in our work. Another thing is the fun of design. With many conventional product designs, there are inevitably certain rules to follow, so it's often easy to visualize the final product. But this time, we started from scratch, which was really enjoyable. I would like to have more time to think about how to incorporate that kind of enjoyment into my daily work.
Takaya: Production management involves a lot of individual work, so working as a team with many people on this project was a big deal for me. I received a lot of help, and I want to cherish the connections I made with this team. It's reassuring to know that there are people from various departments within the company.
Thoughts on EXPO 2025
Chiba: Although it is only part of the pavilion, I am delighted that HORIBA's measurement instruments are being installed at the EXPO 2025, and I am satisfied to have been involved. I hope that visitors to the EXPO 2025 will feel something, even if only a little, when they visit the "Future of Life" pavilion.
Takaya: When we delivered the equipment to the pavilion, I finally felt like we had made it this far! I was truly relieved that everything had gone smoothly. "Future of Life" has a strong narrative, and from the moment you enter until you exit, it makes you think deeply about life. I am satisfied to have been involved in such an impressive and wonderful pavilion.
▶ Comments from former leader Mr. Shimizu
Akira Shimizu
/ HORIBA Instruments Incorporated - Ann Arbor Office (in training) /
Technical Marketing Team, Technical Sales
Shimizu: I was deeply inspired by Professor Ishiguro's research and the works created by Taro Okamoto for the 1970 Osaka Expo. I viewed the opportunity to be involved in the Expo 2025 as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and joined the "HAKARU MIRAI EXPO 2025 PROJECT." At the time, I was responsible for product planning using IRLAM technology, which led me to serve as the leader of the atmospheric measurement team until December 2024.
When I handed over the leadership to Ms. Takaya, we encountered unexpected challenges such as technical issues with the air quality monitor and schedule adjustments. However, Ms. Takaya carefully listened to the opinions of those around her and brought the team together, leading the project to success. I am deeply grateful for her efforts. Additionally, the air quality monitor incorporates a new technology called "open path" (※3),which simplifies the measurement process, and the contributions of the members who developed this technology were a significant support. I am proud that HORIBA's technology is making a significant contribution on the global stage of the World Expo.
Currently, I am working at the company's U.S. office through the company's overseas assignment program. Although I was unable to visit EXPO 2025 in person, I am very curious about how visitors will perceive the pavilion "Future of Life." I look forward to hearing feedback from overseas about EXPO 2025.
Profile
Chiba Akira (Left) HORIBA, Ltd. Advanced Design Team, Advanced R&D Department Joined the company in 2018. Attracted by the opportunity to work on EXPO 2025 and take on new challenges not typically available in everyday work, I joined the Expo project. After the opening, I visited EXPO 2025 regularly with a season pass.
Takaya Hiroyo (Right) HORIBA, Ltd. Automotive / Process & Environmental team, Production Control Department, Joined in 2007. Wanted to seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in the Expo project. A proactive individual eager to try something different.
*1 “HAKARU MIRAI EXPO 2025 PROJECT” This project was formed by open recruitment across HORIBA group's companies in Japan (HORIBA, Ltd., HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd. HORIBA Advanced Techno, Co.,Ltd. HORIBA TECHNO SERVICE, Co., Ltd.). It comprises 27 volunteers, regardless of age or company tenure, who wanted to be involved in the Expo. The project team was launched in July 2022, starting activities to envision a future society 50 years from now. In co-creation meetings with other sponsor companies, we discussed the “urban environment” of 2075 and considered HORIBA's future role in society.
*3 Open-path measurement system: A measurement method that analyzes gases directly through a dedicated optical path in open air, without collecting gas components into an analyzer. "
※The content and names of organizations, affiliations, and positions mentioned in this document are accurate as of the date of the interview.
