United Nations Academic Impact Activity Report | Nagaoka University of Technology

Activity Report 2024
Activity Report 2023
Activity Report 2022

United Nations Academic Impact 2024 Activity Report

Nagaoka University of Technology (hereafter, NUT) has endorsed United Nations Academic Impact activities, supporting in particular Principles 4, 5, and 9 out of the 10 Principles thereof. NUT is deeply committed to Principle 9, working to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

We recognize its important responsibility as an UNAI hub with regard to SDG9 (“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation”) and have implemented the following activities and projects in order to achieve the integrated goals of the SDGs and SDG9 in particular.

Academic programs related to either the SDGs or the UNAI principles, that were developed and/or offered in 2024 (up to 5)

NUT has received Japanese government funding for following projects that enhance research, address social issues, and revitalize communities through collaboration, innovation, and education.

Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)

The purpose of this program is to support universities, specifically those serving as regional core universities or those with strengths in specific research fields, in establishing an environment that strengthens their research capabilities. This is achieved through strategic management centered on the university's strengths and distinctive research power, enabling them to expand research activities internationally and accelerate social implementation in collaboration with other universities. Ultimately, the program aims to promote the formation of a group of universities that will drive the development of Japan's overall research power.NUT's proposal, "Extension of the Technoscience Concept and the Creation of a Social Impact-Generating SX Research University through Collaboration between Public Universities and Colleges of Technology (KOSEN)," was adopted for this program.

Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact (Type I)

This project was launched by MEXT in FY2024. The purpose of the project is to further promote university internationalization by establishing systems for international collaborative learning both domestically and overseas. By doing so, it aims to create a virtuous cycle where the dispatch of Japanese students abroad and the acceptance and retention of outstanding foreign students in Japan mutually reinforce each other. The name of our project plan is “Establishment of a Global GIGAKU Collaborative Learning Model and development of R&D Professionals to transform Local Manufacturing Industries and Local Communities.” We aim to develop and implement “the Global GIGAKU Collaborative Learning Nagaoka Model” which combines our strength in GIGAKU education with multicultural collaborative learning.

Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)

This project promotes international collaborative research aimed at solving global issues, as part of "Science and Technology Diplomacy", which links and mutually advances science, technology, and foreign policy. Researchers regularly share their research findings by holding online meetings and symposiums, thereby strengthening the framework for international research cooperation. Furthermore, our university has achieved foundational results, such as the purification technology for protein-free natural rubber with a nitrogen content reduced to 0.00%. Prospects for social implementation are also steadily opening up through collaboration with companies like the Vietnam Rubber Group.

COI-NEXT

In 2022, NUT was selected for the JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency)'s Program on Open Innovation Platform for Academia-Industry Co-Creation (COI-NEXT), specifically in the Regional Co-creation Field (Full-Fledged). An advertorial feature titled “Focal Point on Creating a Circular Bioeconomy,” which includes NUT's project “The Biocommunity Centre: A NIIGATA Circular Bioeconomy Initiative,” was published in the September 12, 2024, issue of “Nature,” the world's leading international multidisciplinary science journal.

Michinoku GAP Fund (Michinoku Academia Startup Platform)

This program is a gap fund that supports activities to verify business ideas utilizing technology seeds from 10 universities in the Tohoku and Niigata regions. From our university, the project "Power Source Development for Reducing Power Consumption of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment," led by Associate Professor Taichi SUGAI, was selected for this program.

Initiatives or programs to map or embed the SDGs, or teaching initiatives that were developed and/or launched in 2024 (up to 5)

NUT fosters independent thinkers and proactive individuals through educational activities that encourage understanding issues, collaborating on solutions, and developing action plans.

Development of UNESCO Geopark VR Educational Materials

This educational material is being conceived and developed (currently under development) primarily by NUT's students, centered around those selected as next-generation members of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO, as part of their support activities for the Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark. The goal of this material is to build a relationship between geoparks and young people through educational content.

Disaster Prevention Education (Blackout Operation)

In 2024, marking 20 years since the Chuetsu Earthquake, NUT held a community-participation event to simulate a power outage during a disaster by having participants turn off their household circuit breakers. This event was designed as a “disaster prevention vaccine,” expected to help participants understand what could happen during a real power outage and enhance their ability to respond proactively to a disaster.

Support of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

NUT and Nanao Branch of Hokuriku Electric Power Company held an informational session at the Tazuruhama Community Center aimed at preventing re-energization fires, which are a major concern when electricity is restored after a disaster. Using materials, videos, and a "Circuit Breaker Experiment Kit" developed with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, we explained the mechanism of re-energization fires and the safety tips for using electricity. Participants practiced operating actual circuit breakers during the session. One participant commented, “I learned a lot from this session. I'm going home right away to switch off my breakers.” This initiative contributed to raising the disaster preparedness awareness among local residents.

Holding of “SDGs Webinar 2024” hosted by Fukushima KOSEN and co-hosted by NUT and Toyohashi University of Technology

Fukushima KOSEN (National Institute of Technology, Fukushima College), in collaboration with NUT and Toyohashi University of Technology, hosted a series of online workshops consisting of five sessions held on Saturdays from October 5 to November 16, 2024. This was followed by a final presentation session on December 7, conducted in a hybrid format. In each workshop, instructors gave lectures on the conditions and mindset necessary for achieving the SDGs, global case studies, methods for idea generation and refinement, and the perspectives required for global thinking. Participating students were divided into two teams to create business model plans. They presented their final plans at the presentation session, where they received advice and feedback from the instructors.

Exchange Session on SDG Goal 3 with Nursing Students

An exchange session titled “SDGs × English – NUT & NSU” was held between SDGs Promoters from our university and students from Nagaoka Sutoku University (NSU).
Focusing on Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being,” the participants had group discussions to think about solutions and concrete action plans.

Research articles, books and/or projects with concrete or tangible results, related to the SDGs, that were published and/or developed in 2024 (up to 5)

NUT conducts research aimed at achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG9, including the following projects.

Internal Slip-Type Collapse in Medium-Sized Snow Dams
(Asst. prof. Yukinobu SUGIHARA and Prof. Seiji KAMIMURA)
Ethanol Fermentation under Stressed Conditions Using Yeast Morphological Data
(Prof. Wataru OGASAWARA)
Remaining Farmland in Residential Induction Areas of Non-Zoned Cities
(Assoc. prof. Toshiya MATSUKAWA and Asst. prof. Akira MARUOKA)
Flow Phenomena and Evaluation Methods in Non-Newtonian Complex Fluids
(Prof. Tsutomu TAKAHASHI)
Industry-Academia-Regional Collaboration via Multimodal Signal Processing Research
(Prof. Masahiro IWAHASHI and Assoc. prof. Ryosuke HARAKAWA)

Events or community engagement actions, and any initiative involving governments, civil society, the private sector or the United Nations, related to the SDGs (up to 5)

NUT is engaged in various initiatives involving stakeholders.

AFRI CONVERSE 2024

On August 20, 2024, an event titled “AFRI CONVERSE 2024 #3 Open Innovation: Sparking Industrial Drive with Young Entrepreneurs by Multi-disciplinary Research” was held. This was a dialogue-style event where NUT, along with experts and young innovators, discussed African development challenges in a panel format. It served as an opportunity to share and foster understanding among the general public regarding the difficulties and potential solutions for addressing social issues in Africa through technology and venture businesses.

Commemorative Event for International Day of Forests in Kenya

A commemorative tree planting event was held on the campus of Mully College in Kenya to celebrate the International Day of Forests (March 21). The event was attended primarily by students from Mully College, along with representatives from Mount Kenya University and NUT. Working together, the participants planted 500 tree seedlings. This initiative served as a valuable opportunity to aim for the conservation of forest resources, the promotion of environmental education, and sustainable contributions to the local community.

KOSEN Open Innovation -Challenges from Africa 2024-Challenge Day

This event is organized for KOSEN students, aiming to foster human resources for international cooperation who can create innovations that contribute to addressing social and developmental challenges. For this event, NUT is collaborating with JICA to focus on educational and research activities centered on social innovation for real-world issues and the importance of its social implementation, all with the goal of addressing social challenges in Africa.

SDGs Lecture in Collaboration with Industry and Academia

NUT hosted the SDGs lecture event themed “Exploring the Future of the SDGs from an ISO Perspective: Building a Sustainable Society through International Standards.” Through this lecture, we were able to review initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable society from the standpoint of ISO, together with companies and members of the local community.

Signing of “Disaster Prevention Partnership Agreement” with Broadcasting System of Niigata Inc. (BSN)

NUT and Broadcasting System of Niigata, Inc. (BSN) have signed a “Disaster Prevention Partnership Agreement” with the goal of contributing to the safety and disaster awareness of local residents. The agreement outlines collaborative efforts on disaster prevention and mitigation activities, particularly through information dissemination during non-emergency periods.

United Nations Academic Impact 2023 Activity Report

We recognize its important responsibility as an UNAI hub with regard to SDG9 (“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation”) and has implemented the following activities and projects in order to achieve the integrated goals of the SDGs and SDG9 in particular.

Academic programs related to either the SDGs or the UNAI principles, that were developed and/or offered in 2023

NUT established a Bachelor’s course, “Introduction to the SDGs,” for basic SDG knowledge and problem-solving, and a Master’s course, “Introduction to SDG Practice,” for group work and deeper SDG insights.

We’re promoting the UNESCO Chair “GIGAKU SDG Institute” for engineering education and SDG achievement, and the “GIGAKU SDG Network,” supported by nine institutions across six countries that sharing Credos (the SDGs, Work-integrated learning, etc…) under UNESCO’s UNITWIN Program in 2023.

Initiatives or programs to map or embed the SDGs, or teaching initiatives that were developed and/or launched in 2023 (up to 4)

Two students of the Youth Committee of the JNC for UNESCO who also part of SDGs Promoters, brainstormed on science and technology for a livable society.
A seminar with a private cram school addressed the gender gap in science due to Japan’s low female student ratio.
SDGs Promoter conducted a seminar on Palestine’s human rights, highlighting unsafe study conditions for children and life rights limits, to increase awareness on and off campus.
Lectured at “SDGs Seminar 2023 Winter” in Okayama University.

Research articles, books and/or projects with concrete or tangible results, related to the SDGs, that were published and/or developed in 2023 (up to 4)

The study “A Study on Setting Induction Area for Location Optimization Plan Based on Walking Distance” received an incentive award.
“Utilization of Ultrasonic Sonoprocessing and Establishment of Applied Technology for Sustainable Society” got an academic award from Japan Sonochemistry Society.
Awarded because of post-evaluation by the New Road Technology Council, Ministry of LIT.
“Each Student’s SDGs Social Theory” co-authored aims to improve discussion, research, and presentation in classrooms.

Events or community engagement actions, and any initiative involving governments, civil society, the private sector or the United Nations, related to the SDGs (up to 4)

The International Conference on “Science of Technology Innovation” was organized by students to share collaborative education and research outcomes, aiming at solving global issues for the SDGs.
The “INNOVATING TOGETHER” Global Forum was hosted in collaboration with UNAI and its SDG Hub Universities.
Held “Beach Cleanup x Learning” combined ocean science learning with beach cleanup.
A special SDGs lecture by Mayor of Mitsuke, an SDG Future City, highlighted local sustainable urban policies.

United Nations Academic Impact 2022 Activity Report

NUT recognizes its important responsibility as an UNAI hub with regard to SDG9 (“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation”) and has implemented the following activities and projects in order to achieve the integrated goals of the SDGs and SDG9 in particular.

1. Promotion of collaboration among institutions of higher education and between these institutions and the UN

As a UNAI SDG hub university, NUT has made progress with initiatives promoting collaboration among institutions of higher education and between these institutions and the UN, in order to promote the support for UN activities through the commitment of educational institutions, which is the purpose of the UNAI.

Approval of the GIGAKU SDG Network application as a UNITWIN Network

The GIGAKU SDG Network has been certified, upon application by NUT (Coordinating institution), as the UNITWIN Network for Engineering Education towards Sustainable Pathways. This network is composed of nine institutions in six countries, along with observer corporations, which have endorsed the principles of contributing to the SDGs and cultivating practical engineers; it promotes the development of engineering education and of research and technology fostering innovation contributing to society.

7th STI-Gigaku 2022

On November 18 and 19, NUT held the 7th International Conference on the Science of Technology Innovation 2022 (7th STI- Gigaku 2022) in hybrid format. Over 150 research presentations on activities and research outcomes leading to the resolution of the SDGs were given by SDG number, with over 300 participants from eight countries. Corporate awards were given to presenters of particular excellence. As well, a GIGAKU Talk session enabling interaction among Collage of Technology students and NUT students of different majors and origins brought them together for a significant exchange of opinions. The conference served as an important opportunity for research exchange toward achievement of the SDGs.

Collaboration among UNAI SDG hub universities

Mount Kenya University (Kenya) hosted its 2nd International Conference on Peace, Security, and Social Enterprise. This conference sought to bring together stakeholders in government and private sector with the aim of creating focus on best paradigms needed to entrench peace, security, socio-economic and political development. Dr. KATSUMI Mami UEA attended as a presenter, explaining NUT’s international industry-academia collaboration from the perspective of an SDG9 hub university, with engineering, safety, and sustainable development as keywords.

UN100 Initiative Event participation

On Wednesday, September 21, the International Day of Peace, the UN100 Initiative Event “Peace in the Age of Global Enlightenment: Technology for Peace” was held by the Boston Global Forum. The event included discussions of ideas for putting technology to use in maintaining world peace and safety; Dr. KATSUMI Mami UEA attended as a presenter, representing this SDG9 hub university to speak on engineering ethics as technology for peace, SDG9, and so on.

Participation in the 2022 ACUNS (Academic Council on the United Nations System) Annual Meeting

At the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) Annual Meeting, UNAI SDGs hub universities were invited as panelists for a parallel session on “Advancing the SDGs Through Higher Education: The Case of the UN Academic Impact (UNAI)” included NUT (UNAI SDG9 hub) and De Montfort University (UNAI SDG16 hub) as well as UNAI member school University of California, Davis. In addition to an introduction of the unique NUT education and research activities based around SDG9, such as initiatives toward infrastructure building using resilient technology and our unique practical education, the presentation discussed our contribution to goals beyond SDG9 such as solving the water problem in developing countries.

2. Expansion and practice of SDGs education in and outside of Japan

NUT has developed educational programs involving the SDGs for each stage of elementary, secondary, and higher education, which have been put into practice through collaboration with regions and other educational institutions. As well, the university has continued to promote the global development of its engineering education program based on the SDGs.

JSTS 2022

For five days starting from September 12, the JSTS 2022 (Japan Seminar on Technology for Sustainability 2022) was held by the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), a member of the GIGAKU SDG Network, along with NUT and Toyohashi University of Technology (TUT), on the topicof “the realization of a super-smart society and clean energy that leads to social happiness.” NUT faculty took part as lecturers, while NUT students served as facilitators.

SDGs Webinar 2022

From October 1 through December 10, the SDGs Webinar 2022 was held by the National Institute of Technology, Fukushima College, along with NUT and TUT. An online workshop on entrepreneurship was held for the students. Lecturers included Japanese entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley as well as NUT faculty. Participants broke into groups to create business models incorporating the SDGs, presenting their results on the final day. The participating students were able to come to a much better understanding of the SDGs through workshops based on thorough examination of the SDG indicators.

Scholarships for foreign students in the SDG Professional Course

Adult foreign students in the SDG Professional Course which constitutes NUT UNESCO Chair Program “GIGAKU SDG Institute,” received scholarships funded by donations (roughly 7.3 million JPY per year) to the Resona Bank Group’s private placement bonds. These scholarships make significant contributions to the expansion of opportunities for students from developing countries to receive advanced practical engineering education and SDGs education.

FY2022 English Extensive Reading Marathon

As part of the FY2022 English Extensive Reading Marathon, two persons who read at least 300,000 words over the nine months from April through December received an award and a supplementary award from Vice-President Dr. TAKEDA Masatoshi, recognizing their continuing enthusiasm and effort regarding the study of English.

Registration as a supporter for the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD2022)

In agreement with the ideals of the UN International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD2022), which kicked off on June 30, NUT was registered as a supporter. As an IYBSSD supporter, NUT makes its campus and beyond aware, through holding events and providing information focused on the connection between the basic sciences and sustainable development, of “the high value for humankind of basic sciences” and the fact that “enhanced global awareness of, and increased education in, the basic sciences is vital to attain sustainable development and to improve the quality of life for people all over the world.”

3. Spreading SDGs education

In recognition of its role as a leader in spreading SDGs throughout society, NUT actively plans SDG-related events and seminars, conducting various dissemination and awareness-raising activities for regional corporations and citizens.

Assignment of student SDGs promoters

In order to plan and carry out PR activities and events promoting the SDGs, NUT has a student organization composed of student SDGs promoters. In July, a diverse group of 26 students (13 foreign students and 13 Japanese students, with ages ranging from undergraduates to adult students) were assigned to be Term 3 student SDGs promoters. On April 18, the promoters held a workshop focusing on SDG12. They have also fostered a promising environment for SDGs promotion in the region through exhibiting SDGs booths at events on August 7 and October 30, planned by Mitsuke City and Nagaoka City respectively, holding a workshop at a broadcaster’s event on October 2, and so on.

Development and free release of SDGs educational games

In order to bring SDGs to the attention of corporations, educators, and citizens, NUT has developed and released for free, SDGs educational games, which enable people of all ages to learn about the SDGs while having fun. In 2022, workshops using these games were held at various events planned by municipalities, broadcasters, etc., providing opportunities for many citizens to learn about the SDGs.

NUT/NIT, Nagaoka College SDGs lectures

On February 21, lectures on the SDGs were held jointly with the National Institute of Technology, Nagaoka College, covering topics such as what the SDGs are and what is needed to realize them in simple terms for citizens and corporations. There were over 120 participants. The main focus was on the “sustainable circulating society; in addition to the lecture by a guest speaker, a panel discussion including NUT faculty was held, addressing the status quo of the sustainable circulating society in Nagaoka City, its issues, and how to realize this society.

SDGs lecture held as a joint industry-academia-government-financial project

On November 29, an SDGs lecture held through industry-academia-government-financial collaboration received over 90 attendees. Through a lecture on the topic of “Guidelines for the sustainable growth of regions and corporations,” corporations and regional residents were able to learn about initiatives toward the realization of a sustainable society.

Start of the “Iron Rebirth/Study Project”

With corporate and NPO collaboration, the NUT Office for SDGs Promotion launched the “Iron Rebirth/Study Project” in order to create widespread awareness of the recycling of iron, a material that most are familiar with. The project began with a tour of a plant involved in iron recycling on April 10.

Niigata Nippo Cultural Award

The NUT Office of SDGs Promotion has not only made active efforts to educate elementary and secondary students, as well as citizens in general, within and outside Niigata on SDGs promotion, but has also explained the importance of management and action based on the SDGs to municipalities and industries in Niigata through lectures, events, and workshops; continuing to introduce specific examples and innovative approaches. In recognition of its “SDGs enlightenment activities within Niigata Prefecture,” the Office received the Niigata Nippo Cultural Award.

Booth at SaDoGashima Science Project 2022

On July 30 and 31, a booth was exhibited at the SaDoGashima Science Project 2022, which is intended to encourage the children of Sado Island to learn about science. Through an experiment on submerged and restored breakers, the booth enabled visitors to understand more about knowledge and action related to the SDGs, flooding, and electricity.

Kids Festival 2022

On October 2, in response to a request from a Niigata Prefecture broadcaster, a workshop using SDGs educational material and games was held at Kids Festival 2022. Many families and others visited the NUT booth, finding it an opportunity to experience the material and learn more about the SDGs. The SDGs section of the Special Performance featured a face-off game designed by NUT which enables fun learning about SDGs.

Spreading SDGs awareness through a radio program

Through regular appearances on a radio program from Niigata’s leading broadcasting station, the content presented in the “Column on Fostering with the SDGs” was introduced: the four columns presented included “Let’s eliminate those prejudices, fixed ideas, and biases,” “Changing the world through backcasting,” “Responsibilities— production, consumption, yours,” and “English: a tool for contributing to the SDGs.” Listeners raising children were provided with topics based on the SDGs as their children’s future, as well as lifestyle hints.

Any academic research that is currently undertaken at Nagaoka University of Technology which could possibly help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Adoption as a Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Program on Open Innovation Platforms for Industry-Academia Co-Creation (COI-NEXT) regional co-creation area (full-scale type)

This project was adopted as “The Biocommunity Centre: A NIIGATA Circular Bioeconomy Initiative.” In order to resolve regional issues such as falling rice prices, the increasing age of farmers, and their lack of successors, we discussed a “what we want to be in ten years” with stakeholders including farmers, rice-processed food manufacturers, and others. After repeated discussions, we shared a vision of creating an environment where farmers can continue to grow rice stably, producing high-value-added products using the produced rice, and completely recycling the resources generated in the process. Based on this vision, we will promote research and development to continue to protect the “rice paddies” that are the treasures of the region, with an awareness of the connection between the entire region and the “rice paddies”.

Lifelong learning support activities for the disabled

We have been involved in lifelong learning support activities for people with disabilities, through research and development on parasports equipment such as wheelchairs. We have also contributed to the development of the practice of cooperative educational activities, including people with disabilities, students, faculty, and corporations, intended to cultivate engineers and researchers in assistive technology (AT), though not simply encountering and exchanging opinions with people with disabilities but also inviting lecturers in a broad range of fields such as education and life in society and collaborating with the National Institute of Technology on education and research. (Research responsible: Professor SHIONOYA Akira, Associate professor: OHASHI Satoshi)

Fabrication of 3D metal microstructures using femtosecond laser reduction

Printing of sensors and devices is now a hot topic as a simple production method with low environmental load. Our research group is working on the fabrication of 3D metal microstructures using femtosecond laser reduction. This technology uses metal complexes and metal oxide nanoparticles as raw material ink, irradiating femtosecond laser pulses in the atmosphere to precipitate precipitate and sinter the metal. Therefore, unlike the multi-step semiconductor process combining lithography and vacuum deposition, metal patterns can be directly written in vacuum-free environments. The application of this process to various materials is expected to realize maskless production of devices in the shapes desired. (Lead researcher: Associate Professor MIZOSHIRI Mizue)

Creating the ideal home for methane gas-producing microorganisms

The anaerobic wastewater treatment (methane fermentation) process involves organic wastewater processing technology which saves energy and also creates energy through the recovery of methane gas. As well, the importance of this treatment process is further increasing because the biogas thus produced is renewable energy. In order to keep the operation of this process stable, it is important to efficiently retain the methanogen which creates methane gas, as well as the bacteria which break down organics to create food for the methanogens, together within the treatment tank.

Here, our research group has developed a microorganism carrier with a mix of microorganism retention accelerators enabling efficient retention of the microorganisms important for anaerobic treatment, including methanogens. (Lead researcher: Associate Professor HATAMOTO Masashi)

Guidelines for Designing Interactions Between Autonomous Artificial Systems and Human Beings to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

The purpose of this study is to propose guidelines to conduct strategical explorations in design space.

Based on the simulation of human–artifact interaction processes through the MHP/RT cognitive architecture, the guidelines are grouped into three levels: goal, mode, and process levels. Moreover, hints are provided for applying the proposed guidelines to narrow down the design space.

The state-of-the art cognitive architecture, Model Human Processor with Realtime Constraints (MHP/RT), developed by Kitajima and Toyota, defines these processes as autonomous systems and proposes a resonance mechanism between the PCM and memory processes. (Lead researcher: Specially Appointed Professor KITAJIMA Muneo)

Social implementation of research outcomes on disaster prevention and mitigation at the Regional Disaster Prevention Practical Research Center

Our Regional Disaster Prevention Practical Research Center developed Water Changer ® (WC) that purifies wastewater in collaboration with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Corporation, which was put into practical use in 2022 as the first product of the Project for Formation of Niigata Disaster Prevention Industrial Cluster. This WC uses solar-driven biological treatment with microbial decomposition to provide safe water for daily use in times of disaster.

Last year in August, WC was installed in the washroom in the Nagaoka fireworks Festival Show, which attracts more than 1 million people, and always provided safe and clean hand-washing water. It is a representative example of the efforts to form a "sustainable and resilient infrastructure" under SDG9 that we aim to achieve.