ACTIVITIES

BENCHWORK50 has established a strategic cooperation partnership with Takumi Innovators to strengthen collaboration in the fields of startups and innovation between Japan and China. To commemorate this partnership, we held a seminar in Shanghai on the theme of “Opportunities and Risks of Investing in Japan.

I had the opportunity to give a second lecture at Chuo University. While it may have gone more smoothly than the previous time, I deeply reflect on the fact that there is still much room for improvement and further refinement.

I was honored to be invited to an event hosted by Chengdu High-Tech Zone, where I gave a brief speech on Japan-China relations and the “Model Zone” initiative.

The official registration of BENCHWORK50 Administrative Scrivener Corporation has been completed.
We will officially commence operations in 2025.
We sincerely appreciate your guidance and support!

From late October to the end of November, I had the opportunity to visit Osaka, Kawasaki, Kyoto, Kobe, Shanghai, Suzhou, Taipei, Tokyo, Nanjing, Beijing, and Yokohama (listed in alphabetical order).
This journey reinforced my belief that the proximity and density of these dynamic cities are key sources of East Asia’s vitality.

I had the honor of being invited to brief the Kawasaki City Council on China’s current affairs and Japan-China relations.
I sincerely appreciate this invaluable opportunity!

The kickoff meeting for the Ritsumeikan University Joint Research Project, in which I am participating as a project implementer and visiting researcher, was held.
Beyond Japan-China relations, I aim to broaden my perspective to include U.S.-China relations and cross-strait relations, continuing to deepen my studies and expertise.

I attended the completion ceremony for the first batch of a rehabilitation training program designed for frontline doctors and therapists from various hospitals in Suzhou. This program, consisting of two months of online training and a two-week study tour in Japan, aims to share Japanese rehabilitation concepts and techniques.
This project took four years to materialize, making it especially meaningful to me.
Shortly afterward, a tragic incident occurred in Shenzhen. I firmly believe that Japan and China must continue to move forward, without hesitation, in cooperation to “protect and nurture lives.”

The 2024 China (Yancheng) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange was held in Tokyo, where I had the honor of delivering a guest speech.
Yancheng City is actively advancing the use of green energy, including hydrogen, and is highly proactive in fostering cooperation with Japan.

The China-Japan (Suzhou) Collaborative Development & Innovation Center has been established, with an inauguration ceremony held in Xiangcheng District, Suzhou.
In collaboration with the Suzhou Fuji Japan Center, the center is expected to contribute to promoting bilateral exchanges between Suzhou and Japan.

I visited Taiwan for the first time in 20 years, partly as a summer getaway. With the help of an old friend, I had the chance to watch a baseball game at the newly opened Taipei Dome.
This trip brought back memories of my first visit to Taiwan in December 2000, when I traveled there on a university baseball team tour.

Following last year’s inaugural event, we successfully held the 2nd Japan-China International Medical Industry Summit (2024 Suzhou (Tokyo) Healthcare Industry Innovation Cooperation & Matching Exchange).
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated!
More details here: https://www.campuscreate.com/healthcare0618%e2%80%902/
Event page: https://www.campuscreate.com/healthcare0618/

I had the opportunity to give a lecture to university students at Chuo University. It was my first time standing at a university podium, and although I did not deliver it perfectly, I am truly grateful for this valuable experience!

The Suzhou Public-Private Dialogue, co-hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai and the Suzhou Municipal Government, was held, and I had the opportunity to attend as an observer.
In this 7th session, discussions focused on new energy vehicles and smart cars. This dialogue, which I was involved in establishing, began in April 2020. I would like to express my deep respect for the persistent efforts of all parties involved in maintaining and advancing these discussions.
https://www.shanghai.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_01434.html

The Suzhou Fuji Japan Center was established to promote exchanges between the China-Japan (Suzhou) Local Development Cooperation Model Zone and Japan. At the request of the Suzhou municipal government, we have been providing cooperation and support from the planning stage.
Official Website:
https://www.cjsuzhou.net/