In this session, we are honored to welcome Mr. Masashi Kawai, who has long been making policy proposals on the issue of population decline in Japan. He will deliver a lecture titled:
“Can Advanced Science and Technology Save Japan? What Is Required in a Shrinking Society”
Mr. Kawai characterizes Japan’s population decline as a “national crisis” and argues that it cannot be resolved through incremental adjustments to existing laws and institutions or by conventional growth-oriented strategies. Instead, he raises the question of how advanced science and technology might address the diverse societal challenges arising from a shrinking population.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for students and faculty at NAIST to explore these issues together. Population decline and aging not only affect local communities and industrial structures, but also bring significant changes to educational and research institutions. Through this session, we aim to deepen discussion on the role of NAIST in achieving a sustainable society from the perspectives of science, technology, and social implementation.
We warmly encourage your participation.
The 11th Social Implementation Workshop for Researchers
Date & Time: Friday, July 17, 2026, 15:10–16:40
Venue: Large Lecture Hall (L11), Biological Science Building 1F
Registration: Here (Application deadline: Wednesday, July 15)
Language: Japanese (English subtitles will be available for the lecture archive.)
Note: This workshop is designated as part of the course Digital Green Innovation Special Lecture (7032).
※Please note that this workshop will be recorded and photographed for archival and promotional purposes.
There is a possibility that attendees may appear in the footage. Thank you for your understanding.
Speaker: Mr. Masashi Kawai (Visiting Professor, NAIST/ President, The Research Institute of Countermeasures for Population Decline)
Title: Can Advanced Science and Technology Save Japan? What Is Required in a Shrinking Society
Abstract:
Science and technology have the power to transform society. However, there is currently little momentum toward using technological capabilities to address Japan’s population decline—an issue that should be regarded as a national crisis. The government tends to rely on ad hoc adjustments to laws and institutions, while businesses continue to pursue traditional expansion-driven growth. Under such circumstances, the situation will not improve.
I believe in Japan’s scientific and technological capabilities. In this lecture, I will present various challenges posed by population decline and invite you to consider whether these issues can be addressed through technology.
Of course, immediate solutions are not expected. Rather, I hope we can collectively explore the potential of advanced science and technology to help overcome the challenges facing a shrinking Japan.
Speaker Biography:
After graduating from Chuo University, Mr. Kawai joined The Sankei Shimbun, where he served as a Political Desk Editorial Writer and Editorial Board Member. He is currently active as an author and journalist. He serves as the president of The Research Institute of Countermeasures for Population Decline and holds visiting professorships at NAIST, Kochi University, and Taisho University. He is also a member of various government advisory committees.
He is widely recognized as a leading expert on Japan’s population decline issues and is the author of the bestselling “Future Timeline” series (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho), which has sold over one million copies. His accolades include the Grand Prize of the Pfizer Medical Journalism Award and the Bungei Shunju Readers’ Award.
Organizers: Center for Digital Green Innovation (CDG), Strategic Initiative for Global Learning (SIGL), NAIST J-PEAKS
