Thursday, June 29, 2017, 11:30 - 13:30

"Rakuten: Delivery by Drone"

Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English and Japanese with English interpretation

One of the most significant technological developments of recent years is the emergence of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, capable of duplicating many of the functions of a helicopter or piloted aircraft at much lower cost and scale. Spreading from the military, drones are finding new applications, from aerial surveys to agriculture. But one of the most revolutionary possibilities is the use of drones to deliver goods. A wave of incredulity met the initial demonstrations by companies such as Amazon but technological visionaries are working hard to make it a reality. Our guest today is from one such company: Toraishi Takashi is an executive officer of Rakuten, the online shopping giant, and president of its New Service Development Company.

Rakuten has demonstrated a series of drones under its 'Sora-Raku' brand, delivering hot soup to surfers, and golf balls to players out on the course. Toraishi will talk about the state of drone technology, the obstacles to realising drone delivery and the impact it could have in a country where delivery services are under stress from the growth of online shopping.

Toraishi will be accompanied by Katsunobu Sakurai, mayor of rural Minamisoma City, one of the municipalities worst hit by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Rakuten has signed a wide-ranging agreement to work with Minamisoma, including the development of drones. Sakurai will explain how drone technology can help on the ground.

Toraishi holds a PhD in nuclear fuel engineering from the University of Tokyo and spent nine years as a consultant at McKinsey & Company before joining Rakuten in 2016. Sakurai is in his second term as mayor of Minamisoma City. His vocal advocacy for the people of his city, stricken by the nuclear disaster, has made him a well-known national figure. Please join us for this important presentation.

Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website(still & TV cameras inclusive). The charge for members/members' guest is 1,750/2,700 yen; non-members eligible to attend may pay in cash by e mail reservation (front@fccj.or.jp). (Menu: grilled swordfish with orange sauce.) Reservations canceled less than one hour in advance for working press members, and 24 hours for all others, will be charged in full. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. For meal service, please enter the room by 11:55.

Professional Activities Committee

Takashi Toraishi                   Katsunobu Sakurai