Takao KakizakiChief Coordinator

In charge of

Overall support for renewable energy related companies based in Fukushima Prefecture
Support for new comers to renewable energy
Support for technological development in renewable energy field
Business support for each field such as energy network, smart community and communication application system
Business collaboration with overseas companies.

Area of speciality

Ph.D. in Engineering, ICT IoT system and service, FEMS, CEMS
Modeling of machinery systems of all kinds
Mechanical engineering and system dynamics
Renewable energy application system
Robotic systems, etc.

Self-introduction

After engaging in departments of R&D, commercialization and marketing & strategy of ICT products, I worked at a faculty of engineering for 10 years, then joined EA.F. Over the past years, I have been responsible for commercialisation of research on sensor-assisted robotic system, visualisation of FA system with Internet, AR-applied direct work support systems, a project on WEB meetings and remote tools, Research on sustainable machinery systems using renewable energy at the university, and R&D of ground heat systems for projects assigned by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and NEDO.
At EA.F, I have missions such as to give support domestic businesses of local companies, support for technological developments, support for new entries into the energy network business and expansion of smart community projects in the region. Here at EA.F, I will make efforts to provide diligent support to members of our Renewable Energy Research Association.

Masahito OgumaChief Coordinator

In charge of

Manager of General Overseas Support

Area of speciality

Biomass

Self-introduction

The need for renewable energy has been shown in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, yet challenges remain. However, given the global trend towards green energy, we must overcome these challenges to promote the use of renewable energy in Fukushima and the rest of Japan. With this goal, I aim to connect developed overseas markets with the domestic market in Fukushima and support collaboration between both to bring this indispensable technology here for industrial and domestic use. Equally, it is vital that we strive to develop and popularise renewable energy technology being developed in Fukushima Prefecture in order to further aid the recovery from the Earthquake and to work towards a better, more prosperous future.

Toshiyuki KobayashiCoordinator

In charge of

Photovoltaic, Wind power and Small hydropower

Area of speciality

Semiconductor manufacturing technology and device technology
Quality control and environment management system
Support for manufacturing

Self-introduction

I have worked for a foreign semiconductor company for 31 years. There, I became experienced in processing technology, memory product technology, device technology field, semiconductor manufacturing, production control, quality assurance department and environment facility department. Therefore, I am competent in supporting manufacturing from a professional viewpoint in various fields. By making use of my experience to support manufacturers from a corporate perspective, I am striving to accumulate wind and biomass related companies as well as supporting local companies in terms of both businesses and communications.

Koichiro YamadaCoordinator

In charge of

Fukushima Renewable Energy Industrial Fair and Domestic trade fairs

Self-introduction

Since April, 2017, I have worked as a director for EnergyAgency.FUKUSHIMA for 3 years, and experienced a variety of things. From April, 2020, I started to manage Fukushima Renewable Energy Industrial Fair and domestic trade fairs. I am determined to help companies based in Fukushima expand their market channels through REIF Fukushima and domestic trade fairs.

Satoshi FujimotoCoordinator

In charge of

Geothermal and Thermal utilisation

Self-introduction

In my previous company which is chemical-affiliated, I was mainly involved in microorganism cultures and functional resins. At the planning department, I was responsible for negotiations and reviewing of projects related to collaboration with other companies including overseas companies.
Spread and expansion of renewable energy is becoming more and more important for Japan, yet many challenges remain for its realisation. To this end, I will endeavour to contribute to the formation of the industrial cluster for the expansion of renewable energy use while supporting companies in Fukushima.

Hiroaki OnoCoordinator

In charge of

Incubation support
Hydrogen, Geothermal and Rechargeable battery technology

Self-introduction

I previously worked for an electric manufacturer, where I mainly engaged in the R&D of information recording technology and development, designing, commercialisation and maintenance services of automotive and stationary batteries.
Renewable energy is drawing more and more attention nowadays, and relevant news is on air everyday with the resolution of global SDGs and 2050 Carbon Neutral Declaration by the Government of Japan. In Fukushima Prefecture, renewable energy is being introduced under a high bar. To achieve the goal, I will make efforts to foster next　generation industry by helping companies enter this industry and promoting business incubation projects.

Tetsuro KatsunumaCoordinator

In charge of

Support for business incubation
Energy Network, Smart Community, Photovoltaic and Geothermal

Area of speciality

Built-in software
Process improvement

Self-introduction

At my previous company which is a device maker, I was mainly engaged in the development of built-in software of products. Also, I got involved in process improvement needed for operations. I have also worked for a Chinese software company for 4 years in China.
For the big and bright future, I will do my best to promote renewable energy which has many challenges during implementation, with people of Fukushima.
In my role, I will endeavour to cooperate with overseas regions and support research and development so that we can contribute to building business ties and cooperation between overseas companies and those in Fukushima Prefecture for the betterment of us all.

Norio HashimotoCoordinator

In charge of

Public Relations, Overseas Exhibitions and Overseas Collaboration Exchange Program

Self-introduction

I have been involved in interregional exchanges with overseas academic and industrial collaboration through the holding of meetings, developing incentives, scheduling conventions and arranging exhibitions. (MICE)
In my role, I will endeavour to cooperate with overseas regions and support research and development so that we can contribute to building business ties and cooperation between overseas companies and those in Fukushima Prefecture for the betterment of us all.

Andrew BirchCoordinator

In charge of

Public Relations, Wind power, Hydrogen and Overseas advanced technology research and introduction of wind power related fields to Fukushima

Area of speciality

Field research and data analysis, materials science and risk and security planning.

Self-introduction

I have been visiting and living in Fukushima Prefecture for almost 16 years since my first visit in 2005 and feel a strong connection to Fukushima. I have a total of 5 years’ experience in renewable energy technology, having worked in researching everything from wave and wind to energy grid analysis and smart community development on behalf of local governments and companies in the UK. It is my goal to use my experience to help develop existing connections between Fukushima based companies with those in established markets while also helping to foster new ties between the Anglosphere and Fukushima Prefecture.

Satoshi KusamaCoordinator

In charge of

Environment and recycling businesses

Area of speciality

Process improvement and Photovoltaic (PV)

Self-introduction

At my previous company, I was involved in manufacturing and learned planning & development and production process in the production technology field. Also, I was always committed to process improvement and devoted for the promotion of local production and consumption as well as self-consumption of solar power.
With a changing environment around renewable energy, such as RE100, the introduction of PV is expanding more and more, on the other hand, without doubt we face a challenge that a time of great disposal of solar panels will come due to the end of life.
Looking at the actual situation, I will tackle many challenges to improve and strive for the realisation of making Fukushima a leading region of renewable energy.

Shinobu OtakeCoordinator

In charge of

Managerial job of renewable energy technology pilot projects
Biomass

Area of speciality

Control technology, Electricity technology and Technology for grid interconnection of renewable energy

Self-introduction

At my previous company, I was responsible for designing switch boards of every kind for power utilities, and building and proposal of interconnected system for renewable energy (PV and wind power, etc.). By making the most of my experiences, I will endeavour to make Fukushima a leading region of renewable energy.

Kazuhiro KobariCoordinator

In charge of

incubation support/Rechargeable battery technology

Self-introduction

In my previous job at an electrical manufacturer, I was mainly involved in equipment conception, design, introduction, process improvement, and maintenance in the field of production technology.
The government has declared that it will aim to realize a decarbonized society by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. From now on, we must create a world that does not use fossil fuels as a countermeasure against air pollution and global warming.
Together, we will do our best to realize “Fukushima, a pioneering land for renewable energy.”