Addresses by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (2013)

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince at the Opening Ceremony of the 5th International Congress of International Association of Societies of Design Research (IASDR) 2013 Tokyo

Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince
at the Opening Ceremony of the 5th International Congress of International
Association of Societies of Design Research (IASDR) 2013 Tokyo
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Toyosu Campus, Shibaura Institute of Technology

Distinguished participants and guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to attend the opening ceremony of the 5th International Congress of International Association of Societies of Design Research (IASDR), with the participation of many researchers from 41 countries and regions around the world.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Japanese Society for the Science of Design, which is the sponsor of this International Congress. In this regard, I believe it is of immense significance in such a memorable year that meaningful discussions on the theme "Consilience and Innovation in Design" be held in cooperation with the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering.

Design can be defined by the act of organizing and integrating functions and demands required of products, environments or services, as well as turning them into an economical, efficient, and comfortable item or beautiful form while preserving unity. To achieve this, however, it is necessary to conduct studies on the science of design by integrating knowledge of the humanities and the social or natural sciences to explore ways to improve the quality of life. I am told that it is especially important to collaborate with kansei engineering, a field that gives much importance to sensitivity with the aim of value creation. Such efforts and initiatives have increased the number of easily recyclable product designs as well as designs of facilities, products and information, which are easy to use and have vastly improved the lives of people from all walks of life, regardless of culture, language, age, gender, disability, or ability. Through such undertakings, you have committed yourselves to improving the quality of life of humankind. I should like at this point to express my deepest respect to all of you for the efforts made in this regard.

At present, society is going through drastic changes due to the rapid advances in science and technology among other things. Under such circumstances, in order for the world to overcome complex issues, including environmental problems and aging societies, it is through such measures as the creation of new services and quality improvement that the role to be performed by the science of design will definitely become more critical in the future.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere hope that this Congress will yield fruitful results that will contribute to the well-being of humankind through the development of design in the world.

Thank you very much.

Address by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince at the Ceremony for the 20th International Youth Development Exchange Program

Address by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince
at the Ceremony for the 20th International Youth Development Exchange Program
Thursday, September 26, 2013
at Hotel New Otani Tokyo

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to be here with you, to celebrate the 20th International Youth Development Exchange Program. On this occasion, I along with my wife Masako, would like to express our heartfelt respect for the persistent efforts of all the people who have, in many ways and for a long time, supported this Program.

Through its 20-year history, the Program has had considerable success in promoting mutual understanding and friendship, and nurturing a capable generation with global awareness.

Today, information and communication technology is highly developed, and people from distant countries can easily communicate with one another. Still however, meeting face to face and exchanging words is the most effective way of communication, in order for people from different countries to build mutual trust as well as to respect diverse cultures and value one another. I myself remember having observed, nearby and several times during the annual discussion session of this Program, the very passionate and positive exchanges of opinions among the participants. I hope that all young participants today will, in ernest, study various subjects, discuss them openly, work hard together, and foster friendship that transcends national borders.

As globalization proceeds in every area, we expect young people who lead the next generation to cooperate with people from all over the world. I wish you every success in your future endeavors in various fields by making the most of your youthful energy. I would like to conclude by hoping for an even deeper mutual understanding and friendship between countries as well as the further development of the International Youth Development Exchange Program.

Thank you very much.