Japan's technological prowess may often be obscured by the brand power of finished products. It plays an indispensable role in global supply chains. Many of the products which look like smartphones and automobiles support our daily lives. Also, the factories driving such as industries across the board, actually rely on Japan's lesser-known "innovative technologies". This lecture introduces the innovative Japanese technologies that serve as the "unsung heroes" supporting global industry. Technologies inherently entail both benefits and risks, and it is crucial to clearly articulate both aspects. However, the presentation of benefits is often either inadequate or exaggerated. In the cases of genetic modification and nanotechnology, for example, there is a significant gap between the technology and its tangible societal benefits—such as increased food production and poverty alleviation in developing nations, or the introduction of medical diagnostic technologies that enable preventive care through simple, continuous monitoring and ultimately reduce healthcare costs. Technology developers often feel frustrated that the focus falls solely on risks while the benefits are overlooked. Conversely, because developers seek research funding, they may assert the effectiveness of their technologies in ways that could involve exaggeration. These are discussed by using examples.

Speaker

Murakami, Riichi

Emeritus Professor, Tokushima University, Japan

He graduated from Doctor Course, Graduate school of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1977 and got the Doctor of Engineering of Tokyo Institute of Technology (1977). He was Assistant Professor (1977-1984), Tokushima University, Research fellow of the University of Auckland New Zealand, Associate Professor (1987-1991), Full Professor (1991-2014) of Tokushima University, Japan. Professor (2014-20200, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, Professor (2020-2026) Chengdu University, China. His research is Fatigue Behavior of Metals modified by UNSM Method and Surface Modification Method, Friction and Wear of Advanced Materials. Electric Magnetic Wave Shielding Materials, Transparency Materials coating. Green Bio Composite Materials. He published SCI papers of 200 papers and is reviewer of International Journal of DIAMAT, EA, JALCOM, JEAC, MAC, MATPR, RPC, SCT and SNB.

🌎The lecture will be delivered in English

Date: 30 Sep. 2026 (Wed.) , 12：30-13：20

Sign-in: starting from 12:00 PM.

Venue: International Building, Room 201 (IB-201)

Registration:  the bottom of the page to fill out the registration form.

🌟 Benefits

📢Get a limited-edition meal voucher!

Just sign up for the lecture and fill out our feedback survey after the event. You can then grab a meal voucher at the sign-in desk before you leave. These are super limited, so make sure you claim yours while supplies last!

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How to Attend:

📅Submission deadline: Submit your feedback essay by midnight on the day of the lecture.

✍️Word count: No word count minimum, but your submission must be relevant to the lecture.

🎁Prizes: The top entry will receive a NT$200 convenience store gift card!

Don't miss out on these fantastic offers! We can't wait to see you there!

📢【Attend 5 General Education Lectures and Receive 2 Movie Tickets!】

During the campaign period, please complete the online check-in form when registering for each General Education lecture and participate in the entire lecture.

At the end of the semester, the organizer will review participants’ attendance records. Those who have attended 5 or more lectures will receive 2 movie tickets for Ambassador Theatres. Winners will be notified separately by the organizer.

Come join our General Education lectures and don’t miss out! 🎬✨

Contact

📞 Ms. Wu, Center  for General Education
📧 yachin0930@mail.ntust.edu.tw
📱 (02) 2730-1182

 Advisors： Ministry of Education

Organized by: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) Higher Education Sprout Project, Center for General Education