Science Tokyo launched the Visionary Initiatives (VIs) — a cross-disciplinary, integrated research framework — in the 2025 academic year to co-create new value with society while advancing science and human wellbeing. Currently, six VIs are tackling the challenge of shaping the future, with each developing distinct shared visions for societal transformation based on three pillars: “Better Life,” “Better Society,” and “Better Planet.”

In this article, Professor Kei Sakaguchi of the School of Engineering, a Program Director (PD) of the VI Innovative-Life Society—Cyber-physical spaces opening up new areas of life, discusses how connecting cyberspace and the physical world through science and technology can create a brighter society and outlines a roadmap to achieve it.

Sakaguchi　　Whether research has an impact on society depends on the field and the stage of the research. The value of basic research is not always immediately apparent to the public. However, researchers in fields like telecommunications, which is my field, are always thinking of the applications of research and can often see results translate directly into practical use. I have so far designed communication infrastructure that connects cyberspace (the internet and telecommunications networks), and I am confident that some of my work has already reached society through infrastructure such as 5G.

The situation mirrors that of 3G in the past. On October 1, 2001, Japanese carrier NTT Docomo launched commercial 3G services, but widespread adoption followed only after the arrival of the iPhone (announced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007), the rise of YouTube (whose beta version was released in the U.S. in 2005), and the release of LINE in June 2011.

Sakaguchi　　In our VI, we aim to build a platform that connects cyberspace and the physical world and to create a framework for generating a wide range of apps from that platform. My role is to lead the overall design of high-level systems -- deciding how to integrate components such as semiconductors, sensors, computers, robots, and AI models -- and ensuring the platform is practical and useful in real-world situations.

For example, telecommunications are a foundational technology that often remains invisible to society. When someone uses an app on a smartphone, a multi layered infrastructure operates in the background, including communication standards, antenna design, and app distribution frameworks. I aim to apply this “invisible infrastructure” across various sectors to create new services and meet diverse everyday needs in industry, healthcare, welfare, disaster prevention, and transportation, to name just a few.

In the VI I lead as Program Director, these ideas are embodied in four future images: future of co creation with AI and robots: industry, healthcare, and welfare; Stable food supply and healthy, abundant food culture creation; Building healthy, safe, and comfortable future cities; and Future of society supported by next-generation healthcare.

ーInnovative-Life Society: Cyber-physical spaces opening up new areas of lifeー

Innovative-Life Society aims to build a society where people of all ages and locations can live safely and vibrantly.

Sakaguchi　　I envision a future society where technology enhances both productivity and sustainability, even amid declining birthrates and an aging population, allowing people of all ages play active roles. Economic vitality is essential in creating a brighter future, so it is crucial to deliver technology to every corner of society.

For example, primary industries are rapidly aging and losing workers. Rising fuel costs are straining people’s livelihoods and pushing many businesses to the brink of failure. If we do not use technology to change the reality for workers in those sectors — who often say they cannot turn a profit, despite working hard — their prospects will remain bleak.

Sakaguchi　　I want to focus on delivering research results directly to on-site workers, such as those in food production. At first, they may be reluctant to adopt new technologies, but I firmly believe that repeated dialogue builds trust and leads to acceptance. Technology only becomes meaningful when it is used in practice. To achieve this, we must visit workplaces and engage with people there, gradually creating points of connection between technology and society.

As is often the case in Japanese society, many sectors are conservative, which delays the adoption of new technologies. In such situations, it can be useful to establish successful examples overseas and then reintroduce those technologies to Japan for wider use. We should not close our borders to technology; global collaboration is a valuable way to test and demonstrate the real worth of innovations.

Finally, I’d like to share a message to students and young researchers. Always remember who will benefit from your research and what kind of future you want to create. Go out into the physical world — don’t confine yourself to desk work or cyberspace. Tackle societal problems on-site with ambition. Take pride in your specialty, and have the courage to collaborate and engage with others. I firmly believe this attitude will become a real strength for shaping the future.

Interview date： August 21, 2025 (via Zoom)