Initiatives to Address Social Issues

Alongside innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and other forms of digital technology, the world is becoming increasingly digitalized in an effort to further enrich people’s lives. KAGA ELECTRONICS, through investment in Secual, inc., which develops and manufactures home security products, is promoting smarter homes and towns based on the introduction of home security and town security that utilizes IoT devices such as security sensors and AI cameras. We aim to contribute to more comfortable urban settings by producing sensors and gateways, and by encouraging the use of home security systems.

The nurturing of outstanding IT/digital human resources has become a critical social issue the world over. In Japan, programming is now a mandatory part of the curriculum in elementary schools, and a key challenge in the corporate sector is the development of personnel that can lead the next generation. KAGA ELECTRONICS has invested in Life is Tech, Inc., which is engaged in education for next-generation IT/digital human resources capable of changing the world. We work together with Life is Tech on nurturing such human resources, in particular through IT and programming courses for junior and senior high school students. In addition, the Kaga Electronics Group handles IT-related products for schools and other educational institutions, supporting education for the children of tomorrow in collaboration with Life is Tech.

The medical care and welfare sectors are becoming increasingly overwhelmed as more and more people live to 100 within a super-aging society. In addition to treatment, even greater emphasis needs to be placed on prevention and care while medical and welfare systems strain to keep up. With this in mind, KAGA ELECTRONICS has invested in Neuroceuticals Inc., which develops medical devices, obtains regulatory approval for the products and handles their export and sale. This enables us to explore needs for equipment capable of efficient diagnosis and treatment as well as equipment that can enhance patients’ quality of life (QOL). As an example, we are planning to release a mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner. Because it is mobile, it can be delivered anywhere in Japan, making it possible to provide medical services even in the event of a disaster. Going forward, both companies will make mutual use of the extensive customer network of Neuroceuticals and the global components procurement network of KAGA ELECTRONICS, and further advance collaboration in such areas as device manufacture.

People’s lives are overflowing with a plethora of different “things,” and a pervasive topic today is how to efficiently and effectively use the resources the world has to offer. We have invested in Peace Tec Lab, Inc., which mainly provides services based in the sharing economy. The company’s unique model includes a luggage-free travel service in which people rent the most popular consumer electronics and travel items locally for the duration of their stay and a subscription-type service for rent in apartment complexes. By supporting this company, we aim to realize a less wasteful, more sustainable society.

A biomass power plant project is being planned for Fukuoka Prefecture that uses the ORC turbine system*, and KAGA DEVICES CO., LTD., a Group company, is supporting the procurement of construction materials for this project. Since the project uses forest wood residue such as thinned wood, branches, leaves and bark as fuel, it not only helps to regenerate mountain areas that have been devastated but also prevents problems caused by driftwood. In addition, any waste heat generated in the process is used to heat water for nearby farmers and for environmentally controlled hydroponics. These and other measures raise expectations of more harmonious coexistence and mutual prosperity with the local community. The Kaga Electronics Group is dedicated to using its global procurement capabilities and contributing to technological advancement, the environment and the community in order to revitalize rural and mountain village areas.
* ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) turbine system: Unlike conventional steam turbines that use water, this technology employs organic media such as silicon oil to generate power. As a result, steam can be generated at a lower temperature than when using water (approximately 50 degrees Celsius), making power generation more efficient.