The business forum of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) was held at the Tokyo International Forum
On October 17, 2022, the "NRI Dream Up the Future Forum 2022," hosted by Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI), was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance at Hall A of the Tokyo International Forum with live streaming. This forum, based on NRI's corporate philosophy of "Dream up the future.," is a business forum held annually in the fall to contemplate the future of Japan and the world with insights from internal and external experts and scholars. Congrès has managed this event for five consecutive years since 2018.
The theme for this year was "The Future Vision in a Post-COVID Digital Age," presenting a comprehensive vision of the digital society that NRI aims to achieve.
The three-part program began with the keynote speech by Shingo Konomoto, President & CEO, Chairman of Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., entitled "Japan's Future Beyond Digital Revolution." At the beginning, he introduced the themes and special guest speakers from past forums, reflecting on the discussions advocating "Digital Capitalism" and the shift to the "Digital Economy," a "capital accumulation" society centered on intangible ("digital") assets whose value increase with time. He stated that this year's theme, "The Future Vision in a Post-COVID Digital Age," marks a significant milestone.
He then divided his presentation into five chapters: "Digital Technology and Our Well-beings," "Digital and Work Style Reform," "Digital and Business Model Transformation," "Digital and Crisis Management," and "Digital and Inbound Tourism." Using data, he explained each topic, covering various subjects such as the improvement of well-being through digital means, examples of companies that have shifted their business models to digital, and the direction Japan should take. He provided a comprehensive overview of "Japan's Future Beyond Digital Revolution."
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Next, Kevin Kelly, the editor-in-chief of WIRED magazine and author of "The Next 5,000 Days" (published in Japanese by PHP Institute, Inc. in 2021) delivered a special lecture titled "The World After 5000 Days." He discussed the technological advancements expected over the next 5000 days, predicting changes in digital technology, energy, food, and work styles. Kelly provided a broad perspective on these topics and offered policy recommendations necessary to navigate this future.
Finally, a special dialogue took place, moderated by Tomoaki Matsushima, WIRED JAPAN, Head of Editorial Content. The discussion featured the president Konomoto and Kevin Kelly. They discussed the role of digital and other technologies in an uncertain and unstable global landscape, as well as how Japanese companies and individuals should approach these challenges.
From an operational standpoint, various measures were implemented to ensure the satisfaction of both the organizers and participants. In terms of production, large screens on the stage and pillars at the reception area were adorned with LED lighting and traditional Japanese paper (washi) to create a warm atmosphere within the digital theme. Additionally, objects were placed on both sides of the large screens to enhance the stage's festive ambiance.
The Tokyo International Forum Hall A (with 5,012 seats) was first used for this forum in October 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating various innovative operational strategies. One such strategy involved seat usage and labeling. To effectively utilize the large hall, unused seats were marked with paper to ensure social distancing, while also maintaining an aesthetically pleasing view from both the stage and the audience.
Building on that experience, the current event adhered to Tokyo's guidelines and implemented additional infection prevention measures. Multiple entry routes were established to avoid crowding, along with contactless check-in using QR code scanning and system-managed entry and exit. To prevent congestion at the reception area, thermal cameras were installed instead of face-scanning thermometers.
Congrès Inc. will leverage its expertise in operating conferences and events during the COVID-19 era to propose a new era of conventions that incorporate the best aspects of both in-person and online formats.