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Kirin Holdings’ Central Laboratories for Frontier Technology has collaborated with Tomio Shingai, from the Niigata University of Health and Welfare, to develop a simple and highly sensitive method of objectively measuring the “feeling in the throat” experienced when consuming beverages. In short, this innovation makes it possible to determine how easily, or “smoothly,” a drink can be consumed.
The method involves placing electrodes below the test subject’s lower jaw (mentalis muscles), the part that moves the most when drinking. When the person swallows, muscle contractions are translated into an electromyogram, for which software |
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calculates the ratio of high-and low-frequency wave components.
During development, test subjects consumed a variety of liquids, including chilled water, carbonated water, beer, malt liquor, new genre products and water solutions containing the five basic tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami*. For those regarded as “easy to drink,” such as carbonated water, low-frequency wave components fell and high-frequency components increased. This was also the case with sour tastes. With drinks considered “hard to drink” and with salty tastes, low-frequency wave components increased.
The results were presented at the 42nd Conference of the Japanese Association for the Study of Taste and Smell on September 18. Kirin is now examining ways of applying this research to product development.
*Umami means “savory” in Japanese and refers to a fifth taste, produced by the amino acid monosodium glutamate, that is responsible for the rich taste of meat, cheese, broths and soup stock. |
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NYK and Nippon Oil have jointly developed a full-scale solar power system for use on large ships, where it helps to supply power for propulsion.
The new solar power system, capable of generating 40 kW, will make its debut on a car carrier scheduled for completion on December 19, 2008. This full-scale installation of a solar power generator for large ships is the world’s first.
As the need to alleviate global warming becomes ever more pressing, NYK is actively conducting research and development into next-generation energy-efficient ships, including the use of renewable energy in all aspects of marine transportation.
For the same reason, Nippon Oil is stepping up product development and the development of new markets in the area of solar power systems. Specifically, the aim of the solar |
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power propulsion system is to reduce CO2 emissions from the transportation of finished cars. In view of this, Toyota Motor Corporation, as a cargo owner, supports the project as a part of its efforts to alleviate the environmental load incurred over the life cycles of automobiles.
Until now, solar power systems have been limited to usage for the crews’ onboard living areas, due to the very harsh environment that technological installations are exposed to onboard ships, including salt corrosion, vibrations and other factors. |
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Putting up wallpaper tends to be both time-consuming and gooey. Even so, it has so far been the preferred way of adding depth and texture to flat walls.
Enter Sunday Paint Co., Ltd., a Dai Nippon Toryo affiliate that has developed a unique range of paints going far beyond mere color to provide a heightened sensory experience through patterns, textures and more.
The innovative Sunday Soft Touch Paint is a “multicolor paint,” applied by brush, that looks and feels like Japanese washi paper and has a fully matte finish that strongly evokes the texture of cloth or paper. Micro- |
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particles in the paint produce a soft texture, as well as eye-pleasing patterns and tones. Although intended for interior walls, the paint can also be used for hobby purposes.
Sunday 3D Paint brings three-dimensionality to flat surfaces by making writing and patterns coated with the paint appear differently depending on the viewing angle. This also affects the perceived up-down and left-right positioning of objects.
Sunday Temperature-Sensitive Paint, finally, contains an advanced formula that allows the color of the coating to appear or disappear with changes in the temperature. Any temperature and color configuration is possible, opening up a range of possibilities. For instance, if an office’s air conditioning temperature drops below a set level, an alert message can be made to appear on a wall. |
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“How can we reach as many customers as possible?” This question constantly faces PR and marketing specialists, including at the German Branch of Mitsubishi Electric.
The branch, which consolidates the Factory Automation, Air Conditioning, Semiconductor, Electronic Visual Systems, Automotive and Photovoltaic product divisions, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2008. Throughout these years, being represented at trade fairs has consistently been a highly effective way of generating business.
In 2008 alone, the branch was represented at 42 major events, including the METAV in Düsseldorf, Intersolar in Munich, the PCIM in Nuremberg and the |
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Internationale Funkausstellung in Berlin, which is the world’s foremost consumer electronics show.
In this way, the branch is able to reach over 1.3 million fair visitors annually, show its products and improve the brand awareness of Mitsubishi Electric throughout Europe. Another high-profile event is the Hanover Fair, the world’s leading showcase for industrial technology. In 2008, the Factory Automation Department, using a 400 m2 booth, drew much attention with presentations of robot technology and a new integrated controller concept for manufacturing industries.
Japan was the partner country of the Hanover Fair in 2008, enabling the branch to welcome such special guests as Mr. Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan, and Dr. Tamotsu Nomakuchi, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, to its booth. Befitting the Japanese fair theme, the branch welcomed important customers to a special “Japan Lounge,” and organized taiko drumming performances and origami demonstrations. |
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For the growing Russian market, Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) made an all-out effort to put on an impressive showing at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008, which ran from August 26 to September 7.
MMC displayed a total of 15 models at the show, including the new Pajero Sport*1, which made its world premier, the fast-selling Lancer*2 sport sedan and other current production models from around the world. They were joined by a bevy of concept cars, such as the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA sport coupe concept, the MITSUBISHI Concept-cX compact SUV concept and the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT.
At the Paris Motor Show, held only one month later, Mitsubishi showed some entirely different facets of the company brand. Responding to the European market, customers and competitive environment, the Mitsubishi stand in Paris featured the Lancer Sportback, a five-door sport hatchback model lineup topped by the hot Lancer Sportback Ralliart, a sport driving-oriented 4WD version powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to a Twin Clutch SST high-efficiency automated manual transmission. The Lancer Sportback was flanked by the Racing Lancer, a renewed European-version Colt and the groundbreaking i MiEV electric vehicle.
All in all, visitors to either show came to appreciate MMC’s three key values: Driving Pleasure, Safety and Environmental Responsibility.
*1: Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Central America and Challenger in Australia
*2: Galant Fortis in Japan |
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NYK Opens New Representative Office in St. Petersburg
On August 1, 2008, NYK opened a representative office in St. Petersburg, Russia. The new office currently has a staff of two and will focus on promoting logistics, as well as liner, car transport, harbor, bulk and energy transport services throughout Russia’s Northwest Federal District.
The NYK Group already has logistics subsidiaries established in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and also a liner subsidiary based in the country. Moreover, NYK is involved in two advanced LNG projects with JSC Sovcomflot, Russia’s largest shipping company.
NYK will continue to promote businesses in BRIC countries in accordance with the company’s medium-term management plan, New Horizon 2010.
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Mitsubishi Chemical in Business Alliance for Polypropylene
Compound Production
Mitsubishi Chemical has through its subsidiary, Japan Polypropylene Corporation (JPP), agreed to form a business alliance with Borealis AG, a leading Austrian supplier of plastics solutions, to strengthen polypropylene (PP) compound production and supply for the automotive industry in the U.S. and Europe. With this agreement, the two companies aim to meet rising global demand through localized production and high-performance PP compound materials. These materials are widely used in automotive components due to their light weight, flexibility and durability.
In Europe, Borealis AG will use proprietary technology to produce high-performance specialty PP compounds in accordance with a formula licensed by JPP and specified by Mitsubishi Chemical’s German subsidiary, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe GmbH. In the U.S., Mytex Polymers US Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical, will produce PP compounds in accordance with a formula specified by Borealis AG subsidiary Borealis Compounds, LLC. |
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Kirin Surveys Reveal Continued Worldwide Growth in Beer Production
Since 1974, the Kirin Institute of Food & Lifestyle, part of Kirin Holdings, has tracked statistics for beer production in major countries and regions. For 2007, the trends were as follows:
● World beer production in 2007 totaled approximately 179,370,000 kl (up 5.9% year on year), enough to fill the Tokyo Dome about 145 times—the highest growth rate recorded.
● Production was highest in China (up 13.8%) for the sixth year straight. Russia (up 16.1%) came in third for the first time, surpassing Germany (down 2% and ending fourth). In Asia outside China, Thailand was up 7.4%, Vietnam 12.5% and Korea 8.8%. Production in Japan fell 0.4%, as in 2006.
● Asia (up 11.1%) saw its total production share rise above 30% for the first time, bringing it close to the top share held by Europe (32.8%). Asia and Europe are now the leading beer-producing regions.
● The world production share of the BRIC countries rose 12.9% in total to 34.7%, surpassing Europe for the first time. |
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