On this occasion of my assuming the office of president for the 54th term
of the Japanese Society of Tribologists, I would like to extend my greetings
to all the parties concerned. Frankly speaking, it is really more of an
honor than I deserve to be recommended by industrial leaders for the office
of the President of the Japanese Society of Tribologists, which has a distinguished
history. Although I am merely a researcher rather than a learned authority,
I am committed to fulfilling my important responsibility in this role.
With whatever ability I have, I will do everything possible to execute
my duties with collaboration from our vice-presidents, Shigeyuki Mori and
Yoshiro Iwai, and all the other board members, committee members, and members
of the secretariat. During the 53rd term, then-President Takashi Yamamoto achieved great results together with board members and committee members, promoting global activities, reforming the management of our society and maintaining our forward momentum. I deeply appreciate their contribution. Members of the society and many other people supported these activities in order to bring the Tribology Conference and other symposiums and programs to a successful conclusion while conserving the fiscal soundness of our society under stringent economic circumstances.
This year, on September 7, the 4th World Tribology Congress (WTC IV) will start in Kyoto. This event is the fruit of efforts by former President Yoshitsugu Kimura and other former presidents of the society, and is an expression of their strong will. Accordingly, we will do everything possible to make this congress a success and enhance the international presence of tribology study in Japan.
The world is now in the middle of the greatest economic crisis of the century, and each country is trying hard to pull itself out of this turmoil by revitalizing real industry. To achieve this goal, we need a new industrial market; accordingly, we must accelerate the development of new technologies to tap this market. Technologies related to global environment conservation, clean energy, life science, human assistance, safety and security, and other technologies that mankind needs in the 21st century are very different from the technologies of the 20th century, which were more aimed at the enhancement of convenience. I believe we have entered an era of great technical innovation.
Nonetheless, universal tribology problems related to friction, abrasion and lubrication are also found in movable parts of machines developed in the 21st century. The level of challenge posed by such problems is rising, meaning that increasingly sophisticated solutions are required. Accordingly, I firmly believe that studies on tribology now play a far more important role than before in the development of machines that are faster, stronger, lighter and more refined or machines that can contribute to building a safe and secure society.
Regardless of history, in order for Japan - a country that saves natural resources - to continue its growth, there is no other way but to create a new technological industry based on sophisticated research. For this purpose, I believe that more substantial collaboration is needed among the government, universities and industrial communities. I will strive to ensure that our society plays an important role in these efforts.
Developing nations, especially China and other Asian countries, have come to recognize the importance of tribology studies, and have actively deployed research resources in the field. It is important for us to boost exchanges with overseas research bodies and academic societies. We have already set up Tribology Online and other systems to disseminate information overseas. Our goal is to give our society a global presence and make it more open while spreading information from Japan through the expansion of communications with related parties worldwide.
Technology is developed by human beings, which means that the fostering of young researchers is essential for the creation of new technologies. The Japanese Society of Tribologists, as an open organization, will focus on actively producing young researchers through means such as symposiums and meetings for reading research papers.
My term of office lasts only a year, but I will dedicate all my strength to fulfilling my obligations.
Finally, I look forward to full cooperation with the members of the Japanese Society of Tribologists.
