The 13th Battery Summit in Tokyo, organized by IRuniverse, opened on March 17 at Bellesalle Onarimon Tower for a two-day program. Since its launch in 2017, the event has been held annually. This summit expands its scope beyond battery metals to also address critical materials, amid rising geopolitical tensions. From an economic security perspective, the program focuses on national resource policies and developments in critical materials markets, examining both the current landscape and near-term outlook.
At this summit, analyses and briefings by leading experts and industry participants are scheduled, along with presentations by government officials specializing in economic security. Approximately 200 people attended on the first day, which took place amid the lingering chill of early spring.
On March 17, following opening remarks by Yuji Tanamachi, CEO of IRuniverse, Shigeo Nakamura, CEO of UMC, delivered a guest address. Mr. Tanamachi noted that the summit would run for two days and invited participants to take part in the full program.
Mr. Nakamura reflected on the historical perception of rare metals, stating that in the 1970s they attracted limited attention in Japan and that financial institutions at the time questioned their value. He said that rare metals are now difficult to overlook as materials supporting demand related to artificial intelligence and that competition for resources is likely to continue. He also emphasized the importance of relationships and trust under current conditions, adding that comprehensive capabilities—including technology and culture—would remain significant factors.
Sessions were conducted concurrently on the third and fourth floors under the themes “Battery Application 1” and “Resource & Policy × Critical Material.” The “Battery Application 1” session was moderated by Louissa Liau, price reporter at S&P Global, and Katsuhiro Nagayama, technical advisor and external expert committee member of a leading research program at New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. The “Resource & Policy × Critical Material” session was moderated by Koumei Harada, representative director of the Sustainability Design Institute and honorary researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science.
Including question-and-answer segments, a total of 14 presentations were delivered by specialists, researchers, and business professionals engaged in related fields through the afternoon, concluding the first part of the program.
At a networking reception held at a separate venue, representatives of REPT BATTERO Energy Co., Ltd., a Tier 1 Chinese battery manufacturer under Tsingshan Holding Group, and Hanwa Co., Ltd. delivered remarks and introduced REPT’s stationary energy storage systems. Hanwa announced on March 9 that it had become a distributor for REPT products in the Japanese market.
Related article :Hanwa Co., Ltd. Signs Distribution Agreement with REPT BATTERO, Enters Stationary Energy Storage Market
At the same reception, Yasutoshi Nishimura, former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, addressed attendees as a guest. Nishimura stated, “Those who control batteries will control electricity, energy, and ultimately the world.” He concluded by leading a toast with the call, “Battery.”
(Reported by IRuniverse, G. Mochiduki, Translated by IRuniverse, Midori Fushimi)
