Jewelry with the “Rapunzel” pattern using the original art of Shoko Nakagawa will be released by Kei Uno on Friday, May 3 (public holiday)

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“RAPUNZEL ART COLLECTION BY SHOKO NAKAGAWA” K18 yellow gold, K14 rose gold, silver brooch

Kei-Uno jewelry brand from Kei-Uno Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Representative Director: Takashi Ito) is a custom manufacturing company that operates jewelry stores nationwide. We are launching a new BY pin. Shoko Nakagawa.
Sold at the Kei Uno pop-up store inside “Disney THE MARKET in Hankyu Umeda Main Store”. You'll be able to see the reveal and the product itself starting May 3 (Friday/holiday). Sales are expected to begin on May 8 (Wednesday) on the official Kei Uno website.
https://www.k-uno.co.jp/news/shoko_nakagawa


■If you purchase during the applicable period, 20 people will be randomly selected to receive a handwritten autograph addressed to Shoko Nakagawa.

This new brooch uses the art of “Rapunzel” originally drawn by Shoko Nakagawa, with a heart-shaped yellow gold as the base, a ruby, an orange sapphire and traditional cloisonné to create the world of “Rapunzel” that I expressed it.
10 people will be selected by random draw from those who purchased on Kei Uno Online Shopping between May 8 (Wednesday) and May 31 (Friday), May 3 (Friday/public holiday) and May 13 (Monday). 10 people will be selected at random. among those who purchased from Disney THE MARKET in the Hankyu Umeda main store and Hankyu online store during the period to receive a box with Shoko Nakagawa's autograph and address.

■Release date
May 3, 2024 (Friday/public holiday)

■Store handling
・“Disney THE MARKET in Hankyu Umeda Main Store” Kei Uno Pop-up Store (May 3-13)
・Hankyu ONLINE STORE (May 3-13)
・Keiuno Online Shopping (May 8-31)
*More information will be announced on the brand's official website.
*Delivery date…Shipped anytime after end of August *Subject to change

■Price
770,000 yen (K18YG/K14RG/SV, cloisonné, colored stones)

■Special project
20 people will be selected by drawing lots to receive Shoko Nakagawa’s “addressed and autographed box” as a gift.

*10 people will be selected by random draw from those who purchased on K-Uno Online Shopping between May 8 (Wednesday) and May 31 (Friday) 2024.
10 people will be selected by random draw from those who purchased from “Disney THE MARKET in Hankyu Umeda Main Store” and Hankyu ONLINE STORE between May 3 (Friday/Holiday) and May 13 (Monday) 2024.

■”RAPUNZE ART COLLECTION BY SHOKO NAKAGAWA” (Disney Princess Rapunzel Art Collection BY Shoko Nakagawa)

A collection of products featuring works drawn by Shoko Nakagawa, active in a wide range of activities as a singer, talent, voice actress, actress and illustrator, of Rapunzel, the main character of the Disney animated film “Rapunzel on the Tower “, ” with its unique artistic sense.
A collection of Rapunzel's dreams about a new world and a brilliant, curious mind is born.

■30 people nationwide who are uniquely qualified for Disney patterned jewelry

Kei Uno has been making custom Disney designer jewelry since 2010. To date, we have produced more than 60,000 types of engagement rings, wedding rings, costume jewelry such as necklaces and rings, and watches.
We have implemented a unique “Disney Design Concierge” qualification system for specialists who offer Disney motif jewelry. There are approximately 30 qualified employees nationwide who hold original badges.
In addition to installing specialized “Disney Corners” in three stores (Nagoya Sakae, Kobe and Chiba stores) (starting March 2023), Disney-designed jewelry is also available in Kei-Uno stores nationwide and on the official Kei-Uno website. website. .

■Custom brand K-UNO https://www.k-uno.co.jp/

・Official website (online shopping): https://www.k-uno.co.jp/disney/onlinestore/
・Official SNS account
(Instagram)https://www.instagram.com/k.uno_official
(X (former Twitter))https://twitter.com/kuno_d_jewelry
(LINE)https://page.line.me/k-uno
(Facebook)https://www.facebook.com/KunoOfficial/

Based on the concept of “continuing to provide special enthusiasm and joy to our customers”, we have an integrated design, production and sales system, and are the only brand in Japan that operates nationwide as a store specializing in manufactured products. jewelry to order. Our goal is to become a “custom department store” where you can have many things made to order, and to “create a new culture of tailor-made”.
Company Name: K-Uno Co., Ltd.
Head Office Location: 3-9 Nekodo-dori, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi TEL: 052-763-6159 FAX: 052-763-6169
Office: Landwork Shinjuku Building 4F, 2-15-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
TEL: 03-5315-0821 FAX: 03-5315-0845
Representative director: Takashi Ito
Capital: 30 million yen
Creation date: March 29, 1991 (founded in 1981)
Employees: 621 (as of April 2024)
Stores: Hokkaido 1, Tohoku 1, Kanto 13, Tokai, Hokuriku 9, Kansai 4, Chugoku 2, Kyushu 1, Okinawa 1, Taiwan 3 (as of April 2024)
Business content: Manufacturing and sale of jewelry and watches, custom products, renovations and repairs.

20240424_New jewelry using art drawn by Shoko Nakagawa

Quantum technology, autonomous driving, XR content… SoftBank's technology exhibition will take place where you can experience the cutting-edge technologies of the future at the same time FINDERS |

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Quantum technology, autonomous driving, XR content... SoftBank's technology exhibition will take place where you can experience the cutting-edge technologies of the future at the same time FINDERS |

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“Francesca Villa” vintage style “flowers and animals” jewelry at Barneys New York Ginza

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Italian jewelry brand “FRANCESCA VILLA” will open a limited time boutique in Barneys New York Ginza main store from Friday, April 19, 2024 to Sunday, May 19, 2024.

“Francesca Villa” is an Italian jewelry brand with a “story”

“Francesca Villa” is an Italian jewelry brand based on the concept of jewelry with a story and creates jewelry inspired by antique and vintage pieces acquired during travels around the world. Playful jewelry created by goldsmiths, stone setters, enamelling artists and stone carvers with over 20 years of experience in an Italian workshop is created with the skill of a master craftsman.

This limited-time boutique to be held at Barneys New York's main Ginza store will sell jewelry featuring Francesca Villa's artistic designs and colors.

Crystal jewelry carved with flowers

Necklace (18k yellow gold, diamond, peridot, tsavorite, vintage resin) 880,000 yen
Necklace (18k yellow gold, diamond, peridot, tsavorite, vintage resin) 880,000 yen

For example, the range includes the 'PANSY NECKLACE' from the 'GARDEN EDEN COLLECTION', inspired by Essex crystal made in Germany in the 1950s. This is a piece of crystal carved on the back, depicting pansies, and decorated with diamonds, peridot and savorites. The 18k yellow gold chain and setting give it a vintage look.

Necklace (18k yellow gold, titanium, sapphire, emerald, tsavorite, amethyst, rock crystal, turquoise) 1,540,000 yen
Necklace (18k yellow gold, titanium, sapphire, emerald, tsavorite, amethyst, rock crystal, turquoise) 1,540,000 yen

The WHALES AT WONDERLAND NECKLACE, based on a story created by the designer about the encounter between a white whale and a cup of coffee, is also a fun object. This is a fantastic necklace with a design surrounded by six types of colored stones.

rings inspired by vintage accessories

Ring (18k white gold, black diamond, Essex crystal) 638,000 yen
Ring (18k white gold, black diamond, Essex crystal) 638,000 yen

Also look out for the collection's “LIBERTY RING”, which is inspired by vintage pieces the designer has collected over the years. Sapphire, peridot and topaz are set based on the concept of “FREEDOM TO BE YOURSELF”, which means the freedom to be yourself.

【detail】
Limited time store “Francesca Villa”
Event period: April 19 (Friday) to May 19 (Sunday) 2024
Location: Barneys New York main store Ginza 1F
Address: 6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
*Event content is subject to change due to circumstances.


・Necklace (18k yellow gold, diamond, peridot, tsavorite, vintage resin) 880,000 yen
・Necklace (18k yellow gold, titanium, sapphire, emerald, tsavorite, amethyst, rock crystal, turquoise) 1,540,000 yen
・Earrings (18k yellow gold, emerald, pink sapphire, blue sapphire, enamel, rock crystal, mother-of-pearl) 1,177,000 yen
・Ring (18k white gold, black diamond, Essex crystal) 638,000 yen

(Contact details)
barneys new york
TEL: 050-3615-3600 (Reception hours 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. / excluding January 1st)

Necklace (18k yellow gold, titanium, sapphire, emerald, tsavorite, amethyst, rock crystal, turquoise) 1,540,000 yenRing (18k white gold, black diamond, Essex crystal) 638,000 yen

Osaka University Moves to Umekita Phase 2 (Grand Green Osaka) Development Project — “Osaka University Future Creation Hive” Project ~ Creation and innovation of the future society moving forward with a advanced technology Osaka University |

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大阪大学

Osaka University will open a new base, Osaka University, on the second floor of the North Block rental building of JAM BASE, the main functional facility of Grand Green Osaka, scheduled to open in September 2024 as part of the Umekita phase. 2 development project. We will set up a future university hive of emergence. Currently, the Osaka University base is located in a section of Grand Front Osaka's main facility, Knowledge Capital, and is used to exhibit research results and conduct demonstration experiments. Grand Green Osaka has an even broader base, with Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of the Graduate School of Engineering Science (JST Moonshot R&D project leader) and Professor Shigeru Kitazawa of the Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences (Centre for Brain Information and Communication Fusion (CiNet)) It will serve as a satellite laboratory for three projects led by Professor Yasushi Yagi of the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (director of the Life Design Innovation Research Center (Project Society 5.0)).

Grand Front Osaka opened in 2013 as a pre-development area for the ongoing large-scale mixed-use development project “Project Umekita” in front of Osaka Station. Next, the Umekita Phase 2 “Grand Green Osaka” development project is scheduled to open in September 2024.
Osaka University will set up a nearly 600 square meter facility called “Osaka University Future Development Hive” in Grand Green Osaka's main functional facility “JAM BASE”, which will be used as a satellite laboratory for three projects.

■Search “from university to city”
Globally, the field of research extends from universities to the general public. By expanding the scope of our research to include a variety of people living in the real world and using the diverse insights we receive from visitors, we will be able to advance the social implementation of research findings from a perspective more realistic.
This new base, a “hive of future development of Osaka University”, will take advantage of the fact that the city is a place where people from different stages of life gather, and will conduct social experiments and field work to each research project, such as conducting demonstration experiments and collecting ideas from visitors. We plan to use it for this purpose.
Additionally, visitors can deepen their understanding of future technologies such as avatars and CiNet Brain, an artificial brain with a human mind, and learn about future mind and body monitoring services. Our goal is to return the results of our research to city dwellers. by allowing them to interact with it.
The name and representative of each project, as well as the center's activities and research outline, are presented below.

(1. Realization of a symbiotic avatar society where everyone can play an active role.)
・Representative: Hiroshi Ishiguro (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering Sciences)
We will have a permanent robot avatar/CG avatar experiment room and a remote work cabin, allowing visitors to experience the research and practical possibilities of avatars. Additionally, we envision a future in which all people, including the elderly and disabled, can live comfortably while developing their abilities through avatars, and we plan to exhibit scenes of homes and hospitals of the future society.

(2. Urban development using brain information)
・Representative: Shigeru Kitazawa (Brain Information and Communication Fusion Research Center (CiNet), Director of the Research Center)
As a co-creation basis for brain information and communication research conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (NICT), it is used to display results research, measure brain information, freely exchange industry, government and academic researchers, and foster next-generation human resources. It will serve as a basis for disseminating useful information and for activities such as trade fairs and mini symposia.

(3. A future created by the use of personal data)
・Representative: Yasushi Yagi (Professor, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)
A future society in which we can learn about our mental and physical health, as well as our social health through connections between people, is upon us, simply by observing our daily lives. The essential technology for such a future society lies not in data from medical care or health exams, but in technology that can predict health from personal data generated in daily life, such as facial expressions, gestures and conversations. At Umekita, we will use the personal data of those who have been monitored with their consent to advance the research and development of a variety of future health monitoring technologies.

■About the Umekita Phase 2 “Grand Green Osaka” development project
Three zones were created: a lush urban park directly connected to JR Osaka Station, the South Block, which meets a wide range of needs from business to tourism, and the North Block, which realizes innovative living designs .
During the preliminary opening in September 2024, hotels, basic functional facilities, commercial facilities and part of the urban park in the North Block will open, and offices, hotels, basic functional facilities and commercial facilities in the North Block will open. south block will open around spring. 2025. With the opening, the rental building will be fully operational. The entire park is expected to open around spring 2027.

●Reference – linked websites etc.
・Forbes JAPAN BrandVoice – Article featuring Osaka University's expansion into the Umekita area
https://forbesjapan.com/articles/detail/64911

・Great Green Osaka
https://umekita2.jp/

・JAM BASE
https://jam-base.com/jp/

·Osaka University
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/ja

・AVATAR SYMBIOTIC SOCIETY
https://avatar-ss.org/index.html

・Brain Information and Communication Fusion Research Center
https://cinet.jp/japanese/

・Life Design Innovation Research Center
https://www.ids.osaka-u.ac.jp/ildi/index.html

●Contact information regarding this topic
Research Planning Division, Department of Research Promotion, Osaka University
TEL: 06-6879-4848 FAX: 06-6879-7039
Email: search-support@office.osaka-u.ac.jp

(Source of press release)University Press Center https://www.u-presscenter.jp/

A “bulky necklace” that is suitable for people over 50. Any tips for brightening up a simple outfit? (Overseas Madame Snap)| mid-calf NEWS FLASHFashion | mid-calf | A small step towards me of tomorrow! (1/3)

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Stylist Makoto Fukuda discovers the fashions of foreign ladies currently interested! This time we will present a stylish coordination that incorporates a voluminous necklace that will make your face look stunning.

Comment from MAKOTO

It was good when I was young. With plump, plump skin and silky hair, no matter what I wear, I look good in it… Sometimes I vaguely think about my past, but I feel like there's actually quite a few things to be happy about as I get older. “Volume necklace” is one of them. It's a bit different from the days when I couldn't find my own style. Honestly, you can change everything according to your own style. If you don't have glitter, add some. We have the courage and experience to take on this challenge! how is it? This powerful accessory can only be worn by the lady, right?

It looks great with a black jacket
gold chain necklace

“This jacket-style Madame wears a chunky chain necklace on her chest. It's a chic combination of a single color black jacket and loungewear, so the gold stands out. Her bag is classic, like the Kelly from Hermès, but she pairs it with New Balance sneakers for a modern look. They coordinate everything together.'' (M. Fukuda)


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gold volume necklace
In fact, it is easy to match and popular with ladies!

“Many ladies wear chunky gold chain necklaces. Even though they are large and have presence, they are popular because they are easy to match and use. Not only can they be worn with basic colors like black and white, but also. they can also be worn with khaki gradient coordinates. It's a masculine color, so the elegance of gold adds to the chic atmosphere. “(Mr. Fukuda)


simple black tops
Look stunning with a chunky necklace!

“A necklace with an ethnic pattern is enhanced with green beads. Even a simple black top can be layered with a chunky necklace to turn it into a beautiful designer style top. Because we live in an age where clothes and accessories are carefully selected. , etc. I want to enjoy fashion by using accessories.'' (Mr. Fukuda)


From above the G jacket
It looks cool when you turn on the necklace!

“Wear a necklace over G-jeans! This lady's idea of ​​using G-jeans as a shirt with the top buttoned up is fresh and I want to imitate her right away. Wear it on a sturdy fabric. “I'm going to do this, you'll definitely need this much volume. It looks like you can do it with a trench coat, so I'd like to try it right away.” (Mr. Fukuda)


A necklace with an extraordinary presence
Accentuate a monochrome outfit

“A really long necklace that lasts forever! I wonder how many layers she wraps it around (lol). When she was younger, it might have looked like a stage costume, but now that she's a madam, she can wear it every day. By combining a simple shirt dress with black bracelets and a bag, you can create a chic monochrome outfit. Maybe a black necklace would be really easy to match.'' (Mr. Fukuda)



Elegant and relaxing
It's a privilege for a lady to look great in her!

Photo: Press Camera/Afro

“This Madam layered a green top with gold chains. At first glance, it looks like a very elegant outfit, but the shoulder strap of the white bag worn diagonally adds a casual touch, giving it a relaxed feel.“Elegant ×Relaxy “It's a madam's privilege to look great in there! » (Mr. Fukuda)

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(Tiffany)If you want to buy it for up to 100,000 yen? High brand jewelry, necklaces, rings, earrings “Recommended purchases for Christmas and holiday gifts” >>


One-two coordination will be much more exciting!
green volume necklace

“This large necklace in a beautiful green color, whether turquoise or malachite, has a strong presence, so it goes very well with tops with patterns like stripes. It's a simple one-two, but thanks to this chunky necklace, Madame Cela has transformed into a unique, one-of-a-kind coordination. The use of accessories is again important.'' (Mr. Fukuda)

Presentation of more fashionable Madame accessories!

Dior's new amulet jewel “Etoile des Vins” Sparkling rose gold “eight-pointed star” necklace Femme Excite |

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April 12, 2024 3:00 p.m.

New talisman jewel from Dior

The new “Etoile des Vins” jewelry from Dior’s “Rose des Vins” jewelry collection is now available.

New jewelry with the “eight-pointed star” motif
The “Rose des Vins” collection has gained popularity as “talisman jewelry” with a design inspired by the “compass rose,” a symbol of travel. This time, from the “Rose des Vins” collection, a new jewel called “Etoile des Vins” will be released, with an “eight-pointed star” motif which is reminiscent of Christian Dior’s lucky charm motif, “Bonne star. »

The eight-pointed star necklaces include a rose gold diamond design, a rose gold design with pink sapphires, and a yellow gold design with tsavorites. All have sophisticated designs with an elegantly shiny eight-pointed star pattern.

The range also includes simple bracelets and earrings featuring similar designs.

New “Rose des Vins” jewelry
New jewelry is also available in the “Rose des Vins” collection. We offer you a long necklace that resembles a series of “compass roses” woven in three colors: yellow gold, rose gold and white gold, as well as simple bracelets and earrings.

Vermilion “Dearest Ring” “Your own” amulet jewelry with stones and personalized constellation signs

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VERMILLION's new spring 2024 ring, “Dearest Ring”, will be released on Wednesday March 6, 2024.

A new “customizable” ring by choosing the stones and the signs of the 12 constellations.

Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen ~

Vermilion, a jewelry brand based on the concept of “jewelry that proves who you are,” will introduce a new ring in spring 2024 called “Dearest Ring.” You can create your own special “talisman jewelry” by choosing your favorite combination from stones and signs of 12 different zodiac signs and personalizing it.

Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen~ / Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen~
Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen~ / Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen~

The base ring to personalize is available in two materials: silver or yellow gold. On the front of each one shines the brand logo “V” adorned with brown diamonds.

Next, choose your favorite combination from each of the 12 types of constellation stones and constellation signs. Additionally, the size range is from #7 to #24, and it is recommended not only as a personal ring, but also as a pairing with a loved one.

12 colored stones linked to the constellations

Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen~ / Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen~
Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen~ / Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen~

First, for the constellation stones, we have colored stones related to the 12 constellations. One of 12 beautiful stones in different colors, including rubies, emeralds, sapphires and amethysts, is set in a star-shaped design.

Aries: Ruby (passion)
Taurus: Emerald (happiness)
Gemini: Citrine (Hope)
Cancer: Moonstone (love)
Leo: Peridot (peace)
Virgo: Sapphire (sincere)
Libra: Brown Diamond (Majesty)
Scorpio: Garnet (Truth)
Sagittarius: Tanzanite (mystical)
Capricorn: Black Diamond (Success)
Aquarius: Amethyst (noble)
Pisces: Aquamarine (intelligent)

12 constellation signs

On the other hand, 12 types of constellation signs are engraved on the left side of the brand logo located on the front side. Choose your own zodiac sign or your favorite from the symbolic designs.

Activate “talisman patterns” such as hearts and stars

Top left) Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen ~ Heart, Cross, Star, Moon
Top left) Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen ~ Heart, Cross, Star, Moon

Additionally, on the right side of the ring there is a three-dimensional “talisman pattern” related to the element of the selected constellation. “, who has a sense of loveheart”, meaning belief “cross“, suggesting hope”star”, expressing a wish “moon“Any of the four types can be defined.

In addition to the logo engraved on the back of the ring, up to 8 characters can be engraved on the inside of the arm as an additional option for 2,200 yen.

heart: Fire Element (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
cross:Earth Element (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
star: Air Element (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
moon: Water Element (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

There is also a limited time store where you can try on jewelry.

ring box
ring box

The free opening will take place on March 8 (Friday) and 9 (Saturday), and reservations will be required on March 15 (Friday) and 16 (Saturday) for a limited time to commemorate the release of the new “Dearest Ring A”. will be held in Omotesando, Tokyo. You can buy new rings and existing jewelry and try them on. Please take this opportunity to visit.

【detail】
Vermilion “Most Expensive Ring”
Release date: Wednesday March 6, 2024
Deployment: Vermillion official online site (URL: https://vermillion-jewelry.com/)
Price: Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen ~ / Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen ~

Base metal material: SV925/K10YG
Stone: 1 stone from 12 types (ruby, emerald, citrine, moonstone, peridot, sapphire, brown diamond, garnet, tanzanite, black diamond, amethyst, aquamarine)
Astrological sign engraving: 1 of 12 (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces)
Size: 18 sizes (#7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24)
Option: Engraving of up to 8 characters inside the arm 2,200 yen
*Approximately 7 weeks from purchase to arrival.

■Limited time store
Date and time:
March 8 (Friday) 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., March 9 (Saturday) 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March 15 (Friday) 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., March 16 (Saturday) 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 1F, 5-12-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

■New
From March 6 (Wednesday) to April 30 (Tuesday), those who purchase the “Dearest Ring” will receive a free ring box that would normally cost a fee.

(Contact details)
Vendôme Yamada
TEL: 03-3470-4061
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vermillion_jewelry/

Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen~ / Yellow gold (K10YG) 132,000 yen~Top left) Silver (SV925) 33,000 yen ~ Heart, Cross, Star, Moonring box

Development of Lunar Cruiser, a lunar rover scheduled to launch in 2029… A powerful collaboration between JAXA, Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Will future technology be used for the practical application of “regenerative fuel cells” ?

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Development of Lunar Cruiser, a lunar rover scheduled to launch in 2029... A powerful collaboration between JAXA, Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Will future technology be used for the practical application of "regenerative fuel cells" ?

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will join Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to jointly develop the Luna Cruiser manned lunar rover.

What is Luna Cruiser, scheduled to launch in 2029? What relationship does it have with our daily lives?

  • “Luna Cruiser” concept proposal considered by JAXA and Toyota (based on Toyota Motor Corporation press release)

  • Concept proposal

The rough-road driving technology developed with the Toyota Land Cruiser will also survive on the Moon.

The US-led “Artemis” lunar exploration program aims to send humans to the surface of the Moon after 2025. As part of this project, Toyota and JAXA are working on the “Luna” mobility project, which is necessary to manned exploration activities on the Moon. We jointly developed the “Cruiser”.

Unlike Toyota's “Land Cruiser” off-road vehicle, the Luna Cruiser is a “moon-driving off-road vehicle”, as its name suggests, and it is not an unmanned vehicle, but a manned lunar rover with two crew members. .

Toyota says it wants to achieve off-road driving and autonomous driving on the Moon with “a running gear that combines the robust structure cultivated with the Land Cruiser and electric technology.” In the picture photo, it is 4WD or 6WD.

Unlike Earth, the surface of the Moon is made up of rocks and a smooth surface called lunar sand. In addition to the slope, there are also large depressions (craters). To travel on such a lunar surface, the Land Cruiser relies on its rough-road travel technology, which when one wheel floats, distributes torque to the remaining wheels in order to escape.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries provides 'pressurization technology' that ensures space for people to stay inside cars

Basically, the power of the Luna Cruiser electric car comes from “regenerative fuel cells”.

Although the name is unfamiliar, “during the sun, water is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen and oxygen through solar energy, and at night, electricity is provided by a battery.” fuel that reacts with stored hydrogen and oxygen. »

On the lunar surface, day and night change every 14 days, making it difficult to provide energy during those 14 days without sunlight. To solve this problem, Toyota plans to use regenerative fuel cells and explains that “the technology and reliability of fuel cells developed on the ground, like MIRAI, will be used on the Moon.”

While Toyota aims to apply these automotive technologies to the lunar surface, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will use technologies it has developed through conventional space exploration. More precisely, it is a “pressurization technology” that guarantees a space where people can stay inside the Luna Cruiser.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has so far participated in the construction of the Japanese Kibo experimental module on the International Space Station. The company will provide Toyota and JAXA with technology to secure space and environment that will enable manned space travel (human space stay technology and space environment resistant technology).

Expectations for the use of “regenerative fuel cells” on Earth as a source of electrical power for isolated islands and disaster evacuation centers

In the Artemis lunar exploration program, the Luna Cruiser is not only “promoted” by Japan, but also by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which has expectations from Japan.

Manned exploration of the lunar surface is expected to last up to 42 days per year. The Luna Cruiser's lifespan on the Moon is expected to be 10 years, with a total range of 10,000 km. Regardless, it would be a great achievement if technologies from Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, two of Japan's leading manufacturing companies, were combined to create a manned lunar rover.

In the future, if the Luna Cruiser is realized as planned, “regenerative fuel cells” can probably also be used on Earth.

Toyota says this system, which stores hydrogen and oxygen for the 14 days of the moon and provides electricity for the 14 days of the night, can be used as a power source for ships, islands isolated areas and disaster evacuation centers.

Will regenerative fuel cells, supposedly capable of providing carbon-neutral energy semi-permanently and without running costs as long as there is water and sunlight, become a reality?

Expectations are high for the research and development of the Luna Cruiser, which includes such futuristic technology. (Journalist Ryo Iwaki)

The official website (fan club site) of professional skier Mirai Kuriyama, who obtained V4 at the Japan Technical Ski Championships and has many followers on SNS, has been opened. We will share the joy of skiing through our official website.

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The official website (fan club site) of professional skier Mirai Kuriyama, who obtained V4 at the Japan Technical Ski Championships and has many followers on SNS, has been opened. We will share the joy of skiing through our official website.

全日本スã‚ãƒ¼æŠ€è¡ “é ¸æ‰‹æ¨©å¤§ä¼šV4ã‚'é ”æˆ ã€ SNS㠧多ã 㠮フォ㠃ワ ーã‚'æŒ ã ¤å¥³æ€§ãƒ—ãƒã‚¹ã Mirai Kuriyama, a professional skier who achieved V4 at the Japan Technical Ski Championships and has many followers on SNS, the official website (website of fan club) is now open. We will share the joy of skiing through our official website.