JAPAN INTERNATIONAL WELDINGSHOW 2026

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Opening Commemorative Lecture

Keynote Speech

Vision for a 10,000-Person Lunar City 
— A Study on Building Fundamental Lunar Infrastructure for Energy, Atmosphere, Lighting, and Communications —

Speaker:
Hidetoshi Fujii
Director, Professor
Joining and Welding Research Institute, The University of Osaka

DateWednesday, September 16, 13:00-14:00
VenueConference Room 607, Conference Tower, Tokyo Big Sight
ParticipationPre-registration required, free of charge
*Simultaneous English interpretation available

Application details will be announced separately. (Scheduled to open in late April 2026.)

Abstract:
Osaka University has announced a concept for a lunar city capable of supporting a population of 10,000, led by the Joining and Welding Research Institute through the establishment of a Lunar Urban Development Research Center.
The plan involves constructing residential facilities designed for approximately 100 people and installing a total of 100 such units on the lunar surface.
The university is developing a proprietary technology that concentrates sunlight using lenses and optical fibers to serve as a primary energy source. Compared with approaches pursued in the United States and China, which convert solar radiation into electrical energy for use, this method could secure energy with roughly 100 times greater efficiency.
If sunlight falling on an area of 10 m × 10 m can be effectively concentrated, it is possible to obtain more than 100 kW of energy. This energy can then be used to generate and maintain the atmosphere essential for human habitation. Because this approach directly utilizes light, it has the potential to establish fundamental lunar infrastructure that simultaneously supports energy supply (heating), atmosphere control, lighting, and communications.

Special Lecture

Development of Space Elevator Version 2.0

Speaker:
Kazuhiro Narihara
Space Development Team (Lunar Base Construction & Space Elevator)
Future Technology Creation Department, Technology Headquarters, Obayashi Corporation

DateWednesday, September 16, 14:30-15:30
VenueConference Room 607, Conference Tower, Tokyo Big Sight
ParticipationPre-registration required, free of charge
*Simultaneous English interpretation available

Application details will be announced separately. (Scheduled to open in late April 2026.)

Abstract:
In recent years, space development has accelerated worldwide, with increasing efforts to expand human activity beyond Earth through initiatives such as lunar base construction and Mars exploration. Although space transportation still relies heavily on rockets, the construction of a continuous structure extending from the ground to outer space could enable stable and efficient transportation while significantly reducing environmental impact. Such a system would serve as a key infrastructure supporting sustainable space development.
The space elevator has attracted considerable attention as an innovative infrastructure that physically connects Earth and space. With the potential for operation using clean energy and significantly lower transportation costs, it is increasingly regarded as a next-generation space transportation system.
This lecture focuses on “Space Elevator Version 2.0,” an advanced concept that further develops the conventional model. The presentation will introduce more concrete design considerations and structural modeling approaches. Technical aspects aimed at improving feasibility will be discussed, including climber mechanisms utilizing welding technologies, cable structure design, evaluation of material performance, and tension balance based on orbital mechanics.