President and Chief Executive Officer (Representative Director), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
【iREX 2023】Interview with Mr.Hashimoto,Chairperson of iREX 「Highlights of iREX」 【iREX 2023】
iREX 2023［INTERNATIONAL ROBOT EXHIBITION 2023］
Ms. Christine Haruka, a supporter of the International Robot Exhibition,interviewed
Mr. Yasuhiko Hashimoto,Chairperson of iREX 2023 (President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Heavy Industries)
about the highlights of the exhibition.
【iREX 2023】 https://irex.nikkan.co.jp/
About Yasuhiko Hashimoto
Yasuhiko Hashimoto, chairperson of iREX 2023 and president and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, discussed the exhibition in a November 2023 interview. He noted that the International Robot Exhibition began in 1974 and was holding its 25th edition in 2023. Hashimoto described the event as a place for diverse robots to gather and for visitors to experience and discuss the future of robotics under the concept of "sustainable coexistence and co-work." Hashimoto stated that robots are being applied in healthcare and medical fields, and that such customers attend the exhibition. He also said that robots can support labor in the context of Japan's declining birthrate, and that they may serve roles such as providing companionship or offering directions. He encouraged both those familiar with robots and first-time visitors to attend the exhibition, which was held at Tokyo Big Sight from November 29 to December 2, 2023.
Transcript (42 segments)
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto0:06
We want robots that stay by your side. With the concept of sustainable coexistence, we want to listen to people's voices and talk together about the future of robots. It would be wonderful if various exchanges could take place. Many diverse robots have gathered here.
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Christine0:25
Nice to meet you. I'm Christine.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto0:31
Nice to meet you. I'm Hashimoto, Chairman of the International Robot Exhibition.
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Christine0:44
The International Robot Exhibition is finally about to open. As a supporter, I'm really looking forward to it. I've heard this exhibition has a long history and is very large-scale. When did it start?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto1:04
This Robot Exhibition actually started in 1974, and this year marks the 25th edition. In English, it's called the International Robot Exhibition—we abbreviate it as IREX.
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Christine1:26
IREX! International Robot Exhibition—your pronunciation sounds great.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto1:32
Yes. The 25th edition means about 50 years of history. It's really been a long time.
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Christine1:38
That's amazing—about 50 years. When was the first time you attended the exhibition, Mr. Hashimoto?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto1:47
The first time I went was around the mid-1980s. At that time, the venue was in Harumi, Tokyo, and it was incredibly crowded. The Robot Exhibition was popular even back then. I remember the traffic was so bad that I had to get out of the car and walk. It was really packed.
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Christine2:15
I've actually loved robots since I was a child. I admired Astro Boy, Tetsujin 28, and for younger people, Gundam. I think many people who wanted to make robots their career were inspired by these.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto2:29
Some people pursue humanoid robots, while others, like many of us here, use industrial robots. Industrial robots have a slightly different form from the humanoid robots people imagine—they're specialized for specific tasks. Japan is actually called a robot superpower and is number one in the world for industrial robots. Many industrial robot manufacturers are gathered here, along with humanoid robots, things that appear in anime, remote-controlled devices, and various support systems. It's a wonderful exhibition where many members have come together.
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Christine3:17
Various types of robots are gathered here together.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto3:20
That's right. The exhibition runs through the weekend, and on Saturdays, lots of families with children come.
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Christine3:29
That's wonderful. There must be lots of robots that children love. What kind of robots do kids enjoy?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto3:35
For children, there are small model-like robots, humanoid robots, and remote-controlled robots they can touch and operate. Even with industrial robots, there are hands-on experience corners where kids can get close. There are various zones where children can interact with different robots and have fun.
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Christine4:00
Just hearing about it is exciting! Has the scale of the exhibition been growing compared to the past?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto4:08
Yes, it's grown tremendously. As an international exhibition, companies come not just from Japan but from around the world. This year we have 654 companies and 358 booths—a record number. Before COVID, the record was 140,000 visitors, with about 7,000 from 82 countries. This year we expect to exceed that. After COVID, everyone is excited to be back—both exhibitors and visitors—and I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to experience robots.
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Christine4:54
140,000 people is an impressive scale!
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto5:00
Yes, at times the corridors become like a rushing stream with people trying to move forward. We've made the corridors wider this year so everyone can browse freely, but with so many visitors, it might still get quite crowded.
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Christine5:22
That shows how much attention the exhibition gets.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto5:25
That's right. Various types of robots from around the world gather at the International Robot Exhibition, and each time there's a theme.
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Christine5:28
There's a theme each time, right?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto5:39
This time the theme is 'Robotics for a Sustainable Society.' We want people to see the charm of robots, how close they've come to our daily lives, and how they can support an aging society. Robots will stay by your side when you're feeling lonely, guide you when you're lost, and play various roles in many different situations.
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Christine6:24
So this exhibition could be a catalyst for finding solutions to these social issues? It holds that kind of potential?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto6:35
Yes. Various manufacturers are exhibiting, and we hope visitors will have concrete consultations and find business opportunities. But beyond that, we want to hear from people—what kind of robots would you like, what robots do you need? We want to listen to that feedback. And for children, we want them to dream: 'I want to become this,' 'I want to build robots like this.' We want to create a place where people can talk about the future of robots together and carry those dreams forward.
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Christine7:16
So it truly becomes a place for exchange and encounter through robots. There seem to be many exciting areas—what's the venue like?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto7:26
The venue is at Tokyo Big Sight, the same as 2017. Manufacturers gather together, and we host various robots with the concept of 'sustainable coexistence.' Visitors can experience robots firsthand in special zones and discover how fun and useful robots can be. The venue is thoughtfully zoned by category—service robots, industrial robots, and more—spread across the East Hall and West Hall. It's a very large venue, so please come and see for yourself.
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Christine8:16
Each area sounds fun just listening! I'm getting excited. I hear there are exhibits that go beyond individual company displays too.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto8:27
Yes, we want to provide even better robots going forward.
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Christine8:30
The exhibition booth staff must be busy preparing. That's something to look forward to as well. What other attractions are there?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto8:37
There are many highlights! Beyond the exhibitions, the Robot Exhibition also serves as an information hub. We've prepared various forums, including an International Forum where experts and industry representatives from around the world come to speak. We're also collaborating with the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. And there's a Gundam anime exhibition—both adults and children will enjoy it. For robot fans, from Tetsujin 28 and Astro Boy to Gundam, these are eternal heroes. Please come visit. There are many other exhibitions and lectures as well, so check the pamphlet and find what interests you.
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Christine9:52
I should definitely check out all the stages.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto9:54
Yes, I want to check them thoroughly too. Please do!
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Christine9:59
For those who can only visit on limited days, is there something prepared for them?
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto10:06
Yes, we have IREX Online—a separate program. We actually exhibit online too. It started during COVID when people couldn't visit in person, so we decided to showcase things online. It became quite popular. The online exhibition is available from one week before to two weeks after the physical event—a long period. You can preview before visiting, enjoy it afterwards, or watch online the entire time. Many manufacturers also exhibit online, so please check that out as well.
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Christine10:56
Remote access has become quite common, and I've experienced it myself, so it's become a familiar tool. It's great for preparation or review, and it's reassuring for first-timers.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto11:12
That's right. The Robot Exhibition attracts a very broad audience. In industry, it covers automotive, electronics, and virtually all sectors. Beyond that, there's food, agriculture, and many other fields. We also serve the healthcare and medical sectors. Above all, we especially plan for children on Saturdays. Interestingly, business people who come in ties during the week show up in jeans and T-shirts with their families on weekends. It's fun to see them in a different light.
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Christine12:29
That's nice. There must be repeat visitors too.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto12:34
Yes, there are really people who come many times. We enjoy seeing our weekday visitors come with their families on weekends. It's a wonderful space.
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Christine12:40
What a wonderful space! Just hearing about the International Robot Exhibition makes me really excited. I've truly felt that it's a place where various exchanges and encounters happen. The International Robot Exhibition is about experiencing the latest technology while receiving feedback from everyone, so we can provide even better solutions in the future. It's an important venue for encounter. Even those who have never interacted with robots before—please take an interest in robots and come visit. We really want as many people as possible to come.
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Narrator13:20
The 2023 International Robot Exhibition will be held for four days from November 29 to December 2 at Tokyo Big Sight.
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Yasuhiko Hashimoto13:31
We robot manufacturers will welcome you with our latest technology and products. Whether you're familiar with robots, interested in them, or visiting for the first time, please take an interest in robots and join us. We're waiting for you at the 2023 International Robot Exhibition.