FEC (The International Friendship and Economic Exchange Council) Secretariat 
Technology One Co., Ltd. - Representative Director
Mr. Ichiro Oshino
<Company profile>
Japan has fewer natural resources compared to other countries, but on the other hand, it is a country with a high-tech industry that uses many metal resources. In manufacturing, some of the surplus materials and waste generated during the manufacturing process can be recycled. If the process from collection to recycling is well established, it will secure useful resources. "Technology One" is based on a recycling business that collects a variety of resources, from silicon and quartz to carbon materials, iron and non-ferrous metals, processes them for reuse, and sends them out into the world.
I was drawn to the idea of promoting international exchange from a private sector perspective. As a first step towards achieving the SDG goal of "No Poverty," our company supported the restoration of a school in Cambodia. Cambodia has been plagued by a prolonged civil war, leaving its people and politics exhausted. I had the opportunity to visit local schools several times, but they were often just huts made of woven bamboo on the ground, and despite being in a tropical region, they lacked even air conditioning, making them far from a conducive environment for learning. Witnessing this situation firsthand, and as a company that contributes to the SDGs through resource recycling, I decided to participate in the restoration.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect is the opportunity to interact casually with leading figures from Japan, and indeed, from around the world. Interacting with members who share FEC's philosophy, as well as ambassadors from various countries, is valuable not only in terms of information but also in terms of building trust.
During my overseas visit, I was deeply impressed by the opportunity to live, eat, and converse with people who are active in various industries, as well as to have direct conversations with government officials and ambassadors from various countries stationed in Japan.
We consider the lessons learned from seminars and delegations to be invaluable, and we always make sure to share that information within the company. However, the value of this information lies not just in conveying it, but in understanding and utilizing it. We strive to ensure that we can effectively leverage this information in our subsequent business development.
I would say it's the interactions with top management from major corporations, as well as government officials and ambassadors from various countries to Japan. Interacting with executives who are in positions to steer their organizations on a daily basis, such as those responsible for management philosophy, business strategy, organizational management, human resource development, and risk management, as well as with the highest-ranking diplomats from various countries in Japan, is very stimulating.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in promoting citizen diplomacy and supporting Japan's diplomacy through economic and cultural exchange, for the sake of world peace and prosperity.
I've been a part of more than 10 similar organizations, but I feel that FEC is the most serious and the most approachable.