Aoyama Advanced Technology Research Institute

There is an incident I always ponder when researching matters.

Previously, there was an incident where several small fish fell from the sky in a cluster. Newspapers initially framed it as a supernatural phenomenon. For explanation, they interviewed ichthyologists and meteorologists, who attributed it to localized weather phenomena like tornadoes carrying fish via updrafts. An ornithologist who saw this was astonished. Birds like herons have the habit of regurgitating stomach contents to lighten their bodies when attacked by raptors—a common sight for ornithologists.

The crucial point is not to misidentify the field that should investigate the phenomenon. This serves as a prime example: no matter how professionally one investigates the causes of an event, if the direction of inquiry is wrong, the results will be completely off the mark.

Such reports are common. As was the case in spring 2021, when cherry blossoms bloom earlier than usual, people start wondering if the flowers will still be there for entrance ceremonies. While cherry blossoms bloom simultaneously at famous Japanese spots due to the prevalence of cloned Somei Yoshino trees, many school grounds plant several varieties with different blooming periods. This ensures cherry blossoms are present for both graduation and entrance ceremonies. Those with knowledge immediately recognize that the very notion of “whether flowers will remain for the entrance ceremony” is flawed. Yet this serves as an example of trusting the seasonal greetings heard annually without questioning them at all.

Such misguided assumptions often become topics of discussion, but those engaged in research cannot laugh this off. Many errors in research stem from such misguided assumptions. The phenomena requiring investigation are diverse and multifaceted, demanding profound insight to properly examine them from all angles. Consequently, we believe that as researchers, we must deepen our expertise in our own fields while constantly striving to broaden our learning and enhance our overall insight.

As the think tank of the EPIC PARTNERS Group, our institute collaborates with domestic and international research institutions, universities, and government agencies. We conduct and disseminate extensive research on the latest technological explanations and application methods, thereby contributing to society through our initiatives.

The English name of our institute, “AOYAMA Intelligence Advanced Technology Research Institute,” embodies our mission to serve as a hub for open innovation at our founding location in Tokyo’s Aoyama 1-chome. It signifies an institute that aggregates and researches all forms of Intelligence (知性) and disseminates it globally. Amid rapid technological innovation and the dizzying pace of social and environmental change, we believe connecting the ever-emerging new forms of Intelligence is crucial to continuously acquiring and providing cutting-edge technologies of value to people worldwide.

Thanks to your support, our company has achieved steady growth since its founding in 2001. Moving forward, we will continue to cultivate highly skilled engineers and provide high added value as a specialized research institute focused on cutting-edge technology research, human and intellectual networks, technical networks, and proposing advanced technology solutions and application services.

Furthermore, through collaboration with partner companies and researchers, we will enhance our services and work together to expand business volume.

Moving forward, we will continue to contribute to society as a partner in realizing Digital Transformation (DX) by creating new value.

Aoyama Advanced Technology Institute
Executive Fellow
Ryuichi Nakajima