Conceptual image of the Chōwa-no-Oka research building
Since Hitachi’s founding more than 100 years ago, Ibaraki Site of its Research & Development Group in Hitachi City, has advanced social infrastructure research. Equipped with facilities that can recreate environments close to real-world operational settings and backed by extensive knowledge accumulated through its research activities, the site serves as a hub for both research and demonstration. Hitachi plans to establish Chōwa-no-Oka, a next-generation social infrastructure R&D hub, at the Ibaraki Site in 2030.
At Chōwa-no-Oka (“Harmony Hill”), Hitachi will conduct research and demonstration projects aimed at advancing the design, control, and operation of social systems through an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach. These efforts will explore the interconnections among diverse fields that shape social systems.
Serving as a hub in an open ecosystem that connects local companies, universities, and research institutions, Chōwa-no-Oka will adopt an integrated approach, from exploring societal challenges to validating solutions, sharing results, and cultivating key talent, to create new value that helps solve social challenges.
Furthermore, in coordination with the “Next-Generation Future City” co-creation project pursued by Hitachi and Hitachi City, Chōwa-no-Oka will help accelerate social innovation in the region.
Conceptual image of the research building interior
Through Chōwa-no-Oka, Hitachi will advance next-generation social infrastructure research that creates value in local communities and extends its impact beyond the region. Through these efforts, Hitachi aims to advance Lumada as a driver of future growth, while contributing to the realization of both the Harmonized Society and Society 5.0.
“Chōwa-no-Oka,” calligraphy by Souun Takeda
Chōwa-no-Oka Concept Video (Japanese Only)
