On January 20, the Department of Economics hosted a special talk by Mr. Yoshiki Takada, President and CEO of SMC Corporation and a Sophia University alumnus.

Headquartered in Tokyo, SMC is a global leader in pneumatic control systems and automation technology, operating in more than 80 countries. Mr. Takada introduced the company’s core technologies, which use compressed air to power automated systems that improve industrial efficiency while reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

He also highlighted SMC’s commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate management, emphasizing the role of advanced manufacturing in addressing environmental challenges. For students in the Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF), the lecture provided a valuable example of how technological innovation and business strategy can contribute to sustainable industrial development and a low-carbon society.

Mr. Takada also emphasized the importance of engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and building collaborative relationships in an increasingly globalized business environment. Drawing on SMC’s extensive international operations, he encouraged students to remain open to new encounters and perspectives as they prepare for careers in a global society.