Science is a study in which knowledge is accumulated by focusing on, in a broad sense, “reproducible” phenomena and by quantitatively analyzing the phenomena considered to be reproducible (1). Nature being limitless, it is desirable that we should selectively engage with only phenomena that are considered suitable for scientific approaches and that knowledge, which is accumulative and ever-evolving, progresses further and further to ascertain phenomena that have positive implications to the wellbeing of humankind.

In terms of transformation in scientific development, take downsizing of computing equipment for instance. Nowadays, tiny micro-circuitry inside a handheld computer can handle such computational processing as was once performed on a large-scale supercomputer. Thus, knowledge can take a new form leading to the generation of greater benefits for humankind.

Rock resource is abundantly available, yet has been highly difficult to manage to date. At NFC, through the understanding of the study related to the formation of Earth and planets along with the knowledge from research of entities at the atomic level, we strive to transmute rock resource into a new material for the purpose of increased usefulness, with a minimal number of rational processes to do so. Furthermore, we also strive to establish a system by which useful products can be made available to the general public in the world at reasonable price.

Another example of transformational development of science might be energy systems. Modern-day electric energy society has come a long way from its earlier form, where electricity was generated at an enormous dam and transmitted over a long distance to end-users. However, the current society would further transmute into a new society in which energy could be generated close at hand once a radio isotope battery, a small-sized atomic power-generation device, becomes available.

Thus, to facilitate further advancement, scientists repeatedly compile and theorized accumulated knowledge, delve into it to the level where others could not at all envisage, obtain new knowledge through such endeavor, and pave the way for further development.

NFC will endeavor to observe and scrutinize real states of laws in nature, compile accumulated knowledge, and continuously conceive the correct, rational methods of developing scientific findings as we believe that this is the way we can contribute to the creation of such society that mental and physical wellbeing is realized in the world at large.

On March 11th, 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami took place in northeastern Japan forcing the Japanese government to finance reconstruction operations. The tsunami caused a cooling system at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima to fail, and in the wake of this incident, most of nuclear power plants in the country ceased or suspended operation for safety purposes. This has made it even more important for Japan to maintain continuous operation of coal-based power plants as a source of energy.

NFC has made a breakthrough based on “methods in science”1 in terms of repurposing otherwise unwanted coal ash. We trust that our persistent effort of research and development in order to create environmentally-friendly materials will lead us to contribute to the improvement of the world.

^1. Nakaya, Ukichiro. 1958. Method in Science (Kagaku no houhou), Tokyo: Iwanami