Hitachi Employee Selected for the 68th Antarctic Research Expedition Team

Satoru Funaki: Hitachi's Ambassador to Antarctica

In a remarkable achievement, Satoru Funaki, an employee of Hitachi Ltd., has been selected to join the 68th Antarctic Research Expedition Team. His journey will begin on July 1, 2026, when he will transfer to the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), engaging in extensive training for the challenging winter operations in Antarctica. Funaki will embark on his expedition in November 2026, where he will fulfill his duties in the construction department, specifically overseeing the generator control panel. He is expected to remain in Antarctica for over a year, with a return planned in March 2028.

In addition to his specific responsibilities, Funaki has been appointed as the construction chief within the wintering team, where he will assist the team leader in coordinating the construction department's activities. His selection marks a significant continuation of Hitachi's long-standing involvement in Antarctic expeditions, which dates back to 1966 when the company first contributed personnel for the research teams.

The Antarctic Research conducted by Japan is rooted in international cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty. The first expedition took place in 1956, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan's ongoing commitment to dispatching teams to Antarctica. The Showa Station, which serves as the primary Japanese base on the continent, has been a hub for research across various fields, including high-altitude physics, meteorology, biology, and geology. With the critical environmental issues facing the planet today, the significance of these activities has only intensified.

Funaki’s previous experience includes participation in the 59th Antarctic Expedition, where he served as a construction team member dealing with generators and control panels. During this mission, he successfully maintained an uninterrupted power supply throughout the winter period at Showa Station, leading to the successful completion of the task.

Funaki’s Reflections and Responsibilities

Reflecting on his first experience, Funaki expresses the excitement and anticipation he felt when he arrived at Showa Station. However, it was during the long winter that he became acutely aware of the gravity of his responsibilities in supporting the lives and research activities of his fellow team members. After returning to Japan, he pondered his role more deeply and recognized the importance of leveraging his expertise for future missions.

With a renewed spirit to take on challenges, Funaki now steps into a leadership role as the construction chief for the 68th team. He acknowledges the need to maintain and operate the facilities while ensuring stable operations at the base, tasks he feels prepared for due to his past training and experience.

“The importance of teamwork has become even clearer to me,” Funaki remarks. “I feel fortunate to be working with an exceptional group of team members this time around. Together, we aim to contribute to a safe and efficient wintering mission.”

His success on this mission is underpinned by the robust support and understanding from his colleagues at Hitachi, for which he expresses profound gratitude. Funaki emphasizes his commitment to honor their support through dedicated work during his time in Antarctica.

Hitachi’s Commitment to Antarctic Research

Hitachi has consistently demonstrated its commitment to contributing to Antarctic research for many years. As a result, it has been recognized by the NIPR as a “National Institute of Polar Research Antarctic Observation Partner Corporation.” This designation highlights Hitachi's significant contributions to the Antarctic Research project over time.

As part of its corporate philosophy, Hitachi continues to provide advanced technologies and expertise to support the NIPR's Antarctic observation activities, contributing to global environmental preservation and sustainable development.

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