December 6th: A Day to Contemplate Infrastructure's Future
A Dream for Infrastructure
On April 1st, we support the April Dream initiative, and now we propose December 6th as a day to ponder the importance of infrastructure. This initiative, called 'Infrastructure Mirai Project,' aims to bring awareness to the vital role infrastructure plays in our daily lives.
Why Focus on Infrastructure Now?
Infrastructure—comprising electricity, water, roads, and communication systems—is integral to our existence. Despite being foundational to society, its significance is often overlooked until something goes wrong. We typically take these systems for granted, paying them no mind until breakdowns or malfunctions capture our attention.
The Choice to Reflect Lightly
Japan is at a critical juncture regarding its infrastructure. Much of the systems built during the economic boom period are aging, and the time has come for renewal. As we transition, maintaining our infrastructure will likely become a more prominent topic in public discourse; it doesn't have to be overly complex to engage with.
Often, a simple thought like 'What’s going on with this?' can encourage more people to consider the infrastructure surrounding them without needing specialized knowledge or expertise.
What is Infrastructure Mirai Day?
We realized that there’s a noticeable lack of opportunities to think about infrastructure in society. While the term 'infrastructure' is widely used, explaining its importance can be somewhat challenging.
Thus, we have created our own occasion,
Infrastructure Mirai Day, celebrated on December 6th, derived from the Japanese pronunciation of numbers: 1 (In) 2 (Fu) 6 (Ra).
Aiming for a Transformative Future
Our aspiration is for December 6th to be a date that effortlessly brings to mind the idea: 'Let’s think about infrastructure today.' We envision a society where infrastructure is recognized not merely as a given but as something that is actively supported by people.
We want to foster a future where everyone involved in infrastructure development takes pride in their contributions.
About the Infrastructure Mirai Project
The Infrastructure Mirai Project is about providing moments for society to pause and contemplate infrastructure and its significance in our lives. Infrastructure is made by human hands and protected by ongoing efforts and technical expertise. Everyday life relies on these behind-the-scenes contributions to proceed smoothly.
This project aims to shed light on these invisible values and the people dedicated to upholding our essential services.
Looking Ahead
Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec will act as the secretariat for the Infrastructure Mirai Project, striving to cultivate a culture of collectively thinking about infrastructure within society. Join us in making December 6th a day of reflection and appreciation for the infrastructure that sustains us all.
For more information, visit the
Infrastructure Mirai Project special site.