The visit was initiated and led by Professor Emeritus Dr Hisato Kobayashi of Hosei University in Tokyo. The reason for the long journey was the interest of Professor Kobayashi and his three colleagues, Hiroaki Ito, Kenjiro Takino and Tomohiro Ishikawa, in the possible use of the innovative MONOCAB system on Japan's northernmost main island, Hokkaido.
‘This enquiry highlights the global network of the TH OWL and the international interest in its forward-looking projects,’ emphasises Thorsten Försterling, who initiated MONOCAB.
Germany and Japan are facing similar demographic challenges, characterised by low birth rates on the one hand and increasing life expectancy on the other. These developments are leading to an ageing population, which poses challenges for both the infrastructure and the social systems in both countries.
An intensive exchange of experiences and solutions is therefore of great importance for both Japan and Germany in order to jointly develop strategies for coping with demographic change.
Hokkaido is also affected by demographic change. Despite its magnificent nature and scenic diversity, the region is suffering from an ageing population. The associated decline in demand has led to the closure of many local railway lines.
This results particularly in significant mobility problems for the region's older population. The MONOCAB system could provide a crucial solution here, revitalising rail transport and offering local people a reliable and individual mobility option.
Thorsten Försterling explains: ‘MONOCAB OWL is an innovative rail system for private transport that has been specially designed for use in rural areas. During the visit of the delegation from Japan, the guests had the opportunity to see the system and take a test ride.’
Following this, it was agreed that further information would be exchanged intensively in order to deepen a possible cooperation. The aim of this cooperation is to jointly explore how mobility in rural areas can be improved by innovative solutions for individual passenger transport (IPNV) in the context of demographic change.
This Japanese-German exchange is supported by the TRiNNOVATION project, the transfer office at TH OWL. Its goal is to establish a dynamic culture of innovation and cooperation within the university, in the region of East Westphalia-Lippe and beyond. Through successful cooperation, the visibility and effectiveness of research at TH OWL is to be increased in order to promote concrete innovations and changes in the economy and society.
The relations between Lemgo and Japan have a long and meaningful tradition. Particularly worthy of mention is the work of the versatile scholar, writer and physician Engelbert Kaempfer (1651-1716), who lived in Japan from 1690 to 1692. The Engelbert Kaempfer Society Lemgo e.V., a German-Japanese friendship group, preserves and cultivates this heritage and promotes cultural exchange between the two countries.
The enquiry from Japan and the interest in projects from TH OWL, such as the MONOCAB system as a possible solution for the mobility problems on Hokkaido, emphasise the importance of international cooperation in overcoming demographic change.
By sharing knowledge and experiences, both countries can work together to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of an ageing population. The involvement of the Technical University and the support provided by TRiNNOVATION show how international cooperation can advance research and development at universities and bring about concrete social change.
