In this paper, we briefly looked back on history from the perspective of humankind and chemistry, and life and chemistry, followed by tracing back to the formation of the earth and elements. Also, we briefly refer to the future of humankind and chemistry based on the historical background and recent development of chemistry.

The expansive development across various fields of science and technology has led to tendencies of specialization and isolation, complicating the task of creating a comprehensive map of engineering. On the other hand, the ability to synthesize engineering cross-sectionally and generate new innovations is becoming increasingly necessary. In this paper, within the framework of the lecture on ‘Liberal Arts in Engineering’, we propose an approach that uses Schumpeter’s wave of innovation as a foundation for creating a map of engineering as a method to grasp the overall image of engineering. Furthermore, we present examples of technical integration such as skyscrapers, and examine the reality of technology development that unfolds as a fusion of technology-driven and concept-driven aspects.

The introduction of the compact disc (CD) in 1982 brought about a fundamental change in the music distribution media that had existed for more than 100 years since Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. In a short period of time, the CD replaced the LP record, which had been the predominant music distribution medium, not because of its superior sound quality, but rather because the CDs are much easier to handle. The reasons for the rapid spread of CDs and the physics and technology behind them will be explained.

In July 2019, supporting alumni of the University of Tokyo EMP Program cooperated with IIS to launch “Culture X Engineering” as a research group open to all University of Tokyo faculty and EMP alumni. By this point in March 2023, the group has already met thirty times. In addition to researchers with expertise in a wide variety of fields, professionals also participate in the group, helping to promote “HSP” (Humanities-Science-Professional) collaboration. This report on the group’s activities in 2022 provides an outline of each meeting’s contents, as well as a discussion of the group’s achievements, the challenges it has faced, and its prospects for the future.

This article summarizes lectures delivered in June 2023 by Professor Nakajima Takahiro (Chinese Philosophy) and Professor Notomi Noburu (Greek Philosophy) on the theme of “Change.” The lectures by Professor Nakajima and Professor Notomi were entitled “Technology and the Way in Zhuangzi” and “The Philosophical Origins of Atomic Theory: Being and Becoming in Ancient Greek Philosophy,” respectively. The article also introduces the discussions that took place among the attendees, most of whom were STEM researchers.

The “relationship between people and man-made objects” is often mentioned among engineering researchers. Looked at over the mid- and long-term, this relationship is also a matter of interest for historians. This paper focuses on mirrors as man-made objects that have potentially had a significant impact on people’s self-perception. In Japan, the production of plate glass became industrially possible during the Meiji era, also enabling the manufacture of plane glass mirrors. For the first time, people came into contact with their own appearance in a modern way by looking in the mirror. Domestic space continued to be a contested topic. This paper analyzes Taisho-period arguments over that subject, which ultimately rested on concerns held by contemporary intellectuals about Japan’s “level of civilization.”.

The author proposes that the vernacular nature of Social System Design will integrate the culture and engineering.

Houses and automobiles are chosen as a case in point. Houses has gone through the period of so-called modernization regarding them as industrial products which is uniform and international.

But, today, they are regarded as vernacular objects reflecting the local character. The daily use of houses naturally reflects climates, and local mores developed over time, and naturally with emotions attached.

On the other hand, cars which are the epitome of modern-day engineering product. But, the author predicts that it will gradually become a product of vernacular nature. Instead of combustion engines will be replaced by electric motor, both eventually become one of components of the new people mover system as another important Social System which incorporates engineering quality as well as social value which by nature vernacular to be effective at various type of societies in the world.

While it is foreseen that various types of autonomous agents will coexist with us on a daily basis, it is difficult to say that the development and systematization of a digital twin environment that these agents can rely on in a general-purpose manner has progressed sufficiently at present. In this study, based on the current situation where different spatial description specifications are used separately in different industrial domains, we investigate the current status and summarize the issues and possibilities for the future with a view to systematizing and implementing LoD (Level of Detail / Development) across multiple spatial description specifications. Then, we presented a frame that enables the coordination and conversion of LoDs between different specifications.