Message from the President of the Japan Petroleum Institute

Masahiko MATSUKATA (Waseda University)

I have recently been appointed President of the Japan Petroleum Institute. As I assume responsibility for leading this distinguished organization, which has a long history of supporting Japan's energy, fuel, and chemical industries through advances in science and technology, I am keenly aware of the significance of this role. With the support and cooperation of our members, I will do my utmost to contribute to the continued growth and development of the Institute. In light of the current situation in the Middle East, renewed attention is being focused on the stable supply of petroleum and naphtha. Petroleum not only supports society as a source of fuel, but through naphtha, it also serves as the feedstock for basic chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and aromatics. These in turn underpin a wide range of products essential to everyday life and industry, including plastics, fibers, rubber, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and electronic materials. Recent events have once again highlighted the vital role that technologies and research and development related to petroleum and naphtha play in supporting the foundations of society, often in ways that are not readily visible in ordinary times. The Japan Petroleum Institute has long engaged in activities grounded in a broad range of petroleum-related science and technology, encompassing everything from petroleum exploration, development, and production to petroleum refining, petrochemicals, catalysts, analysis, equipment, processes, and product applications. In particular, through its divisions, the Institute has provided valuable forums for sharing information on technical challenges encountered in the field and for fostering exchanges among engineers and researchers from industry, academia, and research institutions. Looking ahead, as crude oil qualities and sources of supply become increasingly diverse, and as feedstocks expand to include biomass, waste plastics, synthetic fuels, and more, the importance of further advancing practical technologies, accumulating technical knowledge, and passing that knowledge on to the next generation will only continue to grow. Achieving carbon neutrality, building a circular economy, and ensuring the self-reliance of our energy supply and manufacturing base are critical challenges that are directly linked to Japan's economic security, as well as to efforts to address climate change. How can we make the most effective use of carbon resources, keep them in circulation, and ensure a stable supply of the energy and materials that society requires? I believe that discussing and disseminating the science and technology needed to address these questions is precisely the role that the Japan Petroleum Institute is called upon to fulfill in the years ahead. A vision for building a circular economy was developed last year under the leadership of former President Yasuharu Yamaguchi, and new division structures and initiatives have since been established based on that vision. Building on this momentum, we will pursue two equally important and mutually reinforcing priorities: supporting the petroleum refining and petrochemical operations that form the core of our industry, and articulating a future vision focused on carbon neutrality and resource circularity. I believe that advancing these two priorities in parallel will define the future direction of the Japan Petroleum Institute and its role in the years ahead. The activities of our regional branches are also of vital importance as grassroots initiatives firmly rooted in their local communities. These activities form the very foundation of the Institute, playing a key role in fostering the next generation of engineers and researchers, strengthening ties with regional industries, and promoting interaction among members. We will continue to strengthen collaboration among the Institute's headquarters, divisions, and regional branches, while fostering an Institute in which every member feels that their participation is meaningful. The Institute's guiding theme is "Building a Sustainable Japan Petroleum Institute." This theme reflects not only the goal of supporting the sustainability of the petroleum industry, but also our commitment to continuously evolving the content and form of the Institute's activities so that it remains valued by industry, society, and younger generations. As an Institute that supports those working in the field, looks to the future, and shares its knowledge and perspectives with society, we will take this next step forward together with our members.