OnJune 26 and 27, Iwatani held “Iwatani R&D Forum 2025” at its R&D Center/Iwatani Hydrogen Technology Institute. This event has been held every year since 2023 aiming to introduce the various technical issues tackled by the company and publicize the results of accomplishment. In this event at the third time for two days, there were about 500 visitors including Iwatani’s customers and industrial and academic researchers of universities.

  During the event the staff-members of the Center attended to the groups of about 10 visitors each. Research institute staff stationed in each booth of research made explanations with presentations using slides. After a Q&A session, a commemorative photo was taken. A total of 18 research themes were unveiled on the day, and also a short seminar was provided on six themes including “The Development History of Liquid Hydrogen”.

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In the exhibition area, they made demonstrations using the various experimental equipment regarding green hydrogen, CO₂ recovery, wood resources, the “green LPG producing technology” derived from livestock wastes and the “High-level Welding Technique” by automatic grinding in tie-up with human collaborative robot. In addition to the introduction about the system development regarding hydrogen fuel cell ship “Mahoroba” which is now actually sailing for the EXPO2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, a new theme for the year “100%-H₂ Griller” was unveiled to the public. 

To introduce the system development regarding the Mahoroba, a particular commitment and its concept were described in detail using the data for presentation shown on the screen.

For the development of the Mahoroba the most particular commitment was the control of noise and oscillation to the extreme level. The loading position of fuel hydrogen tank and the leading wire connecting to the engine were quite thoroughly checked which brought the quiet and smooth navigation.

The ship body was designed by Mr. Takumi Yamamoto who is an active car designer working mainly in France. The design is based on the image of “Galloping Divine Beast” This concept is reflected on the interior design making us feel a dynamic curvaceous beauty and some flow of air.

Regarding the hydrogen griller, it was explained that there still seems to be an unsuitable material for the griller and further researching is needed. After the explanation a tasting party was held using sausages served to compare the taste of those cooked using the hydrogen griller with those using an LPG griller.