Person and company being interviewed:
Director Takashi Shirohata of Acrorad Co., Ltd.

Q1.Can you give us a company profile and tell us a little about your business in Okinawa?

A:Our company came to the Okinawa Free Trade Zone to develop semiconductor crystals for use in radiation detection.
One of the greatest features of the use of our semiconductor crystals for radiation measurement is that resultant data can be digitized and while both our product and the traditional methods, using X-ray film, detect radiation, the sensitivity of the semiconductor crystal is 97% to the X-ray film's 2%. This is an extraordinary advance in sensitivity. The result is that machines currently being used can be increased in efficiency, produced smaller and lighter, and become easier to use. It is truly revolutionary in the field. Currently we are developing and commercializing this technology for the large-scale global medical manufacturing market. For example, in the medical field, a gamma ray probe currently under development will be able to accurately grasp the extent of the diseased area without leakage. This substantially increases the safety and dependability of the surgical procedure involved. Also in the space industry they are starting to be used on satellites as observation equipment. We have already delivered our products to the ESA (European Space Agency). Our company's current objectives are to provide a stable supply of high quality semiconductor crystals to the applicable markets worldwide using the Free Trade Zone as our base of development. Initial production will be 1.5 million units and then we hope to expand the system to 3.5 million. I estimate that current demand runs at about ten times that, however.

Q2.What was the most significant reason for moving your company to Okinawa?

A:There were a number of issues to deal with before we could make a decision, but the favorable treatment we are getting in terms of tax and employment grants for young employees were a great incentive to come to Okinawa. I am familiar with the grants given for the physically and mentally challenged as well as the programs for the elderly, but this is the first I have heard of a program for young employees.

Q3.What do you think are the tasks and issues for Okinawa?

A:Things are a little different than Tokyo. For example, even the financial systems implemented here are a bit different. So for attracting business to Okinawa, I believe it is important that conditions continue to be made easier for enterprises to move into. I would like the approach to attracting business to be more compact, a one-stop service, so to speak. I understand that there are, of course, difficult issues involved and business would like to make changes which might seem logical to them but not to the administration. However, the difficulties are from the standpoint of the seller, not that of the buyer (business enterprises in this case). Aside from that I wish the Free Trade Zone had easier access to the expressway.

Q4.What do you think about costs?

A:Land cost is of course high all over, as it is here. However, I am not particular about the distribution costs at all. What is interesting is that we can use the Free Trade Zone's bond system to import raw materials from Canada and process it right here in the FTZ and then ship directly to Europe and America.

Q5.What do you look for in the youth of Okinawa? And from the administrative organizations here?

A:As an enterprise coming to Okinawa, I want excellent young people to staff my business. I have just spoken with a professor from the University of the Ryukyus about my teaching a special course aimed at educating the type of youth we need here. As for the cooperation between businesses and universities, well, for example, we would welcome it if a student came into our company in order to write a graduation thesis on cadmium-related research, etc. In that kind of situation the company would be able to get talented people easier and the university will be able to provide their students with a location for practical research. As for the prefecture, I would like to see a framework where we could get the local community more involved and understanding of what we do in terms of work and research. For example getting a group of citizens together once a week for a lecture. The merits go both ways in such a situation in that the company coming here gets ties to the region and the community would get an understanding of what we do.

Q6.What do you think are the merits of Okinawa for companies moving here?

A:Our forte is foundational technology and it has the potential to develop here. In our factory we can make applications for the crystals. For example, if we can make the crystals next comes the assembly and finally the production of equipment that uses them. So in the future there is the possibility of making a joint assembly line in Okinawa with an overseas company. In reality, there is a manufacturer in Finland that is interested in coming to Okinawa. If you build the foundation, growth can happen. It doesn't end with just one product.
We currently employ eight people, which in 2002 will increase to twenty-three. I hope the next enterprise attracted to Okinawa will be assembly companies that will provide push for increasing employment. The cost of many employees has a large affect on operations but with a 50% grant for young employees business will certainly become interested. Thank you.