Water Journey in Ginza
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Main Event

Water Journey in GinzaWater Circulation Connecting the World

Exhibition Dates:Oct 3, 2018 (Wed.) - Dec 12, 2018 (Wed.)

Open:11:00 - 21:00

Admission:Free

Do you think Japan is a water-rich country? On average, the amount of rain that falls as a water resource in Japan is approximately 1.6 times that which falls in other countries around the world. However, if it is converted to the amount per person, it is approximately one-quarter*.

Nevertheless, the residents of Japan freely use water in abundance thanks to the development and improvement of infrastructure over the years and a variety of technologies that help to circulate a limited water resource. Mitsubishi Electric has been supporting water circulation through its water purifying technologies, and initiatives to recycle water more efficiently and without waste.

Water is valuable for all living organisms on Earth, where its circulation continues to support humankind, nature and society. So, what should we do to maintain the water circulation cycle? Please join us at METoA Ginza to experience “Water Journey in Ginza”.

*Source: "2018 Current States of Water Resources in Japan", Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

1F | METoA 1

Water CirculationSymbolic Display of “Water Circulation” Expressed Using Actual Water.

Water Circulation

We hope you enjoy this intriguing display of flowing water, which appears to be flowing upward and sometimes not moving at all.

METoA Cafe & KitchenSparkling jelly that can be enjoyed as a cocktail as well as a sweet.

ShopWe have something to offer for all visitors, which will provide them with a feel of “water circulation” and “preservation of biodiversity”– the themes of this event.

2F | METoA 2

Manatees and Illuminated AquariumLet’s Interact with Manatees in a Relaxing Water Environment

Manatees and Illuminated Aquarium

Let’s have fun with manatees by feeding them and cleaning the water.
All the way from their natural habitat in western Africa, come see the manatees at METoA Ginza! In an underwater environment recreated on the 64-screen display and exhibition floors, we fully employ the use of projection technologies to give visitors the impression of swimming freely with manatees. Synchronized lighting changes over time, adding further to the realistic feel in this water drama. Be sure to notice the different feel in this water drama. Be sure to notice the different reactions from the manatees based on the type of food they are fed. It is also possible to witness the cleaning of effluent water through an animation inspired by the use of ozonizers, one of which is installed at the Toba Aquarium. We hope you will enjoy this unique opportunity to interact with friendly manatees to your heart’s content.

Ripples spreading from the depths of the water projected on the floor.

Please make gestures with your hands to start the ozonizer and clean the water.

Editorial Supervisors: Toba Aquarium

Located in Toba, Mie Prefecture, the Toba Aquarium is known as the best in-captivity breeding facility in Japan, and is home to approximately 1,200 species. The aquarium was opened 63 years ago in 1955. Visitors can see many unique creatures such as African manatees and dugongs—the model of legendary mermaids—that are breeding only there, and other “interesting creatures.”

Exclusive "Manatees and Illuminated Aquarium" Coasters Being Distributed

Front
マナティーと光のアクアリウム限定コースター オモテ
Reverse
マナティーと光のアクアリウム限定コースター ウラ

Exclusive "Manatees and Illuminated Aquarium" Coasters Being Distributed

During the period of the event, exclusive coasters with the illustrations of cute manatees are being distributed. There are four different illustrations. Let's see which one you will get. On the reverse side of the coaster are described "key steps" on how to enjoy interacting with manatees. Get your coaster and have fun with manatees in the soothing underwater space!

3F | METoA 3

The Story of WaterLet’s Take a Look at the Journey of Water

The Story of Water

Introducing the never-ending journey of water circulation.
Water in the air condenses to form clouds and become rain, falls to the ground, flows into rivers, is used in daily life, returns to the sea, evaporates into the air to form clouds, and becomes rain again… Water is constantly changing its state while simultaneously benefiting our daily life, nature and all living organisms. Mitsubishi Electric technologies support this water circulation cycle in many ways. “Ozonizers” make tap water taste better and contribute to making sewage water reusable. “Microbubbles” remove oil grime from parts at factories without using detergents. We also provide “monitoring and control systems” that keep a close eye on water as it is circulating through its never-ending cycle. At METoA Ginza, we are delighted to present these technologies and various initiatives we are involved in that one seldom comes across in daily life. Thunder and the sound of rain will spark interest and draw visitors to a monitor, which will then cue the video to start. While following a series of LED lights that resemble flowing water, you will be presented an animation based on the theme of “water circulation.” We hope to envelop you into the journey as if you were a drop of water, and that you enjoy this educational trip.

Mitsubishi Electric Water Treatment Technologies are Contributing Overseas as Well.

China

Helping to put a stop to worsening water contamination.
In China, the worsening water pollution and water resource shortage have led to more stringent regulations than in Japan in an effort to promote the effective use of water and preservation of the aquatic environment. Mitsubishi Electric has delivered ozonizers for use in drinking-water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants, mainly to Beijing, and other major cities. This initiative contributes to improving the quality of water used in daily life as well as the reuse of wastewater. Additionally, a Mitsubishi Electric factory in China has developed and introduced a water recycling system, with the result of substantially reducing the volume of water used in manufacturing lines and discharged from the factory.

Singapore

Contributing to water recycling that doesn’t waste a single drop of rain.
In Singapore, where land is limited and flat, having poor water retention capacity, most of the water supply is imported. The Singaporean government regards the resolution of water problems as a priority issue, and is stepping up its efforts to realize a completely self-sufficient water supply. Mitsubishi Electric has delivered ozonizers so the residents of Singapore can enjoy better-tasting water. Furthermore, the verification experiment of Eco MBR* has begun. The system uses ozonated water to clean the membrane filters in equipment that processes and recycles effluent and industrial wastewater. This has contributed to a significant improvement in processing capacities.

*EcoMBR: Eco Membrane BioReactor

CDP
Received the highest rank, the A List, in the "Water" category for two consecutive years from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an international NGO.

Ozone Cleaning ChallengePump in air to clean the water!

オゾン クリア チャレンジ

Safer and Cleaner – Ozonizers Purify Water.
Mitsubishi Electric ozone generators (i.e., ozonizers) make tap water taste better and recycle sewage water, cleaning water with the power of ozone. The company currently boasts the top share of the domestic drinking-water/sewage treatment plant market, and is manufacturing high-density ozonizers with the world’s highest energy efficiency and space-saving performance as the result of its R&D activities over many years. At METoA Ginza, you can experience the power of ozone in a simulation where you generate ozone by pumping air through an ozonizer. The water becomes clearer as it is gradually purified, and a fish eventually appears, swimming about enjoying itself.


Ozonizers Purify Water.

"Ozonizer" ozone generator

Mitsubishi Electric ozone generators (i.e., ozonizers) purify water utilizing the deodorizing and bleaching effects of ozone, which is a more potent disinfectant and oxidant than chlorine. In addition, ozone has no negative effect on the environment as it becomes oxygen when broken down.

Shooting MicrobubblesTake a Shot at Grime with Bubbles Smaller Than 100µm

Shooting Microbubbles

Microbubbles Remove Oil Grime Without Using Detergents.
Microbubbles are microscopic bubbles less than 0.1mm in diameter. They slowly drift around in water and rise to the surface. Before reaching the surface, they attract oil and absorb minute impurities. Having focused on the characteristics of microbubbles, Mitsubishi Electric started using them in part of the cleaning process at its factories. As the process does not involve detergents, water that has been cleaned can be reused, which in turn, results in saving water. It is also being used to clean the pipelines of Mitsubishi Electric’s heat-pump hot-water systems for homes. In this way, the company is helping to reduce the negative environmental impact of wastewater. At METoA Ginza, you have a chance to use microbubbles in a shooting game in which you shoot at grime on items appearing on the screen. How much grime can you remove? We hope you enjoy the game.

Cleaning process in factory (left: microbubble cleaning, right: cleaning finished)


Heat-pump water heater

Heat-pump water heater

SEEK“AR” in GinzaLet’s Find Creatures Living Nearby!

SEEK”AR” in Ginza

Tap here to see the name of the creature displayed.

Starting from Studying Biodiversity with the Aim of Living in Harmony with Nature.
Mitsubishi Electric is working to further reduce the impact of its business activities on ecosystems and preserve biodiversity in order to contribute to creating a sustainable society that lives in harmony with nature. As part of our initiatives, we have started studying biodiversity at our business sites, as well as other activities aimed at promoting biodiversity. These activities include the preservation of indigenous species, control of non-native species, and improvement of greenery while considering the ecosystem. At METoA Ginza, we offer you a chance to experience studying biodiversity in Ginza through a simulation using AR. When you hold the tablet over the wall, streets appear, triggering your search for birds and insects living in the city. We hope you will join us to find creatures living nearby.

Production cooperation: Hibiya Park Service Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation Park Association

Expanding Our Biodiversity Preservation Activities in Japan.

case1

Protecting a rich waterway environment where Japanese freshwater eels are found.
Power Device Works (Fukuoka Prefecture)

The Power Device Works is our R&D and manufacturing base for cutting-edge power semiconductors. We have been utilizing a creek on the premises as a waterway since the works opened. The results of the Studying Biodiversity program confirmed that a diverse ecosystem exists in and along the waterway, including a Japanese freshwater eel classified as an endangered species. In order to protect this valuable ecosystem, we have been working to preserve the environment through various initiatives, including reviewing tree planting along the waterway.

case2

Creating biotope to attract creatures.
Power Distribution Systems Center (Kagawa Prefecture)

The Power Distribution Systems Center is our manufacturing base for products that support stable power supply. In order to maintain a rich natural environment on the reclaimed ground facing the Seto Inland Sea, we studied the biodiversity of the area and created a biotope as a place for wild birds and insects to rest and feed. It is now attracting various other creatures as well.