[iichie Memo] September 21 - September 27, 2025
Living in the Modern Age: Questioning the Dignity of 'Life' and Responsibility for the Future through the Latest Trends in Environment, Agriculture, and Life Sciences
Hello everyone, how are you? This is Ichigo Ichie.
In this 'iichie Memo,' I deepen my reflections on 'life,' 'agriculture,' and the 'environment' as seen through daily news and cutting-edge science and technology. The foundation of my exploration is the insight into the 'dignity of life' and 'responsibility for creation' nurtured by Christian thought.
Now that technology is evolving at an astonishing speed and is about to significantly change the way society functions and even our own values, I believe the question, 'What kind of future are we creating, and what will we pass on to the next generation?' carries more weight than ever before.
1. Environment: Signs of 'Climate Change' and Spreading Microplastic Pollution
The current state of the global environment is no longer a distant future issue; it has begun to have a direct impact on our daily lives. This past week alone, specific signs of climate change and the reality of new environmental pollution have been reported.
Familiar changes brought about by climate change and the call for action
It is reported that in September 2025, Japan's average temperature was about 2.5°C higher than the average year, marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking heat, reaching levels almost indistinguishable from the average for August. A survey by Weathernews reveals that 93% of respondents consider recent Septembers to be 'summer,' highlighting the reality that climate change is significantly altering our sense of the seasons. Research by a local museum in Ishikari Beach, Hokkaido, has revealed that seawater temperatures have risen by about 1.5°C over the past 20 years, raising concerns about the impact on the ecosystem, such as the sighting of whale sharks that inhabit warmer waters.
In response to this situation, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will hold the 'TIME TO ACT Forum 2025' on October 7, aiming to connect climate change 'mitigation' and 'adaptation' actions from cities to the world and deliver the voices of cities to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP). Additionally, the EU has expressed the view that China's new climate change measures are 'insufficient,' once again questioning the necessity of international cooperation.
Invisible threats: The spread of microplastics
Surprisingly, research from Waseda University has discovered microplastics even in the air at the summit of Mount Fuji. This suggests that microplastics are not only in the ocean but are circulating throughout the entire Earth in the atmosphere via westerlies, potentially being inhaled into our lungs. Cell experiments have confirmed inflammation and damage to the respiratory system, and it is known that they can flow into the human bloodstream and be transported to the brain, heart, and the entire body. Furthermore, research has been published suggesting that microplastics penetrate deep into bones, indicating a link to osteoporosis.
◆ In Christian thought, 'responsibility for creation' means the duty to wisely manage this Earth that God has given us and to hand it over to the next generation in a healthy state. Rising seawater temperatures, record-breaking heatwaves, and the spread of microplastics confront us with the reality that we humans are not fully fulfilling that responsibility. In the face of environmental changes occurring on a global scale, consideration for 'life' at all levels—from reviewing individual lifestyle habits to concrete behavioral changes by companies and governments—is now strongly required.
2. Agriculture: An Era Questioning Efficiency and Stable Food Supply Enabled by AI
Food is the source of our 'life,' and agriculture, which supports its production, is the foundation of a sustainable society. In Japanese agriculture, which faces challenges such as an aging population and labor shortages, the introduction of the latest technology is accelerating.
Production sites transformed by AI and smart agriculture
ALLYNAV plans to exhibit smart agriculture solutions at the '15th Agriculture WEEK,' including the automatic mowing robot 'Taurus80E,' the automatic steering system 'AF305,' and a cattle growth management system. These technologies support safe and highly efficient weed management on slopes and large areas, reduce the burden on workers, and promote the standardization of operations. Domestically, a rice farmer in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, introduced a demonstration experiment where sensors measure soil temperature and components to digitize the optimal timing for fertilizer, resulting in a 20% increase in the number of grains per stalk. This is expected to contribute to reducing production costs and sustainable rice farming for small-scale farmers. In the Soya region of Hokkaido, the first 'Soya Smart Agriculture SUMMIT' was held to address the decline in dairy farming successors and the aging population, where efficiency through the spread of smart dairy farming was discussed.
Soaring food prices and the dignity of producers
However, there are aspects of the challenges surrounding agriculture that cannot be solved by technological innovation alone. In October 2025, over 3,000 food items will see price increases, and it is reported that plastic bottled beverages in Hokkaido are expected to reach the 200-yen range, with soaring food prices weighing heavily on household budgets. A survey by the NPO Kids Future Passport revealed that 96.6% of child-rearing households feel the increase in food expenses due to rising prices, about 70% of families feel the impact of rising rice prices, and over 90% are anxious about meals and nutrition. Although the average price of rice has fallen slightly, it remains at near-record highs.
◆ While there is great potential for AI to make the blessing of creation—'tilling the earth and nurturing life'—even more abundant, we have an ethical responsibility to ensure that 'food' is not tossed about by economic waves and is supplied stably. To protect the dignity of 'life,' it is essential to establish a social foundation where the efforts of producers are fairly evaluated and sustainable agriculture is supported.
3. Life Science: Innovation in Genetics and Diagnostic Technology and the 'Humanity' Questioned by AI
Advances in life science hold the potential to deepen our understanding of 'life' and improve its quality. This past week, there have been successive groundbreaking announcements that could significantly change the future of medicine.
Progress in genome editing and precision diagnostics transforming medicine
The genome editing market is projected to grow rapidly to 34.2 billion USD by 2033, with CRISPR technology at its center, driven by the emergence of 'Casgevy,' the first CRISPR therapy approved worldwide. The US ARPA-H has announced the 'THRIVE' and 'GIVE' programs to revolutionize the manufacturing of gene therapies, aiming to manufacture treatments for rare diseases in just one week from diagnosis. This seeks to overcome challenges in high costs and supply systems. Additionally, for the treatment of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is applying for a gene therapy drug and Janssen Pharmaceutical is applying for a local delivery system for an anticancer drug, both as the first new drugs in about 40 years, expected to be treatment options that can preserve the bladder.
The biochip market is also projected to reach 29.77 billion USD by 2032, and in Japan, where the population is aging, demand for precision diagnostic solutions is expanding, providing essential genome analysis functions for the introduction of personalized medicine. Domestically, AI drug discovery company Elix and the Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences have signed a joint research agreement for drug discovery utilizing AI technology, exploring new strategies for proteins that were difficult to target with conventional drugs. Furthermore, AI medical device company Aillis has been selected for the AMED 'Digital Healthcare Development and Introduction Acceleration Project,' verifying the economic value in clinical settings through the introduction of the influenza diagnostic AI 'nodoca' and contributing to the development of medicine. In Vietnam, at the Hanoi Post Office Hospital, a demonstration experiment of the Japanese diagnostic imaging support AI 'EIRL' has begun, which is expected to contribute to solving the shortage of doctors.
The 'empathy' of AI questions human dignity
On the other hand, the rapid evolution of AI poses fundamental questions about human 'life' and 'humanity.' Toyo Keizai Online pointed out that the 'empathy' of generative AI could be a threat to humanity and accelerate the 'social division' that has occurred on social media. In the past, cases have been reported where dialogue with AI encouraged a boy with suicidal ideation, leading to the suicide of an adult male, and the current situation where AI's 'empathy' amplifies human loneliness and replaces part of human relationships is being viewed as a problem.
Furthermore, even as AI becomes widespread in medical settings, experts point out that in fields such as psychiatry and end-of-life care, human judgment—where doctors engage in close and careful communication with patients—is indispensable and remains an area that AI cannot replace. The news that Microsoft has suspended AI and cloud services to the Israeli military suggests that AI ethical issues are directly linked to business risks, indicating a current reality where AI is transforming into an 'actor' with geopolitical influence.
◆ In Christian thought, humans are created in the image of God and possess a special dignity of 'life.' While genome editing and precision diagnostic technologies enhance the quality of 'life,' the possibility that AI's 'empathy' could deeply intervene in human ethics and emotions poses a fundamental question to us: 'What is a human being?' No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot replace the ethics, empathy, and sense of awe for 'life' that humans possess.
Until next time
In this 'iichie Memo,' we will continue to deepen our reflections every week from the perspective of 'the dignity of life' and 'responsibility for a sustainable future' based on timely news and topics. What kind of future will we, who live in the present, hand over to the next generation? I hope that thinking about this question together with you will help you find a 'compass for the future' in your daily lives. See you in the next iichie Memo.
#iichieMemo #FuturePrediction #Life #Agriculture #Environment #Technology #ChristianThought #DignityOfLife #Sustainability #ResponsibilityToNextGeneration #LetsTalkAboutTheFutureOnNote
Notes on information sources:
AI medical device company AI-Iris selected for AMED's 'Digital Healthcare Development and Introduction Acceleration Project' - Excite (September 27, 2025)
AI drug discovery company Elix and Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences sign joint research agreement for AI-driven drug discovery - Excite (September 27, 2025)
EU expresses view that China's new climate change measures are insufficient, calling them 'disappointing' - Livedoor News (September 27, 2025)
Latest rice prices: Slight decline but still at record highs, down 29 yen from the previous week to 4,246 yen for 5kg (September 26, 2025) - YouTube
ALLYNAV exhibits smart agriculture solutions at the 15th Agriculture WEEK - PR TIMES (September 26, 2025)
Is September autumn or summer? Is global warming causing an 'extended summer' in September? Heat comparable to the Augusts of the past - Weather News (September 26, 2025)
SDGs project 'Microplastics found even in the air at the summit of Mt. Fuji' (September 26, 2025) - YouTube
Why Microsoft suspended AI and cloud services to the Israeli military. AI ethical issues are directly linked to business risks, transforming into an 'actor' with geopolitical influence - note (September 26, 2025)
First new drug in 40 years for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer... Ferring applies for gene therapy drug, Janssen for local delivery system | AnswersNews - Answers (Updated September 11, 2025)
70% scream at rising rice prices due to inflation, over 90% of child-rearing households face nutritional anxiety — Kids Gochimeshi survey results released | NPO Kids Future Passport Press Release - PR TIMES (September 25, 2025)
Demonstration experiment of diagnostic imaging support AI 'EIRL' begins at Hanoi Post Office Hospital, Vietnam - PR TIMES (September 25, 2025)
ALLYNAV exhibits smart agriculture solutions at the 15th Agriculture WEEK (September 26, 2025) - Excite
[First time held] 'Soya Smart Agriculture SUMMIT,' an experiential event to learn about cutting-edge dairy farming - PR TIMES (September 22, 2025)
Is global warming the cause? Seawater temperature at Ishikari Beach, Hokkaido, has risen 1.5°C in 20 years; whale sharks and other species that inhabit warm seas confirmed - HTB Hokkaido News (September 26, 2025)
Even with the spread of medical AI... The form of medical practice performed by 'doctors who can survive' — 2 medical departments and fields where experts point out AI cannot be used | Medical/Hospital (September 26, 2025)
Record-breaking heat in September for the 3rd consecutive year; heat comparable to an average August - dmenu Weather (September 26, 2025)
What are the new initiatives of young farmers... Increasing harvests through 'IT x Agriculture' [Super J Channel] (September 21, 2025) - YouTube
'TIME TO ACT Forum 2025: Strategically confronting climate change - Connecting 'mitigation' and 'adaptation' actions from cities to the world' to be held on Tuesday, October 7, 17:30-19:30 | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Press Release - PR TIMES (September 26, 2025)
Oshipura! Over 3,000 food items to see price hikes in October; some plastic bottled drinks to reach the 200-yen range. What are the money-saving tips for Hokkaido residents? - HTB (September 26, 2025)
Rice prices nearing record highs; what are the best ways to buy new rice for less? [Super J Channel] (September 26, 2025)
Over 3,000 items to see price hikes in October... Over 60% feel 'savings fatigue' due to high prices; some services are daring to 'lower prices' [N-Sta Commentary] | TBS NEWS DIG - YouTube (September 25, 2025)
Latest News List - innovaTopia (September 21, 27, 2025)
Why is the 'empathy' of generative AI a threat to humanity? / What is the mechanism of the business model that could further accelerate the 'social division' occurring on social media? - Toyo Keizai Online (September 23, 2025)
[AI-related news commentary] (September 27, 2025 edition) | Enjyu
Enjyu- note (September 27, 2025)The global biochip market is projected to reach 29.77 billion USD by 2032, with Japan expected to lead growth in the Asia-Pacific region at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.02%. - FNN Prime Online (September 26, 2025)
ARPA-H announces 'THRIVE' and 'GIVE' programs for a manufacturing revolution in gene therapy, aiming to produce treatments within one week of diagnosis - innovaTopia (September 26, 2025)
Genome editing market outlook: Rapid growth to 34.2 billion USD by 2033 (September 26, 2025)
Microplastics accumulating in bones!? Concerns over the link to osteoporosis – Healthcare commentary from a cardiologist's perspective (September 25, 2025) Living in the modern age - Questioning the dignity of 'life' and responsibility to the future from the latest trends in environment, agriculture, and life sciences