In Japan, the future is not something distant; it is something that is happening here and now. There, technology is woven into society, and culture into innovation. At every turn, you can feel that Japan is a nation that knows how to respect tradition while boldly shaping its visions for the future.
As part of the Slovenian economic delegation, our director Urban Pevnik and head of sales Bojan Goluh had the opportunity to experience this future up close. At the invitation of the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sport and SPIRIT Slovenia, they visited Tokyo and Osaka, where key events took place:
- business forum on tourism, sports, and nutrition,
- panels on hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and advanced robotics,
- B2B meetings with representatives of leading Japanese companies,
- a visit to Daihen, one of the finest examples of successful cooperation between Japan and Slovenia.
The hosts welcomed them with openness and warmth, and the events provided an exceptional opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and co-creation of new opportunities.
When Slovenia meets Japan
The delegation was officially accompanied by Minister Matjaž Han, who opened Slovenian Day and the Business Forum. There, they proudly promoted Slovenia as a country of innovation, connectivity, and creativity. The program was enhanced by cultural events that showcased the richness of Slovenian creativity, while also emphasizing our ability to translate our identity into a global context.
They also visited the Japanese pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. Its design is a manifesto in itself: built in a circular shape from laminated wood, which will be dismantled after the exhibition and used for new buildings. All waste from the pavilion will be converted into energy, and even the furniture is made from recycled materials.
This is the true image of Society 5.0, a society that knows that sustainability is the only true form of development.
Visit to the company Daihen, one of the finest examples of cooperation between Japan and Slovenia
The delegation also visited company Daihen, one of the finest examples of successful cooperation between Japan and Slovenia. Minister Han emphasized Slovenia’s export orientation and the importance of investment in innovation and science, which are key to further economic development. He emphasised the presence of company Daihen in Lendava, where it makes an important contribution to the creation of new jobs and the development of the local environment.
Our Bojan Goluh also attended the visit, gaining valuable insight into one of the best examples of combining Slovenian knowledge with Japanese technology.
Hiproject announcements
Urban Pevnik, director and founder of Hiproject, had the opportunity to take the stage twice in Japan and share the vision of our company and Institute 5.0. In Tokyo, he participated in a panel discussion on hydrogen innovations in energy, mobility, and sustainability. His message was clear:
“Hydrogen is not 50 years away. The internal combustion engine took 100 years, electric mobility took 20, but hydrogen, supported by artificial intelligence and automation, will spread much faster.”
Pevnik emphasized that electricity will remain the main source for smaller vehicles, while hydrogen will become the backbone of heavy transport, aviation, and shipping. This is where the greatest emissions savings are found and where industry has the opportunity to truly become the guardian of the planet.
In Osaka, he presented Hiproject and our work in the food industry. There, he explained how digital twins, sensors, and the industrial metaverse can be used to monitor every stage of production, from raw materials to packaging and storage.
“Distance is no longer an obstacle. With the industrial metaverse, we can launch a production line, manage service, and solve problems in real time, even from Slovenia to Japan.” This is the power of Industry 5.0, where technology transcends boundaries and becomes a bridge between people.
Society 5.0 and Industry 5.0: two paths, one goal
As we listened to our Japanese partners and examined their solutions, we clearly sensed how closely their visions of Society 5.0 align with our principles of Industry 5.0.
- Technology is not an end in itself, but should serve people.
- Sustainability is not a choice, but a necessity.
- Innovation is not a privilege, but a shared responsibility.
“New technologies will solve today’s scientific and engineering bottlenecks in years, not decades. Hydrogen will soon power not only industry but also households,” said Pevnik.
This philosophy is also the foundation of the i5.0 Institute in Slovenske Konjice, which is being developed as an open platform for companies, researchers, and the community. There, we want to create an environment where people and technologies work together for the benefit of society, the economy, and nature.
Gratitude and promise for the future
Urban and Bojan returned from Japan full of impressions, gratitude, and inspiration. They saw that we Slovenians can be equal partners even at the highest level when it comes to artificial intelligence, hydrogen, and sustainable industry.
Our message remains the same: Industry 5.0 is a bridge between technology and people. And we have further strengthened this bridge in Japan.
Hiproject will continue to shape the future where innovation meets sustainability, and where technology connects rather than divides.