<Nikkei Regional Revitalization Forum> SomeQ Technology Addresses Sewer Pipe Aging Solutions

SomeQ Technology Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Goka-machi, Ibaraki Prefecture; Representative Director: Sadao Hishiki) participated in the Nikkei Regional Revitalization Forum, 'Regeneration of Water and Sewage Systems and Infrastructure Management,' held in Saitama Prefecture on May 21, 2026. Representative Director Sadao Hishiki delivered a presentation on solutions for aging sewer pipe infrastructure.

In his corporate lecture titled 'Aging Sewer Pipes: How to Solve this Difficult Problem,' Hishiki explained the company's proprietary 'Toughness Construction Method' as a solution to the critical social issue of aging sewer pipes nationwide. He began by outlining the major challenges facing infrastructure: 'Maintaining and managing social infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, and sewer pipes, is extremely difficult. Most infrastructure is built with iron and concrete because they are strong, cheap, and easy to use, but iron rusts quickly and concrete deteriorates rapidly.'

Regarding the theme of aging sewer pipes, Hishiki cited data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's nationwide survey, noting a serious situation: 201 kilometers of sewer pipes are classified as 'Urgency Level I' requiring action within one year, and 547 kilometers are classified as 'Urgency Level II' requiring action within five years.

To address this challenge, he emphasized, 'Everything depends on whether we can toughen everything. We want to realize the long-term life extension of existing social infrastructure, so that once repaired, it can be maintained for 50, 60 years, and beyond.' He elaborated on the 'Toughness Construction Method,' which enables the regeneration, life extension, and reinforcement of social infrastructure. As a case study, he referenced the use of the technology on the Naha Ohashi Bridge in Okinawa, noting its strength: 'We can coat bridge columns even in wet conditions using our uniquely developed new material.' He concluded by stating, 'We will continue to conduct further research to deliver technology that gains the trust and peace of mind of the public.'

He also participated in a panel discussion with industry, academic, and government experts, including Saitama Governor Motohiro Ono and Chika Abe, Senior Researcher at the Public Works Research Institute, to discuss water infrastructure as a cornerstone of future living.

In sewer pipe renovation, it is possible to drastically reduce renovation costs, shorten construction times, and minimize impact on the surrounding environment by repairing and reinforcing existing pipes using our proprietary new material without the need for conventional road excavation.