News On Japan

Revolutionary Technology Generates Power from Soil, Bread, and Water

TOKYO, Jan 20 (News On Japan) - Satoshi Nakagawa, CEO of Tripod Design, has pioneered a groundbreaking technology called "micro energy harvesting," which collects minuscule amounts of electricity from a wide range of everyday materials, including soil, bread, water, and even fruits like tomatoes and apples.

This innovative approach involves inserting electrodes made of different materials, such as magnesium and carbon, into substances that contain moisture or ions. When these electrodes interact, a small electric current is generated, capable of powering devices like lightbulbs or even charging smartphones for extended periods.

Nakagawa has conducted extensive research, testing over 3,200 different substances, ranging from soil and water to construction materials and living organisms. Most substances, except for insulators like rubber or glass, have been found to generate electricity using this method. In one demonstration, a piece of bread and two electrodes successfully powered a light, showcasing the simplicity and versatility of this technology. In another experiment, electrodes inserted into park soil or tap water produced similar results.

The potential applications of micro energy harvesting are vast and transformative. Major corporations, including NTT Group, have taken notice and are exploring ways to commercialize the technology. Its uses span various fields, from powering medical devices and disaster response tools to sustainable energy solutions in space exploration. By generating power from easily accessible materials, the technology challenges the conventional focus on large-scale electricity generation, instead emphasizing the value of harnessing small amounts of energy from diverse sources.

Nakagawa’s work represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy innovation, with the potential to reshape global electricity consumption. As the technology continues to advance, it offers promising solutions for energy challenges in healthcare, disaster preparedness, and beyond, paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

Source: テレ東BIZ

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Intermittent snowfall has continued across areas along the Sea of Japan coast under the season’s strongest cold wave, and Fukui Prefecture issued a special weather alert on January 24th warning of significant heavy snow, with forecasters expecting conditions to worsen again through January 25th.Snowfall intensified around Fukui Prefecture overnight on January 22nd, with even low-lying areas in Hokuriku recording above-average snow depth for this time of year.

The Japanese government decided at a Cabinet meeting on January 23rd to dissolve the House of Representatives, with the Lower House set to be formally dissolved at a plenary session later in the day, effectively launching the election campaign.

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui has drawn widespread attention for a series of posts showcasing breathtaking views from space, including a video of the aurora that he shared on January 12th shortly before returning.

Japan welcomed more than 40 million foreign visitors in 2025 for the first time, setting a new annual record, even as arrivals from China fell sharply in December.

A traditional New Year event known as “Jaduna” was held in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, with local residents praying for a year of good health and protection from illness.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

A new disposal system that uses microorganisms to break down culled bears is drawing attention in Hokkaido, as Japan faces a growing challenge not only in preventing bear attacks but also in handling the remains after animals are killed.

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui returned safely to Earth on January 15th, smiling and waving after completing more than five months aboard the International Space Station.

Sleep scientist Masashi Yanagisawa, a professor at the University of Tsukuba, offers explanations to common sleep-related concerns gathered from people on the street. People’s question: Is it better for sleep to take a shower or soak in a bath?

The steel industry has long supported the backbone of global industry and economic growth, but at the same time it accounts for more than 10 percent of worldwide CO2 emissions, making decarbonization an urgent challenge.

Osamu Suwa, an astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is set to undertake his first long-term stay aboard the International Space Station, becoming the eighth Japanese astronaut to do so.

A male whale measuring about 15 meters in length and weighing roughly 32 tons, which strayed into Osaka Bay and died in January 2024, was excavated from the site where it had been buried. The operation was carried out over two days, during which the whale’s bones were gradually uncovered.

More than a day after a strong earthquake struck Tottori and Shimane prefectures on January 6th, with a maximum seismic intensity of upper 5, disruptions including water outages are still affecting local communities.

A road uplift that occurred in a Tokyo neighborhood is believed to have been caused by construction work on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, with JR Central saying the tunnel excavation was likely responsible for the surface damage.