Future Stories Vol. 2
Media Center

“Future Stories” is a series in which we interview Group employees about initiatives that will lead to a future with Space for your Smile.

the SKY PerfecTV! Tokyo Media Center (hereinafter, “the Media Center”), which is the center for delivering SKY PerfecTV! throughout Japan, is located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, an area where historic canals still remain. The Media Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It has broadcasting equipment for collecting content to be broadcast and transmitting that content to satellites, as well as studios and other equipment for producing programs.

Due to the characteristics of the Media Center, it also had the highest environmental impact among the Group. In November 2022, we switched all electricity consumption at the Media Center to substantial renewable energy, thereby taking a step forward as a green Media Center.

In addition to providing stable broadcasting and services to our customers, one of the important activities of the Media Center is contributing to local residents who show understanding for our business.

We discussed sustainability-related activities with two members responsible for managing the Media Center.

―――Interview members

Regarding BCP and relief recovery through the provision of disaster resilient broadcasting and communication infrastructure

―――Materialities include many items related to the Media Center. I have selected four such items and would like to discuss each of them today.

Amanuma: We carried out two activities in fiscal 2021. The first was to reinforce rooftop structures. The second was to install an antenna that can withstand wind speeds of up to 90 meters.

Hamaguchi: When it comes to reinforcing rooftop structures, we started by thinking about why it is necessary to reinforce the structures. We considered whether we could reinforce the existing rooftop antennas on the Media Center to prepare for a strong typhoon. As expected, we found that it would be difficult to reinforce existing antennas by supporting them from the outside. We realized that our only option was to rebuild the antennas.

However, there were multiple antennas on the roof. We determined that the likelihood of them all falling over was very low and that strong winds would not evenly hit all the antennas. There is one backup antenna for the 110 degrees east longitude SKY PerfecTV! service which is our core broadcasting. Accordingly, we devised and implemented a proposal to ensure continued service by making at least the backup antenna resistant to wind speeds of 90 meters.

Amanuma: This proposal was triggered by a discussion at the Risk Management Committee in March 2020. The story began when we confronted the issue of how to ensure continued broadcasting.

Hamaguchi: For rooftop structures other than antennas, there are no clear standards for how many meters of wind speed they can withstand. Furthermore, it is not economically viable to demolish existing structures in order to build something stronger. Consequently, we decided to reinforce the existing structures. Specifically, we reinforced structures against strong winds by replacing the screws which hold perimeter fencing on the rooftop with stronger screws, increasing the number of screws, adding pins to hold down the shelter roof and outer wall frame, and increasing supporting structures.

Amanuma: In addition to the aspect of business continuity, there is the possibility of damage to the general public if wind blows structures into nearby areas. Therefore, it is extremely important to reinforce the rooftop against wind.

Using substantial renewable energy

―――Moving on, could you please discuss the second topic of using substantial renewable energy (hereinafter, “green energy”)?

Amanuma: The Media Center uses the most electricity of any division in the Group. Together, the Yokohama Satellite Control Center and Media Center combine to account for 80% of the Group’s total electricity consumption. This means that implementing green energy for electricity used at the Media Center will bring us significantly closer to our goal of using 100% substantial renewable energy in 2030. For this reason, we have been working toward a switch to green energy.

The Space Business Unit switched the Yokohama Satellite Control Center to green energy in January 2022. The Media Business Unit also continued to review proposals. In July 2022, we received approval and proceeded with implementation. From today, we were finally able to switch to green energy (as of the day of the interview, November 22, 2022).

Adopting green energy will increase the cost of electricity. After explaining the cost increase in detail, we received approval for the switch. The Group is aiming for 100% usage of green energy by 2030, and switching to green energy at the Media Center has brought us significantly closer to that goal.

<News Releases>

SKY Perfect JSAT Yokohama Satellite Control Center and Space Port East’s electricity power converted to renewable energy ~Towards realization of decarbonized society~ | SKY Perfect JSAT HD | Our Group (skyperfectjsat.space)

SKY PerfecTV! Tokyo Media Center's electricity power converted to substantial renewable energy ~Towards realization of decarbonized society~ | SKY Perfect JSAT | Our Group (skyperfectjsat.space)

Appropriate disposal of industrial waste

―――Next, please talk about the third topic of the Media Center’s efforts to appropriately dispose of industrial waste.

Amanuma: Just like other offices of the Group, the Media Center separates our trash. As you can see, there are separate bins for categories such as non-burnable trash, plastic bottles, batteries, empty bento (lunchbox) containers, etc. About two years ago, an industrial waste company requested that we separate the empty bento containers.

―――Bentos are often provided to staff when producing a program, right?

Amanuma: That’s right. All members are asked to separate trash when throwing items away. Cleaning staff collects all the separated trash in a warehouse on the first floor, and then checks the contents and conducts further separation as necessary. An industrial waste company then collects the separated trash and takes it back to a facility for weighing. We then receive an electronic manifest and are billed according to weight.

Hamaguchi: There is a charge for disposing of styrofoam. Sometimes, we dispose of a large amount of equipment packaging. There is also packaging used in program production. Although cardboard is expensive to dispose of, the cost of household waste such as empty bento containers is particularly high.

The generation of trash is an unavoidable part of doing business. Even so, sharing information on costs associated with throwing away trash is something that we need to gradually address.

Sorting empty bento containers

About the Canal Renaissance Council

―――Finally, would you please discuss the fourth topic, which is the Canal Renaissance Council.

Amanuma: The Bureau of Port and Harbor is operating the Canal Renaissance Project. The project aims to utilize canals to revitalize the region. The goals are to create a lively atmosphere which contributes to tourism promotion, to discover new ways to use canals, to improve the appeal of the waterfront, and to revitalize neighborhoods surrounding the canals. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is supporting the establishment of councils to achieve these goals.

Councils have been established in multiple districts. The Toyo-Shinsuna Canal Renaissance Council was registered with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2020. Participating organizations include surrounding neighborhood associations, multiple surrounding companies, and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.

Our first initiative was the revitalization of Fitness Road Park in fiscal 2019. We installed various facilities around the promenade along the canal for everyone to enjoy. In fiscal 2020, we built Shiohama Terrace, which is a wooden deck terrace for relaxing while gazing at the water. We have also attracted a cafe named CONTAINER CAFE 2187 to open along the canal. People walking along the canal can stop in the cafe and enjoy a cup of tea.

―――I love the elegant atmosphere of the cafe!

Amanuma: The cafe also serves lunch. Please check it out if you are interested!

Sunset over the canal

Shiohama Terrace

To further enliven the area, we started holding a series of waterside events from fiscal 2020. We named the project as “Super Waterside Experiments.” On November 15, 2020, we held the first event, which featured mega SUP, e-boats, and fishing. “Mega SUP” is a giant SUP (stand-up paddleboard). E-boats are rubber boats that can be used for rescue and leisure purposes. Participants in the fishing experience caught black bream, goby, and other fish which live in the canal. We also constructed a basic pier as another structure for utilizing the waterside. The terrace and pier serve as bases for the lively canal.

―――I’m sure that there are many local residents at the terrace and pier, aren’t there?

Amanuma: Yes, there are many locals. All kinds of people gather at waterside events. However, during normal times, most people usually stop by while taking a walk. We held the Super Waterside Experiments project a total of three times in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The team led by Hamaguchi-san won the 2022 E-Boat Race.

Hamaguchi: We hold the e-boat races as a form of disaster prevention training. Still, when it’s time to race, we are trying our hardest to win! Riding in an e-boat is a truly exhilarating experience. I highly recommend that you try it!

Basic pier

E-Boat Race Tournament

―――Did you feel that the initiatives at the Media Center are connected to sustainability?

Hamaguchi: In addition to waterside events, we have been working on measures to enhance resilience to strong winds and deal with waste as part of our efforts for SDGs. However, since initiatives like this require the cooperation of all employees, it will be easier to gain understanding for the creation of rules by establishing the premise that our entire company is behind such initiatives.

―――Are you going to take on any new initiatives or challenges in the future?

Hamaguchi: In terms of embracing challenges, we are working hard to support the waterside events of the Canal Renaissance Council. I think we need to establish deeper roots in order to gain understanding from all our employees. Currently, there are only waterside events, but other initiatives such as green projects and waterside greening are beginning to appear. I would like to work to ensure that this culture takes root.

Electricity is essential to our 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service. Even though systems are being streamlined, there are still some systems that consume a large amount of electricity. When a machine generates heat, air conditioning is required to cool down the machine. This cycle consumes more and more electricity. Even amidst such circumstances, we must continue to consider equipment and mechanisms to save energy every time we build facilities. Although such initiatives will take time, energy conservation is something that we must keep in mind with a long-term perspective as operators of equipment.

Amanuma: One area in particular which requires continued efforts is electricity. As a company launches services and the number of customers increases, there is also an increase in the amount of electricity used. The major of electricity goes to the servers used to provide services and the air conditioning equipment. However, these facilities cannot be stopped. It is therefore necessary to be aware of environmental considerations and implement initiatives for conserving electricity where we can; for example, changing conventional light bulbs to LEDs.

(Interview held on November 22, 2022)

The Media Center will continue to improve our infrastructure to provide broadcasting and distribution services in a safe and highly reliable manner. We will also actively promote sustainable coexistence through close cooperation with local communities. We will continue our efforts to contribute to the local community with our viewers and partner companies, and to build a better future.