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Mr. Yasuhiko Ito, the founder and former Representative Director of I’MSEP Co., Ltd. (Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University; former Vice President of the Electrochemical Society of Japan), passed away on October 17, Reiwa 5 (2023) at the age of 82.

The funeral and memorial service were held in private by close family members. However, many people who had close ties with Professor Ito expressed a strong wish to hold a memorial gathering in his honor. As such, our company organized a “Memorial Gathering for Professor Yasuhiko Ito,” held on February 25, Reiwa 6 (2024) at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, with the cooperation of his bereaved family and university associates.

Approximately 120 people attended the memorial gathering. Following a moment of silence observed by all attendees, Professor Rika Hagiwara of the Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University; Professor Emeritus Takuya Tasaka of Doshisha University; and Professor Toshiyuki Nohira of the Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University each delivered greetings, presented tributes to Professor Ito’s achievements, and offered words of condolence.

In the farewell addresses by the professors, deeply moving and warm words of condolence were shared, along with recollections of their encounters with Professor Ito and many cherished memories. The professors also praised his outstanding accomplishments. Attendees once again paid their respects to Professor Ito, offered flowers, and bid their farewells while praying for his peaceful rest.

After the ceremony, at the adjoining reception venue, Mr. Koji Kuroda, Representative Director and President of I’MSEP Co., Ltd., pledged to carry on the development of the company that Professor Ito had built, and expressed his determination to uphold the Professor’s will and forge ahead into the future. A toast was made by all attendees in his honor.

During the reception, associates from universities, academic societies, and related companies gathered at their respective tables, reflecting on the time they had spent together with the Professor, and sharing precious memories of him in a special occasion to treasure.

We once again pray for the peaceful rest of Professor Yasuhiko Ito.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, as well as to Professor Toshiyuki Nohira of Kyoto University, Professor Takuya Goto of Doshisha University, and the bereaved family of Professor Ito for their cooperation in organizing this gathering.

February 27, Reiwa 6 (2024)

I’MSEP Co., Ltd.
Managing Director, Juichi Otsu