2026

• Aiming to Build a Remote-Island Infrastructure Model That Remains Operational during Disasters Using the Renewable-Energy-Powered “N³ N-CUBE”

NTN Corporation (NTN) and Taketomi Town, Okinawa, have entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at promoting sustainable community development and addressing challenges specific to remote-island communities. A signing ceremony was held on July 21 at Taketomi Town Hall in Ishigaki City, Okinawa. Through this agreement, the parties will work to address challenges related to disaster-prevention, communications, and daily-life infrastructure in remote islands using NTN's Transportable Independent Power Supply “N³ N-CUBE,” which operates solely on renewable energy.

Taketomi Town consists of multiple remote islands, including Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island. The municipality faces various challenges, including limitations in social infrastructure such as electricity, water and sewage systems, and telecommunications, as well as the need to strengthen disaster preparedness and accommodate a growing number of tourists. In May 2025, NTN installed the “N³ N-CUBE” Restroom Model on Iriomote Island. The model combines a transportable independent power supply that operates solely on renewable energy with a self-contained circulation type flush toilet system. It can be deployed in locations where power, water supply, and sewage infrastructure are difficult to establish, contributing to improved convenience for both residents and tourists.

Under this agreement, the initiatives already underway on Iriomote Island will be expanded throughout Taketomi Town. In addition to enhancing the convenience of daily-life infrastructure using “N³ N-CUBE”, NTN and Taketomi Town aim to establish an inter-island communication network supported by independent power supplies that remain operational during power outages and disasters. Going forward, demonstration projects and the necessary preparations for implementation will be carried out to help ensure the safety and security of residents and tourists while promoting sustainable community development throughout the remote-island region.

At the signing ceremony, Taketomi Town Mayor Masato Maedomari commented:

“Securing accurate information is one of the most important priorities during disasters. Through this agreement, we aim to advance the development of an inter-island communication network and foster a community where residents and tourists alike can feel safe and secure.”

He expressed his expectations for the agreement.

Hideki Umemoto, General Manager of the Green Energy Products Unit, Innovation & Business Development HQ of NTN, stated:

“We will continue to expand the initiatives that began on Iriomote Island throughout Taketomi Town and work together with public and private stakeholders to address regional challenges through the deployment of independent power supplies and communication networks using N³ N-CUBE.”

He also expressed his commitment to co-creating solutions with local communities and helping address challenges unique to remote-island regions.

NTN will further promote the deployment of “N³ N-CUBE” through collaboration with local governments and communities, contributing to the resolution of regional challenges and the realization of a sustainable society.

Taketomi Town consists of multiple remote islands, including Iriomote Island.

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