NTT Advanced Technology Corporation: Pioneering Japan’s Tech Frontier
Japan continues to be a global leader in technological advancement, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. A key player in this movement is NTT Advanced Technology Corporation (NTT-AT), a company dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical business applications. Led by Representative Director and President Tadashi Ito, NTT-AT is transforming how Japan thinks about technology, driving digital transformation and global technological progress.

NTT-AT’s core mission is to transform groundbreaking research from NTT Laboratories into tangible business solutions. Focused on marketing and business development, the company aims to unlock the full potential of NTT Laboratories’ products and technologies. President Ito explains, “We believe that we must create an ecosystem of services for the entire lifecycle of that technology and how it can be useful to our clients.”
HIREC: A Super Water-Repellent Material
One of NTT-AT’s flagship products is HIREC, a super water-repellent material with diverse applications. Developed through advanced research, HIREC’s super-hydrophobic properties make it difficult for water droplets to adhere to the painted surface. This translates to exceptional durability and environmental compatibility, ideal for various industries. Compared with other products, the contact angle of droplets on the HIREC surface remains higher even after extended exposure.

From coating telecommunication towers to enhancing automotive displays, HIREC exemplifies NTT-AT’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. Testing has shown the product’s superior performance.
SurfCool and SAPOE5000: Advanced Coating Technologies
Other innovative products in NTT-AT’s portfolio include SurfCool and SAPOE5000—surface-coating technologies with remarkable properties ranging from heat resistance to anti-corrosion. The high-heat-shielding paint SurfCool can decrease the temperature of outdoor equipment, while SAPOE5000 can prevent rust, even after a 2,000-hour salt spray test. These original applications in civil engineering, alongside potential uses in automotive and aerospace applications, are a testament to NTT-AT’s ability to produce unique and practical solutions.
NTT-AT is also committed to societal impact and innovation. Ito highlights the importance of making the public aware of such technologies: “One of our key initiatives is to increase awareness of these fascinating and distinctive technologies at our disposal.”
Kirameki Display: Revolutionizing Visual Experiences
NTT-AT’s innovations extend beyond coatings; the company also offers Kirameki Display, an image display system that is revolutionizing how light reflects on images. Kirameki means “sparkle” in Japanese, and the ultra-real-definition display technology delivers a new visual experience by working with companies like Innolux Japan, where it has developed innovative solutions that redefine industry expectations.
Disaster Management and Community Resilience
NTT-AT is also positioned as a leader in disaster management and community resilience, leveraging technology for societal benefit. In a rapidly changing global landscape, the company recognizes the need to adapt and innovate. Reflecting on the past and the future, President Ito emphasizes the need to present solutions rather than simply selling products: “It is not just about selling parts and components.”
A Vision for the Future
By focusing on collaboration, ecosystem development, and global partnerships, NTT-AT is set to lead Japan’s technological resurgence on the world stage. Looking ahead, Ito envisions a future where NTT-AT remains a game-changer in the industry by focusing on core technologies and resilient business models. As Ito concludes, “In addition to our business model, we believe we need a definitive key technology that bears our core competitiveness within the next three years.”
Innovation, collaboration, and vision are the fundamental pillars of NTT-AT’s success. As Japan embraces digital transformation, NTT-AT remains steadfast in its commitment to pioneering new frontiers and shaping a brighter tomorrow.