Electric cars(EV) have recently been focused as the next generation vehicles. Batteries are very important parts for EVs, unfortunately, there are very few materials called "rare metals" such as lithium, nickel and cobalt for the batteries in Japan. So, to secure a stable supply of them is a serious problem for Japan. I came across an article about Toyota's strategy for the problem the other day. The company states that they will focus on the Circular Economy System called "3R" which are "Reduce", "Rebuild/Resue" and "Recycle". "Reuse" is to use waste batteries, which hasn't deteriorated too much, again. "Recycle" is to demolish and separate waste batteries to main ingredient level, and to utilize them as materials again. "Rebuild" is to sell waste batteries, which are as good as gold, for replacement parts. On the other hand, "Reduce" is a new technological innovation and the goal is to drastically improve a basic performance such as stability, low deterioration and energy density of batteries. It also works on the charging performance improvement of batteries in cold region. 3R battery business might be a key technology that Japan with small resources will change to circular energy society in the future. I want to keep on my eyes on the trend of them!