Kenichi Kawasaki
Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Material Research Center,
Regenerative Material Research Division General Manager,
Executive Chief Engineer
Regeneration for the Future: Honda‘s Environmental Policy and Material Technologies for Carbon Neutrality
Short bio:
Joined Honda R&D in 1996, engaging in research and development of automotive structural materials, including brake materials and aluminum MMCs. In 2002, studied at The Pennsylvania State University, conducting research on ceramics and functionally graded materials. After returning to Japan, worked on the development of body components and advanced technologies, promoting aluminum external field applying and innovative lightweight materials. From 2012, engaged in chassis materials research, leading global development of aluminum subframes and practical implementation of lightweight materials. In 2019, appointed Manager of the Automotive Materials Division, launching sustainable materials research as a major focus area. Since 2023, serving as General Manager of the Regenerative Materials Laboratory at the Materials Research Center, overseeing research on electrification, environmental material technologies, and the creation of future core technologies.