The Emperor visited the Time 24 Building on the Tokyo waterfront in Koto Ward on Wednesday to get a firsthand look at future business activities and shopping via computer. The building mainly houses government organizations promoting future high-tech businesses.
The Emperor visited the Japan EC/CALS Organization of the Japan Information Processing Development Center as part of his annual visit to industries. The organization is promoting the utilization of electronic business trade among companies.
At the organization's office, the Emperor inspected a system for designing a car on the computer based on a blueprint sent by a motor company via the Internet.
He also experienced shopping at a virtual mall using electronic money during a stop at the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council of Japan. Electronic business trade and shopping were put into practice in the spring.