July 24, 2025
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Kyocera Corporation
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Shimizu Corporation
NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation
The Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo (Dean: Yasuhiro Kato; Professor: Akihiro Nakao, Nakao Laboratory), Kyocera Corporation (President: Hideo Tanimoto), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (President: Kazuhiro Chiba; Professor: Kenta Umebayashi, Division of Advanced Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Institute of Engineering), Shimizu Corporation (President and Representative Director: Tatsuya Shimmura), and NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation (President and COO: Michio Ohno) have jointly launched a research and development project titled “6G MIRAI-HARMONY: R&D on Optimization of 6G Mobile Systems through Cross-Layer and Multi-Domain AI Integration” (Project ID: 09101), as part of the Japan-EU International Joint Research Projects under the "Beyond 5G (6G) R&D Promotion Program" funded by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) , Japan.
KDDI Research, Inc. (President and CEO: Satoshi Konishi) is also participating as a research collaborator.
This joint project integrates the Japanese-side initiative “HARMONY” and the European-side initiative “6G-MIRAI” into a single unified effort, officially named “6G MIRAI-HARMONY”. (Refer to the project structure diagram below.)
The project aims to realize next-generation mobile networks that can flexibly meet diverse user demands such as performance, service assurance, reliability, and energy efficiency. Through close Japan-EU collaboration, the research focuses on developing AI Harmonization technologies—flexible coordination of AI across vertical layers (cross-layer) and horizontal domains (multi-domain).
The project will also conduct proof-of-concept demonstrations using testbeds and real-world industrial use cases, and aims to contribute to international standardization efforts and consensus-building activities through alliances such as the AI-RAN Alliance and O-RAN Alliance.
Project Overview and Roles of Participating Institutions
R&D Theme 1: AI-Native, User-Centric RAN Architecture
(The University of Tokyo, Shimizu Corporation, NEC Networks & System Integration)
Defines an architecture that integrates AI across various mobile network components to enable a comprehensive AI-native and user-centric Radio Access Network (RAN).
R&D Theme 2: Harmonization of Multi-AI Networks
(The University of Tokyo)
Develops harmonized network technologies by integrating end-to-end AI required for seamless communication.
R&D Theme 3: AI-Native RAN
(The University of Tokyo, Kyocera, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)
Optimizes wireless technologies through AI-driven innovations.
R&D Theme 4: Evaluation of Architecture and Component Technologies via Testbed Demonstrations
(The University of Tokyo, Shimizu Corporation, NEC Networks & System Integration)
Evaluates and verifies component technologies through international testbeds and industry-oriented use cases.
Project Duration
April 2025 – March 2028 (scheduled)
Project Structure
(See diagram below for project structure)
For Inquiries Regarding the Research
- Laboratory of Professor Nakao, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
- TEL： +81-3-5841-0458 MAIL：pr@nakao-lab.org
- KYOCERA Corporation
- MAIL：yutaka.ootsuki.nf@kyocera.jp
- Kenta Umebayashi, Professor, Division of Advanced Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- MAIL：ume_k@cc.tuat.ac.jp
- SHIMIZU CORPORATION Business Innovation Unit Kenta Nagao
- TEL：+81-80-8434-9933 MAIL：k_nagao@shimz.co.jp
- NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation
- MAIL：multi-network@ml.nesic.com
For Media Inquiries
- Public Relations Office, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
- TEL：+81-3-5841-0235 MAIL：kouhou@pr.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp
- KYOCERA Corporation (Japan) Corporate Communications Head Office
- TEL：+81-75-604-3416 MAIL：webmaster.pressgl@kyocera.jp
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Public Relations Office
- MAIL：koho2@cc.tuat.ac.jp
- SHIMIZU CORPORATION Corporate Communication Department
- TEL：+81-3-3561-1186 MAIL：shimzhodo@shimz.co.jp
- NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation
- TEL：+81-3-4212-1026 MAIL：contact@dm.nesic.com
The information contained in this news release is the current information on the date of publication. Please be aware that this information may have changed by the time you view it. Please contact the company to inquire for further details.