The Consumer Science Research Institute of Hyogo Prefecture, the first of its kind in the country, began operations in 1978 as a consumer administration testing and research institution.

Our mission is to conduct various investigative research projects relating to people’s lives in order to support the creation of new types of lifestyles as well as “a safe and comfortable life” for prefectural citizens. We conduct product testing verifying the safety, quality, and function of goods from a consumer’s viewpoint.

We are also carrying out various projects in collaboration with prefectural and municipal consumer administration agencies in order to respond to your needs.

Examination/research

Independent Planning and Research

The Institute is currently engaged in investigative research and product testing from a consumer’s perspective under various themes such as safety and ergonomics in order for prefectural citizens to realize a safe and comfortable life.

Defect Cause Investigation

The Institute conducts testing of defective products brought to prefectural and municipal consumer centers from prefectural citizens to determine the cause of the defect, and also gives technical instruction to these centers.

Joint Research

The Institute conducts joint research with institutions such as universities and consumer groups.

Urgent Testing

The Institute conducts urgent verification tests when important issues arise with respect to scientific lifestyle change or consumer protection.

Information Collection and Management

Important information about product tests conducted by the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, various consumer life centers around the country, testing and research institutions, and universities is gathered and managed, and is also offered to the public through the Institute’s homepage.

Information Offer

- Publication of research reports, etc.

Examination / investigation research results are collected into a report which is provided to the various agencies concerned.

- Homepage maintenance

Information about the Institute’s operations as well as the results of tests and research conducted is offered through the Institute’s homepage.

- Information offered through mass media.

Information about research results is offered through television, radio, newspaper, various public relations magazines, etc.

Leader Cultivation

Acting as an open testing and research facility, the Institute conducts product testing seminars and symposiums. Moreover, the Institute holds “local lectures” for those who are unable to attend lectures held at the Institute proper.

Public Use of Institute Facilities

For a fee, the Institute is available for independent research purposes for consumer groups, elementary and junior high schools, etc.

Tours of the Institute are also available for consumer groups or schools.

Rooftop Greening・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

The Institute is engaged in various types of rooftop greening projects such as biotopes, vegetable gardens, and thin-layer greening, each of which is set up as a model case and whose effects are verified. Rainwater is included in the watering of such greenery.

Photovoltaic System・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Multicrystalline silicon solar panels with 2 different inclinations, 30 degrees and 5 degrees, and a power generation capacity of about 20kw.

Information Management Room・・・・・・・・

Various literature relating to consumers’ lifestyles such as books, monthly publications, and information magazines from other prefectures are available for free reference.

Lecture Hall・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Available for lectures, study sessions, research presentations, etc. An overhead projector and video equipment are available for use, and the room can accommodate up to 90 people.

Sensory Evaluation Room・・・・・・・・・・・

Used for taste testing. The room is equipped with special lighting in order to minimize the influence of color on the taste of food.

Ergonomics Laboratory・・・・・・・・・・・・

This room is equipped with movement image analysis equipment, and product testing focusing on the product’s usability is conducted.

Multipurpose Laboratory・・・・・・・・・・・

This room has a ceiling high enough (11.6m) to test large-sized goods, and is equipped with a hoist crane and a vibration-generating device.

Fireproof and Explosion-proof Room・・・・・

This room is used for combustion and explosion tests, and is isolated by a concrete wall in order to prevent fire or explosion damage to the surrounding environment.

Climate Reproduction Room・・・・・・・・・

Any climate can be reproduced in this room regardless of actual temperature or humidity.

Anechoic Room・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Tests such as noise measurement and frequency analysis are performed in this room, which is echo-proof due to its special construction.

Instrumental Analysis Room・・・・・・・・

This room is equipped with precision analysis equipment such as a scanning electron microscope, a high performance liquid chromatograph, and an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.

Constant Temperature and Humidity Room・

Testing of products that are easily influenced by temperature and/or humidity is performed in this room, in which constant temperature and humidity levels are maintained. In addition, the room is equipped with a thermograph.

Physical / Chemical Laboratory・・・・・・・

In this room, physical and chemical analysis and measurement is performed on products such as foodstuffs, textiles, and home electronics. In the micro-organism section, mold and bacteria detection tests are performed.