FCG Research Institute occupies a unique place as both an independent research organization and a member of Japan's largest media group. Established in 1985 as a member company of the Fujisankei Communications Group, the Institute is able to capitalize on its strong links to corporations, consumers and the mass media to serve its clients on several fronts. Our independent laboratories are in constant operation testing a variety of consumer goods for quality, safety, durability and conformity to both legal and technical requirements. On any given day, foods, cosmetics, household goods and/or electrical appliances may be subjected to this scrutiny. Because the Institute conducts its research from the point of view of the consuming public, our results have come to be widely relied upon by distributors and manufacturers as well. We have also earned a reputation for innovation in the application of research findings to create new products and marketing approaches. Our Information Research Department helps clients keep abreast of the day-to-day changes and the long-term political, economic and social trends that are critical to their own decision-making. In this capacity, we serve corporations, labor unions and other organizations. Corporate Name FCG Research Institute, Inc. Head Office Fuji Television Bld. Annex 6F 3-32-42 Higashi-Shinagawa Shinagawa-ku, TOKYO, JAPAN TEL 03-5495-1500 Established 1985 Capital ￥13,000,000 President Masao Sakai Number of Staff 40 Stockholders Fuji Television, The sankei Shimbun CONSUMER GOODS Lab. 　Tests and evaluates consumer goods in general, including electric home appliances, textiles and household goods, from both legal and technical perspectives. In addition to research for product planning and development, the lab conducts specific operations such as carrying out safety assessments and application tests on prototypes and final products, and preparing and enhancing user manuals. It also serves as technological consultant and accident investigation organization. LIVING SCIENCE INFORMATION Lab. 　Studies and provides living science information on issues concerning fashion trends, foods, products, living environment, etc. The lab's operations range from preparing articles for family information magazines, newspapers, conducting on-site experiments to compile data for TV programs (news, lifestyle shows, advertisements), providing commentary as research specialists or food experts, and dispatching staff to appear in TV shows to offer expertise. The lab also earns a high reputation for the production of brochures and promotional videos of consumer products. BEAUTY SCIENCE Lab. 　Explores beauty science in general, ranging from products evaluation of cosmetics and beauty care appliances to skincare and hair care science. The lab uses various research methods, such as trial use test, sensory evaluation, instrumental measurements, video microscope analysis and sanitation test, to evaluate products, propose improvements, submit new product plans and prepare user manuals for cosmetics, toiletries, dryers, shavers and other beauty care appliances. The lab also provides beauty science information to TV shows and magazines, and provides commentary as a beauty science expert for TV shows, etc. FOOD AND COOKING Lab. 　Conducts cooking science and sensory evaluation researches on foods in general, develops cooking recipes and offers nutrition calculations. The lab is in charge of the color printed pages for cooking and food topics of the Sankei newspaper, starting from article planning, interviewing, recipe development, food preparation (cooking) and photo shooting. Recipes provided to the newspaper are compiled into a database (13,000 entries) for use in promotional recipe cards, brochures, and as source data for online recipe searching. The lab also measures physical properties of foods, and organizes flavor and texture evaluation by both researchers and consumer monitors, so as to analyze the characteristics of the foods. MEDIA DEVELOPMENT SECTION 　Organizes the planning and production of publications and brochures for consumer products, and prepares product manuals and tie-up advertisements. The lab is also responsible for disseminating living science articles for newspapers and magazines. The lab undertakes a wide range of operations associated with digital media, such as producing websites, managing and administrating digital data and contents, and conducting online surveys.