Web Japan : Results of "This Month's Question"

Results of "This Month's Question"

Which of the following Japanese technologies are you interested in?
Do you have any favorite anime? If yes, please list their titles.
Which of these World Heritage Sites do you know?
Which World Heritage Sites do you want to visit?
What would you like to see or experience in Japan?
What Japanese dish would you like to try cooking?

Which of the following Japanese technologies are you interested in?

(October – December 2010 summary)

※ The figures in the brackets are the number of responses

1	Computers – Electronic Devices (51)
2	Robotics (38)
3	Recycling (31)
4	Clean Energy (29)
5	Architecture – Infrastructure Technology (27)
6	Railway Technology (23)
7	Biotechnology (21)
7	Space Technology (21)
9	None (8)
Other	Contact Lenses, Farming Technology, Games and Software, Gadgets, Mining Engineering, TV Communications Technology

Japan has achieved worldwide recognition for its advances in a wide variety of scientific and technological fields, such as computer science, robotics, clean energy, space development, automobile manufacturing, and electronic devices. The precise and high-quality technical ability of the skilled craftsman behind these technologies has also attracted international attention.

Among Japan's many technologies, "Computers – Electronic Devices" attracted the interest of the greatest number of respondents, followed by "Robotics." There were also many responses for "Recycling" and "Clean Energy," a field of environmental technology that Japan is proactively involved in.

To learn more about Japanese technologies, please visit the following pages on Web Japan.

1. Computers – Electronic Devices

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > What Do Sounds Look Like?

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > The World's First Scientific Taste Sensor

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > 360-degree Camera

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > 3D Entertainment at Home

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Digital Pens

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > GravityGrabber

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Digital Camera Goes 3-D

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Broadening The Led Color Spectrum

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Virtual Singer Tops The Charts

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.20 > Special Feature > Japanese Technology Creates Some of the World's Strongest, Biggest... and Smallest Products

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.20 > Special Feature > Sensitive Hands, World-class Products

2. Robotics

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Japan's Super Egg Machine

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Rescue Robots

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Robot Caregivers

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Advances in Personal Mobility

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > EPORO, a New Kind of Robot Car

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Cuddly Robot Comforts the Elderly

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Leave Your Chores to a Robot

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Now There's a Robot to Help Physically Challenged People Eat

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Robot Suit To Enter Mass Production

3. Recycling

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Biofuels from Nonfood Sources

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.20 > Special Feature > E-OIL, the Non-polluting Fuel Made from Waste Cooking Oil

4. Clean Energy

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Virtuous Cycles

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > The Power Beneath Your Feet

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Japanese Electric Vehicle sets World Record

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Toward a Solar Future

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Seaweed Power

Trends in Japan > Science & Technology > Electricity from Seaweed

5. Architecture – Infrastructure Technology

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Unraveling the Riddles of the Deep

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Pagoda in the Sky

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Tunnel-Digging Machines

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.33 > Special Feature > Earthquake simulator shakes buildings as tall as six stories

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.33 > Special Feature > Halting natural gas flow within one hour

6. Railway Technology

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Japan's Maglev Train

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > The Evolving Shinkansen

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.43> Special Feature > Japan's Railway Technology: A Mix of Old and New

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.43> Special Feature > Japan's Bullet Trains Keep Evolving

NIPPONIA > NIPPONIA No.33 > Special Feature > Earthquake warning ? Stop that bullet train!

7. Biotechnology

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Teeth Bank

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Blue Roses

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Seaweed Power

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Plant Hospital Accepting Patients!

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Biofuels from Nonfood Sources

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > A Safe Way To Protect Crops

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Regenerative Medicine Moves A Step Closer

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > "Magic" Water and Bubbles

7. Space Technology

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Robots on the Moon

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Voyage to Venus

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > Space Elevator

Kids Web Japan > Hi-tech > A Model for Future Spacecraft

Trends in Japan > Sci-tech > Flying To The Moon

Trends in Japan > Science & Technology > Giant Satellite

Do you have any favorite anime? If yes, please list their titles.

(July – September 2010 summary)

※ The figures in the brackets are the number of responses

1st: 1 title	Naruto (7)
2nd: 2 titles	Bleach, Death Note (4 each)
3rd: 6 titles	Cowboy Bebop, Doraemon, Lucky Star, Nana, One Piece, Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X) (3 each)
4th: 13 titles	Azumanga Daioh, Cardcaptor Sakura, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Great Teacher Onizuka, Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo), InuYasha, K-On!, Maid Sama!, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, Sailor Moon, Ghibli films, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2 each)
5th: 51 titles	Angel Sanctuary, Astro Boy, Captain Tsubasa, Chobits, City Hunter, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Dragon Ball Z, Ergo Proxy, Final Fantasy, Ghost Fighter, Ghost in the Shell, Grappler Baki, Grave of the Fireflies, Hakuoki Shinsengumi Kitan, Hamtaro, Hanada Shonen Shi, Hayate the Combat Butler, Hellsing, Hetalia: Axis Powers, Highschool of the Dead, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, His and Her Circumstances (Kareshi Kanojo no Jijo), Honey and Clover, Hunter x Hunter, Junjou Romantica, Kaleido Star, Kanon, Karas, Kero Kero Keroppi, Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, Kocchi Muite! Miiko, Kyo Kara Maoh!, Macross, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, Monster, My Neighbor Totoro, Noir, Paprika, Ranma 1/2, Samurai Champloo, School Rumble, Shugo Chara!, Spirited Away, Stellvia, Strawberry Marshmallow (Ichigo Mashimaro), Tenchi Muyo!, Toradora!, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, Vision of Escaflowne, Voltes V, Yakitate!! Japan (1 each)

The word "anime" comes from the Japanese abbreviation for animation. With Japanese animation's growing international popularity, it is now referred to as "anime" around the world. As you can see above, our respondents listed many different anime TV series and movies. With seven votes, Naruto was the top choice for favourite anime. This series tells the story of a dropout ninja overcoming various hardships as he grows up. It's currently broadcast in over 60 countries around the world. The next favourites were Bleach and Death Note, each with four votes.

Anime movies chosen by our respondents include world-renowned works such as Spirited Away, which won the US Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Many anime TV series that are broadcast around the globe such as Naruto as well as Doraemon, Captain Tsubasa, Dragon Ball Z were chosen by our respondents.

Web Japan offers more information on anime and manga in the following pages. Please take a look.

[General Information on Anime and Manga]

Japan Fact Sheet > Popular Culture (PDF)

[General Information on Anime]

Nipponia > Nipponia No.27 > Anime - Japan’s Animated Pop Culture

[Neon Genesis Evangelion]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > An Evolving Anime Legend

[Multitalented Voice Actors]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > The Voices of Japanese Pop Culture

[K-On!] [Nodame Cantabile] [Beck] [Solanin] [Detroit Metal City]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > Musical Manga

[Fiftieth Anniversary of Two Manga Magazines]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > Manga Milestones

[Dragonball] [Astro Boy] [Neon Genesis Evangelion]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > "Cool Japan" Takes Hollywood by Storm

[Shrine of the Morning Mist] [Lucky Star]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > Otaku Tourism

[Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea]

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > Bumper Year for Japanese Cinema

[Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion]

Trends in Japan > Arts & Entertainment > Code Geass

[Death Note]

Trends in Japan > Arts & Entertainment > Manga-Inspired Movies

[Honey and Clover]

Trends in Japan > Arts & Entertainment > Manga for Grown-ups

[Nana]

Trends in Japan > Arts & Entertainment > Manga for Girls

[Fullmetal Alchemist]

Trends in Japan > Arts & Entertainment > Full Metal Fantasy

[Manga Inspiration to Japanese Fashion]

Trends in Japan > Fashion > Classroom Chic

[Ghibli Museum]

Kids Web Japan > Travel > Exploring "Cool Japan" in Tokyo > Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

[One Piece]

Kids Web Japan > What's Cool > New Japanese Anime Feature Films

[Neon Genesis Evangelion]

Kids Web Japan > What's Cool > Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone

Which of these World Heritage Sites do you know? Which World Heritage Sites do you want to visit?

(Mid-March – June 2010 summary)

There are 14 World Heritage Sites in Japan.
【WORLD HERITAGE LIST】(PDF)

(1) Which of these World Heritage Sites do you know?

※ The figures in the brackets are the number of responses

1	Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) (50)
2	None (46)
3	Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (34)
4	Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (30)
5	Shrines and Temples of Nikko (25)
6	Himeji-jo (24)
6	Itsukushima Shinto Shrine (24)
8	Yakushima (20)
9	Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area (19)
10	Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (18)
11	Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (16)
11	Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (16)
13	Shiretoko (14)
14	Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape (10)
15	Shirakami-Sanchi (9)

(2) Which World Heritage Sites do you want to visit?

※ The figures in the brackets are the number of responses

1	Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) (15)
2	Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (14)
2	Shrines and Temples of Nikko (14)
4	Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (12)
4	Itsukushima Shinto Shrine (12)
6	Himeji-jo (10)
7	Yakushima (9)
8	Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area (8)
9	Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (7)
9	Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape (7)
9	Shirakami-Sanchi (7)
12	Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (4)
13	Shiretoko (2)
13	Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (2)

Among the 14 World Heritage Sites in Japan, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) rose to have the most responses in both the “Which of these World Heritage Sites do you know” and “Which World Heritage Sites do you want to visit” categories. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial vividly depicts the terrible tragedy caused by history’s first employment of nuclear weapons and also stands as a reminder of the importance of world peace. It is truly a monument for all mankind. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is located in Hiroshima City which is visited by nearly 300,000 tourists from abroad each year.

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto scored higher this time in both the “Which of these World Heritage Sites do you know?” and “Which World Heritage Sites do you want to visit?” categories. Kyoto has so much to offer the visitor - from the rich culture of the historic capital to the spectacular beauty of its surrounding scenery. History comes alive in these ancient shrines, temples and traditional Japanese gardens. Kyoto offers something fresh to see each season - such as magnificent cherry blossoms that celebrate the graceful city in spring and the supreme beauty of its cultural heritages decorated with stunning autumn colors.

Web Japan is packed with information on Japan’s World Heritage Sites. Click the links below to learn more.

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Hiroshima, Home to Two World Heritage Sites

2. Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto

Nipponia > Nipponia No.30 > Special Feature > Travel Back in Time to Japan's Ancient Capital, Kyoto

2. Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Nikko, City of History and Nature

4. Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Trends in Japan > Lifestyle > A New World Heritage Site

Nipponia > Nipponia No.28 > Japan Travelogue > Kumano

4. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Hiroshima, Home to Two World Heritage Sites

6. Himeji-jo

Nipponia > Nipponia No.17 > Special Feature > Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

Kids Web Japan > Travel > A Tour of Japanese Castles > Himeji Castle

7. Yakushima

Nipponia > Nipponia No.24 > Special Feature > Forests at World Heritage Sites

8. Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area

Nipponia > Nipponia No.33 > Five-story Pagodas: Why Can't Earthquakes Knock Them Down?

9. Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Kids Web Japan > Meet the Kids > Shirakawa > World Heritage

9. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

Nipponia > Nipponia No.44 > Japan Travelogue > Iwami Ginzan

9. Shirakami-Sanchi

Nipponia > Nipponia No.24 > Special Feature > Shirakami Mountains

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Aomori Offers Culinary Treats For All Seasons

12. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

Nipponia > Nipponia No.41 > Japan Travelogue > Nara

13. Shiretoko

Nipponia > Nipponia No.35 > Japan Travelogue > The Shiretoko Peninsula

Trends in Japan > Science & Technology > Hokkaido Heritage

13. Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

Trends in Japan > Archives > Lifestyle 2001-2002 > Unesco Recognizes Okinawan Treasures

What would you like to see or experience in Japan?

(October 2009 ― Mid-March 2010 summary)

※ The figures in the brackets are the number of responses

1	Pop culture: anime, manga, pc games, cosplay, etc. (118)
2	Traditional culture: tea ceremony, flower arrangement, dressing in Kimono, etc. (97)
3	Traditional architecture: temples, shrines, castles, Japanese gardens, etc. (96)
4	Sports skiing, marine diving, hiking, etc. (90)
5	Martial arts: karate, judo, kendo, visiting “ninja house”, etc. (83)
6	Hot springs or resort: relaxing amid beautiful surroundings, etc. (75)
7	Gourmet foods: modern and traditional cuisine and regional specialties, etc. (50)
Other	Staying in a Japanese home and experiencing the Japanese lifestyle, shopping, cutting-edge Japanese technology, studying or working in Japan.

The pop culture experience came first. Perhaps attention was focused on this aspect by the 2009 Hollywood movie based on a Japanese manga, by unique Japanese fashion, the popular 'kawaii' ambassadors, and by the World Cosplay Summit.

In second place was traditional culture. In third place was traditional architecture such as temples, castles, and gardens. In 2010, Nara is holding a number of events as part of the "1300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital".

2010 is also "Visit Japan Year", so please check out the details on the website.

We've posted a number of related links from the Web-Japan website below. There's a lot of other information available on the site too, so do come by to take a look!

1. Pop culture: anime, manga, pc games, cosplay, etc.

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture

Nipponia > Art & Entertainment > Anime and Manga

Nipponia > Life & Culture > Fashion

Nipponia > Special Feature > The Cute World of Kawaii

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > The Kawaii Ambassadors (Ambassadors of Cuteness)

Trends in Japan > Pop Culture > "Cosplayers" from Around the World Flock to Japan

Trends in Japan > Arts & Entertainment > Cosplay Convention

Nipponia > Special Feature > Exploring Akihabara, Japan's Electronic Market > Welcome to Fantasyland

2. Traditional culture: tea ceremony, flower arrangement, dressing in Kimono, etc.

Nipponia > Art & Entertainment > Traditional Performing Arts

The Virtual Museum > Pastime Arts

The Virtual Museum > Performing Arts

The Virtual Museum > Other > Dolls

The Virtual Museum > Crafts

3. Traditional architecture: temples, shrines, castles, Japanese gardens, etc.

Nipponia > Travel & History-Heritage

The Virtual Museum > Fine Arts > Architecture and Gardens

4. Sports skiing, marine diving, hiking, etc.

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Subtropical Japan

Nipponia > Living in Japan > Outdoor Sportsman Energizes Northern Resort

Japan Fact Sheet > Winter Sports (PDF)

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > The Ogasawara Islands

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > The Many Splendors of Amami Oshima

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Hakuba's Majestic Snowy Peaks

5. Martial arts: karate, judo, kendo, visiting “ninja house”, etc.

The Virtual Museum > Martial Arts

The Virtual Museum > Other > Ninja

Kids Web Japan > Explore Japan > Sports

6. Hot springs or resort: relaxing amid beautiful surroundings, etc.

Nipponia > Travel & History > Hot Springs

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Kinugawa Bathes in the Spotlight

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Kumamoto, Famed for Its Castle and Caldera

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel > Yufuin, the Ideal Place to Soak in a Spa

7. Gourmet foods: modern and traditional cuisine and regional specialties, etc.

Nipponia > Life & Culture > Food

Trends in Japan > Food & Travel

The Virtual Museum > Other > Japanese Cuisine

The Virtual Museum > Cafe > Try Some Wagashi

What Japanese dish would you like to try cooking?

（May – September 2009 summary）

※ The figures in the brackets are the number of responses

1	Sushi, sashimi (43)
2	Tempura (14)
3	Noodles such as udon, soba, ramen (12)
4	Foods cooked on hotplate such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings), monjayaki, yakisoba (11)
5	Torimeshi, yakitori, teriyaki, and other chicken dishes (8)
6	Donburi, or rice dishes: with eel, beef, chicken and egg, pork cutlets, tempura, etc. (7)
6	Onigiri (rice balls) (7)
8	Rice dumplings, sweet bean paste buns, green-tea ice cream, other sweets (5)
9	Sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, other nabe dishes (Japanese stew) (4)
10	Miso soup (3)
Other	Meat buns, teppan-yaki, mochi (rice cake), curry-rice, chawan-mushi (steamed egg custard), squid balls, etc.

The number one response was 'sushi and sashimi', and 'tempura' was ranked in second place: dishes popular abroad came top. 'Noodles such as udon, soba, and ramen' placed third.

Although 'ramen' has its roots in Chinese cooking, it underwent a unique evolution in Japan and Japanese-style ramen is now popular abroad.

Some of the more unusual responses included niku-man, or steamed meat buns, torimeshi, monjayaki, and squid balls. Other responses included 'tea sweets' such as dango dumplings and steamed buns.

Web Japan offers an introduction to Japanese food and recipes. We've picked up some links to related pages, so do check them out.

1. Sushi, sashimi