Rice-Planting Robot | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Rice is the staple food in Japan, and the planting of rice seedlings has been a backbreaking, yet essential, job since ancient times. Now, a group of scientists is working on a project that would hand the delicate task of inserting rice seedlings into paddies over to robots.

Super Competition | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A project led by the Japanese government aimed at developing the world's fastest next-generation, high-performance supercomputer is about to get underway. The move is likely to intensify competition among supercomputer builders around the world.

Super Competition | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Even though the 2005 Word Exposition in Aichi, Japan, has shut its gates, many of its exhibits and structures will continue to live on, thanks to extensive recycling efforts in line with the event's goal of environmental sustainability.

Toyota Develops Eco-Friendly Shrub | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's largest car manufacturer, has developed a new type of cherry sage shrub that can absorb airborne pollutants much more effectively than existing varieties.

Painless Injections | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Though injections are vital for preventing and treating diseases, they are almost universally disliked. The fear of injections, however, may soon be a thing of the past. In July 2005, a painless needle went on sale to hospitals and other medical facilities.

Battery Breakthrough | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
NEC recently announced the development of an ultra-thin, flexible, rechargeable battery. A mere 0.3 mm thick, this wafer-thin battery holds great promise for wearable computers and other applications.

Hybrid Goes Mainstream | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The age of the hybrid car has finally arrived. The latest models boast vastly improved engines and other features that leave their predecessors in the dust.

The Running Robot | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Japanese firms continue to set the pace in the development of multifunctional, interactive robots. The work to improve ASIMO, the world's most advanced autonomous bipedal humanoid robot, continues at Honda Motor Co.

A New Kind of “Dry” Cleaning | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Sanyo Electric Co. has developed a household washing machine like no other: It can use air to wash clothes.

Easy As Pie | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Fruit consumption in Japan has been on the decline in recent years, but all this may be about to change, thanks to a number of new fruit varieties that not only taste good but are much easier to eat, too.

Super-Powered Cable | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has developed a type of superconductive cable that can carry up to 200 times as much power as copper cable - and with electrical resistance of zero.

Talking Paper | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Electronic paper and other paper with innovative functions is now coming into use. Paper is finally entering the IT age through a fusion with digital technologies.

See-Through Stadium | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
When the opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup gets underway in Germany, Japanese technology will help fans enjoy the action on the pitch. The Allianz Arena is constructed from panels containing a fluoropolymer film called ETFE foil, which was developed and manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.

Going Green at Home | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Several Japanese companies have begun marketing home-use fuel cells that generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen and help to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Expo 2005 Feature 3 | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
From March 25 to September 25, 2005, the eastern hills of Nagoya, which is located in the center of Japan in Aichi Prefecture, will play host to the 2005 World Exposition. A total of 18 countries in Asia, excluding Southeast Asia, will hold their exhibits in Global Common One.

Making the Kyoto Protocol Work | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Now that the Kyoto Protocol on the prevention of climate change has come into force, Japan is busy seeking out innovative ways to meet its obligations under the protocol.

Expo 2005 Feature 4 | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
From March 25 to September 25, 2005, the eastern hills of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, will play host to the 2005 World Exposition. A total of 21 countries in Europe will hold their exhibits in Global Common Four.

Expo 2005 Feature 5 | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
From March 25 to September 25, 2005, the 2005 World Exposition is taking place in the eastern hills of Nagoya, which is located in the center of Japan in Aichi Prefecture. A total of 30 countries in Africa will hold their exhibits in Global Common Five, where they will be joined by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, which will hold exhibits at the NEDO Pavilion.

"Place Your Hand on the Scanner" | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Some Japanese banks have already begun installing biometric ID systems at their ATMs in an effort to combat cash-card fraud. But biometric ID has many other uses, including keeping track of who enters and leaves offices, protecting computers from tampering, and preventing unauthorized entry to apartment buildings. Manufacturers of these hi-tech security systems report that demand is booming.

Expo 2005 Feature 6 | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
From March 25 to September 25, 2005, the 2005 World Exposition is taking place in the eastern hills of Nagoya, which is located in the center of Japan in Aichi Prefecture. Twenty-two countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania are holding their exhibits in the 12 pavilions of Global Common Six.