Highlighting JAPAN

Japan has many superior technologies that keep daily life safe and contribute to lower carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. Japan is also now introducing a wide range of innovative technologies with unique applications.

Launched in 2003, the Hayabusa space probe finally returned to Earth this summer having completed its mission to the asteroid Itokawa.

J Some remarkable technological achievements including the first microwave ion engines lie behind the accomplishment of the Hayabusa mission.

Through demonstration experiments working alongside private companies, Japan and the United States are bringing forward the realization of the smart grid for efficient energy use.

Lithium ion batteries and fuel cells are now showing their potential, taking a central role in next- generation energy technologies.

Japan's Superconducting Maglev is ready to roll in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Japanese manufacturers are playing an increasingly prominent role in the airline industry. We take a look at Toray's CFRP for airplane construction and at Mitsubishi's fuel-efficient jet.

What are the advantages of Japan's ISDB-T standard for digital terrestrial broadcasting? Dr. Toru Kuroda from the Science & Technology Research Laboratories of NHK explains.

Dr. Hiroshi Komiyama, chairman of Mitsubishi Research Institute, explains how Japan's monodzukuri manufacturing culture can help tackle a variety of problems and create a new model "Platinum Society."