Highlighting JAPAN

Under a new space policy, Japan will give greater attention to approaches to space utilization that lead to improvements in people's lives and contribute to the international community.

The development of the state-of-the-art H-IIB rocket as a joint public-private undertaking will enhance the competitiveness of Japan's space industry.

Kibo is a Japanese module within the International Space Station that will host many experiments in the microgravity environment of outer space.

Mamoru Mohri
Japan's first astronaut says that involvement in multinational space missions offers the country an opportunity to strengthen its international contributions.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation employs "science communicators" to familiarize members of the public with leading-edge technology.

Earth observation satellites can help the international community deal more effectively with climate change and natural disasters.

Chiaki Mukai
Space medicine is an emerging field that can provide valuable clues to the treatment of ailments on Earth, insists Asia's first female astronaut.

Masakazu Toyoda, Keiji Tachikawa
The government has formulated a new strategy that outlines plans for more practical uses of the outer space environment.

Many technologies developed for the space program are finding greater applications in nonspace contexts, including consumer products.