Japan’s Best Technology

NTV’s “Bankisha” news program asked 200 scientists to name the areas in which Japanese technology excels on a global level. Here is the top 5 ranking:

Space Technology – JAXA is working hard to develop futuristic space ships and satellites.
Automobile Technology – Japan is leading the world in hybrid technology and futuristic concept vehicles.
Medical Technology – The tube your doctor uses to poke around inside your body is probably made in Japan.
Robot Technology – No surprise here. They visit Tmsuk to check out some of their best robots, including rescue, security, and wheelchair robots. The company says that they get very little support from the Japanese government, and survive mainly through international projects.
Water Processing Technology – As an example, they show a filter that helps convert sea water to drinkable fresh water.

Honorable mention: Giant Aquarium Tanks

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http://www.dreaming-artemis.com dreaming Artemis

strangely, I think the last one, converting salt water into fresh water is the most important one…….

Magus

The US is pretty good on that front, too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LifeSaver_bottle

asdf

Medical Technology?

NO.

Japanese doctors are 15 – 20 years behind the west.

helical

I think you may need to separate the actual implementation of various advanced procedures from the existence of theories, papers, and technologies. I suspect Japan is lagging behind in the former portion due to conservative bureaucracies resistant to change, modernization, and approving of new treatment methods.
leitmotiv

In a narrow sense, the “behindness” of many Japanese doctors (compared to their global peers) may be valid in some specific ways, but what GP doctors in Japan do in practice and the global potential for Japan-sourced medical technologies are not really topics that are coupled.

What is striking is that, although Japan has been a source for innovative medical/pharma technologies, there is essentially no biotechnology sector in Japan (despite trillions JPY pvt and govt investment).
Magus

My parents have a friend who has a terminal brain tumor. They’ve decided to go ahead and do an experimental radiation treatment on the tumor that was developed and is in use in Japan, though is still not certified as a safe, usable technique, yet, by the relevant government agencies in the US. It somehow destroys the tumor from the inside out, until it implodes and becomes benign. So far so good.

Chris

They haz a ninja star!

Only a matter of time before they have space ninjas!
Vonskippy

I guess the list isn’t that big of a surprise since they ONLY asked Japanese scientists to create the list.

In reality – it’s doubtful that Japan would even make the top 3 for space or medical innovations.

US by far is the leader in space technology, with Russia a close second. US is also the leader in Medical tech. And I believe it’s a German Hybrid that is actually the only hybrid that has a ROI over it’s cost. As to robots – sure if you’re talking about pie-in-the-sky no current commercial use robots – but if you’re talking about working-right-now industrial robots – once again Germany is the leader.

Magus

Actually, NASA works with JAXA (an the RKA and ESA) on a regular basis. Many of our best satellites are joint-projects with JAXA. They do very good work, especially on satellite and probe technology (though strangely I don’t think they’re too involved in telescopes, even though their glass and mirror technologies and industries are top-notch).

JAXA may not be the size and have the same scope of interests or budget as NASA, but they work very hard and have been extremely successful in their niches (robotic probes, various propulsion engines, among others).

Additionally, they have very ambitious plans for the future, unlike in the US where our momentum has stalled a bit. Admittedly, these things do go in waves. I’m sure the next time someone rivals the US in space prowess there’ll be a big push to accomplish something incredible. Some of our current and future missions will also help (James Webb Telescope, ARES, LRO, Juno, New Horizons, etc…).
Bran

Incorrect, Japan is still the world leader in heavy duty industrial robotics, in terms of sheer numbers, permeation of the work force and in technical research. It is also the global leader in humanoid robot development and robotic dexterity and fine manipulation though as most people are aware these are currently impractical and extraneous features for modern social needs.

Japan’s problem with robotics is that it is fixated upon solving many of its social problems (aging society, childcare, manual labor shortage) through the use of robots with either human or ‘cute’ appearances, an obsession that consistently derails the core needs of each project in terms of efficiency and functionality. The chances of them overcoming this barrier to development depend upon significant social maturation or strong central leadership. Being Japan….don’t hold your breath.

The other area of clear scientific strength is nanotechnology and yet this is overlooked. The poll was obviously deeply flawed.

Kreator

Japan’s cosmetic surgery technology is best in the world!!

KQ

like you mean boob implants?lol

変態な痴漢

６エロゲーム！
７パンチラカメラ
８ポルノ

helical

Congratulations, your ability to find and use Google Translate is most astounding!

Japan’s Best Technology

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