Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau

Humanoid robot
This humanoid robot's nickname is "P-chan."
He is 158 cm tall and weighs 58 kg.
This is much lighter than previous models.
He can lie down and get up if he falls down.

Dreams of going into space and exploring the human micro world are now becoming a reality. The spirit of challenge - pursuing dreams, opening up new frontiers - is serving as a locomotive force which is rapidly expanding new industrial frontiers such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and eco-technology. The R&D which continues to chase these dreams will be the key to leadership of the 21st century economy, and one critical role of government is to provide the necessary assistance and conditions for the work of people pursuing such dreams, thus transforming this energy into part of the wealth of the nation.

>	Innovation as a key for new growth

"Therapeutic" robot "Paro"
"Paro" is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's No.1 "therapeutic" robot. Its soft touch and reactive behavior offer pleasure and ease.

In recent years, Japanese industry has been exposed to fierce international competition as Asian economies such as China, South Korea and Taiwan rapidly catch up. Asian products now offer not only low cost but also high quality and reliability. To compete with such products, Japan must continue innovating technologies and creating products with higher added value. Just as the development of the Internet and the popularization of mobile phones have dramatically changed our lifestyles, so will the emergence of innovative technologies that will create many new businesses and industries, which in turn will generate the need for new technology, leading to investment for the next innovation; thus, a virtuous cycle is formed. METI will act as the flagman (in this process, taking the initiative) for creating a virtuous demand-innovation cycle in an effort to produce a favorable environment for its growth.
For innovation to be generated, it is important to proactively continue investing in R&D activities related to leading-edge fields with great potential for future growth. METI believes that fuel cells, home information appliances and robots will play a central role in the future economy of Japan, and is proceeding with policies to support such industries.
It is also essential to foster human resources who innovate, and create an environment that facilitates the proactive utilization of a myriad of technological seeds lying idle at universities and research institutes. We provide support for the development of personnel who will take care of MOT (management of technology) as well as for college start-ups and TLOs (technology licensing organizations).

-- Micro-factories --
Handling the watch production process from manufacturing through to assembly in a desktop-size "factory" offers major energy savings. Micro machine technology is also expected to be utilized as a next-generation technology for operations and internal repairs of machinery.

Toward the creation of the world's preeminent leading-edge industry
In the years to come, widespread use of IC tags and fuel cells may substantially change our way of life. And the cases where casually hit-upon ideas have led to big business are too many to enumerate. Our technology policy is intended to set free each individual's creativity, and develop a group of leading-edge industries capable of winning global competition through foresight into future markets, a spirit of challenge and advanced technologies.

>	Standards back up global competition and build a reliable society

3-D nanometer scale essential for evaluating new features made possible by nanotechnology

Indentations on prepaid cards vary in shape depending on use

Japanese manufacturers make 80% of the digital cameras in the world. They have succeeded in the market largely because of their development of international standards for picture file format, which are core digital camera technologies.
Thus, the key for Japanese technologies to continue winning global markets is to create international standards. A technology that fails to be recognized as an international standard may be excluded from the marketplace no matter how advanced it is. METI is aggressively working for international standardization including strategic standardization of future growth fields such as fuel cells, home information appliances and robots by setting up standards ahead of other countries through promotion of national R&D projects linked with standardization.
On the other hand, a newly developed technology may not win international credibility if it is not accurately measurable. METI, therefore, is working on the development of accurate rules and techniques of measurement. These efforts not only provide a basis for new intellectual creation activities but also enhance the reliability of our technologies
Other METI initiatives include improvement of credibility of certification, a JIS mark labeling system and control under the Measurement Law, all aiming for a truly reliable society.
Furthermore, METI has established Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) to promote the widespread use of products that meet social needs such as products targeting elderly people or those with disabilities as well as environment-conscious products. Examples include easy-grip patterns on the sides of shampoo bottles or textured paving blocks - both requisite for a barrier-free society - indentations on prepaid cards to indicate the card type, eco-cement manufactured mainly from ash produced by incinerating urban refuse and effective utilization of landfill waste.

>	Building a society which contributes to both the environment and the economy

Through construction of a society which contributes to both the environment and economic growth, we should achieve sustainable development and pass on our beautiful planet to the next generation. In order to achieve this mission, the Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau implements various policies, including measures to address global warming and promote the building of a recycling-oriented socioeconomy.

Promoting measures to address global warming
In order to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction commitment stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol, we are improving energy efficiency and promoting introduction of new and renewable energies as well as various technology developments, based on The New Climate Change Policy Programme finalized in March 2002. In addition, we will build domestic systems and actively participate in international discussions which aim to establish common rule structures that all countries, including the United States and developing countries, can join.

Creation of Recycling-oriented Society
An economic system based on mass production and the throw-away society has generated a huge amount of waste and imposed a serious burden on the global environment. So it is essential to create a "recycling-oriented society," which is environmentally conscious and makes the most of our resources. We have established recycling systems in such fields as containers and packaging, home electric appliances, and automobiles, while promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), and creative eco-towns, (closed-loop recycling models) in local areas.

Promotion of environmentally friendly industry

Example of Recycling of PET bottles

In order to cope with environmental problems, each sector, including the public, businesses, local authorities and the government, should play its own role. Grappling with environmental problems leads to the creation of new businesses and strengthens international industrial competitiveness. The Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau is engaged in supporting each sector's independent environmental initiatives, studying the introduction of environmental management accounting, and conducting development work on technology to evaluate environmental impact over the product life-cycle.