Sunday May 27, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

In what technological or scientific fields is Japan still ahead of the rest of the world?

Have Your Say Aug. 22, 2011 - 05:57AM JST ( 33 )

Order by Time Order by Popularity

33 Comments

-5

whiskeysourAug. 22, 2011 - 08:01AM JST

NONE at the moment.
3

BrainiacAug. 22, 2011 - 08:03AM JST

I would say cell phone contents (and use of cell phone as e-money), robotics, cameras and some biotech areas.
-2

sillygirlAug. 22, 2011 - 08:16AM JST

the answer is.......... NONE?
-4

illsayitAug. 22, 2011 - 09:33AM JST

it's not cars and it's not electronics......
1

FoxieAug. 22, 2011 - 10:11AM JST

Kampo
3

Spidapig24Aug. 22, 2011 - 12:09PM JST

Underplaying the affects of nuclear disasters and causing said nuclear disasters in the first place. Not to mention they are world leaders in the self pity stakes.
3

lostrune2Aug. 22, 2011 - 12:46PM JST

miniature devices
7

yokomocAug. 22, 2011 - 01:09PM JST

Toilets
1

Mark_McCrackenAug. 22, 2011 - 01:47PM JST

Low orbit cargo delivery.

Understanding the stomach contents of freshly killed whales

And, as yokomoc said, toilets.
1

tokyokawasakiAug. 22, 2011 - 02:52PM JST

agree with yokomoc - Clever toilet seats :)
1

NessieAug. 22, 2011 - 03:09PM JST

Seismology, vulcanology, hydraulic engineering, robotics, aseimic engineering, certain construction technologies
4

BurakuminDesAug. 22, 2011 - 03:29PM JST

Camera lenses, tofu and natto. Can't think of anything else.
2

tokyokawasakiAug. 22, 2011 - 03:53PM JST

Maybe vending machines?
2

sillygirlAug. 22, 2011 - 04:21PM JST

yes, yes, yes toilets. forgot about them.
2

irairaAug. 22, 2011 - 04:32PM JST

cosplay
0

tsukkiAug. 22, 2011 - 05:02PM JST

public transport
1

TakahiroDomingoAug. 22, 2011 - 06:28PM JST

the mamachari
0

smithinjapanAug. 22, 2011 - 07:16PM JST

Hard to say, but it can't be much if anything. I'd say that while other countries are now equal to if not surpassing Japan in tech, that Japan is still superior in terms of safety standards, but with all the scandals of late and all that's going on now I'm not sure that's actually the case. Hmmm... maybe whale 'research'? And obviously they are ahead in the game in trying to make earthquake prediction (scientists, not electric companies, who are obviously well behind).
1

melguyAug. 22, 2011 - 07:58PM JST

They seem to be doing well in areas of stem cell research. Definitely not robotics, unless you mean robot as toys. Most Japanese robots are remote controlled anyway.
1

tomatoflightAug. 22, 2011 - 08:16PM JST

I wish I could say video games, but they've been underwhelming as of late. I would say gourmet dining, as Tokyo has the most Michelin stars of any city in the world. Modern city, for sure, as no city in the world has as much modern advancements as Tokyo. Toilets, already been said. And lastly, transportation/subway systems. Surprised no one else said that.
3

hatsoffAug. 22, 2011 - 08:34PM JST

Endoscope technology (Olympus medical). And perhaps nanotechnology?
1

Johannes WeberAug. 22, 2011 - 08:35PM JST

I think the Shinkansen is still one of the best trains in the world. It has the lowest rate of severe accidents of all high speed trains per year. So Japanese people can build safe things (as long as it's no nuclear power plant).

Hybrid cars is also a Japanese forte. The other companies world-wide are jumping on the business, but it will still take them years to catch up with Toyota's routine and experience with hybrids.

With respect to nuclear power, some groups in Japan are doing a lot of research in terms of decontamination. They might well be ahead of all others in that area soon...
1

TimeiClicAug. 22, 2011 - 08:54PM JST

Bicycle gears; Shimano still make the most reliable racing gears on the planet, and the recent addition of Dura Ace and Ultegra i2 systems have stepped up the game once again.
0

GodanAug. 22, 2011 - 09:10PM JST

I think many horophiles would say the Japanese do very impressive things with watches.
1

amerijapAug. 22, 2011 - 10:43PM JST

Nanotechnology, ergonomics, environmental engineering, etc.
3

VicMOsakaAug. 22, 2011 - 11:58PM JST

Cameras, watches, toilets and pans, steel, die making, high speed trains, earthquake sensing technology, many medical devices and expertise, carbon fibre tecnology, agriculture, electric motors, LED lightbulbs, vending machines including parking ticket and money changing machines, hybrid refrigerators, efficient and quiet washing machines, nuclear contamination equipment as proven by Toshiba technology, transport system, various vitamin supplements, plastic moulding expertise and coatings, and the list goes on.

I expect some comments as a lot of people don't like to admit the expertise of Japan. One of the most common things said, is that Japan only copies everything which is far from true. Japanese hold many world patents. Japanese companies produce many high tech items and parts for other manufacturers around the world.
0

nigelboyAug. 23, 2011 - 12:49AM JST

I expect some comments as a lot of people don't like to admit the expertise of Japan. One of the most common things said, is that Japan only copies everything which is far from true. Japanese hold many world patents. Japanese companies produce many high tech items and parts for other manufacturers around the world.

Some people can't admit because they just DON'T KNOW.
0

Rod EllicottAug. 23, 2011 - 05:13AM JST

Cameras and imaging technologies...Sony,Sharp (CCDs) and Olympus, Canon, Nikon etc (cameras)...
1

SamuraiBlueAug. 23, 2011 - 07:58AM JST

The most basic in metallurgy and material physics. I believe Japan still holds the most patents in this field.
1

FoxieAug. 23, 2011 - 09:51AM JST

Knives from Seki - nobody can beat the quality of a Mcusta Damascus knife
1

oberstAug. 23, 2011 - 03:23PM JST

female humanoid robot that can sing and dance and god knows what else behind closed door....................
1

TakahiroDomingoAug. 23, 2011 - 04:00PM JST

the tamagochi

seriously: this country ranks very high, among the top 5 at least, in science in technology. this is the mecca for techno-fetishists. there is so much depression now with the earthquake-tsunami-radiation now that it is the only thing people think of.
1

kurisupisuAug. 23, 2011 - 08:26PM JST

Pachinko cacophonies!