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Japan is a leader in science and technology. From the most abstruse mathematics to encryption, from technologies ranging over lighting to spacecraft, Japan is in the forefront of development and deployment of technology. Combined with a long tradition of fine craftsmanship, the ascent of Japanese scientists and engineers to the world’s leading tier has been a heady one, and one that shows no sign of abating even with the threatened incipient population decrease.
It is a commonplace to mention that most new and exciting consumer technology only reaches the U.S. many years after it is introduced to and shaken out by Japanese consumers. A trip to Akihabara is the highlight of many a businessman’s trip to Tokyo — he can literally see the future now.
One of the most remarkable explorations in space is Japan's microwave ion propulsion Hayabusa spacecraft. The Hayabusa has the amazing goal of landing on the asteroid Itokawa and returning approximately one gram of the asteroid's surface to a landing site in Australia. [Article]
Japan’s best known technology maven is not as well known outside of Japan, but Shuji Nakamura’s research creating the blue LED has revolutionized lighting. [Article]
