The 4 July issue of Nikkei Business features a special section titled “Japan’s inventive power is really fantastic”. Beneath the headline a sub-head reads, “Set for production: 18 items the world wants”.
In addition to offering new inventions, Japan also claims credit for creating instant coffee, the directional antenna, chain stores (developed by travelling merchants from Omi Province, today’s Shiga Prefecture) and fast food (offered by shops during the Edo Period [1603–1868]). According to the article, vehicle airbags were invented by Yasusaburo Kobori who worked for a Swedish firm 51 years ago, while the 3D printer was invented in the early 1980s by Hideo Kodama and later purchased by US firm Stratasys Ltd.
More recent major commercial successes can also trace their origin to Japan. A forerunner of robot vacuum cleaners was sold 37 years ago by Nintendo; a pioneer came up with an early version of the smartphone 17 years ago; Casio Computer Co., Ltd. introduced data terminals that could be worn on the wrist 42 years ago; and a prototype concept for drones was introduced by Osaka-based Keyence Corporation 27 years ago.
Four factors are thought to discourage innovation. First, a system in which people who tend not to make new challenges are promoted; second, a corporate culture that baulks at subordinates causing failures; third, the process of plan, do, check and act is totally dependent on the planning; and fourth, not devoting enough time to research.
What, then, do businesses need most to strengthen development? Four stumbling blocks need to be overcome. First, too much demand for quick results; second, an excessively adverse position to risk-taking; third, perfectionism; and fourth, the understanding that combination is not equal to innovation.
Nikkei Business listed 18 future products expected to emerge from Japan that are judged to be absolutely necessary. All represent huge market potential, with the name of the key figure presently involved in parentheses.
- Brake on cars that will prevent drivers from stepping on the accelerator by accident (Naruse Machinery Co., Ltd.)
- Car that cannot be driven if the driver has been drinking (Tokyo Medical and Dental University)
- Car that detects if the driver is suffering emergency ill health (Omron Corporation)
- Stairs that prevent accidental falls (Sugihara Craft)
- Bathtub in which the bather cannot drown (National Institute of Advanced Science and Technology)
- Bicycles that won’t tip over (Aomori University of Health and Welfare)
- Airplanes that cannot crash (The University of Tokyo)
- Non-flammable houses (Asano Non-combustion Co., Ltd.)
- Completely automatic bathing machine (Handi Network International Co., Ltd.)