Science, Technology and Society in Contemporary Japan

This is an introductory-level text exploring science and technology in Japanese society.

This book explores the relationship between science, technology and Japanese society. Topics discussed include government policy, the private sector, communication, quality control, the aerospace industry, the environment, medical care, and the role of gender.

Part I. The Japanese Model of R & D: 1. Basic versus applied research: the role of corporate laboratories and universities; 2. Cooperation versus competition: Miti's R & D projects and Japan's science cities; Part II. Science and Technology for Economic Growth: 3. Quality versus quantity: the automobile industry; 4. Technology versus commercial feasibility: nuclear power and electric utilities; 5. Consumerism and development versus the environment; Part III. The International Dimension: 6 Domestic development versus importation of technology: the aerospace industry and the FS-X fighter plane controversy; 7 Domestic technology versus the export of technology; Part IV. Science and Technology for the People? 8. Information society versus controlled society; 9. Women versus men in the science and technology workforce; 10. National interest versus local interests: the construction of Narita airport; 11. The patient versus the doctor: changes in medical care and attitudes to the body.