Science, Engineering, Math, and Technology Studies

Themes students can uncover include the battery and fuel cell infrastructure, in addition to the public-sector visibility of such projects in instances like the bullet trains and the fuel cell vehicles in Odiba, and the future of mobility public explorations in Takanawa Gateway.

Visit company museums to understand the Japanese manufacturing philosophies such as Kaizen and kitozukuri or the idea of starting with people in mind. See how a history of lean manufacturing has lead to long company histories and multi-national companies that are incredibly diverse.

Dive into topics such as Japan’s advanced robotics and automation industry, continuous development and refinement, as well as system-wide coordination from how company culture impacts employees to the materials they use.

Learn about the future of robotic collaboration in manufacturing to combat a talent and employment shortage.

Explore how one Japanese food processing company’s technology became critical to the semiconductor world (Ajinomoto), visit the demonstration hubs of other multi-national powerhouses such as Panasonic or TDK.

In addition, challenge concepts of planned obsolescence by visiting visiting the Extinct Technology Museum and the renowned consumer electronic district, Akihabara to experience the reuse market.

Discover Japan’s historic contributions to the exploration of space with a visit to JAXA Tsukuba Space Center or the aviation hubs in Aichi and Gifu. Or visit one of Japan’s high energy partical accelerators, also in Tsukuba.

Visit one of Japan’s heavy industries companies to learn more about how the companies are integrating the 5S production and just-in-time manufacturing in a practical sense.

Witness in citizen science programs and outreach programs using the Subaru Telescope data and how this can transform the public’s relationship to science.

Explore the research in an academic setting pioneered by a Nobel Laureate in regenerative medicine and stem cell.

Discover how traditional practices of fermentation are leading to inspiration in enzyme production, and explore traditional fermentation practices.

From the history of gaming at the Nintendo museum to the modern community gaming in esports and various arcades.

Study the telecom infrastructure’s role in altering the public with Japan’s Early Earthquake Warning (EEW) system and role in ongoing monitoring with satellites.

Discover how Japan educates the public with community communication and experiential learning facilities.

Explore the infrastructure designed to divert excess discharge in the event of a major disaster, and witness the transformation of Shibuya, for the same reasons. Visit previous disaster-struck areas for a masterclass in community defense and rebuilding.

Explore both ancient and and modern building techniques through visits to modern build zones as well as traditional temples and bridges.

Visit the woodworking museum to understand the traditional art of joinery and how this has stood the test of time for many of Japan’s ancient structures.

Japan has a rich biodiversity in both coral reefs and marine animal ecosystem in the islands off Okinawa, as well as geothermal activity with active volcanoes in the region.

Take a ride-along with a marine biologiest studying the marine life of Okinawa, or study how materials science is reinventing coral regeneration.

Visit Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest caldera’s or study fault lines at the Itoigawa-Shizouka Tectonic Line.