Japan's science & technology from the perspective of an American who has lived in Tsukuba science city: expectations for Japan's future

摘要

This article will look at the strengths of Japan and at its current problems in an attempt to understand why Japan is facing such problems. Data will demonstrate that while Japan should be the Number 2 rated country overall in the world, inseveral critical areas it is ranked 17{sup}th or 18{sup}th. Several aspects that reveal the inner workings of Japan will be discussed in an attempt to reveal the underlying causes of it problems. One of the largest factors in the problems that Japancurrently faces is the excessive drive for conformity and consensus. Tsukuba Science City is used as an example to clarify the damage caused by such conformity. It is shown that Tsukuba is unprecedented as being perhaps the only area in the world wherethere is a high concentration of scientists and researchers but no new innovative companies. A strong argument is made that creative individuals and their creative ideas must be fostered (or at least not inhibited) before Japan has a chance for long-termand solid recovery.