The words "Japanese technology" usually conjure up images of everything from cars and cameras to stereos and mobile phones.
Now, though, growing awareness of "green" issues in this land of concreted coasts and dammed rivers is generating a wave of promising new technologies that consumers and businesses can ride to a more eco-friendly and profitable future. From May 25-28, products incorporating many of these technologies will be on display at "Nexpo 2004 Tokyo," an annual event subtitled "New Environmental Exposition 2004 Tokyo" being held this year at Tokyo Big Sight.
"The range of technologies showcased at our event has really expanded," says Mitsuru Niikura of Nippo I.B., a publisher of trade periodicals concerned with waste and the environment, and the driving force behind the show.