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Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > WHITE PAPER ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY2003 > Part3 3.2 3.2.2 3.2.2.7

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Part3 Measures Adopted for Promotion of Science and Technology
3.2 Priority Strategies for Science and Technology
3.2.2 Prioritization of Research and Development in Response to Issues Important to the State and Society
3.2.2.7 Infrastructure


  Infrastructure is a basic sector in support of the people's lives.In order to achieve a prosperous,secure,safe,and comfortable society,research and development is promoted to reduce the risks inherent in society,and to improve the people's conveniences so that they can achieve a quality life.

  In the Science and Technology Basic Plan,this sector is treated as being fundamental to the nation's existence,and is an area that the government must be engaged in.The Promotion Strategies by Sector adopted in September2001stipulated two priority areas,including"build safety"and"create the foundations for renewing the beauty of Japan,and for a high-quality life."The topic of"build safety"includes such items as mechanisms for generation of abnormal natural phenomena,immediate response systems for disasters(disaster prevention IT,emergency rescue systems,etc.),measures to reduce massive disaster damage to densely populated urban areas,systems for protection of core functions and cultural assets,etc.,ultra-advanced disaster prevention support systems,intelligent transport systems(ITS),measures for land,sea,and air traffic safety,measures for deteriorating social infrastructure,and safety measures in response to toxic or dangerous substances,or to criminal activity,etc.The other topic,"create the foundations for renewing the beauty of Japan,and for a high-quality life,"includes such items as rebuilding beautiful living spaces in coexistence with nature,local topics covering a different regions,restoration of drainage area water cycles and general water management,traffic systems in response to new flows of people and goods,barrier-free systems and universal designs,and information infrastructure technologies and systems for society.

3.2.2.7.1 Science and Technology for Disaster Prevention

  Japan has experienced many natural disasters in its history,and has adopted many disaster prevention measures in response.In order to protect human life and property,and to mitigate the damage from natural disasters,it is important to make full utilization of scientific and technological knowledge in the course of preventing disasters before they happen,of limiting the spread of damage when disasters occur,and of recovery from disasters.To this end,the research institutions in every ministry are implementing research and development in accordance with the"Basic Plan for Research and Development on Disaster Prevention"(determined by the Prime Minister in1981,revised in1993),and the"Promotion of Research and Development on Earthquake Disaster Prevention Based on the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake"(determined in May1995by the Committee on Policy Matters of CST),and through promotion of liaison adjustments and cooperation by the Inter-Ministerial Liaison Committee for Disaster Prevention Science and Technology.

  In addition,a research and development commit-tee in the Science and Technology Council's Disaster Prevention Division issued the"Policy for Promotion of Disaster Prevention R&D"in March2003,forecasting the state of disaster prevention technology in10years time,and showing the important research and development topics that the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology should be promoting over the next five years.

  Scientific and technological research on disaster prevention at each ministry and agency is shown in Table3-2-9 .The contents of research are wide-ranging,including earthquake disaster prevention,volcanic eruption disaster countermeasures,snow and ice disaster countermeasures,meteorological and water disaster countermeasures,and Earth sciences and technologies.

  In particular,earthquake disaster prevention research includes the"Special Project for Earth-quake Disaster Mitigation In Urban Areas,"with participants including disaster prevention research institutions from industry,academia,and government,and the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention's development of a three-dimensional full-scale earthquake testing facility(called"E-Defense").

  In addition,the Earthquake Research Institute at the University of Tokyo,the Disaster Prevention Research Institute Kyoto University,and other university institutes throughout Japan,the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management,the National Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering,and others are engaged in research into prevention or mitigation of damage from various types of natural disasters.

Table3-2-9 Major research subjects in(natural)disaster prevention science and technology(in FY2002)

  In the area of international cooperation,Japan is taking part in bilateral research on science and technology for disaster prevention within the frame-work science and technology cooperation agreements with the United States,Russia,Italy,and others,and the"U.S.-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources"(UJNR 49) ).In particular,cooperation under the U.S.-Japan Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Partnership is now progressing within the framework of the area of mitigation of natural disasters newly added to the Common Agenda in April1996.In addition,the Third Japan-Italy Conference on Landslide Disaster Prevention Technology was held in Tokyo and Hiroshima,Japan in April2002,based on the Japan-Italy Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.

  At present,16APEC(Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum)economies and one United Nations institution are jointly engaged in the SCF-funded"Development of Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Mitigation Technologies and Their Integration for the Asia-Pacific Region,"while UNESCO 50) (United Nations Education,Science,and Culture Organization)and the Inter-national Union of Geological Sciences are engaged in an international cooperation project for"Cultural Assets and Forecasting of Landslide Disasters."

  Elsewhere,the Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA)has implemented technical cooperation,such as trainee acceptance and experts dispatch.

  Following on the1990s,which were declared the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction(IDNDR 51) ),in2000the United Nations declared the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction(ISDR 52) ),an initiative that is expected to play an active role in the field of disaster prevention science and technology.


Note49)UJNR:U.S.-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources


Note50)UNESCO:United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural


Note51)IDNDR:International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction


Note52)ISDR:International Strategy for Disaster Reduction

3.2.2.7.2Earthquake Surveys and Research

  In light of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Disaster that occurred in1995,the Special Measure Law on Earthquake Disaster Prevention was passed for the purpose of promoting comprehensive earthquake prevention measures all across Japan.The law stipulates the system of responsibility for earthquake surveys and research that impinge directly on administrative policies,and the Head-quarters for Earthquake Research Promotion(Chairman:Minister of Education,Culture,Sports,Science,and Technology)was established based on that law to facilitate the activities.

  The Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion has established a Policy Committee and an Earthquake Research Committee consisting of staff members from relevant ministries and agencies,and academia.Based on"The Promotion of Earthquake Research-basic comprehensive policy for the promotion of earthquake observation,measurement,surveys and research,"adopted in April1999,the Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion serves as the point of contact and cooperation between relevant ministries and agencies for promotion of earthquake surveys and research (Figure3-2-10) .

Figure3-2-10 The structure of the headquarters for earthquake research promotion

  The Policy Committee performs administrative adjustments of budgets related to earthquake surveys and research in the relevant ministries and agencies.In August2002,the Headquarters adopted the"Estimate of budget requests Related to Earthquake Surveys and Research for FY2003,"and called upon the Prime Minister and other relevant ministers to respect its content when drawing up the government budget.In the same month of August,the Policy Committee also reviewed the"Fundamental Seismic Survey and Observation Plan"(adopted by the Headquarters in August1997),after which the Headquarters adopted the"Review of the Fundamental Seismic Survey and Observation Plan and Development of a Prioritized Survey and Observation System."Furthermore,the Policy Committee's Subcommittee for Instituting Results in Society is promoting studies into how to use the results of earthquake surveys and research effectively for society.In August2001,the sub-committee prepared a summary for disseminating to society the long-term evaluation of active fault lines.

  The Working Group for Distribution of Survey and Observation Results,a part of the Survey and Observation Planning Subcommittee established under the Policy Committee,issued"On Distribution and Disclosure of Basic Survey and Observations,Etc.,of Earthquakes"in August2002to promote the distribution and disclosure of survey and observation data,and then promoted studies into strengthening surveys and observation the Tonankai and Nankai earthquake regions,with plans to release the first-stage report in the Spring of2003.Furthermore,a subcommittee for encouraging society's utilization of results is promoting studies toward utilizing the results of earthquake survey research in society.

  The Earthquake Research Committee holds regular meetings on a monthly basis,and at other times when an earthquake does particular damage.At these meetings,the committee collects comprehensive evaluations of earthquake activities in Japan and publishes them immediately to ensure their utility in disaster prevention activities.In addition,the Earthquake Research Committee per-forms a series of long-term evaluations of the probabilities of earthquake occurrence in selected active faults.Of the98fault zones listed,the committee had already published evaluation results for33faults zones as of March2003.

  The committee has also published evaluation results regarding marine trench earthquakes,including the Nankai Trench Earthquake(the Tonankai and Nankai Earthquakes),and the earth-quake extending from Sanriku Offshore region to the Boso Offshore region(including the Miyagi Prefecture Offshore Earthquake) (Figure3-2-11) .Furthermore,a series of strong quake motion evaluations are being conducted for some active fault zones and marine trench earthquake zones where the probability of earthquake occurrences is considered particularly high.

  Based on the above results,the Earthquake Research Committee is promoting preparation of"General Seismic Hazard Maps,"with the goal of covering the whole of Japan by the end of FY2004.As the first step in that process,in May2002the committee published a test map restricted to a region centering on the Yamanashi Prefecture,followed in March2003with a test map limited to the Northern Japan region.

  The major measures related to earthquake surveys and research in ministries and agencies are as shown in Table3-2-12 .

  Based on the policies laid down by the Head-quarters for Earthquake Research Promotion,the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology promotes surveys of active fault zones,and is also performing pilot surveys and observations of regions where the probability of earthquake occurrence is considered to be high.In addition,surveys and research into the crustal structure in major metropolitan areas are being conducted as part of the"Special Project for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation In Urban Areas."

Figure3-2-11Fault zones and sea areas with announced evaluation results

  The national universities are promoting basic research into earthquake prediction.In addition,the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention,acting according to the"Fundamental Seismic Survey and Observation Plan,"is promoting development of high sensitivity seismic observation stations and of wide-area earthquake observation facilities,and is also engaged in collecting data from an earthquake observation net-work now under development that will eventually cover the entire nation,and in processing and disseminating that data.The institute is also engaged in research into methods for preparation of general seismic hazard maps.In addition,the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center is promoting development of a comprehensive real time deep sea-floor observation network system.

  The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is promoting research into evaluation of the potential of earthquake occurrences,by surveying active fault zones,etc.

  The Geographical Survey Institute promotes earthquake survey and research through GPS continuous observation at about1,000stations around the nation,and also through the use of VLBI(Very Long Baseline Interferometer)and other advanced survey technologies to monitor crustal deformation and plate motion,and then analyzes the observation data.The Meteorological Agency conducts earth-quake observations nation-wide,and also promotes the development of observation facilities and research into earthquake prediction.Japan Coast Guard's Hydrographic Department promotes sea area measurement,as well as earthquake surveys and research in seabed terrain and active fault areas.Japan's research into earthquake and volcanic eruption prediction is performed based on the"New Monitoring Research Programs for Earthquake Prediction"adopted in August1998by the Geodesy Council(since FY2001 called the Science Council's Geodesy Division)and on the"Sixth Volcanic Eruption Prediction Program"(both programs are five-year plans lasting from FY1999 to FY2003),with the universities,the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention,the Meteorological Agency,and other institutions proceeding in the spirit of cooperation while engaged in projects suited to their particular functions and conditions.

Table3-2-12 Measures for earthquake surveys and research(in FY2002)

3.2.2.7.3Aviation Science and Technology

  R&D in aviation science and technology is knowledge-intensive and makes use of advanced technologies.As a result,developments in this field are not limited to air transport but can also spill over into many other sectors,and the field can be expected to play an important role in Japan's future development as a nation of creative science and technology.

  In Japan,technology has accumulated through independent development of the YS-11commercial transport aircraft and other projects,international joint development of the Boeing777and other aircraft,and international joint development of the V2500 jet engine for commercial aircraft.The nation's technology is steadily increasing its role in the world's aviation industry.In particular,Japan's application of composite materials and other advanced materials in its structural design and manufacturing technologies is recognized as top-class around the world.

  To actively promote the development of aircraft and their engines,it is necessary to improve the technological level still more.To this end,at the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology,discussions in the Science and Technology Council's Aeronautical Science and Technology Committee have continued since FY2002 on how research and development should meet today's demands,including research and development priorities,policies for cooperation with industry,and dissemination of research results.Under the Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry,the Aircraft and Aerospace Industry Subcommittee's Aircraft Industry Committee is holding discussions on the possibility of joint international development of civil aviation aircraft and engines,and on other directions in aircraft industry policy.

  Under the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology,the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan has been promoting research and development focusing on flight testing of a small-scale supersonic experimental aircraft,toward the establishment of a superior CFD(calculateed flow dynamics)aerodynamic design technology that can contribute to the development of a next-generation supersonic aircraft.After a test failure in July2002,however,the concept is now under reconsideration.Elsewhere,the laboratory is promoting research into aviation safety and environmentally compatible technologies,and into fundamental technologies for computer-based numerical simulations.The laboratory also develops wind tunnels,engine testing facilities,and other large-scale testing and research facilities,encouraging their joint use by other institutions,to play a leading role in improving the level of aviation science and technology in Japan.

  The Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry is engaged in the research and development of"propulsion systems for environmentally suitable next-generation supersonic transporters"in response to the environmental needs of the next generation.Major aircraft engine manufacturers from Europe and the United States are also participating in this research and development.Elsewhere,the ministry is promoting research and development into"intelligent materials and structural systems"expected to be utilized in aircraft and other equipment,and development of highly efficient manufacturing technologies using"advanced composite materials."It is also promoting development of design,manufacturing,and basic technologies related to"innovative light-weight structures,"development of technologies related to engine structures and materials based on"MGC(melt-growth composite)materials,"as well as development of technologies related to"next-generation high-reliability avionics"for the improvement of aircraft navigation technologies,and development of technologies related to cockpit and piloting systems and other"advanced aircraft systems."

  At the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure and Transport,the Electronic Navigation Research Institute is conducting research into navigation and air traffic control systems to improve air traffic safety.Findings from this research are expected to play an important role in the future development of air transport.

3.2.2.7.4Development of Other Social Infrastructure

  Society as a whole is becoming increasingly complex,with advancing urbanization and general improvement of society through the development of transport,shipping,and communications systems,etc.On the other hand,however,rural communities face problems of population outflow and aging,reduced vitality in industry and society,declining of public transport and shipping functions,and a general multifaceted decline in such important functions as land conservation,water source cultivation,and conservation of the natural environment.Moreover,in order to achieve a higher quality for people's lives,where leisure and prosperity can be experienced,development of the socio-economic infrastructure has come to be demanded.For this purpose,it is important to promote the development of technologies for comprehensive utilization of land in Japan,technologies for civil engineering and construction of public facilities,R&D for transport and shipping,technologies for establishing advanced information communication systems,R&D for construction of databases,R&D for waste treatment technologies,and R&D of universal design products and systems.In addition,it is also important to promote research and development into technologies for production activities in response to diversification of consumer demand and to shortages in the labor force,with due attention to the need to reduce the burden on the environment.

  In this sector,a number of documents have established priorities for promotion of research and development,including the"Ministry of Transport Research Program"adopted in June2000by the then Ministry of Transport(now Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,and Transport),the"Transportation Technology Policy Prospects for the21st Century"published in June1991by the Ministry of Transport's Council for Transportation Technology(Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,and Transport),the"Basic Direction for Transportation Research and Development at the Beginning of the21st Century"adopted in December2000by the Ministry of Transport's Council for Transportation Technology(Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,and Transport),the"Basic Plan for Research and Development in Information and Telecommunications"adopted in February2000by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications'Council for Telecommunications Technology(Ministry of Public Management,Home Affairs,Posts,and Telecommunications),and the"Items Related to Pollution Prevention that Require Experimental Research Priority"published annually by the Environment Agency(now Ministry of the Environment).

  Specifically,the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,and Transport and other ministries and agencies are promoting comprehensive land use through the development of advanced national land use technology,and research and development into disaster prevention evaluations and countermeasure technologies in city renewal projects,and into other local disaster prevention activities.The ministry is also promoting research and development into technologies for superconducting magnetic levitated trains,as well as development of propulsion systems for supersonic transporters,and of other advanced transport and shipping systems.

  Furthermore,the Ministry of Public Management,Home Affairs,Posts,and Telecommunications and other ministries and agencies is promoting R&D into the development of ultra-high speed network technologies,of advanced information and communication resource transmission and accumulation technologies,and other advanced information and communication systems.

  In addition,the Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry,and Fisheries is developing research into maintenance and disaster prevention technologies for major agricultural facilities.

  The Ministry of Economy,Trade,and Industry promotes research and development of"human lifestyle engineering for quality life"for the development of universal design products and systems.

  The Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,and Transport offers subsidies and other support for the Railway Technical Research Institute to promote research and development toward practical realization of a superconducting magnetically levitated vehicle,for the objective of high-speed transport in the future.

  In addition,in January2003,the ministry adopted the"Development Vision for Technologies Related to Deep Underground Use,"to promote the development of technologies with broad general applications for projects that require traversal of the deep underground.

  The major research topics in FY2002 for socio-economic infrastructure,and for safety assurance,etc.,are as shown in Tables3-2-13 and 3-2-14 .

Table3-2-13Major research subjects in the area of improvement of socioeconomic foundation(in FY2002)

Table3-2-14Major research subjects in safety area(in FY2002)


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