Japan's Top Inventions

Mar 18, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. On this episode, we discover conveyor belt sushi, an invention that's trundled its way to countries and regions around the world. The technology, in which plates of sushi are delivered via a rotating conveyor belt, actually traces its origins to a single eureka moment in a beer factory in 1950's Japan. This time, the inside story of the one man who brought this Top Invention to life.

Apr 19, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time: the Shinkansen, sometimes called the bullet train, which set a new record for high-speed rail, 256km/h, in its trial runs. The inspiration for unlocking that incredible speed came from aerodynamic airplanes. Shinkansen technology is now being adopted around the world in places like the UK and Taiwan. This time, we discover the drama behind the creation of this high-speed invention.

May 17, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, electric rice cookers, which create fluffy, great-tasting rice with the press of a button. Developed in Japan in 1955, these automated rice cookers keep growing in popularity: in 2016, exports hit a record high. In Asia and around the world, this invention plays an essential role in creating rice-based dishes. This time, the unknown story behind the birth of the electric rice cooker.

Jun 21, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. On this episode, electronic bidet toilets, which clean your bottom with a spray of warm water. On sale since 1980, some 40 million of these toilet seats have shipped, and are now sold in many countries and regions including the U.S. and China. But the creation of this high-tech, revolutionary product was anything but easy. This time, the dramatic tale behind electronic bidet toilets.

Jul 19, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, quartz wristwatches, which caused a "timepiece revolution" with their accurate timing. Built in Japan in 1969, the world's first quartz wristwatch drifted only 0.2 seconds a day, making it about 100 times more accurate than previous watches. Even now, 96% of watches around the world use the same system. We trace the drama behind the creation of this super-accurate timepiece.

Aug 16, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, a product first produced in Japan in 1958: instant ramen. With over 100 billion servings eaten every year, this instant meal has become a worldwide staple. The inspiration for this invention came from a surprising source: the deep-fried Japanese dish known as tempura. This time, we bite into the story behind instant ramen, a food loved around the world.

Sep 20, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, the gadget that lets you enjoy music anytime, anywhere with just a pair of headphones: the portable music player. The world's first of these portable players was developed by a Japanese manufacturer in 1979. Listening to music on the go is now a part of daily life around the world. This time, the story of the invention that made it all possible.

Oct 18, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time we focus on gastrocameras, which have led to a revolution in cancer treatment. The first gastrocamera, the predecessor of those now used by hospitals around the world, was developed in Japan in 1950. We probe the untold drama behind the creation of the gastrocamera and look into the technological evolution that continues today.

Nov 22, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, we focus on electronic calculators. Pocket-sized calculators have become so common that everyone can have one, and are still used today. The world's first pocket-sized calculator was developed in Japan in 1972, and made calculators available to the general public for the first time. Let's discover the story behind its creation, including inspiration from a surprising source: bowling!

Dec 20, 2018

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, we feature erasable pens, which allow users to erase their writing just like with pencil. Released in 2006, these pens' usefulness has made them a hit: over 2 billion have been sold in some 100 countries and regions around the world. Discover the unknown story of these erasable pens, whose creation was inspired by the changing leaves of autumn.

Jan 17, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, we focus on utility knives whose blades, when they become dull, can be snapped off, revealing fresh blades underneath. These knives were invented in 1956 by a Japanese man who took his inspiration from both a "waste not, want not" philosophy and ... chocolate! We cut into the untold drama behind the creation of this revolutionary product, which changed the way the world thinks about utility knives.

Feb 21, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, an invention used around the world: acrylic aquarium panels. The very first of those panels was born in Japan in 1969 -- and the distinctive techniques used to make it were inspired by a type of noodle eaten in Japan since times long past: udon! Dive into the story behind the dramatic birth of acrylic panels, which sparked an aquarium revolution, and see how they've continued to evolve.

Mar 21, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, an essential part of any makeup kit: makeup brushes known in Japanese as fude. The very first of these brushes, now known as some of the best in the world, were created in Japan in 1981, and were inspired by the traditional fude used in Japanese calligraphy. We dive into the story behind the Japanese fude brushes that caused a revolution in the world of makeup.

Apr 17, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, we take a ride on Japan's world-beloved compact motorcycles. Over 100 million of these revolutionary compact motorcycles have been produced to date. They were developed by Soichiro Honda, whose company, named after Honda himself, became world-renowned in a single generation. Join us as we ride into the unknown tale of this brilliant engineer's trailblazing compact motorcycles.

May 9, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, a product used in over 20 countries and regions: stay-tight fasteners, nuts used with bolts in railroads, bridges, towers, and more. When normal nuts experience vibration, they sometimes come loose. But stay-tight fasteners, developed in Japan in 1974, overcame this problem. Learn the dramatic story behind the nuts, including a surprising spot that inspired their creation: a shrine!

May 30, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, one of the world's most famous video game characters: Pac-Man. The iconic yellow ball with a mouth that gobbles up dots and runs away from ghosts was born in Japan in 1980, and holds the world record for "most successful coin-operated arcade game." Discover the backstory behind this iconic character, including how its shape was inspired by none other than pizza!

Jun 19, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, pedal assist electric bicycles, which give you a helpful boost of power when you pedal and help you enjoy relaxed cycling even on steep hills. The first pedal assist electric bicycles were produced in 1993 in Japan, and these revolutionary inventions are now used and loved worldwide. We pedal into the little-known, behind-the-scenes story of how these bicycles were invented.

Jul 10, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, cooling gel sheets, which can be applied to the forehead for cooling relief when you're feeling feverish. These sheets were developed in Japan in 1994, and were inspired by none other than a certain pub dish! The sheets are now sold in some 20 countries and regions, and about 400 million are used per year. Join us as we discover the little-known story behind Japan's cooling gel sheets.

Aug 7, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, fiber tip pens, invented by a Japanese stationery firm in 1963. These water-based pens improved on the firm's oil-based pens, whose ink feathered and bled. Thanks to early user Lyndon Johnson, 36th President of the United States, they became a hit. Some 2.2 billion have been produced and sold in over 100 countries and regions. This time, the little-known story behind fiber tip pens.

Aug 21, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, durable timepieces that don't break when dropped: shock resistant wristwatches. These unique watches were created by a Japanese firm in 1983, and are now available in 138 countries and regions. Over 100 million units have been shipped to date. Discover their surprising inspiration -- a child playing with a rubber ball in a park -- and more in the little-known story behind this invention.

Sep 11, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, the food you can eat anytime, anywhere, with no need for bowls or plates: Cup ramen. Invented by Momofuku Ando in an attempt to spread his instant ramen worldwide, Cup ramen has been sold in over 80 countries and regions to date. And an incredible 40 billion cups have been sold! This time, slurp up the secrets behind this hit cup-based Japanese invention.

Oct 9, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, probiotic drinks, now consumed in 40 countries and regions. They were created by Yakult founder Minoru Shirota, who succeeded in cultivating strong lactic acid bacteria that could survive digestive fluids. With the philosophy "a healthy intestinal tract leads to a long life," Shirota spread his probiotic drink far and wide. Join us and learn more about the story behind these drinks.

Oct 23, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, the special effects movie that introduced the world to Japan's most famous monster: Godzilla. The franchise, which now spans 29 Japanese films and multiple Hollywood remakes, all started in 1954 with the help of special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya. Learn the little-known tale behind Godzilla's creation, plus the latest monster movie news!

Nov 13, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, umami seasoning. Umami, one of the 5 basic tastes, was christened by chemist Kikunae Ikeda. Ikeda traced it to the glutamate found in kombu kelp dashi stock, an essential part of Japanese cuisine. The umami seasoning invented by Ikeda became a long-selling hit, and is now used in over 100 countries and regions. Discover the little-known tale of this hit culinary invention.

Nov 27, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, blue LEDs, or light-emitting diodes. The world's first blue LEDs were created in 1989 by a research team at Nagoya University. These LEDs, now used in lightbulbs, smartphone screens, automobile headlights, and more sparked a lighting revolution. Discover the little-known story behind this Nobel Prize-winning invention.

Dec 19, 2019

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, spinning top toys, which have sold some 450 million units in over 80 countries and regions. Created by a Japanese firm in 1999, these tops, called Beyblades, are beloved by children worldwide. There was even a world championship held in Paris in 2018! This time, we take a spin into the story behind these toys, and learn how their creators were inspired by rock-paper-scissors.

Jan 9, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, home bread makers. These bread makers, first released in Japan in 1987, allow you to bake fresh bread at home by simply adding the ingredients and pushing a button. With over 10 million units shipped to 26 countries and regions, they're beloved worldwide. This time, the little-known story behind the 3 years of hard baking work involved in their creation.

Jan 30, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, glow in the dark pigments, which absorb light to glow in the dark. A version of these pigments that contain no radioactive substances was invented in Japan in 1993. They're now used worldwide in products like watch faces and emergency signage. We learn the little-known story behind the pigments' creation, including how they were born from a company in danger of closing down.

Feb 13, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, emoji, the ideograms like smileys, hearts and food that help add fun to text messages. Now used in messages and emails worldwide every day, the first set of emoji was created in Japan in 1999 for the relatively small cell phone screens of the time. Dive in and discover the little-known origin story of emoji.

Mar 12, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, we look at miniature video cameras, used worldwide. In 1989, a Japanese firm created the smallest, lightest video camera in the world, which was the length of a Japanese passport. It helped people all over capture precious memories, like their children's growth and important vacations. We look into the little-known story behind the creation of these video cameras.

Mar 26, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, a well-known type of 2D barcodes called QR codes. These codes were invented in 1994 by a Japanese car component manufacturer. These days, they're used throughout the world in factories and stores, on travel tickets, for cash-free payments and more. Learn the little-known story behind these barcodes, including their unusual inspirations: the game of Go and skyscrapers!

Apr 16, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, an invention that makes dirty water clean: water-purifying powder. This powder was invented in 2002, and is now used in some 80 developing countries in places like Asia and Africa. It employs polyglutamic acid, which is found in natto, Japan's sticky fermented soybeans! We discover the tale behind this powder, including its inspiration: a huge earthquake that hits Kobe, Japan.

May 28, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, the worksheet study method known as "Kumon." Invented in 1958 by math teacher Kumon Toru for his son, the method involves self-study with math problems printed on worksheets. Using the sheets, learners improve their academic ability in small steps. Today the method is used by over 4 million students in 57 countries and regions. Dive into the little-known story behind this method.

Jun 25, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, a method of growing produce using a transparent film: film farming. The film is made from hydrogel, a moisture-absorbing material used in disposable diapers. Sow seeds on top, and they germinate and create seedlings, leading to vegetables and other produce without soil! We dive into the little-known story behind this unique Japanese farming technology.

Jul 23, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, a surgical microscope stand used in neurosurgery. Invented by an optics company in Tokyo, it features a unique piece of tech which keeps the microscope in focus even when it moves. Discover the little-known story behind this invention, partially inspired by equipment used to observe outer space!

Aug 13, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, a product used and loved in garment factories worldwide: automatic thread trimmer sewing machines. Just press a foot pedal, and the threads attached to stitched pieces of cloth are automatically cut. From high-end brands to fast fashion, these machines are used by garment makers around the world. This time, we dive into the little-known story behind their invention.

Aug 20, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, robotic exoskeletons, machines that turn humans into cyborgs! They were invented by professor and business founder Sankai Yoshiyuki, who created them for people who have trouble walking, such as the elderly or those who have suffered strokes. We dive into the little-known story behind the development of the world's first robotic exoskeletons.

Aug 27, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, an invention installed in museums around the world: dinosaur robots. Using cylinders that expand and contract with air pressure to replicate realistic movements, these robots make it look as if the dinosaurs are really alive. We discover the little-known story of how Japanese inventors made these robots look so real.

Sep 24, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, an invention with which you confirm your identity just by holding out your palm: palm vein authentication. This world's first biometric technology, developed by a large Japanese manufacturer in 2003, reads the unique vein patterns in the palm to verify users' identities. It's now used in over 60 countries and regions. Discover the little-known origin story behind this top invention.

Oct 22, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, an invention that uses magnetic force to help freeze food without destroying its cell structure: a "fresh freezing" system. It was developed by a Japanese venture firm in 1995 as a technology that would help freeze food without altering its flavor. We look into the story behind its creation, inspired in part by microwaves, and learn about the latest versions.

Nov 25, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, bottled green tea: green tea sold in bottles made from PET plastic. Loved in over 30 countries and regions, it was developed by a Japanese beverage maker in 1990 using special techniques to keep the tea tasting great when bottled. We dive into the little-known story behind this drink, which is expanding worldwide among health-conscious consumers, and learn about the latest versions.

Dec 24, 2020

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, personal information protection stamps: rubber stamps that make mail addresses unreadable. Just stamp, and a unique alphabetic pattern renders the underlying text illegible. These stamps were invented in 2007 to help protect personal information. We discover the story behind these stamps, now sold in over 20 countries and regions, and learn about the latest models.

Jan 14, 2021

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, planetariums, which realistically reproduce the look of the starry night sky. In 2014, a Japanese firm succeeded in creating a planetarium projector that displays each of the approximately 9,500 stars visible to the naked eye in incredible detail, including accurate coloring. We dive into the story behind the creation of that top invention and learn about the latest models.

Jan 28, 2021

The behind-the-scenes tales of hit products and creations from Japan: this is Japan's Top Inventions. This time, the story behind the handheld digital pets known as Tamagotchi. Released by a Japanese toy maker in 1996, these toys let owners "raise" an on-screen digital pet, feeding it, putting it to bed, playing with it and more. We dig into the little-known story behind the creation of these handheld digital pets, a giant hit in some 30 countries and regions.

May 15, 2021

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. Our host is Jason Danielson, a comedian who performs in Japan. We dive into the story behind one of the best-selling home gaming consoles of all time. Next, we look into the tiny springs used in smartphone cameras to reduce lens shake, and the company that makes these springs. Its springs are used in some 40% of smartphones that feature optical image stabilization!

Jul 16, 2021

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half of the show, the story behind neurosurgical instruments used and loved by surgeons in over 50 countries and regions. In the second half, weather meters, machines which reproduce outdoor conditions like sunlight. They're used to test how products like apparel, cars, housing materials, appliances and more stand up to environmental conditions.

Jul 31, 2021

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half, the world's first scales on which you can measure your body fat percentage just by stepping on. In the second half, luggage rack mirrors installed in airplanes. Helping people easily check for lost items, they are now used by over 100 airlines around the world.

Oct 30, 2021

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half of the program, we cover the secrets behind the development of sushi robots, which automatically grip and mold rice, and have helped spread sushi around the world. In the second half of the program, we introduce refractometers, which instantly display the sugar content of fruit when a few drops of fruit juice are added.

Nov 26, 2021

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half, the story behind Japanese camera phones, created in the early 2000s, which many later devices took design cues from. In the second half, electron microscopes, an essential tool in the development of new medicines to treat COVID-19, and a visit to the Tokyo electronics manufacturer that has over 60% of the global market share for these devices.

Dec 11, 2021

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half of the show, we cover the world's first full metal case radio controlled watch, created by a Japanese watch manufacturer in 2003. In the second half: devices known as encrusting machines, which make food items with fillings. We visit the Japanese company that makes these devices which are used in over 126 countries and regions worldwide.

Jan 8, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind home blood pressure monitors that use fuzzy logic, developed by a Japanese company in 1991. In the second half: test patterns with colorful gradients and fine lines used to evaluate the performance of photocopiers. We visit the Japanese printing company that holds around 90% of the global market share for these patterns.

Jan 29, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind the development of drawing tablets created in 1987 that are used for comics, animation and commercial design. In the second half: cascades, an important airplane component. We go behind the scenes with the Japanese company that controls over 90% of the global market share for these components.

Feb 19, 2022

p share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind laptops developed by a Japanese company in 1985 that created a huge new market for portable computers. In the second half: purification & separation systems that isolate and extract specific compounds from other organic compounds. We go behind the scenes with a Japanese company that develops this technology.

Mar 19, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind the world's smallest surgical needlesΓÇöonly 0.03mm in diameter. In the second half: pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment essential for making pills. They apply coatings which allow easier ingestion and controlled release of the medicine. We go behind the scenes with the Japanese company that develops this equipment.

Mar 26, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: high-capacity optical disks capable of recording many hours of high-definition shows off the TV, developed by a major Japanese manufacturer in 2002. In the second half: automatic skewer machines used in over 40 countries and regions worldwide. We show off this unique invention that was first made for chicken skewers.

Apr 30, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind ventilators developed by a Japanese company in 1984 which provide critical care for premature babies. In the second half: electron beam lithography systems, capable of drawing the finest lines in the world. We introduce the Japanese technology that's being used by researchers at universities around the world.

May 28, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind landmine clearance machines developed by a Japanese company in 1998 which are used to safely detonate mines. In the second half: linear guides which facilitate smooth mechanical motion. We introduce the Japanese technology that's used in things like airplane seats and CT scanners.

Jun 25, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind canned bread developed by a Japanese bakery in 1996 which doesn't go stale easily and has a long shelf-life. In the second half: a machine that makes Dorayaki, a Japanese sweet with red bean paste sandwiched by pancakes. We introduce this unique machine that's also being used to make other sandwich pancakes around the world.

Jul 30, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind mosquito coils, invented by a Japanese company, which help prevent mosquito-borne diseases around the world. In the second half: we introduce screw removal tools that can remove stripped screws when a normal screwdriver can't.

Sep 3, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: pulse oximeters that measure blood oxygen saturation, which have saved many lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the second half: egg grading & packing systems which clean eggs, check for cracks, sort and pack them. We introduce these systems that are used in over 70 countries and regions worldwide.

Sep 24, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind needles which cause less pain during injection, developed by a Japanese company in 2005. In the second half: sports wheelchairs made by a Japanese company which have helped athletes win over 140 medals in the Paralympic events like tennis and wheelchair racing.

Oct 29, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind fish finders made by a Japanese company, first used in 1948 and now found in over 80 countries and regions worldwide. In the second half: medical simulators used by medical professionals for training that look and feel real.

Nov 26, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind lithium-ion batteries, a key part of smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles. In the second half: dust collectors for tunnel construction, which help keep workers safe at worksites around the world.

Dec 24, 2022

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind correction tape, the office supply that lets people fix mistakes made in pen. In the second half: water filter media that's used in 80% of Japan's water treatment facilities.

Jan 28, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind automatic ticket gates, developed by a Japanese company in the 1960s and installed at train stations throughout Japan. In the second half: tool setters that can accurately measure the length of drill bits for precision machining to within one thousandth of a millimeter.

Feb 25, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind automatic door sensors which detect people using the far-infrared radiation they emit. In the second half: banknote printing machines used in Japan and around the world, in places like the UK and India.

Mar 25, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind online karaoke services which allow the latest songs to be transmitted over the net and sparked a karaoke boom in Japan. In the second half: umbrella bagging machines which allow people to easily cover a wet umbrella with a plastic bag.

Apr 29, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind imitation crab, invented over 50 years ago and now enjoyed around the world. In the second half: monorail transporters installed on inclines on farmland which help farmers carry their produce.

May 27, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind the piano with silent system, developed for people with a need to practice quietly, which created a new category of silent instruments. In the second half: plastic food models displayed at restaurants which look like real food.

Jul 8, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind cockroach traps with sticky sheets that trap bugs inside. In the second half: residential maps which help emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks and police cars get to the scene quickly.

Jul 29, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind an ultra-high-speed elevator capable of traveling 1,260 meters per minute, the fastest in the world. In the second half: carton-filling machines used for juice boxes and milk cartons.

Aug 26, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind highly maneuverable stand-up personal watercrafts. In the second half: rice crackers with peanuts, an ever-popular snack in Japan.

Sep 30, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind lint rollers which can be used to clean floors. In the second half: rotating beacon lights found on police cars, made by a company with 80% of the Japanese market share.

Oct 28, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind car navigation systems, developed by a major Japanese car manufacturer in 1981. In the second half: vapor heat treatment systems which remove pests from fruit.

Nov 25, 2023

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. This time: home water purifiers & plastic valves.

Jan 20, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: direct drive turntables & natto.

Jan 28, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: letter sorting machines & exhaust gas analyzers.

Feb 24, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: cultured pearls & casting systems.

Mar 30, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: contactless IC cards & wasabi packets.

Apr 27, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: singing synthesizers & solder.

May 25, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: fan-cooled workwear and marine cargo tanks.

Jun 29, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: diagnostic ultrasound machines & sports balls.

Jul 27, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: artificial leather & blood test needles.

Aug 31, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: tactile paving & crab stick machines.

Sep 28, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: multihead weighers & aircraft interior products.

Oct 26, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: jet-air hand dryers & artificial teeth.

Nov 30, 2024

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: seismic oil dampers & fabric trim.

Jan 11, 2025

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: rhythm machines and food packaging.

Feb 15, 2025

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: ultra-thin silk fabrics and membrane structures.

Mar 8, 2025

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: Press-in piling machines and virus removal filters.

Mar 29, 2025

The stories behind hit Japanese products, plus top creations for niche markets. This time: Non-sprinkler snow melting systems and security equipment.

Mar 29, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: Massage chairs.

Apr 9, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: Capsule Figures.

Apr 30, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: lotion tissues.

May 21, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: heat-resistant labels.

Jun 11, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: frozen food vending machines.

Jul 2, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: smokeless grills.

Jul 23, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: super-absorbent towels.

Aug 6, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: motorized conveyor rollers.

Aug 27, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: laser flaw inspection systems.

Sep 17, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: curved escalators.

Oct 1, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: capsule beds.

Oct 22, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: eggshell field chalk.

Nov 12, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: cosmetic sponges.

Dec 3, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: Water Jet Cutters.

Dec 24, 2025

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: Automated Ginjo Koji Makers.

Jan 28, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: non-loosening bolts.

Feb 11, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: portable fetal monitors.

Mar 4, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

Mar 25, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: liquid glass coating.

Apr 8, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: luminescent ceramic tiles.

Apr 29, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: automatic floodgates.

May 20, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concrete testing equipment.

Jun 10, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: taste sensing systems.

Jul 1, 2026

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: silica gel rotors.