Currently the largest number of robots in the world are being produced and used in Japan where they are also being the most actively developed. According to statistics from 2004, 360 thousand robots, slightly less than 45% of the total of 820 thousand industrial robots in use throughout the world, are being put to use in Japan. Moreover, 400 thousand robots, approximately half of that 820 thousand robots, were made in Japan.

There have been famous episodes where operators of robots introduced into manufacturing sites at factories have stuck photos of idols on them and named the same. This probably occurred because Japanese people have a culture in which robots are familiar to them and they accept them without feeling uncomfortable.

“Astro Boy” is a famous robot in Japan. However, recreating living creatures such as humans and animals make people in Europe and the U.S. feel uncomfortable partly because of religious reasons.

Many robots proved to be very popular with visitors at the Aichi Expo held last year. Robots which communicate with humans such as Astro Boy are unique to Japan. How did a culture that produces robots such as Astro Boy develop?

Toyota Partner Robot
(Toyota Motor Corporation)

Chahakobi Ningyo (Tea-serving Doll)
(Made by Shobei Tamaya IX
Possessed by National Science Museum)

Antique “automata” were also very popular at Aichi Expo. Festival-float automata stiｌｌ remaining in the central Japan area have been continuously enjoyed by many people from the Edo period right through to the present. The long tradition of “automata” through the centuries has actually developed a sense of affection for dolls which act as if they were human in the hearts of Japanese people. The rich natural Japanese environment with its drastic four season changes has also cultivated a sense where even the chirping of insects is found relaxing.

Japanese people have an ability to recognize and explore nature that differs from that of people in Europe or the U.S. Many Japanese automata, modern animations and robots are made in the motif of humans, animals, birds, insects, fish and even natural surroundings. The relationship between humans, robots and the natural environment and their future can be made even better through such unconscious communication.

Japan achieved the international status of being the world’s second-largest economy and a major industrially-advanced nation within just 130 years of the start of the Meiji period. Currently having entered the 21st century a guideline for use in making further huge developments is necessary.

The Third Term Basic Program for Science and Technology which will be implemented this year stated that “It is not easy for Japan with its limited resources to maintain an honored place in human society. Opening the way to the future of Japan depends on unique excellent science and technology.” It also stated that accountability and strategic characteristics need to be enhanced in order to attain a level of science and technology that can supported by society and the people and then have what is achieved by them returned to the people.

Modern robots and old automata, all developed from the past right through to the present are something that should and can be promoted as a unique unrivaled Japanese science and technology field.

Kazuyoshi Suzuki
Senior curator of National Museum of Nature and Science

Specialty is the history of scientific technology. Involved in surveying and researching scientific and technological developments in Japan: Especially that of the Edo Period up to present time on a demonstration basis. Has experienced being a member of the METI “Traditional skill research study group”, and a conceptual committee member and exhibition supervision committee member of Osaka Children’s Castle, TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM, and other museums.