Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation announced contributed product to Japanese industry
Japan’s top technology innovations selected
Date: Jun 22, 2014
Source: NHK World
Instant ramen, the Shinkansen bullet train and Manga animation have been selected as some of Japan’s greatest technological innovations since the end of World War Two. The Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation has so far selected 38 technologies that have contributed to industrial and economic growth…as well as the overall improvement of life in Japan.
Hybrid cars and a toilet wash system are also among the top-ten innovations. With the first batch recently announced, the organization plans to select the remainder of the 100 greatest innovations.
Top scientists, economists and other leading experts came up with the list based on a questionnaire from the public. In addition to the top-10, 28 innovations made before and during Japan’s rapid economic growth were selected.
Among the innovations of a bygone era, are cathode ray tube televisions, fasteners for clothing, automatic ticket gates, karaoke, and sushi served on a conveyer belt.
Source: Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (Japanese)
Top 10 Innovation from Public Questionnaire
| Year | Innovation Name |
| 1950 | Endoscopy |
| 1958 | Instant Noodles |
| 1963 | Manga and Anime |
| 1964 | Shinkansen |
| 1970 | Toyota Production System |
| 1979 | Walkman® |
| 1980 | Washlet® |
| 1983 | Family Computer |
| 1993 | Light-Emitting Diode |
| 1997 | Hybrid Cars |
From “End of World War II” to “Rapid Economic Growth”
| Year | Innovation Name |
| 1948 | Fishfinder |
| 1949 | Welding Block Construction Method |
| 1951 | Ferrite (magnet) |
| 1952 | Fastener |
| 1953 | Steel Mill |
| 1955 | Electric Rice Cookers |
| 1955 | Transistor Radio |
| 1956 | Koshihikari (Rice) |
| 1958 | Sushi |
| 1958 | Kumon Method (Math and Reading Educational Method) |
| 1958 | Kei Car (Small Vehicles) |
| 1958 | Honda Super Cub |
| 1959 | Yamaha Music School |
| 1962 | Apple “Fuji” |
| 1964 | Artificial leather |
| 1964 | Electronic Calculator |
| 1965 | Rice Transplanter |
| 1967 | Karaoke |
| 1967 | Automatic Ticket Gate System |
| 1968 | Flexible Structure |
| 1968 | Automated Mail Processing Equipment |
| 1969 | LNG Importing |
| 1969 | Quartz Watch |
| 1960s | CRT TV |
| 1960s-1970s | Desulfurization, Denitration, and Precipitator |
| 1972 | Scanning Electron Microscope |
| 1973 | CVCC Engine of Honda Civic |
| 1974 | Convenience Store |
The list include some foreign items.
