Material Science

A Japanese research team including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) announced April 24 that it has developed a rubber sheet that absorbs almost 100 percent of light.

Japan's Daikin Industries will invest 100 billion yen ($896 million) to double its output of fluoropolymers, a material used in semiconductor production equipment, in anticipation of chip demand growing with the spread of 5G communication.

Japanese materials manufacturer Toray Industries will build a new plant to make water treatment membranes in China, doubling its production capacity in a country facing water shortages.

Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining has developed a method to recycle cobalt from spent electric car batteries, allowing conservation of a relatively scarce metal, Nikkei has learned.

The government decided Friday to ban in principle the use of plastic straws and cutlery in its cafeterias and to stop passing out plastic bottles to conference attendees — its latest policy on environmentally friendly procurement.

Where does the softness of this textile come from? The fabric — called bashofu — is woven with threads taken from the itobasho plant and has a history of more than 400 years as a kimono material for summer in Okinawa Prefecture.

Japan is increasingly rethinking its use of plastic as the fight against marine pollution is spreading worldwide.

AGC, formerly called Asahi Glass, is likely to book a slight increase in group operating profit to around 125 billion yen ($1.15 billion) in 2019 as polyvinyl chloride demand grows in Southeast Asia and material costs fall.

Casual clothing chain Uniqlo plans to do away with plastic in shopping bags and product packaging, switching to paper and biodegradable plastic alternatives at its 2,000 stores around the world.

Early January in Japan is a time for resting and staying cosy. With falling temperatures, people like nothing more than diving under a kotatsu (heated table), visiting an onsen (hot spring) or tucking into a warming nabe hot pot, particularly following the busy new year festivities.