J-TECH

Air-supported structures rely on technology that is revolutionizing architecture and building construction. Light, resilient and esthetic, they are the ideal roofing solution for many types of buildings from temporary assemblies such as shelters and warehouses to large permanent structures like sport stadiums. This episode of J-TECH examines how this technology has enabled a modest Japanese tent maker to become a world leader in the field of tensile membrane structures.

Computer games wouldn't be the same without the joystick; music and movies on CDs and DVDs wouldn't exist without the pickup mechanism. The world's top audio cartridge for playing vinyl records and high-powered microscopes that can take still photographs of living cells. At the core of these devices is optical technology that utilizes the principles of light. In this episode of J-TECH we meet a Japanese theoretical physicist who has focused his career on developing products that contribute to our health and wellbeing by harnessing the power of light.

Space is open for business and Japan is blazing a trail in the small satellite sector for scientific observation. The government is funding the development of revolutionary small satellites called ASNARO. Built around a modular bus concept, they boast the world's most powerful imagers in their category. The spacecraft are specifically designed to ride atop the newly developed Epsilon solid fuel rocket. Together, they are the main pillars of Japan's advance into the global satellite market. Easy manufacturing, low cost, high versatility and adaptability. Putting satellites into space will now be possible for developing countries and scientific institutions with limited funds. On this episode of J-TECH, we look at the evolution of rocket and space technologies that are revolutionizing the global space industry.

Cleanliness is at the heart of Japanese culture and people's sense of well-being. Engineers at TOTO have taken the humble toilet and turned it into a highly prized commodity. This time on J-TECH, we lift the lid on the revolutionary technology that has raised the status of the lowly bidet, creating a new sanitary standard.