- The DVD player market is growing rapidly. DVDs (digital versatile discs) feature quality images and sound. Since debuting in 1996, domestic shipments have increased every year. We now have a greater assortment of DVD software titles. Electronic Industries Association of Japan estimates domestic demand for 2000 to be 700,000 units, a jump of 300,000 over the previous year.
- Presumably supported by the "Japan boom" in Asia, trousers, skirts and other apparel exports are booming. Popular destinations include Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea.
- As the Japanese population continues aging, "universal design," an attempt to develop products that meet the needs of the elderly and the physically-challenged, has been gaining greater recognition. Both manufacturers and consumers can benefit from this: the former can expand their lines, and the latter gain access to easy-to-use merchandise. As the scope of the merchandise expands to include home appliances, equipment and machinery, cooking utensils and food, shipments of universal-design merchandise are growing rapidly.
- Tweed, corduroy, synthetic suede and denim are featured among fashions popular for autumn/winter 2000-2001.
- Kenaf (genus hibiscus, Malvaceae) has garnered a lot of attention as an eco-friendly natural fiber. Absorbing large amounts of COs, one of the causes of global warming, the annual plant grows wild in the rainforests of Africa, sub-tropic zones in Southeast Asia and in India. Toyobo has developed a kenaf-blend for shirts, and Kurabo has started marketing kenaf/cotton blended fabrics.
- Honda has announced the development of advanced engines that improve fuel consumption efficiency by 20%, yet greatly reduce NOx emissions. The auto manufacturer will install the engine in its minivans beginning in October of this year, and plans to introduce the engine to all of its models by 2005.
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