- Japan's first full-fledged center for universal design, the Japan Universal Design Institute, is scheduled to be established in October. The institute will promote the industrialization of universal design by pursuing a comprehensive range of activities, ranging from surveys, research, consulting and information services to education and training, to encourage its spread.
- In 2000, olive oil imports rose 1% on the previous year in volume to 27,450 tons, and less 13% in value to 9.828 billion yen. The situation changed dramatically in the first five months of 2001, however, when, despite a healthy 14% increase on a year earlier in the volume of imports to 11,240 tons, falling unit prices sparked concern. Household consumption has increased, and imports are projected to reach around 13-14 billion yen in value.
- According to the Japan Camera Industry Association, unit camera shipments (including silver halide cameras) in the first six months of 2001 plunged 11.0% from a year earlier to 13.25 million units, and the value of shipments also fell down 16.0% to 121.564 billion yen. Shipments of digital cameras continue to grow strongly, however, surging 48.7% in volume to 5.911 million units and 28.5% in value to 220.517 billion yen. The slump in demand for silver halide cameras and strong demand for digital cameras looks set to continue for some while.
- Toray has developed an odor neutralizing material called "Lumimagic CF" that effectively eliminates the smell of excreta associated with nursing care environments. The company has applied for two patents for the material, which combats odors in three ways: by utilizing the odor neutralizing properties of Toray's "Lumimagic" material, by eliminating odors by chemical reaction, and by physical adsorption. Sales of clothing for care environments, white hospital gowns, interior goods (such as curtains) and bedding (futons and sheets) are expected to go on sale in November, and Toray projects sales of 100 million yen in 2002 and 400 million yen in 2004. In addition to getting rid of the smell of ammonia caused by urine, Lumimagic CF also effectively neutralizes the smell of indole, skatole and methyl mercaptan, which are the cause of the smell of excreta that has until now been difficult to eliminate. The deodorizing properties are almost completely restored after washing. The price per meter of the material is 700-750 yen.
|
