Monday, May 10, 2004

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the interactive showroom of a consumer electronics manufacturer in Koto Ward, Tokyo and observed the cutting-edge information appliances utilizing information technology (IT). Prime Minister Koizumi first observed the information appliances, including the so-called "three new holy durables"; flat-screen televisions, DVD recorders and digital cameras as well as the third-generation (3G) mobile phones. Prime Minister Koizumi also received an explanation on nanotechnology used on DVD recorders ("Nano" stands for one billionth of a unit. Nanotechnology is a manufacturing technology that creates and/or operates on materials of an extremely small unit.) and experienced how to promptly obtain daily life information such as cooking recipes by connecting to the Internet through television. Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi observed the raw garbage processor that is expected to contribute to realizing a zero waste society and a system that downsized the fuel cells for home use. This fuel cell generates electricity using a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and has gained much attention with its high level of fuel efficiency and as a supply system of clean energy. After concluding his observations, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I am amazed at the quality of the great products as they were well beyond my imagination. The government then has a significant role in motivating these companies that are manufacturing products that everybody desires."