Shinshu University

Fiber Engineering Supports Advanced Industry

?In fiscal 2004, Japan's fiber industry shipped a total of 60 trillion yen, and the breakdown by category has been shifting toward advanced fibers (high functionality fibers), and Japan is at the forefront of this shift in terms of technologies and industrial activities. Fiber science technology is at the core of the textile industry, which is one of sixteen core industries designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In addition, fiber science technology deeply involves all four strategic science and technology fields designated by the Japanese government, which include life science, information technology (IT), environment, and nanotechnology. As such, fiber science technology
plays an important role in developing key industries, and has a great impact on the society.
Moreover, the Comprehensive Science and Technology Conference held in November 2006 (a conference held with participation from the Prime Minister and other major cabinet members in order to create the directive of Japan's science and technology policy) featured "high performance fibers spun by nanotechnology." In addition, the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Technology added "fiber" as an advanced fundamental technology in its "Strategic Technical Road Map 2007" (a road map to indicate strategic technological fields of Japan over the next ten years) in April 2007.As exemplified in these government policies, there is a rejuvenated interest in fiber technology and a strong desire to further develop fiber technology.