?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.