About the Center for the History of Japanese Industrial Technology

Overview

The mission of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology is to serve as a locus of information and research that will apply the lessons of the history of technology for the benefit of society in the future.

Japan is one of the world's leading repositories of industrial technology. This enviable position is the product of the hard work of generations of forerunners. Unfortunately, Japan is losing the precious artifacts that tell of this important history. These materials on the history of industrial technology are disappearing forever as industries restructure, production sites move overseas and the engineers who built postwar Japan grow old and retire. The tale of these inventions and innovations, which did so much to change the world we live in, must be told.

The Center conducts surveys and research on, and disseminates information regarding, three key areas:

1. Surveys on whereabouts: Determining the location of materials that illustrate the development of Japan's industrial technology and the condition in which they are stored.
2. Research on the systemization of technologies: Clarifying the relationship society, culture, and the economy have with technological development.
3. Select and register important specimens from the history of science and technology in Japan: Preserving a disappearing national heritage.

In addition, the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology is engaged in a wide spectrum of activities to promote greater understanding of the history of industrial technology in Japan and its significance, from a wide range of perspectives. Ongoing projects include the construction of HITNET, Japan's national database for museums of industrial technology, holding exhibitions on the past, present and future of technology, and providing lectures on industrial technology.

History

Over a five-year period, from the academic years 1997 to 2001, the National Museum of Nature and Science conducted a study called Research on the Evaluation, Preservation and Publication of Materials on Industrial Technology. The survey was conducted under the auspices of the Industrial Technology Historical Survey Committee (chaired by Hiroyuki Yoshikawa, President of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology), drawing on contributions from private industry, academia and the public sector.

The purpose of the survey was threefold. First, it aimed to create a database of materials illustrating the development of industrial technology in Japan, including where and in what state they are housed. Second, the survey sought to organize technologies systematically and register materials, so that materials relevant to the history of industrial technology could be made available over a network. Ultimately, the survey aimed to contribute to the formation of a new academic field focused on technological innovation.

 The results of this survey convinced the Industrial Technology Historical Survey Committee of the need to create a central source of information on the history of industrial technology and its future application. The Committee produced a report to this effect in August 2001 and, in June 2002, the National Museum of Nature and Science launched the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology. The Center, in Tokyo's Nihombashi district, opened its doors to the public in June 2003.

Organization

History of Science and Technology Research Group

Links to Related Research Sites

Industrial Film History Website