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Presents an overview of robotics in Japan. Examination of the socio-cultural aspects of the country's progress in robotics; Influence of the country's major industries on boosting the progress of robotics research; Background of Japan's traditions in robotics.

Reports on the establishment of a five-year project called the Humanoid Robotics Project (HRP) by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan. Amount of investment in HRP; Three categories of applications appropriate for humanoid robots; Forecast sales of robots by 2005-2015.

Presents updates on humanoid robots in Japan as of March 2004. Incorporation of movement control in Sony's robot QRIO; Honda Motor's conception of its ASIMO as a robot that could function in an actual human living environment; Toyota Motor's plan to introduce a humanoid robot; Launching of a humanoid robot by ATR Intelligent Robotics and Communication Laboratories.

Focuses on the importance of the International Robot Games Festival in Japan for affirming the country's leadership in the field of robotics. Significance of the festival in nurturing engineers; Encouragement of research initiative among students; Variety of themes in the festival.

Interviews University of Tokyo engineering professor, Arai Tamio about trends in robotics in Japan. Explanation of his latest research; Reaction to the launching of Honda's biped robot; Forecasts of the various applications that robots will perform in the future.

Presents news and developments relevant to technology and crime in Japan compiled as of February 2004. Percentage of crimes committed in 2002; Criminal offenses; Space development program; Development of electronic wallets; Jogging robot by Sony.

Reports on science and technology developments in Japan. Development of a small caliber artificial blood vessel with the aim of using it to bypass peripheral arteries; Development of a robotic guard by Sogo Keibi Hosho.