February 2007

P.6       Interview

Tatsuhiko Saruwatari: Director & Executive Senior Managing Officer, TOTO Ltd.

P.17      Kaleidoscope

From the MONODZUKURI EXHIBITION, etc.

P.21     Detailed Reports

P.21 The Japanese Government considerably tightens regulations on fuel consumption by cars, with a target for a 30% improvement by 2015

P.23 Matsushita Battery Industrial's secondary battery that does not overheat uses ceramic separators for electrode insulation

P.25 Tecpha Japan develops ultra-compact planetary-type reduction gear with an outside diameter of only 1.5mm

P.27 Matsushita Electric moves towards setting up manufacturing headquarters, and positioning this as a trump card for improving profitability

P.29 Sharp to market products aimed at baby boomer and junior baby boomers who are expected to be the driving force behind consumption in fiscal 2007

P.32 Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association publishes DEV (Digital Engineering Visualization) guidelines

P.48     Cover Story     Joint Japan-China Product Development

P.50 Overview:  Handle the rise of China without confrontation

P.58 Dividing up responsibilities: Transfer production to China starting with mature

technologies, while aiming to keep Japan on the high-value added track

P.66 Human resources development: Lectures alone are not enough. Japan's strengths should be passed along on the job

P.80     How to Select and Buy Low-Priced Parts in China

Part 14: Motors with silicon components stop working -  it's vital to have the right know-how on using materials

P.84      New Ideas

A mechanism to assist in opening and closing sliding doors, etc.

P.88     Search for Manufacturing

The procurement of parts in China will continue to increase in the

future

P.95     Accident Investigation

A factory's slipshod simplified elevator

P.103   Special Report

P.103 CAE system used by designers is becoming specialized as it is built to order

P.111 In Belgium, at the core of Europe, an anti-results philosophy sees manufacturers responding with respect rather than money

P.122   The Method

ABCs for reforming/improving business (Part 3): Points to consider when doing a study of current business conditions

P.127   Toyota Production System and Its New Development (Part 14)

Quality improvement activities through greater transparency

P.133 Documentary

Development of Lexus LS (Part 4): Time for decision

P.138   Material Dynamics Mandala

Part 26 Avoiding leakage from tube flange seals

P.142   Introductory Course on Analysis for Designers

Part 13: Analysis of thermofluids (3) Calculating heat and flow separately - shortening calculation time by working on methodology

P.146    Outstanding SMEs:

Kyosei/Tokaloy

P.199   The Master

Part 32: Is it a hidden ball, or a waste pitch, or a strike pitch?

P.202   Frank Opinion

Japanese companies must adopt a strategy of moving towards high-end products but also keep their mid-range product share