Micromachine update from Japan

This article reports on the 4th International Micromachine Symposium and Exhibition Micromachine (1998) which were held in Tokyo, 28‐30 October 1998 and also serves as a supplementary information to the article “Micro sensor developments in Japan” in this special “Micro sensors” issue of the journal. The symposium and exhibition are the annual showcase of the current status of the “Micromachine technology” project which is sponsored by the Japanese Government. Unlike efforts in other countries the Japanese approach is unique in trying to achieve real workable micromachines by establishing micro mechatronics technology. It differs from, for instance, the American MEMS where research is heavily dependent on silicon processing technology to fabricate micro devices on chips. Various kinds of micro sensors are now under development. These initiatives are well worth watching.