The technology, dubbed “brain decoding,” enables the visualization of perceptual contents based on brain activity. Japanese scientists have succeeded in creating the world’s first mental images of objects and landscapes from human brain activity by using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, local media reported.

The team of scientists from the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, another national institute and Osaka University was able to produce rough images of a leopard, with a recognizable mouth, ears and spotted pattern, as well as objects like an airplane with red lights on its wings.

The technology, dubbed “brain decoding,” enables the visualization of perceptual contents based on brain activity and could be applied to the medical and welfare fields.

The findings were recently published online in the international scientific journal Neural Networks.

Previous studies had shown that images seen by human participants could be reconstructed from brain activity measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, although they were limited to specific domains such as alphabetical letters.

Based on previous methods, the team developed a technology that quantifies brain activity and allows generative AI to draw images in combination with predictive techniques to re-create complex objects

According to the 2022 Global Innovation Index, Japan is a global leader in technological advancement, ranking 13th out of 132 economies. Japan is also a global leader in robotics, aerospace exploration, natural sciences, and biomedical research. 

Some Japanese technology trends for 2023 include: 

• Green tech and sustainable innovations 
• Artificial intelligence (AI) 
• Robotics 
• Media editing 
• Remote health services 

Japan is also a hotspot market for tech innovation, especially 5G. In 2021, NTT Docomo signed an agreement with other leading firms to establish a consortium to provide 5G solutions. 

Here are some other Japanese technologies: 

• Cloud-based platform A startup invented a cloud-based platform that reduces costs by replacing a physical IoT infrastructure with a cloud-based service. This platform has opened up opportunities for smaller companies to launch innovative IoT products and services. 
• Biomimetic technology This technology uses the structures and functions of living organisms and is used in Japan’s industrial products, such as food packaging, luxury cars, and high-performance films. 
• Fishers Navi This mobile app overlays ocean data on a map to help fishermen decide where to fish. 
• Floating ocean current turbine This turbine generates electricity from ocean currents when submerged.

Japan is a leader in robotics, especially in industrial automation and humanoid robots. Japanese companies like FANUC, Yaskawa, and Kawasaki are leading manufacturers of industrial robots. Companies like SoftBank Robotics have developed advanced humanoid robots like Pepper. 

Japan is also a leader in other technologies, including: 5G, Quantum computing, Smart farming, Semiconductors. 

Japan’s top five technology trends for 2022 include image processing, information retrieval, and medical diagnosis-related technologies. However, the field of robotics has experienced the most spectacular rise

Japan’s technological advancement can be attributed to its pre-World War II modernization efforts. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan has been working to become as technologically advanced as other European powers. 

Japan’s technological advancement can also be attributed to its education system: 

• Education system Japan has a science and engineering-focused education system that has produced a long line of engineering intellectuals. Japanese students rank first in science and second in mathematics among 34 OECD countries. 
• Higher education institutions Japan’s higher education institutions contribute to the country’s acceptance of technological innovation and help develop engineering talent. 
• Research and development capabilities Japan leads developed markets in research and development capabilities and early technological adoption. 
• Human capital Japan has widely available technological skills and high productivity. 

Japan is also home to some of the world’s most technologically advanced companies, including Sony, Panasonic, and Toyota.

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