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Reports on the planned merger of Japanese paper chemicals producers Seiko Chemical and PMC in April 2003. Dainippon Ink and Chemicals' ownership of Seiko Chemical; Spinoff of Seiko's resin operations into a wholly owned subsidiary.

Presents information on the `White Paper on Science and Technology' report which focus on Japan's science and technology economy. Subtitled of this paper; Publishers of this paper; Information on what is required of Japan in order to improve in science and technology; Increase recorded for the Japanese yen during the past two years; Reasons for decrease in Japan's industrial production. INSET: Japan's own perspective on its past and future..

The article reports that Tokyo, Japan-based Fujifilm is in the process on remaking itself in the face of the rapid decline of its core photographic film business. The company moved its headquarters to Tokyo Midtown. In April 2006, the company inaugurated a research and development center. In 2000, Fujifilm generated about 50% of its profit from photographic films. However, the worldwide photographic films market has decreased in size from $17 billion in 2001 to $7 billion in 2006.

The article profiles chemistry professor Akira Sekiguchi, recipient of the Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry for 2006. Sekiguchi has received bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from Gunma University, and a doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Tsukuba in Japan. He has written nearly 200 research papers and contributed to seven books. In addition, he has become renowned for his ability to make novel compounds of the heavier group 14 elements.

The article reports on Sanshin Kako's use of Valox iQ resin from Sabic Innovative Plastics. The Japanese tableware manufacturer uses Valox iQ to produce reusable plastic chopsticks as an alternative to disposable wooden ones. According to Sabic, waste incinerators in Japan dispose 68.5 million chopsticks every day.

Explains why Japan decided to open up its science and technology research community. Concern on young people's lack of interest in science; Implications of an aging population; Possibility of a trade deficit in terms of Western high-technology; Theme of the `White Paper on Science & Technology 1997' report.

The article reports that Fujifilm Corp. will spend about $61 million to build a plant to make its WV Film, which widens the angle at which liquid-crystal displays can be viewed. The plant will be built in Shizuoka in southern Japan and is expected to open in April 2009. The company is the leading supplier of films for the LCD industry.

Reports on the construction of Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd.'s triacetyl cellulose film plant in Kumamoto, Japan.