The Project's staff answers 20 to 40 research inquiries per week from around the world. The number of calls, letters, and e-mail requests has increased steadily as the Project has come to be recognized as an accessible source of reliable information.

It is not always information about Japan that is needed, but information that happens to originate in Japan. Those interested solely in American domestic matters often learn from Japanese policies toward science, technology environmental management, foreign aid, waste disposal, health care, tax policy, education, and urban planning. In addition, researchers are shown how to use a knowledge of public policy developments to make their research relevant and current.

Questions range from where to study Japanese, to how to locate technical articles in Japan, to specific policy research questions from congressional staffers. Examples include

I've heard the Japanese government funds research and development of electric cars; where can I learn more? U.S. corporate engineer

How can I find all the papers that a Japanese scientist has written who our engineers will soon visit? U.S. corporate librarian

Where would we go for financial information on Japanese corporations? Lawyer, U.S. Department of Justice

I need more information on the lithium batteries being developed by the Japanese. Researcher, U.S. auto manufacturer

Where do I look for footage on disabled Japanese? Video producer

Where do I find information on Japanese copyright law? Graduate Student

What is the history of Japan's Database Promotion Center and how does it promote MITI policies? Government analyst

The primary commitment of the Japan Information Access Project--to help Americans understand and use information about Japanese science and technology--manifests itself when staff members direct inquirers to a wide range of international sources and experts who can provide specific data and materials. Project staff members explain

• What information sources are available
• How sources should be approached and used most effectively
• How information flows in various segments of Japanese government and industry
• What research methodology is most effective
• The institutional biases of each information source
• What is the policy context of the information

In addition, the Project has its own library of reference materials available to researchers for the cost of duplication and postage.