The development of separation technology is an important research subject as is clear from its role in the Japanese government's research and development program for basic technology for the next generation(1981~1990). Japan is poor not only in mineral resources but also in energy resources and if a sudden change occurs in oil producing facility or an accident occurs in a nuclear power plant, then energy policy must undergo changes and economic foundations may collapse. Japan has already experienced this. Although, oil prices are stable at present and Japan can import oil at low cost due to the yen appreciation, Japan needs to promote development work for any new energy crisis that may come in the future. This has been the motive for gas separation membrane development in Japan. The study of gas permeation through polymer membranes, which is the basis for membranes for gas separation, at Japanese universities began many years ago, but interest in membranes for gas separation was aroused mainly by the Government. The development of gas separation membranes in Japan started with membranes for oxygen separation on an industrial scale.

• Nakagawa Tsutomu(일본 메이지대 공업화학과)