Trends of magnetic fluid applications in Japan

Though the beginning of magnetic fluid research in Japan was in the same time as the invention of magnetic fluid in the United States, the number of researchers related to magnetic fluid was relatively few until the 3rd International Conference in 1983. The 4th Conference held in Japan in 1986 collected wide concerns on the fluid. The increase of researchers since 1986 spread the recognition of the quality and standards of magnetic fluid and it reflected on the improvement of the fluids. Though big application was not necessarily realized for the last six years, applications to various fields seem to be certainly growing. In this paper the recent progress of magnetic fluid application is reviewed referring to the new attempts in research.