Surgeons around the world always seek better instruments for their life-saving procedures. Some of these world-class medical devices are actually made in tiny Japanese factories. One example is the world's thinnest surgical needle. Just 0.03 mm in diameter, this needle made it possible to suture the smallest nerves and blood vessels. Another factory in Tokyo produces cutting-edge surgical scissors used by brain surgeons worldwide. This factory revised their artisan-relied production system to meet its growing demand. Surgical instruments and their production continues to evolve along with the medical care itself.

VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN