The major objectives of the Joining and Welding Research Institute (JWRI), the only institute of its kind in Japan that conducts collaborative research in this area, are to better understand the fundamental mechanisms of joining and welding processes and the development of industrial applications using such technologies. Using various heat sources such as arc, plasma, laser, electron, ion and friction, and highly advanced systems for visualization, analysis, evaluation and simulation, JWRI has improved the efficiency, quality and performance of welding and joining, created advanced materials and composites, provided high performance surface modifications, and developed new technologies such as welding in space or under adaptive control.