Handycams in Space

When you live in a rough neighborhood, it's natural to want to keep an eye on your neighbors—especially when, unlike Totoro, they have nuclear ambitions. That's why the latest Japanese gizmos aren't cute cameras or robo-pets but high-powered military surveillance technology. According to officials in Japan's Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center, the country will launch its first two spy satellites by the end of March, followed by two more later this year. Between them, these four cosmic eyes—developed at a cost of $2 billion—will be able to snap any spot on Earth with 24-hour's notice, come rain or shine.

The project was hatched in 1998, after a North Korean ballistic missile flew over Japan and shook the nation's collective faith in the U.S. military umbrella that has shielded it for half a century. U.S. officials initially pressured Japan to buy American satellites, but Tokyo insisted on developing its own technology. Social Democratic Party lawmaker Masami Imagawa warns that government hawks "are quietly expanding military strength without enough public debate."

If so, they're on a roll. Next up: an unmanned spy plane that can patrol North Korea from international airspace. Smile, Dear Leader—the camera loves you.