Many Japanese research institutes bear names such as "General research laboratory", though the term "general" is not reflected in their English names. However, most of such institutes are "general" only in the sense that single organizations cover a variety of research subjects ; they have not been successful in integrating those subjects into a whole. While the "integration" is a prerequisite for further advancement of research in Japan, it is not always compatible with social customs or traditional mentality of the country. Research projects should therefore take into account possible obstacles and devise countermeasures in the planning stage for successful interdisciplinary integration of research activities.