A CENTURY OF PROGRESS. Japan's rapid emergence as an industrial nation is shown in photographs of Tokyo as it is now and as it was 100 years ago, just after U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry opened the nation to trade with the West. Examples of current scientific and industrial progress are shown in many exhibits. Among them:

¶ Probers of space. Japanese-made rockets hang prominently in the center of the building. A portable planetarium which projects man-made satellites as well as the solar system is on display.

¶ New tools of science share another display. An electron microscope is shown which can photograph the smallest particles of matter, enlarging them two million times. Near it is a newly developed motion picture camera that can take one million frames per second.

¶ Symbols of industry include a replica of the world's largest tanker, the Nissho Maru (132,200 tons), and a scale model of the world's fastest express train (160 miles per hour). An elaborate miniature railroad system emphasizes Japan's railroading skills.

THE NEW JAPAN. The second building, reached by a ramp from the first, offers an array of consumer goods - sports cars, motorcycles, frozen foods, sewing machines - plus demonstrations of flower arranging and the ritualistic Japanese tea ceremony. A model rocket gives the visitor who steps inside it the sensation of space travel. At the press of a button, an electronic computer provides information on how to get almost anywhere in the world. A stand sells Japanese made products, including color TV sets.

RESTAURANTS. In the third building, called the House of Japan, are the two restaurants, which serve foods such as sukiyaki and tempura. The first, on the main floor, caters to diners who prefer Western tables and chairs. The second, on a mezzanine, serves meals the Japanese way - on low tables with the diners sitting on straw mats. Diners at both may see stage shows which present glimpses of Japanese theater and dance.