This paper reviews the present status of research, development and manufacturing for photovoltaics (PV) in Japan based on the Japanese New Sunshine Program conducted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). In particular, the status of research and development on high-efficiency and low-cost crystalline silicon, thin-film silicon and Group II–VI compound solar cells and modules, and super high-efficiency Group III–V compound solar cells, is presented. In addition, Japanese government programs to promote solar houses, wherein 18,000 PV systems were installed on Japanese houses in 1999, are also demonstrated. Future prospects for PV technologies, such as silicon material, thin-film and module technologies, concentrator systems and new application fields, are discussed.