Toyota's I-Swing: Crazy Innovation

Does this vehicle make any sense?

I've been intrigued by Toyota's I-Swing Personal Vehicle since I first saw this picture. Now I can't necessarily say that it makes any sense, but it is darn fascinating. I think I'm even more keen to this idea than even the Segway - another personal vehicle that is hard to justify.

More on the I-Swing at SAE.

The more interesting question, however, is why does Toyota do these things? Likewise, why does Honda get so involved in robotics and airplanes? Why does it seem like Japanese automakers push the technological envelope a bit more than American or European automakers?