April 2008

Africa Arise

Africa Arise

Working on the assumption that economic growth leads to a reduction in poverty, Japan has promoted industrial development and supported the construction of infrastructure in Africa. The Japan Journal introduces some of the Japan-based projects, both public and private, that are providing part of the driving force behind African economic development.

A Year of Africa in Japanese Diplomacy

In advance of the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), to be held 28-30 May in Yokohama, The Japan Journal asked Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for TICAD IV Nobutake Odano about his hopes for the Conference and for Japanese foreign policy on Africa.

True Partnerships of the People

Ryukoku University Professor Minoru Obayashi, a scholar of African politics, economics and international cooperation, explains in the run-up to TICAD IV the possible direction of bilateral communication between the governments and civil societies of Japan and Africa.

Economic Diplomacy in Africa

It is time for Africa to enter the world's market, following the example of Asia. Toshikazu Masuyama, the director in charge of Africa at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry shares with us his perspective on TICAD IV and Africa's future prospects.

African Fair 2008

Yasuyuki Murahashi, chief project promoter in charge of the Middle East and Africa at the Planning Department of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), explains Japanese corporate involvement in Africa today and the issues they confront.

Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize

The Government of Japan has established a unique and exciting new prize for individuals and organizations working in the fields of medical research and medical services to combat infectious and other diseases in Africa.

NERICA and the "Green Revolution" in Africa

In the Tokyo Declaration on African Development at TICAD I (1993), participants agreed to cooperate in transferring the Asian experience of agricultural development into African development. The Japan Journal reports on the progress being made toward bringing about a "green revolution" in Africa.

In Search of Common Ground

Professor Nakanishi Hiroshi looks forward to a healthy dose of international reconciliation at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.

Beyond Research

The World Premier International Research Initiative launched in Japan last year aims to create "a premium research management system and environment where leading researchers from around the world meet." Masayuki Inoue reports on the progress to date.

Electric Alliances

Increasing M&A among Japanese companies, as exemplified by the recent spate of alliances among Japanese electronics manufacturers, arises from the pressure to maintain or reassert international competitiveness in the changing global markets. With a focus on the thin-panel industry, Yasuhiro Goto examines how the various realignments in the electronics industry are likely to impact Japanese companies' competitive power.

Takamine Unplugged

Continuing his investigation of "people-driven" Japanese companies, Arakawa Ryu visits Takamine Gakki Co., famed maker of the world's first acoustic electric guitar.

Japanese Marketing Purr-fection: Hello World!

Tony McNicol investigates the global merchandising sensation that is Hello Kitty.