Highlighting JAPAN

through articles

By featuring articles written by experts in many different genres, this online magazine provides people all over the world with information on modern Japan.

November 2008

The Future of Japanese Agriculture

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The Future of Japanese Agriculture

PDF(539KB)

Measures introduced under the New Agricultural Administration for the 21st Century 2008 aim to improve food self-sufficiency in Japan while addressing global agricultural concerns.

Harnessing Agricultural Resources

PDF(259KB)

Shinichi Shogenji, chair of the Strategy Council for the Future of Food, offers a personal perspective on Japan's food security.

How Food Could Function

PDF(275KB)

Ryu Arakawa talks with Tojiro Tsushida, chief of the National Food Research Institute, about "food functionality" and its potential.

Satoyama: Conservation and Revival

PDF(163KB)

Anne McDonald, a director at the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies, reflects on the agricultural and environmental issues facing Japan from the perspective of satoyama and satoumi.

The Biomass Boom

PDF(224KB)

Professor Koichi Fujie identifies the elements behind the biomass boom and looks at the issues facing Japan with regards to biomass development at home and overseas.

Farming Pathfinders

PDF(218KB)

Established in 1979, Kamihayashi Country Farm in Niigata Prefecture was one of the first agricultural corporations in Japan. Today these organizations number about 10,000. We interviewed the Farm's co-founder, Satoshi Chu.

More Power to Customs

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Professor Morinobu Shigeki analyzes the key features of Japan's newly tightened border controls on intellectual property infringements.

Rice for Dry Places

PDF(99KB)

An international research project spearheaded by JIRCAS in Japan is promoting the development of rice and wheat resistant to dehydration-stress.

New JICA: Speeding Up, Scaling Up, Spreading Out

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Established on October 1, New JICA is the world's largest bilateral aid agency. Vice President Masafumi Kuroki outlines the Japan International Cooperation Agency's new mission.

Plowing Ahead with Rural Development

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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to make a major difference to agriculture in developing countries. Masaki Yamada reports.

The Green University of Tokyo Project

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Green University of Tokyo Project leader, Professor Hiroshi Esaki, explains the background to this IT-based environmental initiative and how it works in practice.

Modest Mascots Embraced

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Ryu Arakawa investigates the burgeoning popularity of the cheap-and-cheerful mascots associated with hundreds of local governments nationwide.

Manga of the People

PDF(251KB)

Manga (comics) are leaving the printed page behind to reach new readers all over the world. Tony McNicol reports.

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