January 2008

Destination Japan

DESTINATION JAPAN

Various government ministries and agencies are working together to strengthen the Visit Japan campaign and promote measures to make Japan a tourism-based country. In this month’s special feature, we look at the great potential of some of Japan’s lesser-known local tourist resources.

WATER SUMMIT

Prime Minister Fukuda recently attended the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit which provided participants an opportunity to discuss specific measures to address water-related issues.

CHINA BOUND

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited the People's Republic of China from December 27 to December 30, 2007, where he held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

TOWARD THE G8 SUMMIT

This year’s G8 Summit will be held in Toyako, Hokkaido. Discussions are expected to mainly focus on the environment and climate change issues.

TABAIMO

A contemporary artist is making a big splash with her visual installations that offer an ironic take on some of the darker aspects of Japanese society.

AQUA PANELS

With a staff of just 75 people, Nippura Co., Ltd. commands approximately a 70% share of the world production of acrylic panels for aquariums.

TRY & SEE SHOP

Sample Lab is a new store concept that provides customers with the opportunity to sample new products and companies with a new medium of advertising.

BEHIND THE LENS

Bruce Osborn began taking photos of Japanese parent-child combinations 25 years ago, leading to a long-running series of photo exhibitions.

PRODUCT·ART·CINEMA

Our monthly take on products, art and movies that are making waves in Japan.

A NATIONAL ICON

The near-perfect conical shape of Mt. Fuji —Japan’s highest mountain and perhaps most recognizable icon — is due to volcanic activity that began approximately 10,000 years ago.