Highlighting JAPAN

through images

Using photographs, illustrations, and videos, this online magazine helps people throughout the world know more about Japan from a variety of aspects.

February 2010

Challenge 25 Initiative

all of the documents (6,475KB)

COVER STORY
Challenge 25 Initiative

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Demonstrating a strong commitment to realize a low-carbon society, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's Cabinet has set a target of slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from 1990 levels by 2020. The ambitious target is premised on the creation of a fair and effective international framework covering all major economies. The Cabinet has dubbed this bold action plan the "Challenge 25" initiative. Japan is looking to be a global superpower in the realm of energy and green technologies.

ON THE COVER: Akita International University's library is made from Akita sugi (cedar), a tree highly regarded for its beauty. The 4,055-sq.-meter library, in northern Japan's Akita Prefecture, features a parasol-shaped roof, which was made using traditional building techniques, and showcases the stunning grain that is characteristic of cedar trees.
Photo: Akita International University

TOPICS / Prime Minister
HATOYAMA VISITS INDIA

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Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited India from December 27 to 29 and held talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 29 in Delhi.

SCIENCE / Geoparks
PROTECTING JAPAN'S GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE

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Three areas in Japan - the Lake Toya/Mt. Usu region in Hokkaido, the Itoigawa area in Niigata Prefecture, and the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture - were selected as Japan's first internationally recognized geological parks.

TOPICS / Commemorative Events
ANCIENT CAPITAL FETES 1,300th ANNIVERSARY

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This year marks the 1,300th anniversary of the relocation of an ancient capital to Heijo-kyo (today's Nara). A series of events are to be held under a local government program to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the capital transfer.

TOPICS / Icebreaker Shirase
BREAKING THE ICE ON MAIDEN VOYAGE TO ANTARCTIC

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The Antarctic observation ship Shirase, a 12,500-ton state-of-the-art icebreaker, successfully reached Showa Station, Japan's Antarctic observation post, on January 10.

PEOPLE / Art Encouragement Award
SCULPTING TO CAPTIVATE & CONVEY

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Katsura Funakoshi's eye-catching wood sculpture has won fans at home and overseas, not least of them the Cultural Affairs Agency which recently recognized him with its Art Encouragement Award.

TOURISM / Yokoso! Japan
ARTFULLY REVITALIZING REMOTE ISLAND

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"Yokoso! Japan" Ambassador Soichiro Fukutake, chairman and chief executive officer of Benesse Holdings Inc., has used contemporary art to transform Naoshima, a remote island in the Seto Inland Sea, into one of Japan's top tourist spots.

NATURE / Ise-Shima National Park
COEXISTING WITH NATURE

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Located in central Japan, the Shima Peninsula extends deep into the Pacific and is known for its ria shoreline. Inland on the peninsula stands the complex of structures that is Ise Grand Shrine.

all of the documents (6,475KB)

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