Highlighting JAPAN

THEME FOR February
Sharing Japanese Literature with the World

Japanese literature has earned fans all over the planet, inspiring everyone from young readers to the most discerning literati with imagination, humor, warmth and dreamlike fantasy and surrealism. This issue presents insights into some of the most famous Japanese authors and their works, as well as how the original language in these works conveys the subtleties of human emotion.

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Nurturing Talented Translators to Spread Japanese Literature Worldwide

An interview with Ryohei Miyata, Commissioner for Cultural Affairs

PDF(864KB) | HTML English | Japanese

The Pillow Book and the Japanese Mindset

A tell-all book written over a thousand years ago by a female author captures the essence of the Japanese soul and relationships

PDF(671KB) | HTML English | Japanese

Home to the Dreamer: Kenji Miyazawa and Hanamaki City

The famed author’s stellar imagination and incessant curiosity flourished in a little town in Iwate Prefecture

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Analyzing Yasunari Kawabata’s Snow Country: Japan’s First Nobel Prize in Literature Winner

How the author’s turbulent youth and loneliness shaped the subtle beauty of his ethereally erotic novel and other works

PDF(767KB) | HTML English | Japanese

Fantastic Realms: The Charms of Japanese Children’s Books

The art, soft touch and humorous themes of children’s literature in Japan capture awards and hearts worldwide

PDF(1,506KB) | HTML English | Japanese

Word Magic and Flights of the Imagination

The author of Kiki’s Delivery Service has brought joy and inspiration to readers for over five decades and is still going strong

PDF(1,253KB) | HTML English | Japanese

The Little Robot Still Enchanting Fans Worldwide

Japan’s earless robot cat Doraemon is a trusted companion and guide to children around the globe

PDF(1,790KB) | HTML English | Japanese

How Kanji Capture Meaning and Emotion in a Single Character

The subtle differences in Japan’s complex written characters convey a wealth of emotional hues and sensory cues

PDF(223KB) | HTML English | Japanese

PRIME MINISTER’S DIARY

PDF(345KB) | HTML English | Japanese

POLICY-RELATED NEWS

Japan Heritage: Telling the Tales Behind Historical Sites

PDF(2,399KB) | HTML English | Chinese | Japanese

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
A Tiny Electric Car That’s Waterproof and Floats

PDF(837KB) | HTML English | Chinese | Japanese

MY WAY
A Swedish Researcher Passionate About Japanese Cinema

PDF(1,431KB) | HTML English | Chinese | Japanese

FROM JAPAN TO THE WORLD
The Origins of G-SHOCK: The World’s Toughest Wristwatch

PDF(1,507KB) | HTML English | Chinese | Japanese

A TRIP BY LOCAL TRAIN
A Gourmet Train Journey to Sample Shinshu’s Culture

PDF(3,334KB) | HTML English | Chinese | Japanese