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Vol.02

Spring 2014

 

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Feature

The Road to Revival

Onagawa’s Happiness Recovery Festivaland Iwate’s Sanriku Railway

Onagawa : When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck on March 11, 2011, the ensuing tsunami almost completely wiped out the coastal town of Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture.

“Abenomics” Is Progressing! Making the Impossible Possible

Breaking Through Barriers

Awaking from a deep sleep, you look out the window and see that the sky is pink. Is it sunrise or sunset? At first, you might not be sure.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Actively Engages in Dialogue

After Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inaugurated his administration, he took stock of the world situation and began to actively engage with other countries both abroad and in Japan. In the course of the last twelve months or so, he has held dialogues with many world leaders while also tackling domestic issues in an appropriate manner.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Fukushima

“There are some children in the disaster areas who will celebrate their third birthday tomorrow. These are the children who were born on the very day of the earthquake disaster.

Moments of the Prime Minister 2013 to 2014

These photographs are a record of the various meeting with the Prime Minister since he assumed the highest office in December2012until January2014. 

Tackling the Contaminated Water Problem

Three years have passed since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Japan’s Proactive Contribution to Peace

With a cabinet decision on December 17, 2013, the government set forth two key documents: Japan’s first National Security Strategy, to set the basic course for diplomatic and defense policy, and a new version of the National Defense Program Guidelines.

International Contributions of apan Self-Defense Forces

Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have been making diverse international contributions such as through the United Nations PKOs (Peacekeeping Operations) and international disaster relief activities. We are introducing here some of the activities of the SDF through photographs.

Additional Information

The Way of Tea(Chadō)
One of the most respected cultural arts of Japan, the Way of tea is a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. Though referred to as the “tea ceremony” devotees prefer to call to it the ‘Way of tea’ or by the Japanese terms chadō or chanoyu.

The Senkaku Islands:3 Commonly Held Misconceptions

Many of the recent media stories about the Senkaku Islands seem to be based on mistaken notions. Here we examine some of the most commonly held misconceptions.

When a Loved One Disappears

Imagine that, many years ago, a daughter was born to your family. As the newborn baby gave her first cry, you pledged to bring her up to be a fine person.

Saving Mothers’ Lives

Japanese Assistance Improving Cambodian Healthcare
In 2006 a pregnant woman died in a small village in Kampong Cham Province, about 120 kilometers northeast of the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. The cause of death was severe blood loss.

Kokorozashi

“It is the responsibility of our generation to rebuild a robust Japanese economy in which young people are able to believe that the future will be bright.

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Spring

In Japan spring means the arrival of the cherry blossom season. 

Major Cherry Blossom Festivals

On the previous page we wrote, “When you make Japanese friends, ask them where their favorite spots are for viewing cherry blossoms.”

Friends of Japan
剣道（Kendo）

Kendo: Developing One’s Spiritual Armor
Professor Alex Bennett first came to Japan from New Zealand as a high-school student in 1987 on the Japan Rotary Exchange Program.

Friends of Japan
古民家（Kominka）

Restoring Japan’s Cultural Heritage
Mr. Alex Kerr is celebrating his fiftieth year in Japan. He arrived in 1964 just in time for the first Tokyo Olympics.

Friends of Japan
茶道（Chadō）

The Heart of Japanese Hospitality
Mr. Randy Channell Soei first left his native Canada to study kung-fu in Hong Kong.

What Surprises Foreigners About Japan

Some things about Japan that seem ordinary to Japanese are surprising to foreigners.

Japan’s Global-Leading Medical Services

High-Quality Medical Care with Japanese Hospitality
People from around the world choose to receive medical care in Japan for three reasons.

Japanese Technologies Supporting Global Medicine

Diagnosis and Treatment with Minimal Discomfort
One aspect of Japan’s medical services gaining global attention is the provision of minimally invasive treatment, in which patients are effectively diagnosed and treated with a minimum of stress.

Useful Information for Traveling in Japan

Shopping in Japan Becomes Even More Attractive for Foreign Visitors
The pleasures of traveling in Japan include tasting traditional Japanese food and enjoying beautiful scenery that changes from season to season, but surely shopping is another important one.

From the Moment of Disembarkation to Arrival in Central Tokyo—How Fast It Has Become!

These Days, the Airports of Japan Are First in Convenience

Free Wi-Fi Expands!

More Convenient, Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
Imagine that you’ve just arrived in Japan and are at the airport, wondering how to get into the city.

Japanese Customs

We’d like to share a couple of little secrets that can make your time in Japan more enjoyable.