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Some of JEF's activities are subsidized by JKA through its Promotion funds from KEIRIN RACE.
Cover Story: Post-Fukushima Outlook
Japan and the rest of the world eventually have to face the energy crisis. Of course, this leads to an environmental crisis. We will cover not only energy policy agendas per se but also economic and industrial policy agendas to deal with the crisis.
COVER STORY: Regional Integrated Community: Catalyst for Global Governance
The season of the APEC leaders' meeting is coming in November. On this occasion we will highlight how regional integration and/or initiatives play an important role for global prosperity, stability and political security. We will invite a number of worldwide experts on regional integration to give their views.
COVER STORY: White Paper on International Economy & Trade 2011
We will highlight METI's White Paper 2011, which will be published in July, a month behind the usual schedule due to the disaster. This unusual incident has made the White Paper draw even more attention than usual. It features the important role of the global economic network in the post-disaster era and the efforts for its restoration.
COVER STORY: Post-disaster Outlook for Japan
The July/August 2011 issue of Japan SPOTLIGHT is our second digitalized version.
For this issue, we highlight the consequences of Japan's unprecedented natural disaster that occurred on March 11, 2011. A wide range of analyses of its impact on the Japanese and international economies will be offered.
We also provide you with several distinguished experts' views on the path towards restoration that they envisage for the future.
COVER STORY: Asian Dynamism
The May/June 2011 issue of Japan SPOTLIGHT is our first completely digitalized version.
For this issue, we do our best to breathe new life into the magazine and make it a publication better fitting the needs of our readership.
Thus, this issue - seeking to be an Asian version of "Foreign Affairs" or "Economist" - highlights Asia's new economic landscape accented by the "web revolution" and a new geopolitical balance stemming from China's emergence as the second largest economic power in the world.
COVER STORY: Aging Society
Japan SPOTLIGHT will highlight "how to achieve security and vitality in an aging society." We will introduce views of not only academic experts but also businesses upon the costs and benefits of aging society and how we could save such costs and maximize benefits.
COVER STORY 2 Targeting "Elderly Market"
for Growth Strategy via Regulatory Reform
By Naohiro YASHIRO (Professor of economics, International Christian University, Tokyo)
VIEWPOINT 1 View from Ambassador of Chile to Japan
San Jose Mine: Japan Was There, All the Time
By Patricio TORRES (Ambassador of Chile to Japan)
SPECIAL ARTICLE 1 Club of Rome Conference
on Concerted Strategies for International Development
By Martin LEES (Former Secretary General of the Club of Rome and rector emeritus of the UN University for Peace)
SPECIAL ARTICLE 4 APEC in Yokohama: A US View
By Marc WALL (Minister/counselor for economic & science affairs at the US Embassy in Tokyo)
COVER STORY: NGOs - Key Players
in Fighting Global Environmental Challenges
We will focus on activities and role of NGOs in this area. We are pleased to announce that JEF was recently honored to be nominated as representative of Japanfs National Association of Club of Rome. Club of Rome and other notable environment-related NGOs such as those working for Convention on Biological Diversity will be our additional subjects.
COVER STORY 1 Greetings from Club of Rome
Celebrating Launch of Club's Japan Chapter
By Ian JOHNSON (Secretary general, the Club of Rome)
SPECIAL ARTICLE: Impact of US 2010 Elections
By Harald MALMGREN (Former US deputy trade representative and Senate advisor)
PERSONAL PROFILE: Interview with Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, president & CEO, Production I.G, Inc.
Japanese Anime Evolving
By Interviewer: Yoshihiro KATAOKA
PROMENADE: Art of Iai Offers Clue to Japan's Soul
By Natsuko TOYODA (JEF)
COVER STORY: Global Governance in 21st Century
Key to Achieving World Peace & Prosperity
For Nov./Dec. issue, our cover story highlights management of world which has certainly great impact upon our children's and grandchildren's future since its quality should lead to heaven or hell in world political and economic arena where next generation must live. That makes big difference from firm's or family's management which affects mainly ourselves only and not much future generations.
COVER STORY 4: OECD: Natural Partner in New Global Ecomonic Governance
By Angel GURRIA (Secretary general, OECD)
PERSONAL PROFILE: Interview with Tatsuya Matsui, CEO, Flower Robotics, Inc.
Putting Robots to Commercial Use Will Change Society
Japan SPOTLIGHT features insights into roles expected of by distinguished experts from various parts of world on occasion of APEC summit in Yokohama in November 2010.
COVER STORY: White Paper on International Economy & Trade 2010
In featuring the White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2010 in this latest edition, Japan SPOTLIGHT asked for contributions from academic experts and executives of front-running business corporations. These contributions are shown as cover stories on the pages right after the following article summarizing the annual Japanese government report.
SPECIAL ARTICLES: Futenma Base Issue
A Test to Deepen Japan-US Relations
By Satoshi MORIMOTO
PERSONAL PROFILE: Interview with Setsuko Yuki, a famed food coordinator
Japanese Cuisine Changing World Food Culture
COVER STORY:Gender Equality Spurs Economic Growth
Women's potential competency is untapped sources of fuel for economic growth. Intelligent women in Japan and the rest of the world will discuss the future role of women in the economy. In particular, Japanese women will - and should - be given a greater opportunity to display their competency that overwhelms men's.
Cultural Exchange: Tunisia
Interview with Tunisian Ambassador N. B. F. Hached
Special Interview: Pedaling to World Fame (2) Interview with ex-World Sprint Cycling Champion Koichi Nakano
Answer a questionnaire & get a gift!
We need your suggestions to help make our magazine a better publication. Please fill out the questionnaire on the last page of current issue or download from here and send it back by fax (+81-3-5565-4828) or by e-mail (japanspotlight@jef.or.jp). Both Japanese and English answers will be accepted.
Ten winners selected from among respondents in a lucky draw will receive a "Kenzo" mini leather wallet each.
Your entry must arrive not later than June 30, 2010.
JEF-Chatham House Symposium (Friday 26 March 2010 Venue: Imperial Hotel Tokyo) was held successfully.
Thank you very much for your participation and support.
The conference summary is scheduled to be posted by the end of April.
Friday 26 March 2010 / 13:15-16:50 / Venue: Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Policy-makers, economists and business leaders from Japan, the U.K.,
Germany, France, Switzerland and other European countries gather to discuss
the post-crisis world economy - from the failure of economic growth models
to the way forward. (Admission Free / Deadline Friday 19 March)
For more information, please visit the conference website at http://www.congre.co.jp/japan-euforum/index_en.html
COVER STORY:What policies do we expect from Japan's new DPJ-led government?
Experts discuss a possible policy change in Japan as well as in the world likely brought about by Tokyo's unprecedented change of power.
J. Terashima, viewed as an adviser to the Hatoyama government, portrays what form of nation Japan should seek to be & other experts look into Japan's new government.
Special Interview: Pedaling to World Fame (1) Interview with ex-World Sprint Cycling Champion Koichi Nakano
COVER STORY:Open Innovation
A Key to Achieving Socioeconomic Evolution
Innovation is vital to achieve solid, sustained growth. Distinguished authors from various parts of the world will help readers identify the fittest innovation system for each country. You will find a clue to what would be the best socioeconomic innovation system for Japan.
Prof. Chesbrough, Prof. Kodama, both authors of books on open innovation, & other experts on technology look into the best strategy of innovation in our knowledge-based economy.
COVER STORY:World Poverty
a Challenge to Humankind in 21st Century
How should we work on reducing poverty in the world?
Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Novel Peace Prize winner in 2007, and other opinion leaders will present various solutions to the most urgent issue focused on the "bottom billion" in the poorest countries in the world.
COVER STORY:Japanese Culture: Source of Power on World Stage?
Can Japanese Modern Culture Contribute to the World Business Development & Peaceful Foreign Relations?
A variety of the thinkers world-wide talk aboutlook into what Japanese culture today implies to the globalized world community.
Special Artilce: Future Outlook of Japan-US Strategic Alliance
(From the report of "Panel to Propose Building of New Japan-US Relationship under New US Administration")
A group of Japanese experts on relations between Tokyo and Washington has drawn up a set of recommendations on bilateral and global issues in a project commissioned by the Japan Economic Foundation.
COVER STORY: White Paper on International Economy & Trade 2009
Amid the global economic crisis, METI White Paper shows us the way in which Japan's economy should proceed to, "change a pinch into a chance."
Its main topics include the financial crisis & Asian economy, the international trade regime amid the crisis, internationalization of Japanese content industry, and tourism.
COVER STORY: Foreign Direct Investment in Japan
In the cover story delves into the activities of foreign corporate subsidiaries in Japan and their impact on the Japanese business community and economy amid the evolving business climate.
Special Report: Dr. Barry Eichengreen, professor at UC Berkeley, paints "a better future" for the role of economics, called into question amid the global credit crisis today.
COVER STORY Global Aging: Challenge & Opportunity
Global aging is a challenge for the world as well as Japan. However, we should look at its positive side as well. Academic experts and businesspeople introduce you to a wide range of aspects of the theme.
COVER STORY Energy & Environment: Global Approach to Long-term Challenges
How will Japan and the rest of Asia cope with this new challenge while responding to global environmental concerns closely related to the energy situation? Experts in various sectors, including bioenergy, the IEA and METI. showcase the road to solutions.
Special articles:Dr. T. J. Pempel, professor, UC Berkeley,
suggests Japan "re-balance" its policy priorities as it gives a fresh look at its relations with the United States ahead of the Obama administration's inauguration.
This issue carries a second installment in the Japanese Craft & Art series featuring "urushi" lacquer. Leading urushi lacquerware artist Kazumi Murose, holder of a "living national treasure" title, introduces the masterpieces of his choice in this issue. Another article features Wajima lacquerware, produced in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture. It is one of Japan's leading traditional craftwork brands using urushi, and some Wajima ware products were used at an official dinner during the G-8 Toyako summit. Yet another related article features "butsudan," a family Buddhist altar, also coated with urushi as well as leaf gold.
The current issue concludes the Promenade series of articles on farmer philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka. The last installment introduces the present activities of desert greening by clay-ball seeding, a practice being inherited by the next generation.
Japan SPOTLIGHT welcomes letters to the Readers' Column for the exchange of opinions among readers. Please feel free to send your opinion or comment about articles and today's world economy. For example, you may comment on the article about the economic crisis by Dr. Madsen. When your letter is to be carried, we will contact you beforehand.
COVER STORY:Plus-sum game in innovative Asia This issue features various regional alliance efforts designed to achieve a win-win relationship in the Asia-Pacific region. Some regional opinion leaders provide their insights into the theme. Now, Japan SPOTLIGHT offers an Asian-wide discussion tool on the important policy issue.
In one of two special articles, Dr. Robert Madsen, a senior fellow at MIT, presents steps to fend off a "once-in-a-century" financial crisis.In the other, Nobutake Odano, Japanese ambassador to the EU and former envoy in charge of TICAD 4, sums up the significance of the conference.
The latest issue also profiles farmer philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, who passed away this August after making a lifelong effort for greening the desert by clay-ball seeding in Asia and Africa. He won the Ramon Magsaysay Award and was awarded the highest honorary degree of India's Visva-Bharati University by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi as well as the Earth Council Award. In his second installment in a new series, Kazumi Murose, an urushi lacquer art producer appointed a living national treasure in July, describes urushi in Japanese culture.
We registered back number of JAPAN SPOTLIGHT July/Aug 2008 issue in JAPAN SPOTLIGHT website. You can read the articles about White Paper 2008 by METI, The columns of ECONOMIC FOCUS and PROMENADE by JEF for free.
JAPAN SPOTLIGHT September/October 2008 issue (Sep 1, 2008)September/October issue features the future of the fast digitalizing global economy. What impact is it causing on the Japanese economy? What about its effects on the Japanese digital industry's competitiveness? These and other points are analyzed in a broad perspective by government academic and industry experts such as Etsuhiko Shoyama, president of Hitach Ltd.. , plus specialists from abroad such as George Scalise, president of the US Semiconductor Industry Association. The Japanese Art & Craft column is featuring traditional handicrafts based on Japanese lacquer urushi. Promenade is featuring Masanobu Fukuoka, a father of Natural Farming, who has just passed away at age 95 for old age on 16th of last month.
JAPAN SPOTLIGHT July / August 2008 issue (July 15, 2008)
This time we will feature White Paper on International Economy & Trade 2008, an annual review of Japan's international economy and trade done by METI officials and specialists:
This year, they focus on how Japanese businesses are adjusting to "globalization." They also highlight the issue of "water shortage," one of the most urgent challenges in the world today.
Also taken up are the rising international status of Japanese food culture, a joint welfare project undertaken by Finland and the Japanese city of Sendai, the world of flower arrangement, social issue like Hikikomori, culture & trends in Japan and various economic analysis.
The main theme "Evolving Japanese-style Management and Global Competition". It is focasing on CSR (an important key to corporate governance in the 21st century), changes in Japanese management and its impact on overseas businesses, accented by interviews with business leaders. It also carries special articles on the upcoming G-8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, food culture, arts, and a foreign businessman's viewpoint to shed light on various aspects of Japan.
JAPAN SPOTLIGHT March/April 2008 (March 1, 2008)From outstanding engineering to the creation of products with superior performance, Japan's vigorous economic society is supported by excellent human resources. We will report Japan's cultivation of human resources today with resent movement of university reform, collaboration with industries and universities and concrete examples of business education. On the another column, employment reform, Japan-ASEAN FTA as special articles, food culture, art and view from foreigners etc., we will introduce Japan from various point of view.
JAPAN SPOTLIGHT Janurary/February 2008How has the web revolution changed Japaense media, business and society? This issue highlights the Internet evolution and its multi-faced effects, including those on TV, advertisement, the ICT industry, copyrights and human rights. Writers presenting their views on these and other topics will have a variety of nationalities such as China, Australia, the United States and Britan in addition to Japan.
JAPAN SPOTLIGHT November/December issue (November 1, 2007)We will look into Japan's sagging birthrate in this issue. There are many things to be considered in addressing this problem. We will try to approach some of them, including the current environment surrounding Japanese women, policy issues, psychological analysis, the work/life balance and corporate challenges. As a special article, problems associated with the safety of consumer products are to be taken up.
JAPAN SPOTLIGHT May/June 2007
What else can we do for environmental protection? In the next issue, we will feature global environmental issues, including Japan's latest technical developments by specialists in various fields. We will also
introduce a small regional company using bamboo for business, helping ease the load on the environment. In the "Japanese Mind" column, we will show you the fascination of "Noh" and how to enjoy the Japanese traditional
masked dance-drama, along with some beautiful photos.
On the Cover Story we will feature "White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2007" Senior officials and specialists from METI look into ways of coping with dicerse economic and trade issues such as global current account imbalances and logistics in the annual White Paper.
About other contents, we will introduce Japnese ODA to india, Japanese Food, Sake, the art island Naoshima and the Japanese mentality seen in city landscape.
It is also interesting the viewpoint from the foreigners living in Japan. On this issue, British freelance joulnalist watch Japanese film industry, and Malaysian scholer look at the relationship between East Asia and Japan
Japan SPOTLIGHT latest issue is feature Abe Administrateion's Economic Policies. We invite 8 economic experts to get a big picture view of the pilicies and present Japan's economic condition.here
Japan SPOTLIGHT March/April 2007 issue (March 1,2007)
The latest issue features Japan's Fashion Industry. It cover from policy aspects to some examples of Internet business, including its potentiality and development. It will also carry an interview with the president of a world-famous Japanese fashion brand company. On the basis of new initiatives such as "Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo," you will get an insider's view of Japan's burgeoning fashion industry.
