2009年

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.