Japan-Kuwait 2011 by E-GulfMedia

Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road to Recovery and Rebirth

Kuwait and Japan:

50 years of trust and friendship, looking further forward

Kuwait - Japan Diplomatic Relations 1961 - 2011 Japan Lifts Asian Cup

DDS: A Giant Leap for Mankind

Japan is Open for Business More than just Sushi

The Resilient City

Top 10 Japanese Gadgets Iconic Rides

Japan Culture Week

Tokyo

In Cooperation with the Embassy of Japan - KUWAIT

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The Land of Rising Sun

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In cooperation with the Embassy of Japan - Kuwait Chairman & Editor-in-Chief

Mahmoud Al Radwan

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Managing Editor

Mujahid Iqbal

Joint Editor

Prasana Menon

Finance Manager

Contributor

Consultant

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Contents 6

Message from the Ambassador

Japan’s Road to Recovery and Rebirth

Kuwait and Japan:

50 years of trust and friendship, looking further forward

Kuwait-Japan: 50 years of trust and friendship, looking further forward

Japan’s Road to Recovery and Rebirth

Tokyo: The Resilient City

Japan is Open for Business

Japan Lifts Asian Cup

ICONIC RIDES

Popular Dishes of Japan

More than just Sushi

Top 10 Japanese Inventions

Top 10 Japanese Gadgets

Japanese Traditions

Pagoda in the Sky

24-hour Guide to… Tokyo

Japan launches ‘Hayabusa’ Bullet Train

Glittering Ginza

100

Pioneers in Organic Synthesis

102

Japanese Banking and Finance

104

Hayabusa is Back / The Japanese technology behind six-billion kilometer Journey

106

Breakthrough in Bakery

108

DSS: A Giant Leap for Mankind

110

To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contributions and feed back are welcome.

Kuwait - Japan Diplomatic Relations 1961 - 2011 Japan Lifts Asian Cup

DDS: A Giant Leap for Mankind

Japan is Open for Business More than just Sushi

The Resilient City

Top 10 Japanese Gadgets Iconic Rides

Japan Culture Week

Tokyo

In Cooperation with the Embassy of Japan - KUWAIT

Cover 2011

The contents and opinions expressed here in are not necessarily those of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, no liability can be assumed by the publishers for any inaccuracies.

Yasuyoshi Komizo Ambassador of Japan

from the

A Message

Ambassador

“We can feel the depth of real friendship build in 50 years of

Dear readers, This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Kuwait and Japan. It is all the more

significant

because

this

commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of independence of

diplomatic

Kuwait and this fact speaks itself quite

relationship

have been developing trust and

between Kuwait

year also marks the 20th anniversary

and Japan.”

5th anniversary of His Highness the

eloquently that Japan and Kuwait friendship from the beginning. This of the liberation of Kuwait and the Amir’s ascendance to the throne. I would like to reiterate my heartfelt

congratulations on these very happy

in 50 years of diplomatic relationship

occasions.

between Kuwait and Japan. this

special

With the deep sense of gratitude, we

made

would like, on our part, to commit

available in a timely manner at such

ourselves to do everything in our

a commemorative juncture. I would

capacity to further nurture and foster

therefore like to pay special tribute

this strong bond between Kuwait and

to ALC International Group for their

Japan.

This

5th

publication

edition

Japan

valued initiative. Japan is safe, affordable and exciting. Taking this opportunity, however,

This is my sincere wish that this special

I would like, first of all, to express

publication of Japan will help you

sincerest gratitude on behalf of the

deepen the understanding of the

government and the people of Japan

quite diverse attractions of Japan.

to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al¬Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir

Please keep in mind also that the

of Kuwait, for the extremely generous

earthquake

offer of five million barrels of crude

people of Japan are gathering courage

oil to Japan as a donation to relieve

and strength to stand up to the grave

the suffering from the humanitarian

challenges ahead and venture into the

disaster caused by the earthquake and

recovery and reconstruction efforts

tsunami that affected Japan.

with innovative spirit, dignity and

and

tsunami

stricken

deep sense of humanity. You may like I would also like to express our sincerest

to witness a new chapter of history in

gratitude for the genuine friendships

the making.

and assistances extended by the people of Kuwait as well as the international

Very sincerely yours and hoping to see

community based in Kuwait. These

you in Japan,

heartfelt

friendships

and

support

have been coming from all corners of Kuwait, from elderly and youth alike and even from small children. We can feel the depth of real friendship build

So…… See you in Japan

Hand in hand with Japan On the occasion of 50 years of ties between Kuwait and Japan, I would like to emphasize that relations between our countries have always been deep-rooted and will continue to remain so. Kuwaitis have always had a strong affinity to all things Japanese, as is evident by the love for Japanese cars, gadgets and of course – animation! We in Kuwait also share with our Japanese friends their pain after this double calamity that befell them recently. We hope they get over this dark moment as soon as possible. The Japanese have always been resilient people and I’m sure they will bounce back. Our special annual issue on Japan always tries to focus on the unique experiences Japan has to offer, and this year is no different. We hope our readers come away with deeper insight into the Japanese way of life – from the latest technology to food to all things kawaii! As an artist, I can also vouch for the influence Japan has on worldwide art.

Mahmoud Al-Radwan Chairman & Editor-in-Chief

Happy reading!

Contemporary Japan 2011

FOREWORD

Hope springs eternal

Mujahid Iqbal Managing Editor

Dear readers, We present this latest issue of Contemporary Japan with a touch of sadness, but ringed with hope. Sadness, because of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that ravaged parts of the country; and hope, because the nation has proved to be resilient and is working hard to overcome this disaster of epic proportions. The Japanese are renowned for their humbleness, resilience and forbearance. This double blow brought forth all these qualities to the fore, and showed the world the Japanese way of life. We hope this glorious country quickly recovers and continues its dominance in the world economy. This year is also a special year diplomatically - 2011 marks the 50th year of ties between Kuwait and Japan. In this half a century of relations, there were tumultuous times that would put a strain on any alliance, but Kuwait-Japan ties have remained steadfast. In this issue, we focus on the recovery efforts in Japan, and shine a light on the industrial and technological prowess of Japanese industries. Japan also shone on the football pitch this year, while its cultural exports have always been a source of joy.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Kuwait and Japan: 50 years of trust and friendship, gy

Cooperation on ener

Oil , Japanese Arabian From 1958 to 2008 die th in been operating Company (AOC) had ia ab Kuwait and Saudi Ar vided zone between al r, 2003-2008: Technic (1958-2003: Operato ed lish tab es 1967, AOC Service Agreement). In ISR) Scientific Research (K Kuwait Institute for in to Kuwaiti government (AOC transferred KISR it cooperating with Kuwa 1973). Now, Japan is n(E R (KPC) on CO2 EO Petroleum Corporation attechnology and cooper hanced Oil Recovery) oil ading of heavy crude ing with KISR on upgr ,a gy er en the renewable and so on. Regarding so of studying the project Japanese company is rs ion, Japanese professo lar power plant. In addit y log no ch -te KISR on nano are cooperating with ra ne ge on solar power which would be applied Coned Memorandum of tion. In 2010, Japan sig gy National Nuclear Ener operation with Kuwait ld fie e th r cooperation in Committee (KNNEC) fo ar energy. of peaceful use of nucle

Medical Cooperation In the 1970s-80s, Japanese woman doctor, Ms. Takayanagi, had been working at Sabah Hospital and Ibn Sina Hospital for 10 years and contributed in providing medical activities especially for the children. Now, Japan has started medical cooperation again. Japan would like to introduce the state of art advanced medical technology such as cancer treatment by proton beam and heavy particle beam (it would treat cancer without abdominal operation) and other medical equipment and technologies. In order to promote medical tourism, Japan has begun issuing “medical visa”.

Environmental Cooperation

Coopera tion on construc frastruc tion of i ture nIn th

e 1970s -80s, Ja ments, s panese uch as b electr oilers, tu installed rbines an ical equipat many ds power s madi oil tations in o on were refinery Kuwait. a n construc d other in Ahted by Ja fr a s tr u c tures we panese c same pe re ompanie riod. No s during w, a Jap structing a th n e e s the Shu aiba-Nor e company is co looking nth powe for othe r p r b Japanes e compa usiness opportu lant and nitie nie technolo gies in th s are introducing s. Also, e fields o Japanes water tre e f atment, railway a power generatio pan-Kuw n, nd so on ait busin th essmen .Japanes committe rough Jae busine e and oth ss missio ns er

Japanese Tourism Promotion Japan has recently begun to promote Japanese tourism. Japan has a plentiful green nature, a lot of World Heritage Site placed by United Nation, tasty Japanese foods, youth culture such as fashion, animation and “Manga”, and amusement parks like Disney Land which families, parents and children, will enjoy. Japan is promoting Japanese tourism in Kuwait through the exhibition for travel mart, lecture by Japanese largest travel company and so on. As the result, the number of Kuwaiti people visiting Japan as tourist has been increasing. It was around 300 in 2008, 287 in 2009 and 515 in 2010. Japanese tourism is getting increasingly popular among the people in Kuwait. In addition, a Kuwaiti travel agent made a package tour to Japan and is promoting Japan.

zation is conning Kuwait Bay. Japanese organi clea on g atin per coo n bee has From 2004 to 2007, Japan lity. At the educational level, ter and monitoring of water qua wa sea of nup clea on ject pro t m”. Many Kuwaiti ducting pilo gram called “Kid’s ISO 14000 progra pro ion cat edu l nta me iron env the program. Japan is introducing ter use and reduce waste through wa and rgy ene e serv con to rt clean students are making effo carries out an annual activity to ait Kuw in iety Soc se ane Jap 0, rable number of Kuwaiti At the grass roots level, from 200 with the participation of a conside ” tles Tur tion era “Op ed call ait beaches in Kuw ts and associations. individuals, environmental activis

Contemporary Japan 2011

‫‪looking further forward‬‬

‫التعاون يف مجال الطاقة‬

‫‪ ،20‬عملت رشكة الزيت العربية (اليابانية)‬ ‫الل الفرتة من عام ‪ 1958‬وحتى عام ‪08‬‬ ‫خ‬ ‫اململكة العربية السعودية (من ‪ 1958‬إىل‬ ‫املنطقة املقسومة بني دولة الكويت و‬ ‫يف‬ ‫قية خدمات فنية)‪ .‬يف عام ‪ ،1967‬أسست‬ ‫‪ :2003‬مشغل‪ ،‬من ‪ 2003‬إىل ‪ :2008‬إتفا‬ ‫اث العلمية ‪ ،‬وقامت بنقله للحكومة‬ ‫رشكة الزيت العربية معهد الكويت لألبح‬ ‫الكويتية عام ‪.1973‬‬ ‫كويتية يف مجال تقنية تحسني اسرتجاع‬ ‫اً‪ ،‬تتعاون اليابان مع مؤسسة البرتول ال‬ ‫حالي‬ ‫كام تتعاون مع معهد الكويت لألبحاث‬ ‫النفط باستخدام ثاين أكسيد الكربون‪،‬‬ ‫وفيام يتعلق بالطاقة املتجددة‪ ،‬فهناك‬ ‫العلمية يف تحسني خواص النفط الثقيل‪.‬‬ ‫بدراسة إلنشاء مصنع للطاقة الشمسية‪.‬‬ ‫رشكة يابانية تقوم حاليا‬ ‫مع معهد الكويت األبحاث العلمية يف‬ ‫إلضافة إىل ذلك‪ ،‬يتعاون خرباء يابانيون‬ ‫با‬ ‫قها يف توليد الكهرباء باستخدام الطاقة‬ ‫جال النانو تكنولوجي والتي سيتم تطبي‬ ‫م‬ ‫قية تعاون يف مجال االستخدام السلمي‬ ‫شمسية‪ .‬عام ‪ ،2010‬وقعت اليابان اتفا‬ ‫ال‬ ‫الكويتية الستخدامات الطاقة النووية‪.‬‬ ‫للطاقة النووية مع اللجنة الوطنية‬

‫التعاون يف م‬

‫جال اإلنشاء‬ ‫والبنى التحتية‬

‫خالل ف‬ ‫رتة السبعينات‬ ‫وا‬ ‫لث‬ ‫ام‬ ‫ني‬ ‫نا‬ ‫ت‪،‬‬ ‫تم تركيب ا‬ ‫الغاليا‬ ‫ملعدات الكهربا‬ ‫ت والتوربينات‬ ‫ئي‬ ‫و‬ ‫ة‬ ‫غ‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ري‬ ‫يا‬ ‫ها‬ ‫با‬ ‫ني‬ ‫يف‬ ‫ة‪،‬‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ع‬ ‫مثل‬ ‫ديد من مح‬ ‫قامت الرشكا‬ ‫طات توليد الكه‬ ‫رب‬ ‫اء‬ ‫يف‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ت اليابانية ببناء‬ ‫ك‬ ‫م‬ ‫وي‬ ‫ص‬ ‫فا‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ت‪ .‬كام‬ ‫أل‬ ‫ح‬ ‫م‬ ‫دي وبنى‬ ‫حالياً‪،‬‬ ‫تحتية أخرى خ‬ ‫تقوم إحدى ال‬ ‫الل نفس الفرتة‪.‬‬ ‫رشكا‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ال‬ ‫يا‬ ‫با‬ ‫ني‬ ‫تتطل‬ ‫ة ببناء محط‬ ‫ع الرشكات اليا‬ ‫ة كهرباء الشع‬ ‫با‬ ‫يب‬ ‫ني‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ال‬ ‫إ‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ىل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ام‬ ‫مل‬ ‫لي‬ ‫زي‬ ‫ة‪،‬‬ ‫كام‬ ‫د من فرص‬ ‫الت‬ ‫األعامل‪ .‬تقوم‬ ‫كنولوجيا اليابا‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ني‬ ‫ة‬ ‫رشكا‬ ‫يف‬ ‫ت‬ ‫م‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أي‬ ‫جا‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ض‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ت‬ ‫بعرض‬ ‫توليد الطاقة‬ ‫وغريها‪ ،‬وذل‬ ‫ومعالجة امليا‬ ‫ه‬ ‫وال‬ ‫س‬ ‫ك‬ ‫ك من خالل ا‬ ‫ك‬ ‫لل‬ ‫ال‬ ‫جن‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ال‬ ‫يا‬ ‫با‬ ‫حديدية‬ ‫ني‬ ‫ة الكويتية‬ ‫أخرى يف‬ ‫لرجال األعامل‬ ‫مجال األعامل‪.‬‬ ‫وبعثات يابانية‬

‫الرتويج للسياحة يف اليابان‬ ‫التعاون يف املجال الطبي‬ ‫عملت الطبيبة اليابانية د‪ /‬تاكاياناجي خالل فرتة السبعينات والثامنينات يف‬ ‫مستشفى الصباح ومستشفى ابن سينا ملدة ‪ 10‬سنوات وساهمت يف تقديم‬ ‫خدمات طبية وخاصة لألطفال‪.‬‬ ‫حالياً‪ ،‬بدأء اليابان يف التعاون يف املجال الطبي مرة أخرى‪ .‬كام ترغب اليابان يف‬ ‫تقديم أحدث تقنيات عالج الرسطان إىل دولة الكويت وذلك باستخدام باستخدام‬ ‫شعاع الربوتونات وشعاع الجسيامت الثقيلة (تعالج الرسطان بدون عملية جراحية)‬ ‫باإلضافة إىل معدات وتقنيات طبية أخرى‪ .‬بدأت اليابان يف إصدار «فيزا طبية»‬ ‫للرتويج للسياحة العالجية يف اليابان‪.‬‬

‫مجال البيئة‬

‫بدأت اليابان مؤخراً يف الرتويج للسياحة يف اليابان‪ ،‬حيث تتميز اليابان بطبيعة‬ ‫خرضاء خالبة والكثري من املواقع املسجلة كمواقع تراث عاملي يف األمم املتحدة‬ ‫واألطعمة اليابانية الشهية والثقافة الشبابية كاألزياء والرسوم املتحركة و «ماجنا»‬ ‫واملنتزهات السياحية كديزين الند والتي تستمتع فيها العائالت واألطفال‪.‬‬ ‫ويف دولة الكويت ويتم الرتويج للسياحة يف اليابان من خالل معرض عامل السفر‬ ‫ومحارضات تنظمها أكرب رشكات السفر يف اليابان وغريها من الوسائل‪ .‬ونتيجة‬ ‫لذلك‪ ،‬فقد زاد عدد الكويتيني الذين زاروا اليابان بغرض السياحة‪ .‬يف عام ‪2008‬‬ ‫كان العدد ‪ 300‬شخص ويف ‪ 2009‬كان العدد ‪ 287‬شخص زاد العدد إىل ‪ 515‬شخص‬ ‫يف ‪ .2010‬وتتزايد شعبية السياحة يف اليابان بني الكويتيني باستمرار‪ .‬باإلضافة إىل‬ ‫ذلك‪ ،‬قامت إحدى وكاالت السفريات الكويتية بعمل عروض ترويجية للسياحة‬ ‫يف اليابان‪.‬‬

‫التعاون يف‬ ‫اليابانية بعمل مرشوع تجريبي لتنظيف مياه البحر ومراقبة‬ ‫اونت اليابان يف تنظيف جون الكويت‪ ،‬وتقوم إحدى املنظامت‬ ‫خالل الفرتة من عام ‪ 2004‬وحتى عام ‪ ،2007‬تع‬ ‫ويبذل العديد من الطالب الكويتيني جهودا حثيثة للحفاظ‬ ‫رنامج بيئي تعليمي يطلق عليه «برنامج كيدز أيزو ‪.»14000‬‬ ‫جودة املياه‪ .‬وعىل املستوى التعليمي‪ ،‬تقدم اليابان ب‬ ‫عىل الطاقة واملياه وتقليل الهدر من خالل هذا الربنامج‪.‬‬ ‫عليه «عملية السالحف» بالتعاون مع عدد كبري من الكويتيني‬ ‫عام ‪ 2000‬بتنظيم حدث سنوي لتنظيف الشواطئ يطلق‬ ‫وعىل املستوى الشعبي‪ ،‬تقوم الجالية اليابانية منذ‬ ‫‪13‬‬

‫والنشطاء البيئيني واملؤسسات‪.‬‬

‫‪Contemporary Japan 2011‬‬

Recent events held in

Kuwait and Japan for the purpose of strengthening relations between the two countries.

26th May 2009, Japan Booth in Boodai Travel Mart, travel exhibition for tourism at Sheraton Hotel.

18th January 2011, opening ceremony for joint symposium “improvement of the process of oil refinement” between Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Japan Corporation Center, Petroleum (JCCP).

Contemporary Japan 2011

12th October 2009, opening ceremony of “Oishii Nippon” for introduction and sales of Japanese fresh farm products.

29th September 2009, Japanese mass retailer for electronic products “Best Denki” opened in Hawally Area.

Contribution of Japanese Self Defense Force to the stability of the region.

H.E. Yasuyoshi Komizo, Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait and the director of KISR Mr. Al-Muteiri

5th November 2009, H.E. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense was awarded Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by H.M. Emperor of Japan.

After Iraqi Invasion, Japanese Minesweepers swept the Kuwait offshore for Iraqi mines.

Japanese C-130 transport aircraft had stationed at Ali Al-Salem Air Force Base for 5years (2004-2008) for Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Mission. Contemporary Japan 2011

11th and 12th March 2009, 7th Forum on Inter-Civilization Dialogue between Japan and the Islamic World was held at Sheraton Hotel under the co-sponsorship of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs on Kuwait and the Government of Japan and under the kind patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait.

12th May 2009, the 3rd Japanese Speech Contest in Kuwait University under the sponsorship of Embassy of Japan in Kuwait.

23rd March 2010, Former Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait invited Kuwaiti students studied and will study in Japan in the name of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reunion Partyâ&#x20AC;?

Contemporary Japan 2011

2nd June 2010, signature on joint declaration on the occasion of Japan-Kuwait first governmental joint committee.

7th November 2009, beech cleaning campaign “Operation Turtle” by Japanese Society and Kuwaiti volunteers in Shuwaikh Beech.

15th January 2011, Japanese Cooking Class co-sponsored by Ties Center and Embassy of Japan in Kuwait.

Care Unit of Heavy-Ion Radiotherapy

10th October 2010, the father of “Grendizer” Mr. Go Nagai visited Kuwait and had a lecture in front of Kuwaiti anime fans. 18

Contemporary Japan 2011

NOW

N I E D TRA N OPTIO LE AB AVAIL

Equipment Division

Diplomatic Relations between Kuwait and Japan As an independent and sovereign country, Japan enjoys good diplomatic relations with many countries all over the world. The relations between Kuwait and Japan were established fifty years and became an example for understanding and cooperation and we are still looking further for more mechanisms to develop cooperation between the two friend governments. The relation between both countries is deeper than partnership and friendship. It exceeded the limits of traditional cooperation to other fields such as cultural, social and touristic cooperation. During my visit to Japan, I saw the honesty, respect and organization of its people and the nature of the country. As a General Manager of Al-Qattan Travel Agency, one of the leading travel and tourism companies in Kuwait and holder of international awards in this filed, I was encouraged to organize regular-scheduled trips to Japan in regular basis. We became the first Arab country to organize tourist groups from Kuwait to Japan starting in 2010 and they all were successful. Looking forward for further cooperation!

Al-Qattan Travel Agency Ali Al-Qattan, General Manager

Message from a Kuwaiti Muslim to the Japanese Samurai I have the pleasure to congratulate the governments of Kuwait and Japan on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of solid and strong relations built on love, friendship and sincerity. I would also like to highlight the feelings of respect people of Kuwait have towards the people of Japan. The Japanese dedication to work left a great impression on Kuwaitis, especially the generations of the 1970s and 1980s. I mainly talk about the influence of Japanese animations on youths and children of that time. The high quality animation gave considerable attention to details and taught high values such as work dedication, sacrifice for homeland, respect of parents and teachers and not to despire which are part of the teachings of Islam and very close to every Muslim. Many of us found in Japanese animation things that they have been missing. The animation created a kind of friendship among many generations in the Arab world and in Kuwait in particular. The greatest influence was caused by Grendizer. I remember my friends and I knew Sushi when we watched Sanshiro. We first thought it was a type of candies but we grew up to find itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fish and rice. The generous visit of Mr. Go Nagai to Kuwait had a big and obvious influence. I have noticed some people sitting on the floor in Mall 360 and crying because they were not able to enter the hall to attend the show. Many GCC citizens sent me messages expressing how sad they were because they were not able to attend the show. Finally, on behalf of myself, my friends and my customers, I would like to congratulate Kuwait and Japan. Fahad Bo Saleh 20

Contemporary Japan 2011

Recovery Efforts in Full Swing

few months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, and with all the relief support going to the disaster-affected region, the recovery is well underway. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the US Army in clearing the debris at Sendai Airport, which was hard hit by the tsunami, air passenger services resumed on April 13. The Tohoku Shinkansen was back in full operation on April 29, from Tokyo to ShinAomori. Construction of temporary housing is moving ahead as well, with 30,000 dwellings scheduled to be completed by the end of May in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures. Business is returning to normal, as

Contemporary Japan 2011

well as infrastructure. Many factories were damaged by this disaster, including automobile, semiconductor, and LCD (liquid crystal display) plants. However, according to a survey of fifty-five major nationwide manufacturers conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in mid-April, 60 percent of the plants that were damaged (seventy plants at the fifty-five companies) have already been restored, while the remaining plants are expected to be repaired within one to three months. As a symbol of the recovery of Tohoku as a manufacturing center, new cars produced for export since the quake at the factory of one major auto manufacturer that was damaged in the disaster were shipped from Sendai Port on April 16.

The recovery at tourist spots that were damaged by the tsunami and earthquake is proceeding as well, with preparations being made for accepting visitors. Among those recovering is the tourist area of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, with the 260 islands of various sizes in Matsushima Bay making it one of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most notable natural scenic spots. The tsunami struck Matsushima too, flooding its shopping district and roads. But because of the buffering effect of the islands, the damage was comparatively limited. Already at the end of April, sightseeing boat tours around Matsushima Bay, the aquarium, souvenir shops, restaurants, and tours to the historic shrines and temples around Matsushima Bay have resumed opera-

tions.Normal life is also returning to the cities. On April 21, opening ceremonies were held at 273 elementary and junior high schools in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures. In Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, both the home of pro baseball’s Rakuten Golden Eagles, the Kleenex Stadium Miyagi, and J. League soccer’s Vegalta Sendai, the Yurtec Stadium Sendai, were damaged by the earthquake. But on April 29, both stadiums hosted their first games since the disaster, and were filled to capacity, with around 20,000 spectators attending the Rakuten game, and 18,000 going to the Vegalta match. In the government as well, in order to “give hope and courage for the future to the residents of the disasteraffected region, and assemble reconstruction plans as soon as possible for a rebirth of a rich and vital Japan through the combined efforts of all Japanese citizens,” the Cabinet has called for experts to form the Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Design Council, chaired by Makoto Iokibe, resident of the National Defense Academy of Japan. At the first meeting on April 14, Prime Minister Naoto Kan addressed the first meeting, saying, “I want this council to not just present a plan that will return the concerned region to the ways it once was, but that will creatively reconstruct all over again.” Contemporary Japan 2011

Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road to Recovery and Rebirth By NAOTO KAN, Prime Minister of Japan

apan was hit by one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. We are making all-out efforts to restore livelihoods and recover from the series of tragedies that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake. The disaster left more than 28,000 people, including foreign citizens, dead or missing. Since March 11, Japan has been strongly supported by our friends around the world. On behalf of the Japanese people, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity we have received from more than 130 countries, nearly 40 international organizations, numerous nongovernmental organizations, and countless individuals from all parts of the world. The Japanese people deeply appreciate the kizuna (â&#x20AC;&#x153;bonds of friendshipâ&#x20AC;?) that have been shown to us. Through this hardship, we have come to truly understand that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Contemporary Japan 2011

I take very seriously, and deeply regret, the nuclear accidents we have had at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Bringing the situation at the plant under control at the earliest possible date is my top priority. Leading a unified effort by the government, I have mobilized all available resources to combat the risks posed by the plant, based on three principles: first, give the highest priority to the safety and health of all citizens, in particular those residents living close to the plant; second, conduct thorough risk management; and, third, plan for all possible scenarios so that we are fully prepared to respond to any future situations. For example, we continue to make the utmost efforts to address the issue of outflow of radioactive water from the plant into the ocean. In addition, the government has taken every possible measure to ensure the safety of all food and other products, based on strict scientific criteria. We have taken great

precautions to ensure the safety of all Japanese food and products that reach the market and will continue to do so. To assure domestic and foreign consumer confidence in the safety of Japanese food and products, my administration will redouble its efforts to maintain transparency and keep everyone informed of our progress in the complex and evolving circumstances at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. I pledge that the Japanese government will promptly and thoroughly verify the cause of this incident, as well as share information and the lessons learned with the rest of the world to help prevent such accidents in the future. Through such a process, we will proactively contribute to the global debate to enhance the safety of nuclear power generation. Meanwhile, regarding a comprehensive energy policy, we must squarely tackle a twopronged challenge: responding to rising global energy demand and striving to reduce greenhouse gas

Checking Into Japan

emissions to combat global warming. Going forward, I would like to present a clear vision to the world — that includes the aggressive promotion of clean energy — that may contribute to solving global energy issues. The Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami are the worst natural disasters that Japan has faced since the end of World War II. Reconstruction of the devastated Tohoku region will not be easy. I believe, however, that this difficult period will provide us with a precious window of opportunity to secure the “Rebirth of Japan.” The government will dedicate itself to demonstrating to the world its ability to establish the most sophisticated reconstruction plans for East Japan, based on three principles: first, create a regional society that is highly resistant to natural disasters; second, establish a social system that allows people to live in harmony with the global environment; and third, build a compassionate society that cares about people, in particular, the vulnerable. The Japanese people rose from the ashes of the Second World War using our fundamental strength to secure a remarkable recovery and the country’s present prosperity. I have not a single doubt that Japan will overcome this crisis, recover from the aftermath of the disaster, emerge stronger than ever, and establish a more vibrant and better Japan for future generations. I believe that the best way for Japan to reciprocate the strong kizuna and cordial friendship extended to us is to continue our contribution to the development of the international community. To that end, I will work to the best of my ability to realize a forward-looking reconstruction that gives people bright hopes for the future. I would wholeheartedly appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

Contemporary Japan 2011

The market for “medical tourism” is growing rapidly in Japan. Miho Kawasaki reports.

ccording to a study by the National Center for Policy Analysis in the United States, the world market for medical tourism was valued at about 60 billion dollars in 2006, and that number is expected to grow to about 100 billion dollars by 2012. The New Growth Strategy decided on by the Japanese Government in June of 2010 has also set targets under which Japan, by 2020, will attempt to gain a top-level reputation and position in Asia in the field of medical tourism. According to Yoji Kitamura, director of the Medical Tourism Promotion Office at the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), “Japan’s medical technologies rank at the world’s highest levels, and medical care is affordable in Japan when compared with the West. We’re conducting studies to determine, for instance, how well we can meet the needs of international patients by offering access to medical therapies available readily in Japan but only rarely in other countries, including particle radiotherapies, or the thorough, overnight medical examinations known as ‘ningen dock.’” Promotion efforts are already underway overseas, led by the JTA. Japanese doctors are being sent to other countries, where they will explain medical therapies available in Japan. Health screening tours are already gaining in popularity. In April of 2009, for example, Nippon Travel Agency Co. began forging ties between local travel agencies

in China and domestic Japanese medical institutions to offer travel packages which featured a twoday, overnight health screening using positron emission tomography (PET) combined with a tour of Japan lasting four to five days. A spokesperson at NTA’s public relations department notes that “with our packages so popular and the number of participants rising even after autumn, we expect to surpass our target for the year of 200 participants.” Meanwhile, local governments are proceeding with efforts of their own. The mortality rate in Japan from diabetes is highest in Tokushima Prefecture, where the prefectural government, universities and business firms aim to create a world-class clinical center for diabetes research and treatment development as Tokushima University plays a main role. Medical tours offering access to full-service health screening facilities are already being promoted, and in May of 2010, the first group of medical tourists was welcomed from Shanghai, China. The JTA’s Kitamura notes that “plenty of local governments are working to develop their medical tourism options, beginning with health examination services for patients from China. It would be ideal if people from as many countries as possible visited Japan for medical services while enjoying a tour of the country at the same time, and we aim to encourage it.”

Threads of Salvation By Kevin Mcgue In the dark days following March 11, fashion was the last thing on people’s minds. For the first time in its history, the 12th Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo - scheduled for March 18-25 - was called off. “JFW believes in the power of fashion which has Cool Japan at its core,” announced Chairperson Masahiko Miyake. “Now more than ever is the time for Japan to leverage its ingenuity and creativity.” The fashion industry took Miyake’s words to heart, finding original ways to help heal Japan. Goodwin, operator in Japan of outdoor wear brand The North Face, sent clothing to help evacuees cope with the dual loss of shelter and heating. Casual clothing giant Uniqlo sent ¥700 million worth of clothing, including 300,000 garments from their insulated HeatTech line, as relief efforts were stymied by unseasonably cold weather in Tohoku. Domestic fashion brands have also been overwhelmingly generous with cash donations. Coach dipped into their handbag brand for ¥400 million, while Tod’s pitched in ¥100 million. Tadashi Yanai, CEO of Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing, made a personal donation of ¥1 billion. Other brands are appealing to customers to open their hearts and their wallets. Apparel and home goods brand Muji is raising funds for rescue and relief NGO Japan Platform by accepting online donations in ¥10 units, which can be paid by Muji gift card, coupon or credit card. The

Contemporary Japan 2011

small gifts add up, and over ¥3.4 million has already been raised. Tokyo-based T-shirt retailer Graniph unveiled their “Join Forces” line, starting with two limited-edition designs available in two colors each. Of the ¥2,100 price, ¥2,000 goes to the Japanese Red Cross, and ¥100, as Graniph’s homepage explains, is “donated” to the taxman. In addition to facilitating your donation, the T-shirt’s design also expresses hope in the country’s rebuilding. Other players in the fashion world have taken a more grassroots approach to generating aid. Shibuyabased free fashion magazine SG invited its eye-catching models to collect donations in front of retailer Don Quixote’s Shinjuku location, raising ¥211,000 for the Japanese Red Cross in just a few hours. One of the most pervasive campaigns has been the Mighty Harajuku Project, started by the man behind definitive local brand 6% Dokidoki. As the enormity of the disaster sank in, Sebastian Masuda felt his super-colorful, hyper-cute brand was out of place in a Harajuku that had grown darker both literally and figuratively. Masuda temporarily converted the press room above his shop into an emergency center where people from the community could donate and package clothing and other supplies to be sent to Tohoku. Two days after the earthquake, Masuda’s shop began distributing free badges with the slogan “Mighty Harajuku: We Vow to

Pray for Japan” in order to send the message to young people that the fashion center was a place to feel safe. Other brands and shops in the area joined in, and you’d be hard pressed to spot someone in Harajuku without a badge at the moment. The campaign is also designed to send a message abroad. “To someone overseas, Harajuku may look close to Fukushima on a map of Japan, and they may imagine everyone walking around in gas masks,” Masuda says. “We wanted to let them know Harajuku is still here, and moving forward.” In its first days, the project received some criticism from people who felt it was inappropriate to send such an upbeat message in a time of grieving. “I explained to people that Japan needs to rebuild, and we cannot do that if everyone stops everything,” Masuda explains. “After 9/11, there were lots of campaigns in New York to encourage people to continue going out […] as a way to help. I wanted to do the same thing in Harajuku, where I have lived and worked for 16 years.”

A Team E f f or t i n

have perished in the tsunami, players from the local rugby club, the Kamaishi Seawaves, lent their weight and sporting stamina to the relief operation. At a time when anxiety was at its peak in the aftermath of the tsunami, the rugby team’s efforts caught the imagination of people around the world and won the deep admiration of those in Japan.

‘ R u g by Town’ In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11, many local residents both Japanese and foreign chose to evacuate the area as quickly as possible. Loss of supply lines, the risk of major aftershocks, and fear of the unknown with regard to the unfolding situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, all combined to make leaving an easy decision for many, once a safe route out could be found. Some, however, chose to stay, and immediately put their backs into relief and recovery work. In the small city of Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture, where some 1,300 of the town’s 41,000 population are believed to

Kamaishi is known in Japan as a “rugby town”, the Seawaves traditionally being a strong team featuring numerous star players from overseas. All of the thirty fourstrong squad survived the March 11 disaster. The Kamaishi Seawaves captain, former All Black Pita Alatini, was one of three foreign players to stay on in the town, where he has lived for seven years, to help out with recovery efforts. Alatani explained to reporters at the time, “I love this town and I’ve got a lot of good Japanese friends. We can re-

build the town.” The team helped other local volunteers unload trucks of food, clothing and other supplies, which poured in from across Japan and around the world for the survivors of the disaster. Australian star Scott Fardy, who has lived in Kamaishi for two years, was in his apartment when the quake hit. “It was pretty scary, but my building handled it well. A couple of hours later we were told to go to the clubhouse, where about thirty or so players and their families had gathered. Over the next few days we put all our food together and prepared some great meals over a fire.” At a time when most foreign embassies in Japan were advising their nationals not to travel to the northeast of Japan, did Fardy ever consider leaving? “I have grown to love the town. It was a simple decision to stay for me. I felt very safe and was eating well. My teammates were there and I’m part of that team. We are young guys in good shape, so for us, whether Japanese or foreign we knew we could help in some way.” And Fardy is convinced that his adopted town will bounce back. “I think the prospects are good for recovery in Kamaishi,” he says. “It’s terrible to see what it’s like there now - it was a heartbreaking experience walking through town after the tsunami. However, the people are amazingly strong and generous, and the whole community will band together to help, as they already have done.” Fans and former Seawaves players have joined the huge recovery effort in Kamaishi, holding charity games and offering donations. Seawaves’ pre-season training was in full swing in early May.

Kamaishi Seawaves star Scott Fardy helps fellow volunteers unload relief supplies from a truck in the tsunami-stricken town, March 18. Contemporary Japan 2011

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T O K YO

The Resilient City By C B Liddell

hen the shockwaves from the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake struck Tokyo at 2:46 pm on Friday, March 11, it seemed for a moment as if the city was in for one of its famous “wipingthe-slate-clean” moments. These have happened in the past, each time the city being largely destroyed but then rebuilt in a remarkably short time. For example, in 1657, the Great Fire of Meireki destroyed about 70 percent of Edo, as it was then known, and took an estimated 100,000 lives, but within two years the city had largely been rebuilt and improved. Similar efforts occurred with the Ansei Edo earthquake of 1855, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and the firebombing of Tokyo in 1945. Each time the city, like some great urban phoenix, shrugged off untold death and destruction to enjoy a new lease of life. In the latest crisis, Tokyo was spared such a cataclysmic cycle. The quake and its aftermath greatly disrupted life in the city, with the cancelation of hundreds of events, but the crisis has also reminded us what an exceptional city Tokyo is. Placed by

Contemporary Japan 2011

its history between the twin poles of annihilation and explosive growth, and with past cataclysms encoded in its DNA, Tokyo is forever vibrantly renewing itself, area by area, block by block.

on various aspects of that culture soon followed, with the full weight of the law brought to bear on all things which had been more or less tolerated previously.

The kind of vitality that can rebuild a metropolis from a scorched wasteland ensures that the city is eternally on the move, with neighborhoods rising and falling, or changing their function, character and image. Driven by the economic imperatives of soaring real estate prices, formerly low-rent areas like Odaiba and Shinagawa have been turned into nests of skyscrapers. But a more interesting phenomenon in recent years has been the rise in rebranding of wellknown neighborhoods with bad reputations.

A couple of years later a cluster of IT-related glass and steel skyscrapers near the JR East train station were unveiled, including Akihabara Dai Building and Akihabara DX, plus a new express railway connection to Tsukuba Science City. Akihabara had changed from a cozy but weird geek retreat with a distinct subculture into the kind of place mom and kids could accompany dad to buy his new laptop. One well-known otaku, A-boy Takuya, expressed the mood of the time. “[I] f more and more other people start coming here, it will be difficult for us otaku to remain. This has been our gathering spot because we’re not accepted elsewhere.”

The pattern was set with the redevelopment of Akihabara, once Tokyo’s geek ghetto. As part of “Tokyo Plan 2000,” the Tokyo Metropolitan Government released “Urban Development Guidelines for the Akihabara Area,” which stated its intention “to create a global center for the IT industry.” In effect, this meant attacking the local otaku culture. Police crackdowns

The success of Akihabara’s image relaunch stemmed from using elements that were already there - a connection with high-tech, computers and electronics - to spin a more widely acceptable image. This approach was also used in Okubo, a notorious neighborhood to the north of Shinjuku. But unlike Akihabara, which underwent a renaissance by becoming a blander

and more upmarket version of its previous incarnation, Okubo has substituted one colorful image for another. However, in recent years it has been successfully reinvented by building on its Korean heritage and tying this into the Korean Boom that has seen a massive surge in popularity for all Korean food and culture. Now, alongside the Korean restaurants, visitors will find shops selling all manner of goods related to popular Korean celebrities, trawled by long lines of obasan or giggling groups of schoolgirls. Although the area continues to have its ups and downs, it has clearly come a long way from its far shadier past. Perhaps the best example of area rebranding is one that is still ongoing and is much more extensive. This involves the popular gaijin hangout of Roppongi. In contrast to Okubo’s makeover, Roppongi’s revitalization has been accomplished by taking a more high-brow approach. Once the sort of place that could give Kabukicho a run for its money in the sleaze department, the neighborhood has been on the rise since the opening of Roppongi Hills in 2003. Since then, several additional highprofile developments have given it a more diverse economic base and a decidedly upmarket image. Art has been essential in all this. Roppongi Hills’ centerpiece, the Mori Art Museum, was followed in 2007 by a pair of major new art venues: the stand-alone National Art Center, Tokyo (the final masterpiece of architect Kisho Kurokawa), the new

Suntory Museum of Art and 21_21 Design Site. The latter two were part of the giant Midtown development. The neighborhood’s ongoing “artification” was interrupted by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake when Roppongi Art Night was canceled. This all-night festival, held at the end of March to coincide with the blossoming of the cherry trees, began in 2009 and is designed to set the seal on Roppongi’s new image. This year’s event was to feature a giant inflatable sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, the grand old lady of Japanese avant-garde art, whose work, ironically, was meant to suggest a more positive attitude in a Japan beset with notions of stagnation and decline. Within Tokyo’s well-stocked spectrum of art institutions, Roppongi has positioned itself as an artistic center that welcomes a younger demographic. As with Akihabara and Okubo, this builds on the area’s existing characteristics, namely its attraction for the younger generation. But in place of clubbing, drugs and sexual promiscuity, what is now on offer is avant-garde art with the reassurance that there won’t be too many old people around as there are at other Tokyo art venues - hence the Mori’s late closing time of 10 pm. Whether the forces involved are the sudden, destructive ones of fire, earthquakes and war, or the more gradual ones of politics, economics and the desire to edge away from a disreputable past, one thing is certain: Tokyo is a city that never sits still.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Japan Is Open for Business by Takeaki Matsumoto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

originate in the affected region..

fter the earthquake and tsunami disaster, many foreign dignitaries, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have expressed their solidarity with Japan. “The Japanese are indomitable and courageous,” Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said when she visited an evacuation shelter in the afflicted region. The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami are the worst natural disasters Japan has encountered since the end of the Second World War. However, Japan will not simply rebuild what used to be, but aim for an innovative reconstruction that focuses on the future by fully mobilizing its signature strength: a society with high levels of technology, safety and security. We promise all of you that Japan will reshape itself into a more dynamic country, harnessing the support and solidarity offered to us from all over the world. Japan is and will remain open for business and travel. International organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization and the World Health Organization have been making objective assessments, and state that excessive travel restriction measures are unnecessary. I would call on all readers to trust such information, rather than being misguided by sensational media reports, and come to Japan with peace of mind for sightseeing, study, business or any other purposes. Regarding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, a Roadmap was released by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco). We expect to move from the “emergency response phase” to the “planned and stabilizing action phase.” The government will regularly fol-

Contemporary Japan 2011

Industrial products are manufactured in factories outside of the noentry zone, and remain under strict quality control. It is therefore unlikely that those products will be affected by radioactive materials, and their safety is ensured. Data on the radiation levels in ports and airports are published regularly. In addition, a guideline on radiation measurements for export containers and ships was published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Attestation of measurement results started at the Yokohama port on April 28. low up, monitoring the progress of the work and making necessary safety checks in order to ensure the implementation of the roadmap by Tepco in a steady and safe manner. The government has been constantly monitoring air, water and food. Most of the radioactive materials were released in the first several days of the accident, and radiation levels in the air have been gradually declining since. In Tokyo, for instance, the level of radiation has never reached a point at which it would affect human health. It has been declining steadily, and has reached the level at which it was measured before the accident. As for food products, measures have been taken to prevent domestic distribution of those products that have a higher radiation level than the standard set in accordance with the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Naturally, such products will not be exported. Radiation levels that exceed the authorized threshold have thus far been found only in limited kinds of agricultural and fishery products in limited areas. When necessary, certification is issued to declare that a product does not

If you imagine that the whole of Japan is covered by debris, that is completely wrong. Most of Japan remains unharmed by the disaster, and the streets have leapt back to life. The major highway that runs through the most affected Tohoku region was reopened only two weeks after the earthquake. The Shinkansen, the bullet train that connects Tokyo and Tohoku region, became fully operational again on April 29. Many affected companies and factories are recovering at surprising speed, helped by innovative approaches to tackling the crisis. Domestic and international supply chains are being reconnected. Japan’s strength for manufacturing remains on full display. Allow me to quote Dr. Donald Keene, professor emeritus at Colombia University, expressing his will to obtain Japanese nationality after the disaster: Japan was hit hard for the moment, but it “will surely resurrect to become an even more splendid country.” If you are thinking of supporting us in our path towards the recovery, the most effective way would be to visit Japan and buy our excellent products, just as before. I call on all of you to be more engaged in the exchange with Japan.

Charity donation ceremony for Japan thanks to sale of the Centigraphe Sport No 001 The Embassy of Switzerland Tokyo, June 3rd, 2011

Caption photo from left to right: F.P.Journe, Richard Bliah - Fere Foundation, His Excellency the Swiss Ambassador Urs Bucher, Yuko Fukagawa - Christie’s Japan.

hristie’s and F P Journe have jointly announced the extraordinary sales result for the first all aluminium Centigraphe Sport No 001. It was sold in Hong Kong to raise funds in relief aid to the victims of tsunami and earthquake in Japan. The final price soared to an extraordinary HK$ 3,620,000 /US$ 465,170, close to ten times its original estimate. The donation ceremony took place at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo on June 3rd, 2011, in the presence of his Excellence the Ambassador Urs Bucher, François-

Paul Journe, Yuko Fukagawa from Christie’s Japan, Richard Bliah, founder of the Franco-Japanese FERE foundation, and the representative of Medecins du Monde. With its programme ‘100 maisons pour 100 familles’, the FERE Foundation is constructing temporary anti-seismic wooden houses to relocate family victims in the northern city of Tome. François-Paul Journe said: “I am tremendously happy that the charity sale of the Centigraphe Sport will contribute to bring relief aid to earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. I sincerely thank

all those who have allowed this extraordinary project to come to reality, Christie’s as well as all auction bidders. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The extraordinary amount gathered by the Centigraphe Sport during the Christie’s auction allows me to present this Mokuroku today to Mr Richard Bliah. It will enable the FERE Foundation to finance the construction of 7 anti seismic full houses with implantation costs. Japan had welcomed us so warmly when I opened my first Boutique in Toyko, I wanted to reciprocate today in providing a new roof to Japanese families in need.”

Contemporary Japan 2011

r Naoto Kan te is in M e m ri P m o fr Message erseas v O m o fr d e iv e c e R e Regarding Assistanc sis, in which an

edented cri Japan faces an unprec iaec pr ap re ce sin st plant has transpired my mo nt at a nuclear power ide I would like to express inc n pa Ja ce tan rthquake and tsues and assis ion to the enormous ea dit ad tion for the condolenc in , es tri un co such coopoximately 130 believe that, receiving y ml fir I s. mi has received from appr na d an national tional organizations, members of the inter e th m fro on ati more than 30 interna er the ople will mobilize world in response to unity, the Japanese pe mm people all around the co g r from these challengin Earthquake. Tohoku-Pacific Ocean their wisdom to recove d an ts or d nuclear circumstances through their collective eff an , gs do ch ar se rs, The rescue worke me this trying time. us countries, as well thereby successfully overco rio va m fro rts pe ex r powe U.S. would like ces support from the e Japanese people, I th of lf ha be as the human resour On , od epest appreciation hers, assistance with fo again to express my de ce Forces in Japan and ot on s, lie pp su r he mendous outets, and ot g received this truly tre vin ha on medical supplies, blank up d an Os around the from over 670 NG rdial assistance from co of ing ur and offers of assistance po up ve all been profoundly other organizations ha me world. people, who have co se ne pa Ja e th to ing lift end “a friend in need is a fri to realize acutely that Naoto Kan indeed.”

Prime Minister of Japa

March 22, 2011

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Contemporary Japan 2011

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KES hosts Kuwaiti-Japanese dialogue From left: Sayer Al-Sayer, Nada Al-Mutawa, Japanese Ambassador Yasuyoshi Komizo and Abdul Aziz Al-Sharekh.

HH the Amir, Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the government of Kuwait donated 5 million barrels of crude oil to Japan as aid following the earthquake and tsunami, said the Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait, Yasuyoshi Komizo. The ambassador was speaking at a seminar hosted by Kuwait Economic Society (KES) titled Kuwaiti-Japanese Dialogue. Sayer Al-Sayer, the board member of The Kuwaiti-Japanese Friendship Committee and a member of The Board of Directors of Kuwaiti Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdulaziz Al-Sharekh, Director General of Kuwait Diplomatic Institute and former Ambassador of Kuwait to Japan, and Dr. Nada AlMutawa, a researcher and lecturer at the Center of Strategic Studies in Kuwait University and member of the board of Regional Directors of Young-Arab Leaders Forum were the special invitees at the seminar. Yasuyoshi further said business communities, schools, NGOs and countless individuals in Kuwait also donated in support of Japan. ‘Japan suffered a loss of 16 to 25 trillion yen or US $ 195 to 305 billion. ‘The plan for recovery and reconstruction include clearing debris, erecting temporary housing, rehabilitating industrial facilities, which are short term. Among

mid-term plans feature creating disaster resilient local community, ecofriendly social system and welfare oriented society.’ The reconstruction work, the ambassador noted, has been quick. ‘The reconstruction of Sendai Airport showed surprisingly rapid progress, thanks to the cooperation from US armed forces and Japanese self defense forces.’ Talking about the nuclear meltdown following the earthquake, atmospheric readings at the sites showed radiation levels falling to normal in quick time. ‘We are responsible to the people of Japan and the international community for the disasters. Japan provided timely information regarding the nuclear plant meltdowns to the best of its ability.’ The ambassador referred to Japan’s cooperation with IAEA, allowing 20 experts to conduct studies, ‘the results of which will be released soon.’ Yasuyoshi also touched upon the 50 anniversary of Japan-Kuwait diplomatic relations, and recalled important chapters from history, of how Japan was among the first countries to recognize Kuwait as a legitimate country soon after its independence in 1961.’ The ambassador also remembered some of the old ties between Japan and prominent Kuwaiti families. He touched upon other aspects of the

long relationship between the two countries in the past 50 years. The seminar was attended by representatives of Kuwaiti-Japanese Friendship Society, The Kuwait - Japanese People’s Committee, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society Foundation and Young Arab Leaders Kuwait Chapter. Sayer Al-Sayer spoke about his admiration for the Japanese people for their resilience and endurance in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. “We in the KuwaitiJapanese Friendship Committee have complete faith that Japan will overcome this hardship, and will impress the world with fast economic recovery.” “It was an overwhelming experience that I will never forget,” said Abdulaziz Al-Sharekh. He spoke about his personal experience as the Ambassador of Kuwait to Japan during the Iraqi invasion. Al-Sharekh said Japan’s support to Kuwait at that time was not only from the Japanese government, but also from the media and the people of Japan. Dr Nada Al-Mutawa, talked about the long historical relationship between the two countries. She also presented an analysis on the political and economic changes in the GCC and specifically Kuwait, and how that will translate into the Japanese views of the region. Contemporary Japan 2011

US President Barack Obama signs a book at the Japanese Embassy in Washington, DC, on March 17. Obama on Thursday paid an unannounced visit to the Japanese embassy in Washington to sign a condolence book for victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami disaster. (Inset): Obama’s message is seen in the condolence book following his visit to the Japanese Embassy in Washington.

“Our deepest sympathy to the people of Japan for the recent disasters they experienced. We hope and pray for

everyone’s safety and good health”.

Contemporary Japan 2011

JAPAN LIFTS

ASIAN CUP

adanari Lee struck a volley for the ages as Japan lifted a record fourth Asian Cup with a 1-0 extra time victory over Australia in the final in January. Lee, who only made his international debut in Japan’s opener against Jordan, came on in the 99th minute for Ryoichi Maeda before finding the net 10 minutes later in spectacular fashion. Lee spun in the box to connect with Yuto Nagatomo’s leftwing cross and buried his left-foot shot in the top corner, leaving Australia keeper Mark Schwarzer motionless. The goal was reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane’s legendary volley for Real Madrid in the 2002 European Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen. “This is just the best,” said Lee. “I have had to wait for playing time but my patience has paid off. I was confident I would be able to seize my chance if it came my way. I’m delighted.” Japan’s win qualified Alberto Zaccheroni’s side for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. “It was a great win from a great team,” said Zaccheroni. “It was a collective effort against a very strong Australia side. All of the players were tired but the team effort and team spirit pulled us through. “I knew he (Lee) would do a job for us. We lost aerial power in taking off Maeda but I believed he would deliver. The whole

Contemporary Japan 2011

Japan claim fourth ASIAN CUP with extra-time win over Australia of Japan can be proud of having a team like this.” Zaccheroni gave the starting nod to Jungo Fujimoto in place of Shinji Kagawa, who started the previous five games in attacking midfield but parted with the team after breaking his metatarsal in the semifinal win over South Korea. Fujimoto was less than impressive in his first start for Japan on the right wing, Zaccheroni shifting Shinji Okazaki to the left where Kagawa had played. The first half proceeded at a pedestrian pace, the two teams combining for a meager three shots on target, none of them proving to be a threat. Australia thought it had gone ahead three minutes into the second half through Tim Cahill, but Maya Yoshida cleared off the line with his chest to keep the score at 0-0. The Fujimoto experiment came to an end before the hour, the new Nagoya Grampus man taking a seat on the bench in the 56th minute for Daiki Iwamasa. Zaccheroni daringly

shuffled the team, moving Okazaki back to the right where he has been potent throughout the tournament. The manager pushed up Nagatomo to the left side of midfield, and moved Yasuyuki Konno over to left back from the center of defense where Iwamasa was plugged in. The game began showing signs of life six minutes past the hour, when Okazaki headed centimeters wide of the far post from Nagatomo’s cross. Harry Kewell slipped past Iwamasa for a one-on-one with Eiji Kawashima in the 72nd minute, but the Japanese keeper did well to deny the Galatasaray striker his fourth strike of the competition. Kawashima, who stopped two penalties in the shootout against South Korea, continued his heroics in extra time, tipping substitute Robbie Kruse’s header onto the bar for another super save before Lee broke the deadlock with arguably the best goal of the tournament.

ICONIC RIDES Japanese auto makers have taken over the world thanks to their ability to consistently produce reliable vehicles and great overall values. Here are some of the most iconic cars to have ever come from the Land of the Rising Sun.

10. 2002 Honda Civic Si The Civic is in some ways the prototypical massmarket Japanese automobile. Beginning with its introduction in 1973, the Civic earned a reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency, even though it has been gradually moved upmarket, gaining more features and options and getting a bit bigger as time has worn on. The Civic remains a massively popular choice, having topped the sales charts in the United States and Canada over the past few years. While the Civic has been consistently good over the years, the 2002 Si is the choice, as it marked the return to the classic hatchback style.

9. 1993 FD Mazda RX-7 For a period of a few years in the mid1990s, the RX-7 set the standard not only for Japanese sports cars, but for sports cars in general. The FD, as this generation of the RX-7 is known, is loved by enthusiasts for its classically sporty look and feel as well as its engineering, which features an extremely intricate intercooler system, and, of course, the rotary engine.

8. 1986 Toyota Supra Mark III The Supra was the successor to Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2000GT, which is considered the original Japanese sports car. The Supra had an eventful run, marked by occasional engine problems and design controversies, but its place in Japanese sports car history is undeniable. The â&#x20AC;&#x2122;86 represented a change in direction, with a super-sleek, angular look that still calls out to the eye. The Supra has been on hiatus since 2002, but rumours of a return persist.

Contemporary Japan 2011

7. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V The aptly-named Evolution has its roots in rally car racing, and its distinctive look is unlike anything else on the street. Although some prefer the Lancer Evolution’s archrival, the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Evo (as it’s also known) gets the nod for greater cultural infiltration. The Evolution V in particular is widely considered the Holy Grail for the import drag racing crowd.

6. 2002 Toyota Corolla E120 LE The Corolla has long been the most popular line of Japanese cars, and as of 1997 it is the highest selling nameplate of all time. Like the Honda Civic, the Corolla has come to represent everything that the Japanese auto industry has aspired to. The 2002 edition likewise represents everything that’s right about the clean, reliable, long-lasting, value-retaining Corolla.

5. 1970 Datsun 240Z The Datsun 240Z (sold as the much cooler-sounding Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan) was a watershed model for the Japanese auto industry. It arrived in North America in 1970 as a competent, stylish sports car that was substantially more affordable than its Europeanmade competition, and as such it became a big seller. Few 240Zs lasted beyond the 1980s due to rust issues, but they were good while they lasted.

4. 1990 Acura NSX Considered the first and only true Japanese exotic, the NSX was the result of Honda’s years of involvement in Formula One racing, including

design input from legendary driver Ayrton Senna. The NSX was originally intended as a competitor to the Ferrari 328, but the NSX actually surpassed its Italian inspiration in some respects, as it went on to be dubbed the world’s first “everyday supercar” that looked and felt like an exotic, but was (relatively) affordable and easy to care for. The NSX never changed much over its 15year lifespan, so the 1990 model is a good representative. Contemporary Japan 2011

3. 1998 Lexus LS 400 The Lexus LS 400 was another milestone for the Japanese auto industry. For the first time a Japanese manufacturer had produced a luxury sedan that could truly compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and at a markedly lower price point, at least at first. Following its 1990 introduction to the North American market, the LS 400 was an early and frequent award winner, and by the late 1990s it had largely caught up to the German models in the public consciousness.

2. 1997 Toyota Prius NHW10 Alright, so the Prius is well behind most of the cars on this list in terms of performance. In its favour, the Prius introduced the most significant development in the history of automotive technology since the assembly line when it went on sale in Japan in 1997: the hybrid engine. Isn’t that a little more important than horsepower? Well…

1. 1989 R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R There is one Japanese-made car so cool its fuel consumption can be excused. Originating in 1969, the Skyline is arguably the most storied Japanese sports car, and the R32 is the pinnacle of the line. The R32’s racing performance has reached near-mythical status, as it completely dominated Japanese motor sport in its era. What really makes the R32 the best Japanese car ever, though, is its style. The distinctive round taillights, the front bumper ducts, the spoilers, the lines, and oh, those unforgettable side-view mirrors. Everything about the R32 screams “totally awesome.” Sadly, the Skyline name has been retired, at least for the time being, but the memory of this classic will surely live on.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Mazda abreast of the latest technology Mazda Sky-active technology in production from 2012

Mazda Motor Corporation announced its new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, Mazda is pushing forward with development of future products that will incorporate these technologies. Many of the elements that go into SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, the guiding principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies – to build cars that are fun to drive In SKYACTIV-D form, Mazda engineers have broken new technological ground in creating the world’s lowest diesel-engine compression ratio of 14.0:1, which has meant a further and significant weight reduction program has been possible. There’s 25 kilograms from the use of an aluminum cylinder block alone, instead of the more traditional cast iron. Even the cylinder head is three kilos lighter, and the weight of the pistons has been reduced by 25 percent. Lowering the diesel engine’s compression ratio is truly a breakthrough achievement, as Mazda has effectively solved the two biggest issues that have so far prevented the spread of low compression ratio die-

sels. Recently Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the “SKYACTIVG 1.3” direct-injection 1.3-liter gasoline engine will be the first of its nextgeneration SKYACTIV technologies to be introduced to the market. The breakthrough SKYACTIV-G 1.3 achieves a record high compression ratio (for a regular gasoline mass production automobile engine) of 14.0:1 and exhibits high efficiency, especially under high load at low rpm. In order to avoid knocking – an unavoidable issue with conventional high-compression engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a number of new technologies, such as piston cavities that are specially designed to support ideal combustion, and multi-hole injectors that enable pre-

cise fuel injection control. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is the umbrella term for Mazda’s range of next-generation technologies – including gasoline and diesel engines,

transmissions, and a new body and chassis – that significantly improve vehicle driving dynamics as well as environmental and safety performance. The big surprise driving the SKYACTIV-D on the racetrack was how smooth and torquey the car was, when accelerating out of a low speed corner. That’s a product of SKYACTIV-DRIVE; the all-new six-speed automatic transmission, that’s not only quick shifting, but Mazda believes is a product of the best features of all three types of auto boxes; meaning Step Automatic, Continuously Variable (CVT) and Dual clutch (DCT). In April 2011 announced that its new compact crossover SUV will be called the Mazda CX5. It is the production model derived from the Mazda MINAGI concept car. The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s new design theme, ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ as debuted on the Mazda SHINARI concept car, as well as the full range of breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including engines, transmissions, body and chassis. The CX-5 will join Mazda’s global line-up in 2012. About Mazda MINAGI that concept fully embraces Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technologies and its new design theme, KODO – Soul of Mo-

tion. The exciting MINAGI concept is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda’s upcoming next-generation products and symbolizes the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era. The Mazda MINAGI is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies – which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance – with emotional KODO design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SKYACTIV technologies throughout, MINAGI is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features. In the Consistent with the Mazda’s technology Kuwait Automotive Imports Co WLL (Al Shaya & Al Sagar), a leading automotive and auto products distributor in Kuwait and the exclusive distributor for Mazda vehicles is providing the latest Japanese technology to Kuwait customers with a big range of cars like Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda6 Ultra, CX7, CX9 and BT-50 with distinguished offers In line with the customer’s needs.

Currently KAICO is holding an amazing campaign for all Mazda cars include 11 years unlimited warranty also with the highest trade-in in Kuwait, now all Mazda fans can get their dream car with easy finance & enjoy this amazing warranty offer. Mr. Ashish Tandon KAICO’S G-M explained this campaign saying “this campaign will delight all Mazda fans with the 11 years unlimited warranty, Warranty is a protection of the customer investment in the new car. Warranty covers the car in case of any manufacturing defects. Please refer to the owner’s manual inside the Welcome pack for details .It is highly recommended that Mazda car is serviced with us as per the manufacturer’s recommendation at every 5,000 km” He added: “KAICO will soon new cars delivery from Shuwaikh from a modern and well equipped customer lounge The customer will spend

25-30 minutes to understand all that he needs to know to keep up the optimum performance of his MAZDA car. In addition the customers will be served beverages and can also use the complimentary internet facility that allows browsing for any accessories to be fitted during the next service to dress up the car. Recently KAICO celebrated the opening of its fully renovated Rapid service Center which located in Shuwaikh, Banks St, Next to Old IKEA. A Space age, state of the art facility that offers a variety of services for allMazda and other vehicles brands. KAICO values their customers as their loyalty is the driving force behind their success, therefore, the Shuwaikh facility is intended to provide the latest world class services. It is one of the biggest multiple brand automotive facility of its kind and it is equipped with the latest in diagnostic and other equipments. Mr Ashish Tandon mentioned that he would like all customers to at least visit the new facility and see the changes done to meet Customers standards. KAICO gives the best to customers through high quality products and services to gain customers for life. KAICO`s philosophy is based on “Customer is #1”.

Toyota Didn’t Cause Man’s Accident, Jury Rules

oyota Motor Corp wasn’t responsible for causing a doctor’s 2005 Scion to suddenly accelerate and smash into a tree, a federal jury in Central Islip, New York, ruled in April. The accident was caused by the driver, Amir Sitafalwalla, rather than the brake or the floor mat, said a lawyer for Toyota, John Randolph Bibb Jr, in his closing statement. Sitafalwalla “made a mistake in the operation of his 2005 Scion TC,” Bibb told jurors. “He made a simple but unfortunate mistake.” The jury deliberated for less than an hour. “It was all about how the mat came into play and obviously it didn’t,” juror Penny Overbeck, 38, of Center

Contemporary Japan 2011

Moriches, New York, said after the verdict. She said her vote was also influenced by “all the testing Toyota did. They had it all on video. It pretty much explained it.” Due to its design, “it’s just not physically possible” for the Scion TC’s floor mat “to entrap the accelerator pedal,” said Bibb, of Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop PC in Nashville, Tennessee. “We weighed all the evidence and came to the conclusion that there was not a defect with the automobile,” said Regina Desio of Plainview, New York, the jury forewoman. The jury found Toyota wasn’t liable for product liability concerning either the mat or the absence of a brake-override system.

JD Power’s 2011

J.D. Power’s 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study names Toyota as winner of most segments J D Power and Associates has released its annual Vehicle Dependability Study for 2011, and there are a few surprises in store for those who religiously keep track of who outperforms who on the automotive reliability front. Lexus comes in second place with a score of 109, and Toyota’s seven individual segment victories gives the Japanese automaker more individual victories than any other brand.

A brief explanation of how this particular study is compiled: J D Power polled 43,700 original owners on problems experienced during the past 12 months on 2008 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. As such, this study is not ranking the latest vehicles by any given manufacturer, but is instead intended to help consumers predict the durability of a potential automobile purchase.

ith lace w en p d n sev eco ota’s ves the s in s y e o m T o c gi nd Lexus of 109, a t victories ividual d e n r a sco ual segme er more in k d d indivi se automa other bran e y n Japa s than an ie victor

Contemporary Japan 2011

SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

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KD 2.950 2 pcs.

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GRILLED GINDARA SAIKYO YAKI Enjoy new taste! Baked Black Cod marinated with Sweet Miso paste. Crowne Plaza / Abu Halifa / Laila Gallery / Discovery Mall / Shaab

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Sakura J

â&#x20AC;Ś the Soul of Japanese Cuisine

apanese cuisine has developed over the past

pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and fish or meat. While rice is the staple food, several kinds of noodles (udon, soba and ramen) are very popular for light meals. As an island nation, the Japanese take great pride in their seafood. A wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, eel, and shellfish appear in all kinds of dishes from sushi to tempura.

2,000 years with strong influences from both China and Korea. But it is only in the last 300400 years that all the influences have come together to form what nowadays can be described as Japanese cuisine. Japanese cuisine offers a great variety of dishes and regional specialties. Some of the most popular Japanese dishes are rice dishes, seafood dishes, noodle dishes, nabe dishes, soya Wondering where to find great sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all being craftily prepared by expert bean dishes, yoshoku dishes and other dishes. Japanese chefs to serve you mouthwatering dishes The typical Japanese meal consists of a bowl of from a place nearest to your home. Sakura invites rice (gohan), a bowl of miso soup (miso shiru), you, your family and friends to indulge your senses

Contemporary Japan 2011

at Sakura Japanese restaurant, with unforgettable dishes served by a crew that are willing to serve you. Sakura is a famous Japanese cuisine which has captured the breathes of its customers by the enormous number of dishes that are from different 7 Asian cuisines that include Thailand, Vietnam, Chinese and of course the famous Japanese and many other different kitchens that are well known for their history and traditions.

Asian food by all its different kinds making Sakura a flower with a fragrance that the chef prepares for its guests. This has made Sakura more responsible towards its guest to serve special menus with the best dishes.

Sakura has 5 branches all around Kuwait, getting closer to its lovers and guests through its outlets located in Mangaf, Multaqa Al Shaab, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Laila Gallery mall and Discovery mall. Try It is also well known that Sakura restaurants have now any of our Sakura outlets for an unforgettable an amazing menu with delicious dishes made by Japanese experience. the hands of expert chefs, brilliant in serving the

Contemporary Japan 2011

hen most people think Japanese food they think sushi. But Japanese cuisine is much more than maki rolls and sashimi. With a few key ingredients you can create traditional Japanese favorite right in your own home. Try the following recipes and bring Japan to your kitchen.

Everyday cooking

Japanese green tea

apanese Green tea is known as a drink which has many benefits for your health. Dr. Oguni, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences in University of Shizuoka, Hamamatsu College, Japan discusses the healthy benefits of green tea in his site, Green Tea and Human Health. Preventing food poisoning Catechin, the bitter ingredients of green tea in green tea effectively kills bacteria which causes food poisoning and also kills the toxins produced by those bacteria. Reducing the risk of cancer Catecin is said to be effective to reduce the growth of cancer. Practicing good oral hygiene Catechin suppresses the formation of plaque by cariogenic bacteria and also kills the bacteria themselves. It also kills other bacteria that cause bad breath. Green tea contains natural fluorine which helps prevent cavities.

Healthy Living

Healthiest sushi Sushi and sashimi (sushi without rice) is often made with fish high in heart-protecting, cancer-preventing omega-3 fatty acids.

Best for healthy fats Mackerel Saba or sawara

Tuna Maguro or toro

Salmon Sake

Preventing the increase of cholesterol Catechin prevents the excessive buildup of blood cholesterol. Controlling high blood pressure Catechin suppresses production of angiotensin II which leads to high blood pressure. Lowering blood sugar Catechin and polysaccharides are effective in lowering blood sugar.

Eel Unagi

Yellowtail Hamachi

Tasty, but less good fat 58

Contemporary Japan 2011

l Flounder Hirame

l Artificial ÂŤcrabÂť stick Surimi or kani

Slowing the aging process Consuming agents that are effective antioxidants will slow the aging process. Green tea is rich in vitamin E, which works as antioxidant. Also, catechin in green tea is very strong antioxidant.

Gyudon Japanese beef bowl • • • • • • •

4 cups steamed Japanese rice 1 pound thiny sliced beef 1 onion 1 1/3 cup dashi soup 5 tbsps soy sauce 3 tbsps sugar benishoga (red ginger) for topping

ook Japanese rice. Slice onion thinly. Cut beef into bite-sized pieces. Put dashi, soy sauce, sugar, mirin in pan. Add onion slices in the pot and simmer for a few minutes. Add beef in the pan and simmer for a few minutes. Serve hot steamed rice in a deep rice bowl. Put the beef topping on the top of rice. Place some benishoga (red ginger) on the top if you would like.

Sunomono

Cucumber and Wakame Seaweed Salad • • • • •

1 small cucumber 1 cup wakame seaweed (softened) 4 tabsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt

ut softened wakame seaweed into about 2 inchlong pieces. Slice cucumber into thin rounds. Put salt over cucumber slices and set aside for 20 minutes. Squeeze cucumber slices to remove the liquid. Mix vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Add wakame seaweed and cucumber slices in the bowl and mix well.

Yakitori Japanese grilled chicken • 2 chicken breasts, bite size pieces • 1 medium negi, cut into ¾ inch pieces • 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce • Bamboo skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning) hread chicken and negi on skewers alternatively. Mix sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Grill the skewered chicken over hot coals, basting with the sauce until the chicken is cooked.

Daigakuimo Sugar coated deep-fried sweet potato • pieces • • • •

1 pound sweet potato, cut into bite-size 1/3 cup sugar 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp sesame seeds Vegetable oil for frying

eat oil in a deep pan and deep fry sweet potatoes at 350 degrees F until cooked through and golden. Drain on paper towels. Mix water, sugar and soy sauce in a large skillet. Put on medium-low heat and simmer until the liquid thickens. Stop the heat and quickly stir fried sweet potatoes into the sugar sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sugar coated potatoes. Contemporary Japan 2011

‘Kei’ owner Mutoh among 5 recognised worldwide Tokyo honors local restauranteur for promotion of Japanese food culture “I consider it a privilege and distinct honor to be among the chosen few to receive the prestigious award this year,” says the daughter of the man who established the first Japanese restaurant in Kuwait. Ms Keiko Mutoh, owner of the restaurant named after her, ‘Kei Japanese Restaurant,’ which is a local landmark as far as the best and authentic Japanese cuisine is concerned, is one of five people coming from different countries all over the world, to be honored and conferred awards by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan for their efforts in helping promote Japanese food culture and influencing international palates. Ms Mutoh, in particular, is being honored for her outstanding contribution to the introduction and spread of Japanese cuisine and agricultural products, in Kuwait. Former Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait, Masatoshi Muto, handed to Ms Mutoh “The Award for the Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food” award in a brief ceremony at the Kei Japanese Restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel. The award was first established by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries five years ago to help promote and expand the reach of Japanese agriculture, fishery and food products around the world, and both foreign and Japanese nationals residing overseas are eligible to win the award; Ms Mutoh joins five other winners from different countries for the year 2010. “My father stayed in Kuwait some thirty years working as a contractor in the oil industry and we, his family, joined him in the ’70s; I was still a little girl then and don’t have much

Contemporary Japan 2011

recollection about our stay in the country,” says Ms Mutoh. According to her, her father established a restaurant which he named “Kei’ after her, in 1984 mainly to cater to some of their compatriots’ clamor for authentic Japanese food. “It was the first Japanese restaurant in Kuwait then,” she recalled. She said her father insisted on using only the freshest ingredients and materials available locally with most imported from Japan and saw to it the restaurant served authentic Japanese cuisine, a tradition Ms Keiko said, she has continued to this day since she took over the business from her ailing father in 2001, two years before her father’s death in 2003. When asked if the restaurant is doing fusion - a combination of non-traditional and traditional ingredients, in some of their menus, she said they have been doing this in ‘makis’ and ‘sushis’; and added she has been mulling using ‘zater’ or other Arabic spices, in the preparation of ‘makis,’ for example, after some time, but not right now. Ms Keiko added that what most people know about the Japanese food they love and enjoy locally or anywhere else in the world outside of Japan, is just the tip of the “iceberg.” “What has been brought out and what most people everywhere else are familiar with, like ‘sushi,’ ‘maki,’ ‘sashemi,’ etc, are just a few - in fact, just a fraction of such a wide variety that are mostly found only in Japan, and introducing them all would tend to confuse most people except the Japanese; and there is also the question of acceptance,” she added.

Ms Mutoh has seen to it that ‘Kei Japanese Restaurant’ serve only authentic Japanese cuisine in continuing the legacy of her father since she took over the business in 2001 and thanks to her efforts and others who worked with her, the appeal and popularity of Japanese cuisine has seen an unprecedented boom. Kei Japanese Restaurant has since become synonymous with the best in Japanese cuisine and found acceptance among the discerning in Kuwait with some 90 percent of its customers comprised of locals as well other Arab nationals. In a country of 3 million and only about 200 Japanese nationals, Kuwait has seen a proliferation of Japanese restaurants with 30 having sprung up in the last couple of years, attesting to the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine in this country, with ‘sushi’, ‘maki’ and a variety of imported food ingredients and materials from Japan now available even in supermarkets. Besides overseeing the restaurant operations, Ms Mutoh has also been working hard to develop further demand for Japanese food through events and activities such as promoting fresh produce like fruits, from Japan as well as running ad campaigns about traditional Japanese dish recipes in local newspapers. Kei Japanese Restaurants are located at: JW Marriott Hotel and Marina Crescent in Kuwait, and at the Bahrain Golden Tulip Hotel.

Popular Dishes of Japan

Kaiten-Zushi Japanese cuisine offers a great variety of dishes and regional specialties. Some of the most popular Japanese and Japanized dishes are listed below.

Kaiten-zushi is sushi restaurants, where the sushi dishes are presented to the customers on a conveyor belt. Customers can freely pick the dishes that they like as they pass in front of them or order dishes which are not available on the belt. In the end, the number of plates is counted to determine the cost. There are usually a few kinds of plates (differing in color or pattern), each being associated with a certain price of typically 100 to 500 yen. Kaitenzushi tends to be less expensive than usual sushi-ya.

Sushi Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese themselves. In Japan, sushi is usually enjoyed on special occasions, such as a celebration. During the Edo period, â&#x20AC;&#x153;sushiâ&#x20AC;? referred to pickled fish conserved in vinegar. Nowadays sushi can be defined as a dish containing rice which has been prepared with sushi vinegar. There are many different types of sushi.

Sashimi Sashimi is thinly sliced, raw seafood. Many different kinds of fresh fish and seafood are served raw in the Japanese cuisine. Sashimi, while similar to sushi, is distinct for its absence of vinigered rice. When slices of fish are served on top of a small ball of rice, it is called nigiri zushi. Sashimi is usually beautifully arranged and served on top of shredded daikon and shiso leaves. The sashimi pieces are dipped into a dish of soya sauce before being eaten. The daikon and shiso can also be dipped in soya sauce and eaten; both have a fresh, minty taste. Depending on the kind of sashimi, wasabi or ground ginger may accompany the dish and be added to the sashimi as a condiment.

Tempura Tempura was brought to Japan by the Portuguese. Today Tempura is a very popular Japanese food, and as well one of the best known outside of Japan.

Contemporary Japan 2011

More than just

Sushi

Finger-licking healthy delicacies Japanese cuisine is now gaining high popularity around the world and of course, Kuwait is no exception. This is evident from the fact that there are more than 30 Japanese restaurants in Kuwait and the number is still on the rise.

apanese delicacies are not centered on sushi alone. Moreover, local cuisine has gained much recognition and appreciation, and there is an abundance of restaurants serving Japanese food throughout the world. Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on seasonality of food, quality of ingredients and presentation. Local, regional and seasonal dishes are invariably a key tourist attraction for the domestic traveler. Japanese cuisine is based on combining staple foods, typically rice or noodles, with a soup, and okazu - dishes made from fish, meat, vegetable, tofu and the like, designed to add flavour to the staple food. These are typically flavoured with dashi, miso, and soy sauce and are usually low in fat and high in salt. A standard Japanese meal generally consists of several different okazu accompanying a bowl of cooked white Japanese rice , a bowl of soup

Contemporary Japan 2011

and some tsukemono (pickles). The most standard meal comprises three okazu and is termed ichiju-sansai (one soup, three sides). Different cooking techniques are applied to each of the three okazu; they may be raw (sashimi), grilled, simmered (sometimes called boiled), steamed, deep-fried, vinegared, or dressed. This Japanese view of a meal is reflected in the organization of Japanese cookbooks, organized into chapters according to cooking techniques as opposed to particular ingredients (eg meat, seafood). There may also be chapters devoted to soups, sushi, rice, noodles, and sweets. Most would have tasted popular dishes such as raw fish or batterfried shrimp. Other culinary delights such as sashimi, kaiseki ryori, yakitori, tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, soba, and udon may sound foreign but they are equally refined in taste. There is an amazing variety of food in Ja-

pan that it is possible to spend one month sampling different specialties every night. Here are some exotic and scrumptious cuisine to â&#x20AC;šchewâ&#x20AC;ş on!

Sukiyaki Sukiyaki is popular in the West and more often than not, a favorite amongst visitors to Japan. Savor its heavenly flavor, especially when made with high quality beef, such as Kobe beef. Thin slices of beef, followed by a variety of vegetables and tofu are cooked in a broth of soy sauce, sugar and sake. When the ingredients are cooked, they are dipped in raw egg, as the heat emitted from the cooked items will lightly cook the egg. Eager diners can now enjoy a hearty meal of sukiyaki.

Shabu-Shabu Shabu-shabu is somewhat like sukiyaki. It also consists of tender, thin slices of beef and vegetables although cooking methods differ. These ingredients are swirled in a

pot of boiling light broth and then dipped in a variety of special sesame seed and citrus-based sauces. Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki are usually served in the same restaurant.

Tempura Tempura is not a native dish. Instead, tempura was ‹borrowed› from Portuguese traders in the 16th Century and was then ‹transformed› into something uniquely Japanese. Tempura is made up of portions of fish, prawns and vegetables that are cooked in a fluffy, non-greasy batter.

Sushi Sushi is one of the healthiest meals and is gaining popularity in many countries. Like yakitori, it is considered an accompaniment for drinks. However, most Japanese and foreigners would make a meal out of it. Basically, there are two types of sushi: 1. Nigiri-sushi which is served on a small bed of rice and is the most common variety, and 2. Maki-sushi which is served in a seaweed roll. Some of the lesser-known variety includes chirashi-sushi, oshi-sushi and inari-sushi. Sushi is almost always accompanied by a ball of vinegar rice as well as a little wasabi (hot, green horseradish). However, nigiri-sushi and maki-sushi will have wasabi added inside and is not recommended for those who do not like spicy food.

Sashimi Sashimi or sliced raw fish/seafood (such as tuna or octopus) is best served with condiments such as

Tonkatsu shredded daikon radish or gingerroot, wasabi, and soy sauce. As it is served raw, only the freshest and highest quality fish should be used for sashimi.

Kaiseki Ryori Kaiseki ryori is considered the most exquisite culinary in Japan. The ingredients, preparation, setting and presentation come together to create a dining experience quite unlike any other. It started as an adjunct to the tea ceremony, mainly a vegetarian affair, and evolved to its most complex form at firstclass Japanese restaurants today. Rice, on the other hand, is served at the end. Appetizers (sakizuke or otoshi), sashimi (sliced raw fish or tsukuri), suimono (clear soup), yakimono (grilled foods), mushimono (steamed foods), nimono (simmered foods), and aemono (dressed saladlike foods) are served first, followed by miso soup, tsukemono (pickles), rice, Japanese sweets, and fruits. Tea concludes the meal.

Yakitori It is the aroma of grilled chicken that will lead one to a yakitori restaurant, most of which are located near train stations with a red lantern outside. Yakitori is a popular after-work meal, not so much of a feast but more of an accompaniment to beverages. The dish comprises of small pieces of chicken meat dipped in barbecue sauce, as well as liver and vegetables skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled to perfection over hot charcoals. Diners will be enticed to return for more, given the variety of yakitori to choose from.

Tonkatsu is a deep-fried breaded meat cutlet served with a special sauce. Often part of a set meal (tonkatsu teishoku), this is one dish that should not be missed. Diners also have the choice of asking for a fatter cut (rosu) or leaner cut (hire). Tonkatsu is served both at specialty restaurants and shokudo.

Soba/Udon There are two types of Japanese noodles; soba, which are thin, brown, buckwheat noodles, and udon, thick, white, wheat noodles. These noodles are served either hot or cold. If served hot, the noodles are presented in a bowl containing a light broth. The ‹cold version› comes on a bamboo screen with a cold broth for dipping the noodles. The most popular type of cold noodles is zaru soba, which is served with bits of seaweed (nori) sprinkled on top. A small plate of wasabi and sliced scallions accompany each noodle dish. These are dipped into a cup of broth followed by the noodles. At the end of the meal, hot broth is mixed with the leftover sauce, which is then drunk like a kind of tea. Last but not least, do slurp the broth as loudly as you please to signify the excellence of the meal!

Contemporary Japan 2011

Top 5

Japanese

ROBOTS 3. Toyota Partner Robot With credits on the trumpet and drums, the Toyota Partner Robot is one of the more artistically-inclined robots on the scene. In addition to bringing new meaning to “soulless, corporate music” this robot has a series of siblings that have different modes of movement. They’re intended to one day act as live-in companions for seniors.

5. TWENDY-ONE Developed by scientists from Waseda University, TWENDYONE is one of several models currently in development with a view to addressing some of the problems that come with Japan’s rapidly aging and shrinking population. This is one of the more heavy-duty designs so far, with a powerful grip to match that physique.

2. ASIMO The undisputed leader among Japanese robotic corporate mascots is Honda’s ASIMO. Now a household name in Japan, ASIMO has had an eventful life since first being revealed to the public in 2000. It’s had some bumps and bruises, sure, but it’s also met royalty, opened stock exchanges, and performed shows at Disneyland along the way. They grow up so fast.

1. Astro Boy 4. HRP-4C It’s one thing when robots replace human factory workers. The HRP-4C, built by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, threatens the livelihood of some of the most skilled workers of all: runway models.

Contemporary Japan 2011

OK, so he might not exactly be “real.” Osamu Tezuka’s creation, known as Tetsuwan Atom in his home country, began life in a 1952 manga and went on to become the world’s most beloved anime character. Japan’s fascination with robots, which could well turn out to be a boon for the world at large, arguably began with Astro Boy, so he deserves the number one spot. Honourable mentions to Getter Robo and Mazinger Z.

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anasonic has taken television viewing to a whole new level, be it sporting events, movies or live events, by giving the consumer televisions that capture fast pace action in remarkable clarity. The overall aim of Panasonic is to improve the experience of consumers by recreating the visual ambience displayed on the sport’s field or at live events on television. With Infinite Black Panel Pro, VIERA HDTVs are able to display extremely robust blacks. A contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 enables VIERA to display extremely robust blacks. A new panel and improvements to the cell discharge area dramatically increase contrast when viewing in brightly lit locations, and reducing the electrical pre-discharge that a cause graying has greatly enhanced black gradation. As a result, deep, rich blacks are displayed in virtually any viewing area, from living rooms to bedrooms. Even in games played at night, the action and conditions on the pitch are clearly reproduced.

600Hz technology offers superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into dots. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects. To improve on the environmental impact of power consumption, Panasonic has introduced an Eco Mode as standard in most of its VIERA TVs. By activating the Eco Mode, a photo sensor measures the ambient light

New members

add to the excitement Panasonic’s award winning LUMIX series of cameras have striking new members - the TZ-20, the ultimate travel companion, and the rugged FT3. The TZ20 is an outstanding new addition - brimming with the very latest LUMIX technology which includes HD movie recording capability, full manual control, a 24 mm ultra wide angle and powerful 16x optical zoom in a compact body – which offers and even higher standard with built-in GPS and FULL HD AVCHD movie recording. The GPS Function displays more than 1,000,000 geographical names and landmarks throughout the world. The TZ20 can automatically display the names of famous tourist sites and

conditions of the room and the picture settings adjust automatically. As a result, the TV uses less power in darkly-lit conditions without any compromise of the picture quality. Panasonic’s three VIERA Full HD 3D Plasma model lines, the 65 inch VT20, 50 inch VT20 and 42 inch GT 20 televisions provide full 1080p resolution to both the right and left eye, thereby giving the viewer the definitive 3D entertainment experience. These models are distinguished by a one sheet glass design, giving the TVs a beautiful sleek new design element.

objects onto the LCD. In addition to being able to easily arrange the images that users shoot during travels, while also display them on online maps. The DMC-FT3 is designed for active use and is waterproof to a depth of 12 m, freeze-proof of down to -10 C, shockproof for falls from up to 2.0 m, and dust-proof. In movie recording, the LED light turns on for beautiful movies in dusky underwater environments or in a night-time setting. It can record full HD 1920x1080 movies in AVCHD format with Dolby Digital Creator. The DMC-FT3 also features a built-in GPS unit. The location data where the photo was taken is embedded with its latitude and longitude is automatically in the EXIF data. Contemporary Japan 2011

Japan supercomputer K beats rivals K – meaning 10 quadrillion – harnesses more power than the next five supercomputers combined

here’s a new No. 1 on the semi annual-list of the world’s top supercomputers: Japan’s K Computer is so far advanced, it’s three times faster than the second fastest supercomputer and more powerful than the next five supercomputers on the list combined. The so-called Top 500 list is revised each June and November by researchers at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and the University of Mannheim in Germany. Supercomputers and their massive processing power are used for an array of tasks such as weather forecasting, highspeed stock trading, and simulating weapons tests. The K Computer, built by Fujitsu, has 68,544 central processing units,

Contemporary Japan 2011

each with eight cores. That’s twice as many as any other supercomputer on the Top 500. The letter “K” is short for the Japanese word “kei,” which symbolizes ten quadrillions. The K Computer is capable of performing more than 8 quadrillion calculations per second. The massive supercomputer (it comprises of more than 800 computer racks) is used at the Riken Institute for Physical and Chemical Research in Kobe, Japan. This is the first time since 2004 that Japan had held the top supercomputer on the list. (Japan also has the fifth most powerful supercomput-

er on the list.) The project won’t be completely finished until next year, at which point the Riken Institute plans to share its computing power for researchers’ projects around the world.

Top 10

Japanese Inventions 8. The Digital SLR Camera

Japanese tech companies are better known for improving upon foreign inventions, but there have been plenty of significant technologies to come out of Japan in the last 50 years. Here are ten of the best.

10. The Flat-Panel Display

The first known digital camera with single-lens reflex elements was the Sony Mavica, revealed to the public in 1981. However it wasn’t until 1999 and the release of the Nikon D1, that Japanese - developed, full - fledged digital SLRs started to supplant 35 mm film as the popular choice among professional photographers, thanks to their superior combination of speed, ease of use, and image quality.

The first commercially available flat-panel display of any kind could be found on the Sony Watchman FD-210, a pocket television released in 1982. The FD-210’s display was a paltry five centimeters, but the technology involved was impressive and paved the way for the home flatscreens we see today. The first LCD and Plasma televisions were also created by Japanese companies, Sharp and Pioneer respectively.

9. The Floppy Disk The floppy disk is counted among the many inventions of the colorful Yoshiro Nakamatsu, AKA Dr. NakaMats. The details behind the invention, and how the technology wound up in IBM’s hands, are shrouded in mystery, but Nakamatsu was awarded a patent for the base technology behind the floppy disk in 1952, long before they went public. While floppy disks are now considered a relic, they were the primary portable storage medium for computer users everywhere for a good three decades.

Contemporary Japan 2011

7. The Video Cassette The video cassette and VCR, both Sony creations made available in 1971, represented the start of a new era in home entertainment. Thanks to the video cassette, consumers were finally able to watch films at home, and at a time of their choosing. Studios benefited enormously too, as they were granted a new revenue stream in the form of the home video market, which eventually overtook the box office in value.

6. The Camcorder As hard as it is to believe now, the process of on-location video recording used to require at least two people. Prior to the 1980s TV news crews used video cameras – that is, the devices that were actually used to shoot video – with separate recording units. The earliest portable video recorders still had to be connected to the camera via a cable, which limited their utility. With the Sony Betacam, released in 1982, a video camera and video recorder were combined into a single device for the first time. The camcorder, as it came to be known, revolutionized journalism and filmmaking, and eventually brought video recording home.

5. The Pocket Calculator Although the first so-called ‘compact’ calculator was also made in Japan, it wasn’t until 1971, birth year of the Busicom LE-120A, that truly portable calculators became widely available. 1978’s Sharp EL8086 was the first solar-powered calculator, and this further extended the reach of the device, helping to conserve battery and brain power around the world.

4. The Portable Music Player Before the iPod, the Sony Walkman was synonymous with music on the go. While technically not the world’s first portable cassette player, the Walkman was by far the most successful, bringing the concept of portable music to the masses. Sony introduced a number of new features along the line, including a recording function (still sorely missing from modern music players!), and playback of other media, like CDs (1984’s Discman), and even TV and video cassettes (with the Video Walkman, released in 1989). Just try to imagine what the world would be like without portable music players.

3. The Quartz Wristwatch Released in 1969, the Seiko Astron was the world’s first quartz wristwatch. Quartz technology represented a substantial upgrade over oldfashioned mechanical watches, as it eliminated the need for easily damaged moving parts, while keeping time more accurately than previous watches. Quartz remains the standard for wristwatches to this day. Contemporary Japan 2011

2. The High-Speed Passenger Train The 12-car 0-Series Shinkansen bullet train, which ran from 1964 to 2008, was the world’s first highvolume, high-speed passenger train. Superior rail transport was one of the major factors that helped to power Japan’ economy to number two in the world, and the design of the early Shinkansen influenced overseas engineers as well.

1. The Compact Disc Created jointly by Sony and Philips in the late 1970s, the compact disc, and the Sony-developed CD player, are perhaps the most important technologies to come out of Japan. Originally intended strictly as a replacement for vinyl records, the CD proved useful as a general data storage medium in the form of the CD-ROM and then the CD-R. Its successor technologies, the DVD and Blu-ray disc, are also both joint Sony/Philips creations. The optical disc remains one of the modern world’s most ubiquitous inventions.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Generates 4-Colour Excitement

eading Global LCD manufacturer, SHARP has launched its new QUATTRON LED TV range in the Middle East equipped with its revolutionary Quattron quad pixel technology that adds a fourth colour – Yellow - to the traditional Red, Green and Blue palette. The new Quattron LE-820 series featuring Quad Pixel technology come in 52, 46 and

40-inch sizes, and they all have Sharp’s UltraBrilliant Edge-lit LED technology as standard. They are just 39 mm deep, and the panel glass on the LE820 series extends to meet the edge of the TV for a more seamless look. The X-Gen LCD panel with UV2A technology has unique photo-alignment precisely controls the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules,

while minimizing light leakage, to reproduce amazingly bright whites and extremely deep blacks. The mercury-free LED backlighting reduces energy consumption over that of conventional fluorescentbacklit LCDs, and every set has an eco picture control. Quattron LED TV’s will be available in the MEA market from July 2010 onwards.

Top 10

Japanese

Gadgets J

apanese companies are known the world over for manufacturing those big-ticket electronic items: TVs, stereo systems, game consoles, and appliances. Not everything has to have such an obvious purpose, though. This is a peek into the sometimes wonderful, and often weird world of Japanese gadgets.

10. Fridgeezoo One of the latest gadgets from Japan is this line of Fridgeezoo “refrigerator companions.” Available in a variety of lovable arctic animal shapes, they sit in your fridge and speak up whenever you open it. They’ll also remind you to close the door if you leave it open too long.

tech toilets are equipped with a background noise function, which serves to spare the embarrassment of the user. When you’re out roughing it, though, you may have to take along the Eco-Otome, an electronic keychain device that emits a flushing sound at the touch of a button. There’s no word as of yet on a possible “now with perfume” version.

9. Thanko Silent 7. PuchiPuchi bubble wrap toy Mouse EX Inspired by everything that made the ninja great, Thanko has created a mouse, complete with scroll wheel, that makes no sound at all. This is the perfect mouse for when you’re, er… doing whatever it is you do on the computer at night that you don’t want anyone to hear. A wireless version is also available, for those times when even the sound of the cord gives away too much.

8. Eco-Otome These days many of Japan’s lauded high-

Toy manufacturing giants Bandai truly outdid themselves with this marvellous creation. PuchiPuchi, named for the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of bubbles popping, is a keychain toy that allows you to pop bubbles endlessly. Every 100 pops, the toy will even emit a random, crazy sound effect.

6.Robotic pets Robotic pets are big in Japan, where living space is often too limited to accommodate old fashioned, live animals. Some simply

wander around, or maybe bark or meow every so often. Others provide a service, such as the super-cute Choken Bako doggie bank, which consists of a bowl, a box, and a robotic dog. When you put change in the bowl, the dog eats it up, and the change ends up in the box. Fun and functional!

addition to several warehouses worth of cellular phones, alarm clocks, cameras and MP3 players, Hello Kitty has brought her special charm to a toaster (which makes toast with Kitty-chan’s face on it), a Fender Stratocaster, and even a fire extinguisher.

3. Game & Watch The Game & Watch collection was a series of digital watches that could also play video games. Mario and Donkey Kong, among others, made early appearances on the Game & Watch. In addition to being a classic in its own right, this is the most historically significant gadget on the list in that it paved the way for Nintendo’s other portable gaming devices, from the Game Boy, to the forthcoming 3DS.

2. Bowlingual 5. USB gadgets Japanese manufacturers have come up with all sorts of interesting ways to occupy those empty USB ports on your PC or laptop. If you’re experiencing temperature-related problems of any sort, the good people at Thanko have got you covered, with a range of USB gadgets including a cooling seat cushion, heated gloves, an air-conditioned shirt, and a tie with a fan in it. If a mindless diversion’s all you’re after, there are plenty of USB toys to choose from, including a replica of the titular creature from the 1979 film Alien.

4. Hello Kitty gadgets What gadget wouldn’t benefit from having Hello Kitty on it? None, apparently, as Sanrio’s flagship character has been incorporated into just about every sort of gadget you can imagine over the years. In

Bowlingual, made by Takara, is a toy which analyzes a dog’s bark and translates it (or, more accurately, the emotional state it represents) into human language. It may not quite be clinically accurate, but Bowlingual is nevertheless plenty of fun. Although it’s been available for a while now, and has even been made available in other countries, Bowlingual makes the list for not only its ingenuity, but also for having inspired the adorable talking dogs in the film Up.

1. Shouting Vase For the ultimate in stress relief, consider the Shouting Vase. This incredible invention fits over your mouth, allowing you to yell as loud as you like. What’s more, your cries are reproduced and emitted in a softer tone from the other end of the vase. Now this is what modern civilization is all about.

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An introduction to Japanese culture and traditions that have been loved since ancient times and still remain in modern lives and society.

Artistry and Spirit,

SUMO

Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Many rituals with religious background are still followed today. The basic rules of sumo are simple: the wrestler who first touches the ground with anything besides the soles of his feet, or who leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. Fights take place on an elevated ring, called a “dohyo”, which is made of clay and covered in a layer of sand. The fights themselves usually last only a few seconds, or in rare cases, about a minute. At the top of the sumo wrestlers’ hierarchy stand the yokozuna (grand champion). At the moment, there is one yokozuna, Hakuho from Mongolia. Once a wrestler reaches the rank of yokozuna, he cannot lose this status but he will be expected to retire when his results begin to worsen. Many former wrestlers remain active in the sumo world as members of the Japan Sumo Association.

JUDO

KARATE

The modern form of Judo was developed by Professor Jigoro Kano at the end of the 19th century from the ancient martial art, jujutsu. In Judo, the aim is not only winning fights but also the training of one’s body and spirit. The literal translation of Judo is “the gentle way”: softness exceeds hardness in Judo, and techniques are more important than stamina.

In karate, one strikes with their fists, elbows and feet in defensive action. Karate is related to Chinese Kung-fu and the Korean Taekwondo. Karate-do means “the way of the empty hand” since karate does not usually employ weapons.

KENDO Kendo is Japanese fencing. It means “the way of the sword”. Swords used to be a main weapon in Japanese warfare for many centuries. They continued to be the symbol of the samurai into the 19th century. The participants in modern kendo are well protected and use bamboo swords. As in all the Japanese martial, the training of one’s mind is essential.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Nurtured by the Love of the People KABUKI Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater with its origins in the Edo period. In contrast to the older Japanese art forms such as Noh, Kabuki was the popular culture of the common townspeople and not of the higher social classes. Kabuki plays are about historical events, moral conflicts, love relationships and the like. The actors use an old fashioned language which is difficult to understand even for some Japanese people. Actors speak in monotonous voices accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments.

KYUDO Kyudo is the martial art of Japanese archery, literally meaning “the way of the bow”. Bows have been used for many centuries in Japan, both as weapons of warfare and as hunting tools. Kyudo is a relatively popular recreational activity, practiced in kyudojo, special kyudo facilities found in schools, culture centers and the like. The bow used for kyudo is about two meters long, and stationary targets are located in a distance of either 28 or 60 meters. An important part of kyudo is the ritual preparation of each shot. As in all the Japanese martial arts, the training of one’s mind is essential in kyudo.

AIKIDO

NOH

Aikido, translating roughly as “the way of the harmonious spirit”, is a Japanese martial art. Aikido techniques allow one to overpower their opponent without much strength, and without injury to either party. Aikido was created in Japan by Ueshiba Morihei in the first half of the 20th century. As in all the Japanese martial arts, mental training is essential in aikido. Students of aikido try to achieve harmony of their spirits.

Noh is the eartiest theatrical art of Japan. Its artistry was established by Zeami in the second half of the 14th century. With the principal actor “Shite”, set in the center of the stage, its refined stages, masks, costumes, music, performances, and other factors portray a unique world.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Customs & Traditions Bowing Bows are the traditional greeting in Japan. However, bowing is not reserved only for greetings. Bowing is a gesture of respect. Different bows are used for apologies and gratitude, to express different emotions, humility, sincerity, remorse, or deference, and in various traditional arts and religious ceremonies.

Tipping Tipping is rarely seen in Japan; however, in Japanese-style inns (ryokans) you can put a money bill (Y1000) in a small envelope and hand it to the person who you think deserve it. Here the idea of taking out a money bill from your pocket and handing it directly is considered rude. But when you stay in a hotel, things are quite different. They are trained to politely reciprocate your offer with an outright â&#x20AC;&#x153;No thank you,â&#x20AC;? which will be accompanied with a slight bow.

Bonsai In Bonsai, plants and trees are grown and maintained in a small porcelain pot to appreciate its beauty. At first glance, it may seem like a mere hobby focusing on a small world within a single potted plant. However, much care is given in terms of the passage of time, weather, and growth of the plant that may oftentimes span over a period of several decades in order to perfect the appearance the creator is aiming for. The history of Bonsai is an old one. It was first introduced into Japan from China in the Heian era (late 8th to 12th Centuries) and further was developed independently since then. Although Bonsai used to be a culture unique to this country, there now are fans not only in Japan but also on a worldwide level and exhibitions are held in Europe and United States as well.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Take off your shoes The people of Japan take off their shoes when they enter their house. There is a space where the family members and their guests take off their shoes and put on them inside the entrance. Nobody can enter if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take off their shoes. They sit their legs folded on the tatami. The tatami is floor panels covering made from dried rushes. When they sleep they put the futon down on the tatami, in the morning they fold futon up. So, it must be clean on the tatami.

Living traditions with roots in everyday life

Geisha

entertainers who essional female of pr e ar a sh ei G nquets. Girls Japanese at ba al on iti ad tr rm through perfo geisha, have to go a e m co be to learn who wish ring which they du p hi es tic en ts, a rigid appr playing instrumen as ch su ts ar al various tradition n and other also conversatio t bu g, in nc da , e called singing a apprentices ar ish ge o, ot Ky In their social skills. in a kimono, and d se es dr e ar a lar tourist, “maiko”. Geish ry pale. As a regu ve up e ad m e ar me districts faces ot a maiko in so sp to le ab be zayou may ntocho or in Kana Po d an n io G as of Kyoto, such sha District. wa’s Higashi Gei

Flower A

rrang

ement Originall y, flowe r ar gous pro cedure fo rangement beg an as a r decora oped into ting relia 16th cen n art of “enjoyin altars. It was dev eltu g the 17th ry by the nobilit the display” in th y and sa century murai. F e onwards was pop rom , flower ularized arr amongst even in o common angement ur mode rn age, th people a sonal gr e spirit o ass, tree f enjoyin nd s, and o ues to b g seaf course ring rich folwers, ness nad people e c onti beauty in verywhe to the liv nre. es of

Samurai The samurai (or bushi) were the members of the military class, the Japanese warriors. Samurai employed a range of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and guns; but their most famous weapon and their symbol was the sword. Samurai were supposed to lead their lives according to the ethic code of bushido (“the way of the warrior”). Strongly Confucian in nature, Bushido stressed concepts such as loyalty to one’s master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. After a defeat, some samurai chose to commit ritual suicide (seppuku) by cutting their abdomen rather than being captured or dying a dishonorable death.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Ninja

mercenary covert agent or a as w i ob in sh arts of Ninja or g in unorthodox in liz ia ec sp n pa onage, of feudal Ja nja included espi ni e th of ns tio war. The func n, as well as and assassinatio n, io at tr fil in , ge a, using sabota uations. The ninj sit n ai rt ce in t ba sted open com war, were contra g in ag w of ds covert metho s about honor ho had strict rule w , ai ur m sa e th with and combat.

Elegance is expressed in the purest forms.

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Shodo Sado

y of the tea”) is a The tea ceremony (sado: “the wa drinking tea. The ceremonial way of preparing and ced by Zen Budcustom has been strongly influen ony is a relatively dhism. Nowadays, the tea cerem who are interestpopular hobby. Many Japanese, ceremony lessons. ed in their own culture, take tea itional Japanese Tea ceremonies are held in trad ters or private rooms in cultural community cen sists of many rituhouses. The ceremony itself con rt. Almost each als that have to be learned by hea ically, the tea is hand movement is prescribed. Bas n drunk by the first prepared by the host, and the en tea made of guests. The tea is bitter matcha gre powdered tea leaves.

ting”) is the art of Calligraphy (shodo: “the way of wri learn calligraphy writing beautifully. Most children by among adults, in elementary. It is a popular hob letters, the strokes too. Unlike the strokes of Roman drawn in the corof Japanese characters have to be you learn Chinese rect order, not arbitrarily. When r the other. This characters, you draw one stroke afte e of writing kanji. is called the square (Kaisho) styl r, is rarely used in This style of writing kanji, howeve faster styles of everyday life. Instead, there are two e a little bit less writing, in which the kanji becom an letters in a fast legible, just like when writing Rom semi cursive (gyoway. These two styles are called sho) and cursive (sosho).

Matsuri

Kado Ikebana is the art of arranging flowers aesthetically. One tries to represent the three elements sky, earth, and mankind in a well balanced relation. Traditional ikebana, called kado (“the way of the flower”), developed in the 16th century. There are many different schools of traditional ikebana. In addition, modern styles of ikebana (avant-garde ikebana) have evolved. Some of these styles use glass, iron, and other materials instead of flowers.

Contemporary Japan 2011

There are countless local festivals (matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates one of its own. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine’s deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festivals are held over several days. Important elements of Japanese festivals are processions, in which the local shrine’s kami (Shinto deity) is carried through the town in mikoshi (palanquins). It is the only time of the year when the kami leaves the shrine to be carried around town. Many festivals also feature decorated floats (dashi), which are pulled through the town, accompanied by drum and flute music by the people sitting on the floats. Every festival has its own characteristics. While some festivals are calm and meditative, many are energetic and noisy. Below follows an incomplete list of some of Japan’s most famous festivals and celebrations. Exact dates are available on the event calendar.

Record 9.44 million visitors entered Japan in 2010 By Rok D.

ese (1.31 million), Americans (760,000) and Hong Kong citizens (480,000).

Robotized toilets, talking vending machines and restaurants without chairs are just some of the wonders that a tourist will encounter upon landing on the island of the samurai.

The increase was partly due to easing of the rules for obtaining personal tourism visa for Chinese visitors. However, from September the number of visitors from China and Hong Kong quickly decreased because of the rift between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands incident that took place that month.

aneda Airport in Tokyo, the second busiest airport in Asia and fifth in the world, in October 2010 opened up for international flights, becoming the second international airport in Tokyo area besides Narita.

According to the official statistics by the Japanese immigration bureau, a record of 9.44 million foreigners visited Japan in 2010, making this the highest number of visitors since the records began in 1950. Most visitors arrived from South Korea (2.69 million), followed by mainland Chinese (1.66 million), Taiwan-

The number of Japanese who traveled overseas in 2010 increased to 16.64 million, up by 1.19 million from the year before. *Traditional Japanese restaurants often have dining areas where guests sit on the floor (on tatami) with low tables without chairs.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Pagoda in the Sky Protecting Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tallest Building against Earthquakes

Construction work on the Tokyo Sky Tree in the Sumida City, Tokyo of the Japanese capital is moving forward rapidly. The Sky Tree is a digital terrestrial broadcast tower being built to reduce interference to signals from the high-rise buildings. The structure is already 398 meters high; when it opens to the public in spring 2012 the Sky Tree will be the tallest free-standing broadcast tower in the world, at a height of 634 meters. (One Japanese reading of the numbers 6-34 is similar to the pronunciation of Musashi Province, the old name for the area in which the tower is being built.) The antiseismic technologies used in the tower represent a groundbreaking fusion of traditional techniques and the very latest modern technology.

A recent picture of the Sky Tree under construction, at a height of 398 meters.

Learning from the Ancients

The tower is a two-part structure, comprising an outer steel frame and a cylindrical inner shaft made of reinforced concrete. The idea is that the two elements are independent of one another: if the two pieces were joined together, this would amplify the sway of an earthquake. Because the outer frame and the inner shaft move separately, their seismic energies cancel each other out, reducing the amount of energy brought to bear on the tower by as much as 40%. The sway-reducing technology incorporated in the central shaft was inspired by Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient Buddhist architecture, such as five-story pagodas. As far as records show,

Contemporary Japan 2011

none of these pagodas—including that at the Horyuji temple in Nara built 1,400 years ago—has ever been toppled by an earthquake; clearly something in their structure makes them resilient to seismic disturbances. Various theories have been put forward to explain this, but the independent central shaft in the structure of the pagoda is thought to play a significant role in making them resistant to earthquakes. In the Tokyo Sky Tree, the inner shaft incorporates an emergency stairway. The Sky Tree’s unique seismic reduction features are testimony to Japan’s position at the very front of anti-earthquake

An image of the completed Sky Tree.

of a tree to bind them strongly to the surrounding earth. Just like a real tree, the Sky Tree is rooted firmly in the ground. To reinforce the structure even further, the outer frame incorporates a triangular framework using steel pipes that are twice as strong as regular pipes. The base of the tower is stabilized by giant steel bars 2.3 meters in diameter and 10cm thick. Simulation tests suggest that the Sky Tree would suffer almost no damage even in the event of a major 7.9 magnitude quake. Equipped with two observation decks and numerous restaurants and shops, the Tokyo Sky Tree is set to open in spring 2012, when it is expected to become a new landmark and symbol of the city.

Testing the earthquake resistance of a five-story pagoda.

technology.

Roots of Steel

Earthquakes also exert extremely strong forces on the foundations of buildings. To protect the Sky Tree against these forces, the pilings in the foundations are not straight poles but walls of steel-concrete reinforced with spike-like protuberances to increase their frictional resistance. These protuberances act like the spikes on sports shoes and help to reduce the pressure that might otherwise cause the building to collapse. The pilings are driven 50 meters into the ground and then fan out radially like the roots

An image of the completed Sky Tree. Contemporary Japan 2011

The Spirit of Hospitality

apan has a fast-growing reputation as a tourist destination, with recent years seeing an almost annual increase in the number of overseas tourist visitors. Japan has a diverse range of tourism resources, namely a spirit of warm “hospitality” to travelers, abundant nature, history, traditional and modern culture, world-class cuisine, and regional ways of life. In this month’s issue we introduce some of the various types of “hospitality” that greet travelers, from Japanese-style inns (ryokan) to mascot characters. In the Guardian Travel Awards 2010, announced in October 2010

Contemporary Japan 2011

by the British daily newspaper the Guardian, Tokyo was voted No. 1 in the favorite city category, with Japan voted No. 2 in the favorite longhaul country category. Tokyo took No. 1 place for the first time with a high satisfaction rating of 97.4%, beating Berlin in second place with 96.9%, and Sydney in third place with 95.4%. Guardian Travel Editor Andy Pietrasik said of Japan’s appeal, “People are endlessly fascinated by the country because innovation—the neon lights, the hi-tech gadgetry, the costume drama of the streets— cohabits peacefully with centuries-

A city of contrasts: From the colorful old Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, said to have been completed in 645, one can see the rapidly rising structure of Tokyo Sky Tree, which will be the tallest freestanding tower in the world when it opens in 2012. old culture. You can indulge yourself in the bright lights of the city, but then can easily escape to the mountains or the islands to seek out the more spiritual side of the country. I think people are also realizing that, in spite of its reputation, it’s also a lot more affordable than many think.”

Embassy remembers tsunami victims

tokyo kuwaiti embassy holds charity bazaar

he Kuwaiti Embassy in Tokyo achieved great success in a charity bazaar aimed at raising funds for the March 11 disaster victims in Japan, with a large number of visitors attending the one-day event. The proceeds from the humanitarian charity will be donated to the disaster-affected areas through the Japanese Red Cross Society, according to Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi. The stands set up in the embassy were thronged with people buying a variety of high quality Kuwaiti products such as traditional costumes, artifacts, food, sweets and coffee. A line-up of activities also included Arabic calligraphy, a photo shoot in Kuwaiti costumes and henna art for visitors, as well as an Arab music concert and a raffle.

rels of crude oil to Japan, which is equivalent to some $550 million. “We will remember deep friendship and kindness shown by Kuwait for centuries.” Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoshikatsu Nakayama said he was touched by the solidarity extended by the government and the people of Kuwait through generous donations and the charity bazaar. He also praised Al-Otaibi’s visit last month to the disaster-hit northeastern region to offer survivors specially-designed soccer balls, school supplies, food and living necessities. “It gave the people great relief, encouragement and hope, especially for children,” Nakayama said. The magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 26,000 people in northeastern and eastern Japan.

Kuwait is the only Arab country whose embassy hosted a charity bazaar in Japan for the victims from the disaster on March 11. In her speech at the opening ceremony, Former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike, who is serving for the Japanese Red Cross Society, praised the Kuwaiti embassy for organizing the event. “On behalf of the people and the government of Japan, I would like to thank HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Ambassador Al-Otaibi for expressing deep sympathy to our country, especially for victims in the devastating areas. Kuwait has responded promptly and sincerely to our crisis soon after the disaster.”

For his part, the ambassador reiterated Kuwait’s keenness to help Japan’s reconstruction efforts, saying, “We are trying to maximally eliminate pain from all the people affected by the disaster. I am confident that Japan will recover from this catastrophe and rebuild the nation even stronger than ever. I also thank Kuwaiti diplomats and all embassy staff for their efforts to ensure the safety of Kuwaiti citizens here after the disaster and working hard for this event.”

She also commended Kuwait’s decision to donate 5 million bar-

Al-Otaibi also expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti government for allowing his embassy to continue its work in Japan and supporting the charity event by providing the needed. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), a Japanese wom-

an in her 30s who lives nearby the embassy said, “I’ve just dropped in after seeing a banner outside. Having a charity bazaar is a wonderful way to lend assistance to victims. I was impressed with the active role of Kuwaiti embassy in supporting our country at a time many other embassies in Tokyo have shut down and evacuated diplomats after an accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.” Another Japanese resident, who came with his wife and two children, said, “It is our first time to enter the embassy. This bazaar does not only contribute to relief efforts in the disaster-hit areas, but also helps bring Kuwaiti and Japanese cultures closer.” Meanwhile, Egyptian Ambassador to Japan Dr Walid Abdelnasser praised the Kuwaiti ambassador and his wife, Jamila Al-Otaibi for taking an initiative to raise donations for victims. “This shows how Kuwait and Arab countries are appreciating and respecting Japan, and it will be reflected positively.” Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani said the event is not only for raising money toward relief efforts, but also becomes a good opportunity to express solidarity of Kuwait and international community with Japan. “Japan has helped Pakistan and other countries during disasters, and now it is our turn to support Japan in its difficult times,” Jadmani said.

Contemporary Japan 2011

Head and Shoulders above the Rest of the World Cutting-Edge Skills and Services at Japanese Hair Salons

apanese hair salons today offer the most advanced techniques and the highest levels of service to be found anywhere in the world. Salons throughout Japan offer an unparalleled range of services that go far beyond a simple haircut. Hair salons epitomize the Japanese pursuit of comfort and beauty.

World-Class Techniques Most Japanese people have black hair that is quite thick and straight. This has challenged hair stylists to come up with creative techniques and innovative hairstyles to help Japanese people look their best. Nakahara Daisuke, salon manager at the Kingdom salon in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, home to many of the city’s top hair salons, describes the background and evolution to

these cuttingedge techniques in the following terms. “The popularity of boutique hairstyling in Japan goes back to the 1970s, but it was in the 1980s and 1990s that Japanese stylists started to develop their own techniques specially adapted to the typical Japanese physique and hair type. The new techniques also made it easier to manage and maintain a hairstyle by controlling the volume of the hair or smoothing out kinks. As a result of this creativity, Japanese hairstylists have twice won the highly prestigious Wella Trend Vision Awards competition that brings together the world’s top hairstylists.”

Among the many innovations introduced by Japanese stylists are perms that do not damage the hair and result in much softer hair than conventional solutions. Japanese perm treatments have become highly popular overseas, including a variety of Japanese salons keep careful records of customers’ techniques for “straight hair types, preferred styles, perms, etc. perms” that can smooth

Contemporary Japan 2011

Many hair salons in Japan offer customers tea and a choice of magazines to read while waiting during a haircut or perm.

out kinks in a person’s hair. Many foreign hairstylists have traveled to Japan to master these techniques. The widespread popularity of celebrity hairstylists offering sophisticated haircutting techniques dates back to a TV show that aired between 1999 and 2000 called “Scissors League,” which featured some of Tokyo’s top hairstylists battling it out for supremacy. Shortly after appearing on the show, one famous hair salon sold 10,000 tickets for a special event, despite astronomically high prices. This massive popularity gave a further boost to the advanced techniques and meticulous service found at hair salons today.

Japan’s Unmatched Salon Service Customers at Japanese hair salons can expect not only an outstanding haircut but also the sort of

Head spa treatments are popular for their rejuvenating health benefits.

meticulous service for which Japan is famous. In a Japanese salon, customers are pampered from the moment they walk through the door. A towel is wrapped carefully around the customer’s neck before draping them in a gown to ensure that not even a single hair gets

onto the customer’s clothes. At the shampooing basin, a soothing hot towel is wrapped around the customer’s neck and the hair is gently shampooed and rinsed. Soft cloth blindfolds are used to ensure privacy. Customers are then treated to a shoulder rubdown and a Applying steam through a cap placed on the head relaxing, invigorating opens the pores and soothes the scalp, cleansing the head massage. Tea is skin and improving the health of the hair. served, along with a spa” treatments, pore-cleansing selection of the latest steam baths, and a full menu of magazines. cosmetics options. Many cater to Japanese hair salons also keep people’s busy schedules by offering meticulous records on their childcare facilities and staying open customers, building up a detailed late. record of each customer’s hair type, It is this unique combination of style preferences, and coloring. innovative techniques, soothing A new range of services has become treatments, and superlative service popular in recent years. Many that has made Japanese hair salons salons today offer relaxing “head the finest in the world.

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24 - hour Guide to….

TOKYO

et in just 1288 square miles, Tokyo is not for claustrophobic. The exhilarating intensity of the city is well worth a visit for those brave enough to experience its sights and sounds. The Japanese capital boasts some spectacular architecture as well as wealth of culture, cuisine and – strangely enough – calm.

Wake up in a suite at The Four Seasons Marunouchi on Pacific Century Place (www.fourseasons. com) handy for the nearby stylish shopping possibilities. Move buffs, however, may prefer to check in at the Grand Hayatt in Roppongi (www.hayatt.com), the location for Sofia Coppola’s film ‘Lost in Translation’. Don’t let the jet lag grind your down. Early risers should head straight

Contemporary Japan 2011

to Tsukiji Market (www.tsukijimarket.or.jp), dubbed the kitchen for 12 million people and one of the largest fish market in the world. Recently re-opened to the public (there was an unwelcome spate of frozen tuna-riding recently), watch men wielding giant knives dice fish at lighting speed as the auctioneers work the crowd into a bidding frenzy. Breakfast at the Top of the Tower, the 40-storey high restaurant in the New Otani Hotel (www.newothani.co.jp), which offers a buffet beyond belief as well a breathtaking view of the Tokyo skyline. Feed the soul at the Tokyo National Museum (www.tnm.go.jp), home to the world’s greatest collection of Japanese art Exquisite kimonos stand alongside Samu-

rai armour, ceramics and much more. Next on the list is some well deserved retail therapy. Head to the boutique-laden Ginza district, where Japan’s Mikimoto has its flagship pearls store beside the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Hermes. For something a little more quirky take a walk down Takeshita Street centre of the universe for Japan’s super-trendy youngsters who come here to pick up the latest phone jewellery and even football outfits for their pet. The Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s emperor and his family. While the heart of it is closed to the general public, a stroll around the pristine gardens is highly recommended. For lunch, join the city’s legions of

As sunset beckons, head to the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills and watch the day come to a close over mount Fuji. You will also find the Mori Art Museum (www.moriart.museum.com) here, which showcases contemporary art thanks to Minoru Mori, the Donald Trump of Japan. If the hills do not call you, stay in the city and ascend the 333-metre high Tokyo Tower (www.tokyotower.co.jp). Japan’s very own copy of the Eiffel Tower.

office workers for noodle slurping at Namiki Yabusoba, the 96-yearold institution in Asakusa district is famous for its soba noodles and savoury broths. Contemplation comes as welcome digestif at the Sensoji Temple. Dedicated to Kannon the Buddhist deity of compassion the temple was founded in 628 when legend has it, two brothers caught a sacred statue of the goddess, while fishing. After bathing in the scared smoke of temple alters, retire to one of Tokyo’s 1.145 bathhouses for an actual soak and test your mettle by dipping into the almost boiling water. Alternately, enjoy a matinee show at Kabuzika. Tokyo’s acclaimed Kabuki theatre company. The fourhour show may be too much for some. Fear not, enduring just the first act is perfectly acceptable.

For an unforgettable meat book a table at Takamura, one of the finest kaiseki (haute cuisine) restaurants in the world. The 20-plus intricate dishes are served in one of its eight tatami rooms overlooking tranquil gardens. Once the formalities are over, it is high time to let the hair down karaoke-style, an essential part of the Japanese experience. Big Echo (Chuo Dari) near Heiwa Dori, is open until 6 pm, plenty of time to get through the phonebook-sized songbook. For those who prefer the more dulcet tones of professional music-maestros. Roppongi district boasts the hottest dance clubs, where anything goes, within reason of course. Contemporary Japan 2011

round 30,000 cherry trees come into bloom every spring at Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blossoming cherry trees (sakura) have held a special place in Japanese people’s hearts for centuries. The season begins in early March, when the first cherry trees begin to bloom in the south of Japan. Over the next two months, the pink line of the “cherry blossom front” advances gradually north through the Japanese archipelago. Newspapers and regular TV bulletins keep people up to date with the progress of the front and provide predictions on the best times for flower-viewing parties (hanami) in areas throughout the country. The splendor of the blossoms in full bloom is short lived; after a few days, the petals flutter picturesquely to the ground like snow.

Contemporary Japan 2011

The Special Significance of Cherry Trees in Japan The budding, blossoming, and cascading fall of the cherry petals has charmed and fascinated the Japanese for countless generations. The many famous cherryblossom spots around the country include mountain spots where cherry trees grow wild, historic temples and castles, and parks. One place that is particularly famous for the beauty of its blossoms is Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, whose sacred sites and pilgrimage routes are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Around 30,000 cherry trees turn an eight-kilometer stretch of mountain

ridges bright pink with blossoming flowers every spring. Hirosaki Castle in the northeast of Japan is surrounded by some 2,600 cherry trees. The Usuzumi-zakura in Neodani, Gifu Prefecture. The petals are light pink when the buds appear, white

when the flowers are in full bloom, and a light inky color as the petals fall. A boat trip down Sumida River is a great way to enjoy the cherry trees that were first planted along its banks back in the Edo Period. Many Japanese castles are popular hanami spots. One well-known example is Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, once the political and economic center of northeast Japan during the Edo Period (1603–1868). The main castle keep and the stone walls and moat have survived, providing a splendid backdrop against which to enjoy the timeless sight of cherry trees in full bloom.

Some particularly venerable cherry trees are considered national monuments. One such ancient cherry tree is the Neodani no Usuzumi-zakura in Gifu Prefecture, which has been standing for 1,500 years. Throughout Japan in the spring people enjoy the custom of having a drink or picnic while sitting on a sheet spread under a blooming cherry tree.

The Living Japanese Tradition of Cherry Blossom Viewing Hanami parties first became popular among the common people back in the Edo Period—before that, they were a pastime limited to the aristocracy and feudal lords. Today, groups of friends and co-workers spread sheets under the cherry trees to mark the arrival of spring in scenic spots in parks or along the banks of a river. Rice-flour dumplings, called dango,also come in a special pink, white, and green combination at this time of year. The popularity of such parties during the Edo Period prompted the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, to plant cherry trees along the banks of the Sumida River in Edo (present-day Tokyo). Every year, from around late March to late April, the blooming cherry trees along the banks of the river form a marvelous natural “tunnel” that stretches for roughly a kilometer between the Azumabashi and Sakurabashi bridges. More than 300 trees bloom there, including a number of different types of cherry trees, such as Yoshino Cherry and Weeping Cheery. One particularly impressive way to view these blooming trees that has been popular for centuries is to take a boat ride on the Sumida river. Since ancient times, Japanese people have loved to contemplate the changing seasons and have always looked forward with particular excitement to the blossoming cherry trees. This spirit lives on today in the lively cherry blossom viewing parties that people throughout Japan still enjoy each spring today. Contemporary Japan 2011

Snow Country

Igloo Village on the iced-over, snow-covered Lake Shikaribetsu

During the winter season, many different festivals and events that benefit from cold weather and heavy snowfalls take place in the Tohoku region, in Hokkaido and elsewhere, in northern Japan. We look at two wintry tourist attractions that draw large numbers of visitors.

Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village Lake Shikaribetsu is located in the Daisetsuzan National Park near the heart of Hokkaido. At an approximate altitude of 800 meters, it is the highest lake in Hokkaido. In winter, it is so cold that the lowest temperature may fall to -30 degrees Celsius.

It is said that its water freezes earlier and the ice melts later than in any other natural lake in Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northernmost island.

runs from January 22 to March 31. A village made solely of snow and ice appears on the lake surface, which looks like a snowfield.

Lake Shikaribetsu is the venue for what this year is the 30th Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village, which

One of the highlights of this event is the open-air hot spring bath on the ice, something that probably

Bathers unwind in the hot spring on the ice at Lake Shikaribetsu

Contemporary Japan 2011

Kamakura at night in Yokote, Akita Prefecture

has no equivalent in the world. A large bath tub is placed on the frozen lake surface about 100 meters away from the bank, and hot spring water is pumped from the bank into the tub so that you can take a bath there. The changing room is also made of snow and ice. There is also an ice bar, made of snow and ice, where you can have a drink from a glass made of ice. At the ice theater, movies are projected to the ice screen. Concerts are held in the ice hall. You can stay overnight in an ice lodge, also made from snow and ice. The Kotan offers opportunities to enjoy a range of experiences and activities, such as ice glass making, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on ice.

Kamakura in Yokote A kamakura is a snow dome created by hollowing out compacted snow. Originally, it was a traditional wintry event in the snowy areas of the Tohoku region, in which the deity of water was honored inside the dome. Today, kamakura are built at many events held in different places during the winter season. For instance, the event of building kamakura in the city of Yokote in Akita Prefecture can be traced back about 400 years. For the Snow Festival in February, the local tourist association sets up nearly 100 kamakura. Each is three meters high and three meters across. In addition, many snow domes are built at home and in the grounds of the workplace. During the festival, visi-

tors can enjoy making a kamakura with the help of the locals. In the evening, local children play inside the domes and enjoy chatting with the tourists. The city has a Kamakura Museum, where a kamakura made of local snow is stored in the exhibition room, with the temperature kept at -10 degrees Celsius, so that it can be viewed year round. The Yokote City Tourist Association dispatches skilled kamakura builders with decades of experience to set up full-size snow domes made from Yokoteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snow in other regions. It also sells miniature kamakura, which are dome-shaped foam containers of 30 cm x 30 cm packed with Yokote snow.

Miniature kamakura illuminated by candles on a Yokote riverbank Contemporary Japan 2011

a m i h s o r s i n H e k r Ha

Peace Memorial Parka

Contemporary Japan 2011

he Genbaku Dome is the ruin of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall that was destroyed when the first nuclear weapon/ atomic bomb in human history was dropped by an American air force bomber on August 6, 1945. Because the atomic blast was almost directly above this spot, the walls of the building were partially spared from destruction, and the characteristic form of the building remained with the iron frame of the dome. This building representing Hiroshima, the first city to fall victim to nuclear bombing is registered as a world heritage site as a symbol of prayer for permanent world peace and the elimination of all nuclear weapons. There are only a few world heritage sites having this kind of negative side, including “Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp (Poland)” where the Nazi Germans slaughtered Jewish people, the “Island of Goree (Senegal)” that was

used as a base in the slave trade and “Robben Island (Republic of South Africa)” where people opposed to apartheid were imprisoned. These sites are registered to remind us of the tragedies that occurred there and to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. On the opposite bank of the Motoyasu River that runs past the Genbaku Dome, is the Peace Memorial Park where you will find the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound, Children’s Peace Monument and a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims. In front of the Hiroshima Peace City Monument in Peace Memorial Park, a peace memorial ceremony is held on August 6th every year to comfort the spirits of the people who died in the bombing and to pray for world peace.

Japan, there is a cultural heritage site called the “Itsukushima Shinto Shrine” that is dedicated to the God protecting people from sea disasters and wars. It is said that this shrine was constructed around 593; however, after the warlord Tairano Kiyomori (1118-1181) rebuilt it in 1168, it became the magnificent vermilion-lacquered building it is today. The most interesting feature of this shrine is the Torii (a kind of gate symbolizing a shrine) and the Shaden (shrine pavilion) in the sea, which are both submerged at full tide, but at low tide the sea water recedes completely and it is possible to walk out to the gate. Moreover, the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine has the only stage for Japanese traditional musical “Noh” plays that floats in the sea and where “Noh” is sometimes performed by lamplight.

In Miyajima, counted as one of the three most scenic spots in

a Shinto

Itsukushim

Shrine

Time of Explosion 8:15 a.m. August 6, 1945 Number of Dead Approx. 140,000 As of the end of December Population at the time of bombing about 350,000 1945 (Estimated) Contemporary Japan 2011

Japan launches ‘Hayabusa’ bullet train

The E5 Series is the latest addition to the Shinkansen team.

Luxury carriage modelled on airline business class

apan’s latest bullet train, the thinnosed “Hayabusa” or Falcon, made its 300 kilometre per hour (186 mph) debut boasting a luxury carriage modelled on airline business class. Japan has built up a network of cutting-edge Shinkansen train lines since the 1960s that criss-cross the island nation and now hopes to sell the infrastructure technology abroad, including to the United States. The latest ultra-fast tech-marvel will make two trips a day from Tokyo to Aomori, a scenic rural backwater on the northern tip of the main Honshu island that has until now been off Japan’s bullet train map. It will also make one more trip a day to Sendai, located between Tokyo and Aomori. Mutsutake Otsuka, chairman of East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), stressed the engineering sophistication of the new ride.

“To the best of our ability, we will strive to improve Hayabusa’s passenger comfort, safety and environmental friendliness, not just its speed,” he told hundreds of people who came to Tokyo station to see the futuristic train.

to the platform unaided.

The mood at the launch was dampened slightly by a seven minute delay to the first service after a passenger fell from the platform at Tokyo station, where more than 1,000 train hobbyists rushed to take pictures.

From next year, it will push its top speed to 320 kilometres per hour to become Japan’s fastest train.

The train was not moving at the time, and the man climbed back up

The green-and-silver E5 series Hayabusa travels at up to 300 kilometres per hour to make the 675 kilometre trip to Aomori in three hours and 10 minutes.

Passengers will glide quietly along the straight stretches and tunnels that cut through Japan’s mountainous countryside, said JR East, which has heavily promoted the launch of the new service.

was treated to an early test ride on the Hayabusa when he visited Japan in September. Japan says its trains boast a strong safety record: despite running in an earthquake-prone country, no passenger has ever died due to a Shinkansen derailment or collision — although people have committed suicide by jumping in front of the trains. Japan has also been developing a magnetic levitation or maglev train that, its operator says, reached a world record speed of 581 kilometres per hour in 2003 on a test track near Mount Fuji in Tsuru, west of Tokyo. Japan’s new bullet train ‘Hayabusa’ or Falcon passes through a station in Tokyo on March 5. The thin and long nosed Hayabusa will make its 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph) debut between Tokyo and Aomori, northern Japan, boasting a luxury carriage modelled on airline business class.

Those willing to pay 26,360 yen ($320) for a one-way trip can enjoy the comfort of a ‘GranClass’ car, where a cabin attendant will serve them drinks and food in their deeply reclining leather seats on thick woollen carpets. To promote the service, the train company has also heavily advertised Aomori as a tourist destination, praising its landscape, seafood and winter snow. Japan’s ultra-fast, frequent and punctual bullet trains have made them the preferred choice for many travellers, rather than flying or road travel, ever since the first Shinkansen was launched in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. But as Japan, and its railway companies, struggle with a fast-greying and shrinking population and fall-

ing domestic demand, the government and industry are aggressively seeking to promote the bullet trains abroad. Japan has in the past sold Shinkansen technology to Taiwan and hopes to capture other overseas markets, such as Brazil and Vietnam, but faces stiff competition from train manufacturers in China, France and Germany. The biggest prize is a future highspeed US rail network that President Barack Obama has promoted, to be backed by 13 billion dollars in public funding. California’s thengovernor Arnold Schwarzenegger

The plan is to launch maglev services between Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya by 2027. By 2045 they are expected to link Tokyo with the main western city of Osaka in just one hour and seven minutes, compared with the current two hours 25.

Glittering Ginza

Japan’s Shopping and Gourmet Paradise

okyo’s stylish Ginza district is Japan’s number-one destination for luxury shopping and gourmet dining. Centered on the wide expanses of Chuo Dori avenue, the area is lined with exclusive department stores and famous boutiques and restaurants, many of which have been in operation since the early years of the last century or even longer. Ginza has long been a place where customers can expect special levels of service and luxury—and this remains as true today as ever. Throughout the years, Ginza has been at the cuttingedge of the latest trends in fashion, art, and gourmet dining. The grace and style of its long-established stores blend in perfectly with the youthful energy of the latest newcomers.

Long-Established Shops Providing Service and Style The Wako building, standing on the Ginza 4-chome crossroads in the heart of the district, is one of the symbols of Ginza. Since it was founded in 1881, Wako has maintained its reputation as one of the finest luxury goods retailers in Japan, dealing in jewelry, men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and interior design. Opposite Wako is the Ginza branch of the Mitsukoshi department store, one of Japan’s leading retailers, with numerous stores at home and abroad. The flagship

100

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Ginza branch was the center of attention when it reopened in September 2010 after a major renovation that boosted its retail space by almost 50 percent. Each floor features a selection of “Ginza Style” highlights chosen by Mitsukoshi employees. Bringing a touch of style and luxury to customers’ daily lives is what Ginza is all about. Ginza is a place where people can enjoy delectable desserts from long-established shops. On Saturdays and holidays Chuo Dori avenue is shut off to traffic, becoming a pedestrian paradise thronged with shoppers. Besides the luxury department stores, Ginza is also famous for its concentrations of long-established specialist retailers. This is where you will find the headquarters of Mikimoto Pearls, for example. The firm was started in 1899 by Mikimoto Kokichi, the first person to cultivate pearls successfully. Since it first opened its doors, Mikimoto has always employed its very own designer to work on its window displays. Today, Mikimoto maintains a proud tradition of grace and refinement in its appearance and atmosphere.

The Ginza Tailor Company, established in 1946, specializes in fine custom-made clothing, and counts many political and business leaders among its customers. Bag specialist Ginza Tanizawa, founded in 1874, offers a “bag concierge” service in which employees with at least two decades of experience provide customers with expert advice on different types of leather and stitching. Ginza Yoshinoya, a shoe store founded in 1907, offers unparalleled quality and comfort thanks to a unique sizing system that measures the circumference around the foot as well as length and width. There are also many old stores specializing in Japanese culture. One is Kyukyodo, a traditional incense and calligraphy specialist whose first store opened in Kyoto in 1663. The Ginza branch followed in 1880. The first-floor displays are filled with luxurious washi paper, tasteful displays of cards richly evocative of the changing seasons, and a wide array of fine stationery and writing implements. Ginza Kunoya dates back to 1837, specializing in traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimonos, obi sashes, tabi socks, and furoshiki cloths. These items are popular with overseas tourists looking for a distinctly Japanese souvenir to take home from their travels.

Ginza is known as a gourmet spot and its sushi chefs are unsurpassed. Sophisticated cafes are another Ginza attraction. Famous for its sweets, the Shiseido Parlour was a groundbreaker in western-style dining. When it opened in 1902, the sodas and ice creams on its menu were still a rarity in Japan. At the fruit parlor of long-time favorite Ginza Senbikiya, customers can luxuriate in colorful parfaits and sweets as well as the very finest fresh fruits. Many of the Japanese-style cafes in the district have traditional snacks and teas on the menu, including Ginza Matsuzaki Senbei, founded in 1804, and the Ginza Fugetsudo, a specialist in Japanese sweets and cakes that dates back to 1872. These oases offer shoppers a place to sit back and relax. Ginza shows a different face on weekends, when the central Chuo Dori avenue is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian paradise. A stroll along the sophisticated boulevards of Ginza is a popular weekend recreation with local residents and foreign visitors alike.

Japan’s Gourmet Paradise Ginza has much more to offer than just shopping. It is also Japan’s top gourmet destination, with culinary skills and levels of service unmatched worldwide. Ginza is home to some of the best sushi restaurants in the world. One of the best-known is Sukiyabashi Jiro, run by Ono Jiro, widely recognized as the finest sushi chef in Japan. Another is Sushi Mizutani, started by Mizutani Hachiro, who served as sous-chef under Ono for many years. Araki Mitsuhiro, who runs the Araki restaurant, worked in a famous Tokyo restaurant and a Japanese restaurant in Australia before opening his own place. As well as restaurants specializing in tempura, eel, and other types of traditional Japanese food, there are numerous establishments that serve top-quality international cuisine, including French, Italian, and Chinese restaurants. Contemporary Japan 2011

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Pioneers in Organic Synthesis T

he Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2010 was awarded to Distinguished Professor Ei-ichi Negishi of Purdue University (USA), Hokkaido University Distinguished Professor Emeritus Akira Suzuki,

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Compatriots Ei-ichi Negishi (left) and Akira Suzuki of Japan display their medals for the 2010 Nobel Prize in Chemistry at the Concert Hall in Stockholm, December 10, 2010.

and University of Delaware (USA) Professor Emeritus Richard Heck. The Prize was awarded for palladium-catalyzed cross couplings in organic synthesis.

Cross-coupling is a chemical reaction that uses a catalyst to bind together two distinct organic compounds (compounds that include carbon), creating a different organic compound. In the past, organic compounds such as plastic or synthetic fiber have been artificially produced using chemical reactions. However, binding does not occur simply by mixing organic compounds. The reason for this is that the carbon atoms that make up

Ei-ichi Negishi escorts Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria to the Nobel banquet at the Stockholm City Hall, December 10, 2010. organic compounds possess properties that do not easily fuse with other carbon atoms. As chemists all around the world researched methods of binding together different organic compounds more easily and efficiently, in 1972, Professor Heck succeeded with a synthesis method using a metal called palladium as a catalyst. In 1977, Professor Negishi used organic zinc in addition to palladium to synthesize organic compounds more efficiently, and in 1979, Pro-

fessor Suzuki developed the synthesis method of adding boric acid to palladium, which is safer and easier to handle than organic zinc. The development of this synthesis method enabled high-function organic compounds to be produced by binding together for the intended purpose organic compounds with complex structures. Today, cross-coupling is being used in the manufacture of products in a variety of fields. Examples include the material for liquid crystal used for personal computer or TV screens, antibacterial agents, pesticides, and drugs to lower blood pressure used by 22 million people throughout the world. The Award Ceremony was held on December 10, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. At the banquet following the Award Ceremony, Professor Negishi delivered a speech on behalf of the three recipients of the chemistry prize. In his speech, Professor Negishi said, “Receiving a Nobel Prize is the ultimate recognition for a lifetime spent questioning, exploring, experimenting; passing through the valleys of anguish to climb the mountains of success.” He also said, “Our work in palladiumcatalyzed cross-couplings in organic synthesis has been ongoing for many years and it will continue. But the full impact of it is not yet real-

Akira Suzuki (left) receives the joint 2010 Nobel Prize in Chemistry from Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf at the Concert Hall in Stockholm, December 10, 2010. ized. Others will use what we have learned, build on what we have discovered and use this to help people and technology in ways that we can only imagine today.” Last year’s awards bring the total number of Japanese Nobel laureates, including one recipient based in the United States, to eighteen.

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he postwar phase in Japan saw the establishment of a new banking system in order to finance the reconstruction of the economy. In this rebuilding period, most Japanese banks operated in one of three general categories. City banks, were the greatest in number, and the primary source of short-term credit for the country’s major companies. These were complemented

by regional banks, dealing mostly with smaller businesses, and specialized long-term credit banks Smart, coordinated investment – and lots of it – ensured that Japan’s banking industry prospered along with the rest of the economy over the next few decades. In turn, banks felt secure in providing credit more liberally, which served to further ac-

celerate the growth of the Japanese economy. The Japanese stock market reached its all-time high in December 1989, amidst of rampant speculation fuelled largely by easy lending. The government was eventually forced to raise interest rates, an action which worked, perhaps a little too well, to burst the bubble.

The Lost Decade of the 1990s

The financial sector was the hardest hit by the post-bubble collapse. All of a sudden, a large proportion of the loans issued in the preceding years became questionable, risky, or just plain junk. The weak government response didn’t help matters, as short-term bailouts were initially preferred to meaningful regulatory reforms. Some of the banks were coerced into providing emergency loans to ostensibly “too big to fail” zombie companies, even though these had no chance of ever being

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repaid. For a period of about a decade, the Japanese banking industry was slow to enact change on its own, and it received little in the way of outside guidance. This served to extend the length of the crisis.

The Present

The Japanese banking landscape in the 21st century looks very different from how it did in the heyday of the Japanese economy. At their peak, the “Big Five” Japanese banks – DaiIchi Kangyo Bank, Sumitomo Bank, Fuji Bank, Mitsubishi Bank, and Sanwa Bank – were also the five largest in the world, in that order. Although following the collapse and the “Lost Decade” of the 1990s, all of the aforementioned banks were forced into mergers. Now, for consumers, only three Japanese “megabanks” remain, and foreign-based banks have greatly increased their presence in the country. On the positive side, meaningful reforms were eventually enacted, and the situation in banking and fi-

nance in Japan has been relatively stable since about 2005. In fact, the Japanese financial sector has been one of those to come out relatively unscathed from the global financial crisis, while other sectors have certainly suffered.

The Future

At the same time, the Japanese economy in general has continued to stagnate. Had it not been for the slow response to the first Japanese banking crisis, it might have been possible to turn things around more quickly. Though overall, the outlook for banking and finance in Japan is fairly good. In terms of stable structure and governance, the banking system in particular is among the world’s best, and if the rest of the economy is able to recover at some point, there’s still a chance that Japan’s banks can regain their former stature.

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Hayabusa is Back

The Japanese technology behind a six-billion kilometer journey

n June 2010, the Japanese asteroid exploration spacecraft Hayabusa returned to Earth after an epic journey into space. In November 2010, it was announced that the spacecraft had succeeded in bringing back samples of sand from Itokawa, an asteroid 300 some million kilometers away from Earth. Hayabusa is the first spacecraft ever to land on and lift off from any celestial body other than the moon and bring back samples. Seven years after its launch in 2003, Hayabusa’s six billion kilometer journey, powered by Japan’s leading-edge technology, had come to a successful conclusion.

Japan’s Ion Engine Perhaps the most notable technology used in Hayabusa is a set of new ion engines jointly developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NEC Corp. Unlike regular rockets, the engine is powered by electricity instead of fuel, giving it excellent mileage efficiency. Combining the ion engines with a large solar battery makes it possible for the probe to undertake missions beyond Mars and Venus. Although the engine has a thrust force of just one gram (the force required to move an object with a mass of one gram), over the course of a year it can reach a speed of up to 2,000 kilometers per hour.

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By emitting ions rapidly and steadily and accelerating gradually over a prolonged period, the engine makes it possible to carry spacecraft to their destination much more efficiently than a large rocket engine. “Ion engines themselves are not new, but the kind of engine used in Hayabusa is a kind that no other country had ever used before,” says its developer, Professor Kuninaka Hitoshi of JAXA. “The most distinctive thing

about it is that it d o e s n ’ t contain any p l a s m a generating electrodes. In other ion engines, the electrodes wear away. Hayabusa’s e n g i n e d o e s n ’ t have this problem, so it lasts longer making it ideal for continuous operation over the course of a long-term mission.” The durability of the engines used in Hayabusa enabled them to become the most outstanding ion engines ever to be operated for more than ten thousand hours in space. “The original plan was to get to Itokawa and back in four years,” Kuninaka explains. “In fact, as a result of a few hitches on the way, it ended up taking seven years. The journey covered a total of six billion kilometers - that would never have been possible without the new engines. “Another feature that makes our ion engines different from those of other countries is that they were programmed with nearly a hundred simulationbased solutions to help them deal with contingencies that might arise. Hayabusa was also equipped with several ion engines, to keep it in operation even if one engine failed. Planetary probes have to withstand an unimaginably tough environment—absolutely anything can happen. The contingency-response patterns programmed into the probe saved the mission from disaster many times.”

technology was vital to the success of the expedition too, using cameras and lasers to monitor the probe’s distance from the asteroid, capturing data regarding the terrain, collecting samples, and taking off again. The capsule used to encase the collected particles on the voyage back to Earth was the result of ground-breaking heatresistant technology. Hayabusa itself was expected to burn up after releasing the capsule prior to re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. But it was vital that the capsule be strong enough to withstand the searing heat and return safely to earth in one piece. Air temperatures around the capsule as it entered the atmosphere reached around 3,000 degrees Celsius. Once the capsule had made it safely through the re-entry stage, the heat shield dropped off and the capsule containing the samples floated down to Earth on a parachute. The samples were kept in a vacuum to protect them from contamination by the atmosphere. This was the first time in history that planetary samples from space had ever been brought back to Earth. Hayabusa’s re-entry to earth was the focus of worldwide attention. NASA flew an airplane to observe the event. The capsule contained around 1,500 fine particles of around 0.01 millimeters in diameter. Electron microscope analysis has confirmed most of these to be of extraterrestrial origin.

A Showcase of World Firsts Another Japanese innovation used in Hayabusa is the Autonomous Navigation System. Aiming a probe at a small asteroid like Itokawa is like firing a bullet in Tokyo and trying to hit a five-millimeter mosquito 20,000 kilometers away in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Hayabusa could not afford to deviate even slightly from its scheduled flight path if it was ever going to rendezvous with the asteroid. Moreover, with 300 million kilometers lying between Earth and Itokawa, radio commands would have taken 16 minutes to reach Hayabusa. The probe was therefore equipped with a system that enabled it to think and act independently. Japan’s advanced robotics Contemporary Japan 2011

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Breakthroughs in Bakery Pan Akimoto President Yoshihiko Akimoto

Can you name a Japanese product that has earned the gratitude of thousands of victims of major earthquakes in Haiti and Sri Lanka, and that was also taken into space on the Space Shuttle? Miho Yanagisawa introduces the product developed by Pan Akimoto.

ormally, bread only remains fresh for a few days. But canned bread stays edible for as long as three years. This groundbreaking product makes it possible to enjoy the soft texture of bread whenever you open the can, as long as it is before the useby date. The canned bread was developed by Pan Akimoto, a bakery located in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture. This local bakery started to make canned bread following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which struck on January 17, 1995. The magnitude 7.3 earthquake killed more than 6,000 people and left more than 40,000 injured. Hearing about this tragedy, the current president Yoshihiko Akimoto and his predecessor, Kenji Akimoto, thought that as bakers they ought to be providing bread for the victims. They trucked in more than 2,000 loaves while roads and transportation facilities were yet to be restored. The long journey from Tochigi took them one and a half days. However, some of the bread had passed its use-by date before it was delivered to the victims, and was consequently discarded. An acquaintance of Yoshihiko, who later told him about the wasted bread, asked him, “Couldn’t you make soft bread that would keep well like kanpan (a sea biscuit)?”

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“That’s impossible,” was Akimoto’s first answer. The soft texture of bread and preservative qualities conflict with each other, and are impossible to combine. “Kanpan and ordinary soft pan (bread) are completely different products, although their names sound similar. Nevertheless, between my regular tasks, I started to experiment with production.” With advice from a professor at a university agricultural department, Akimoto tried to create a material composition that would reduce the deterioration of the bread dough, or the deterioration of the starch contained within it. He also came up with a method of baking bread after putting it into a can, which keeps it sterile. He also succeeded in preventing deterioration caused by oxidization by putting a deoxidizer into the can and closing its lid in a sterilized room. A technique for retaining a good taste is to keep the bread wrapped with ovenproof paper while baking it. By using this method, Yoshihiko succeeded in preventing the bread from being dried out. And so, after nearly one year of trial and error, he had developed canned bread. The canned bread earned an excellent reputation after it was used as relief supplies for victims of Japan’s Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake that

struck in 2004 and for victims of the earthquake in the Indian Ocean off Sumatra that occurred at the end of that same year.

Canned Bread Crosses Borders In 2007, when canned bread was being widely used as an emergency food by many companies and local governments, Akimoto came up with an idea of reusing it. He started to trade in canned bread that would expire within a specific time. He sends letters to purchasers of the bread, including schools, companies, and local governments, collects products that will expire in one year, and sells them new canned bread at a tradein price. The collected bread is then sent to areas suffering from food shortages as relief supplies by NGOs working to save people from hunger. Buying back the canned bread allows purchasers to buy new products at lower prices and to make an international contribution as well. Full-scale operation of the project began in 2009. So far more than 30,000 cans have been sent overseas thanks to the support of around 2,000 individuals, local government bodies and private companies. “Canned bread is intended for use in emergencies such as disasters, so the best thing is not to have to open

it. However, because I am a baker, I want the bread to be enjoyed by people rather than being thrown away.” Akimoto’s father, Kenji, was an air force pilot during World War II. He was ashamed of having participated in the war and wanted to contribute to the world. The wish of the father is now being taken on by his son. In 2009, the canned bread not only crossed borders, it left the Earth entirely. After passing the NASA test, which requires “200% safety,” it was included on the Space Shuttle Discovery as space food when Japanese astronaut Wakata Kouichi stayed at the International Space Station. “I felt very motivated, because that is unprecedented,” says Akimoto. As he continues to take on new challenges, that motivating force is his passion.

Pan Akimoto’s Ever Fresh Bread has a shelf life of three years.

Endoscope ‘swims’

apanese researchers said they had developed a self-propelled remote controlled capsule endoscope that can “swim” through the digestive tract. They have succeeded in capturing images inside a person’s stomach and colon using the tadpole-shaped capsule as a first step toward its clinical application, the scientists said. It is the first time a self-propelled endoscope has successfully moved from one part of the digestive tract to another and shot images inside the colon, the team said.

from Ryukoku University and Osaka Medical College. Capsule endoscopes have been developed since the 1980s and came to be widely used in the 2000s. But they were unable to propel themselves, relying instead on muscle contractions to move them along. The self-propelled capsule was first tested inside a dog’s stomach in 2009 and it has been since modified and made smaller, the team said.

The Mermaid was demonstrated before Japanese media at Osaka Medical College in Osaka’s suburbs. “By remotely controlling the capsule, we can precisely photograph the area which needs to be tested,” Osaka Medical College professor Kazuhide Higuchi said. “It can examine the digestive canal from the oesophagus to the colon in a few hours. It reduces burdens on patients and can led to the discovery of cancer,” he said.

The device, nicknamed the “Mermaid,” is about one centimetre (0.4 inches) in diameter and 4.5 (1.8 inches) long and has magnetic driving gear that allows for precise control of its direction and location. Doctors use a joystick to control the capsule’s movements, watching them on a monitor screen. It can be swallowed for examination of the stomach or inserted rectally for the colon. The research was announced at an international conference on digestive diseases in Chicago, Illinois, in May, according to the team, which included scientists

A Japanese researcher displays a self-propelled remote controlled capsule endoscope that can ‘swim’ through the digestive tract in Osaka, western Japan on June 21. Contemporary Japan 2011

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DDS: A Giant Leap for Mankind Advances in the development of drug delivery systems (DDS) for the treatment of cancer are being made around the world. The Japan Journal’s Osamu Sawaji talked with Professor Kazunori Kataoka of the University of Tokyo, whose DDS treatment involving photosensitizers in polymer micelles is now very close to practical application.

COURTESY OF KAZUNORI KATAOKA

The administration of anti-cancer drugs and exposing the patient to radiation are widely practiced methods of cancer treatment. However, these methods damage normal tissues as well as the cancer cell tissue, and as such are frequently accompanied by adverse reactions such as pain, fever or nausea. An additional problem is that normal cells that are damaged by these treatments also become cancerous. Drug delivery systems (DDS) using nano-tech-

“We have to design it in such a way that the carrier moves inside the blood without being recognized as a foreign body, accurately reaches the cancerous tissue and, moreover, activates the anti-cancer drug,” says Professor Kataoka. “In that sense, DDS is an Apollo Program in the micro-cosmos of the human body.” In the late 1980s, Professor Kataoka pioneered the development of a spherical carrier, called polymer

Electron microscope image of polymer micelles

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nology is a new cancer treatment method which resolves that problem, and advances are being made in research and development on a global scale. DDS is a technology that intensively delivers a “carrier” loaded with drugs to the cancer cells, suppresses adverse reactions, and effectively destroys the cancer cells.

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Professor Kazunori Kataoka

micelles, 50 nanometers in diameter with an anti-cancer drug in the center, and in experiments using mice successfully zeroed in on and destroyed the cancer cells.

Mechanism of Polymer Micelles The first feature of polymer micelles is that they avoid the function of the human body that recognizes foreign bodies. Human bodies have a function that eliminates anything that enters the body and is recognized as a foreign body, for example through urination. However, polymer micelles are designed in such a way that they are not recognized as foreign bodies, specifically by coating their surface with polymers called polyethylene glycol, a substance that is also contained in emulsifying agents for cosmetics. As a result, polymer micelles can remain in the blood for a long time, raising the likelihood that they will reach the diseased area.

A further important feature of polymer micelles is their size, designed to reach only the cancer cells. In blood vessels around cancer cells, there are large holes of approximately 200 nanometers or more. Since anticancer drug molecules are normally a few nanometers, they also reach normal cells, causing adverse reactions. However, polymer micelles of 50 nanometers pass only through the openings in the blood vessels around cancer cells and so reach only the diseased part. Practical Application of DDS Later, Professor Kataoka further developed his research with the aim of achieving practical application, and to date has conducted clinical trials on polymer micelles that use

five types of anti-cancer drugs, demonstrating a high treatment efficacy with no adverse reactions. In recent years Professor Kataoka has been undertaking research that incorporates DDS into cancer treatment that uses photosensitizers. A treatment method that destroys cancer cells by administering photosensitizers to the patient and exposing the diseased part to light, producing reactive oxygen in a chemical reaction, is already in use. However, as it stands there are problems with this method. When exposed to light after administration, reactive oxygen is generated in other areas besides the diseased part, damaging normal cells, and so for two weeks or more following its administration the patient has to be

confined to a dark room. However, if photosensitizers can be placed in polymer micelles and sent with accuracy to cancer cells only, this will no longer be necessary. Currently, animal experiments are being carried out for clinical trials. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Treatment using DDS does not require large devices or high-level technology. It is simply a matter of administering the drug wrapped in polymer micelles inside the body using a syringe or drip infusion. It is an extremely economical treatment method that can be given at any hospital,â&#x20AC;? says Professor Kataoka. Professor Kataoka aims to launch a cancer drug that uses DDS by around 2013.

Polymeric Micelle Administration in Human

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Japan ranks as 3rd most peaceful country in the world

ccording to the Global Peace Index (GPI) for the year 2010, Japan ranked as third most peaceful country in the world, just behind Norway and Iceland.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at the ranking of 10 most peaceful countries: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Norway (Score: 1.188) Iceland (Score: 1.212) Japan (Score: 1.247) Austria (score: 1.290) New Zealand (score: 1.322) Ireland (score: 1.337) Denmark (score: 1.341) Luxembourg (score: 1.341) Finland (score: 1.352) Sweden (score: 1.354)

The United States came in to 85th place, just behind Macedonia. Some of the factors examined include number of external and internal wars, level of organized internal conflicts, level of distrust among citizens, political stability, level of respect for human rights, violent crime, import and export of major conventional weapons,

ease of access to light weapons and other things. The main findings of the Global Peace Index are: - Peace correlates to indicators such as income, schooling and the level of regional integration. - Peaceful countries often share high levels of transparency of government and low corruption. Small, stable countries that are part of regional blocks are most likely to get a higher ranking.

3. Japan (Score:1.247) 112

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Embassy of Japan holds reunion reception for Kuwaiti students

he Embassy of Japan in Kuwait held a reunion reception for all Kuwaiti students who were

educated in Japan as well as other students

planing

pursue

their

education in Japan together with Japanese students learning the Arabic language at Kuwait University on 24th March, 2011 at the residence of H.E. Mr. Yasuyoshi Komizo the Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait.

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50th Anniversary Event Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Yasuyoshi Komizo (2nd left), Sheikha Salome Al Sabah (centre), representative to Amir in Kuwait, Japanese calligraphic artist Tankei Maruyama (2nd right) and Koichi Mori (right), chairman of Japanese Community Association of Kuwait pose during ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the exhibition.

Modern Japanese Calligraphy

he Japanese Embassy in Kuwait in collaboration with Al Fanar Mall opened an Exhibition of Modern Japanese Calligraphy by Tankei Maruyama Wednesday at the Al Fanar Mall Art Gallery in Salmiya. Key note speakers as introduced by Naoko Ueki (Al Fanar Mall manager and moderator of the event) included Tankei Maruyama (exhibition artist), Yasuyoshi Komizo (Ambassador of Japan), Sheikha Salome Al-Sabah (representative of Amir of Kuwait), and Koichi Mori (chairman of Japanese Community Association of Kuwait). The event was attended by a large crowd that included ambassadors of several countries. The Japanese ambassador in his speech welcomed the guests to the event saying “It is my pleasure to welcome you to this very important and special event. It is special because this is the first Japanese cultural exhibition in Kuwait and coincides with the 20th anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Kuwait as well as the 50th anniversary of Kuwait-Japan diplomatic relations.”

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The Japanese ambassador also paid a glowing tribute to the late Wael Al Saqer, Co-chairman of Kuwait- Japan Businessmen’s Committee who passed away in a ghastly motor accident. He said “We shall never forget the contribution of Wael to the expansion of business between Kuwait and Japan. May his soul rest in peace.” Tankei Maruyama, the exhibition artist on her part said “Thank you all for coming to the opening ceremony of the exhibition. I am delighted to be part of this first Japanese Art Exhibition in Kuwait which I hope will be beneficial to the people of Kuwait as well as enhance the ties between Kuwait and Japan.”

Sheikha Salome on her part said “The people of Kuwait are delighted to have this exhibition taking place here as it will go a long way to improving the cultural ties as well as solidify the bond of friendship between Kuwait and Japan.”

Demonstration

Koichi Mori, Chairman of Japanese Community Association in Kuwait also chipped in a few words, saying “On behalf of Japanese citizens in

Kuwait, I welcome you to this special art exhibition and hope it helps strengthen the friendship between Japan and Kuwait.” The Japanese ambassador cut the tape to mark the opening of the exhibition which included a live performance of calligraphy by Maruyama as well as Japanese Marital Arts (KENDO) demonstration by two Japanese youths. The event is supported by Japanese Society in Kuwait, Mitsui Co, Furusho Co, and Kajigaya Bone Setting Clinic. The martial arts demonstration was done by two young Japanese youths who thrilled the crowd with their well choreographed moves in three different and distinct styles. A calligraphic demonstration preceding that of Tankei was performed by Ambassador Komizo. The performance tended to have a spiritual element to it as he had to make some yoga- like exercises prior to the painting itself. A giant brush, ink and screen were made ready and put at the center of the stage surrounded by the large audience. The Japanese Ambassador grabbed the brush, dipped it into the ink, took a

deep breath, and launched it onto the Rice Paper to paint the desired characters. He repeated the same steps and completed another painting, so he was left exhausted and could hardly speak. This left the entire crowd of spectators bewildered. Tankei Maruyama born in Tokyo, Japan, studied Japanese Language and Literature as well as Calligraphic Arts at Nihon Uniersity in Japan. She actually started practicing calligraphy at the age of three with her father’s encouragement.

Creativity

Since 1989, Tankei has exhibited her works in Japan, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Paris, New York and Dubai. Now she is exhibiting in Kuwait which is an opportunity for the people to explore the work of this artist that believes each individual has the inner power to search for the self, universal value and beauty. This is a belief that inspires her creativity. The exhibition titled “Soul of Modern Japanese Calligraphy” is a solo

effort showcasing the work of Tankei Maruyama and also the first major contemporary Japanese calligraphy exhibition in Kuwait. Japanese calligraphy is very much based on Chinese calligraphy, but has a long and distinct history and style of its own. The history of Japanese calligraphy has been heavily influenced by Chinese calligraphy. For a long time, the most esteemed calligrapher in Japan had been Wang Xizhi, a fourth century Chinese calligrapher. After the invention of Kana and Katakana, Japanese unique syllables, calligraphers developed intrinsic styles unique to Japan.

Treasures

There are four treasures or tools that make Japanese calligraphy distinguished from all others. These are: Ink stick, Ink Stone, Brush and Rice Paper. These tools, in Japanese artistic circles are called the treasures of Japanese calligraphy.

Ink stick is a small solid stick ground on ink stone to make liquid ink. Making the liquid ink is a skilful way to let the mind calm down and reach the right mental stage for brushing calligraphy. Ink stone is a natural stone with a flat surface for making ink. It is the one tool that lasts through the Artist’s lifetime as a calligrapher.

Characters

The brush which is normally made of animals hair is perfectly designed to perform all movements necessary for shaping all Japanese characters. It is very soft, supple, elastic and able to shape all forms of characters. Rice Paper is the paper used by Japanese calligraphers to paint the characters on, It is a porous paper that has the ability to absorb large quantities of ink without changing the original shapes of the characters. The porosity of the paper is not only on the material level but also on the energy level as the energy of the calligrapher is believed to be stored on the paper. The beauty of Japanese calligraphy lies in its simplicity and the four tools or treasures help to achieve it. The exhibition is being held as part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of Kuwait-Japan diplomatic relations in 2011. While serving to strengthen the relationship between Kuwait and Japan, the exhibition also tends to be an opportunity to showcase Japanese culture and traditions to the people of Kuwait.

Japanese Ambassador Komizo (center), poses with other ambassadors and dignitaries at the event.

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Kuwait - Japan Friendship Month

Medical confab celebrates 50 yrs of Kuwait-Japan

the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Yasuyoshi Komizo

ties

Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Hilal Al Sayer

Health a building block of economy T he Embassy of Japan and Kuwait’s Ministry of Health jointly organized a Japan Medical Conference at Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The conference, organized as part of Japanese embassy’s celebration of the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two states, was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, and the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Yasuyoshi Komizo. Speaking before the start of the conference, Dr Al Sayer conveyed his condolences to the people of Japan over the massive loss of lives and property in the recent earthquake and tsunami. The minister hailed the efforts of the first emergency teams that went into the disaster area risking their lives to save other lives. “Their sacrifices will not be lost to the future generations.” Al Sayer remembered the support extended by Japan during the invasion of Kuwait of Iraq, and assured full support to Japan in its hour of need. The minister recalled the starting of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kuwait, adding that trade and commercial ties dates back much farther. “The bilateral trade between the two countries is worth

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$10 billion today.”

The minister noted that Kuwait has big goals for the future, and healthcare is an important part of the plans. “At the heart of any economy is the health of people. Kuwait is looking to investment, technology and structural reforms in healthcare with international partnerships.” The ambassador of Japan for his part said that there has been a break in the celebration of the 50 years of Kuwait-Japan diplomatic relations owing to the tragedy that struck Japan recently. “We are resuming now after two months.” Komizo thanked HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah for the donation of KD 5 million to Japan for reconstruction works.

Dr Hirohiko Tsujii

Human spirit The ambassador said that over 27,000 people are either dead or missing in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami; “however, the human spirit has not been destroyed.” He thanked the support and love shown by Kuwait and cited it as an example of “true human spirit.” The first lecture of the conference was on ‘Effective and Safe

Dr Shigeru Saito

various patients. The institute has received close 5,900 patients between 1994 and 2011. “As of now, we treat about 800 patients every year.

Fujimoto Cancer Radiotherapy with Carbon Ions,” given by Dr Hirohiko Tsujii, Executive Director of National Institute for Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Japan. Dr Tsujii began with a brief account of NIRS, and how the institute played a important role in checking for radioactivity in people following the nuclear meltdown in Fukushima plant. “The institute is close to the plant.”

“CIRT is effective for cancer of the lung, liver, rectum, prostate, bone, eye, brain, uterus, pancreas and so on. These are cancers that are difficult to operate, and radiotherapy is the best solution.

Techniques “The various diagnostic techniques used for detection of cancer include CT Scan, MRI Scan and PET. “Osteosarcoma can be cured using CIRT, patients can walk immediately after treatment. In the case of Sacral Chordoma, over 80 percent of the cases are now treated using CIRT now.”

Getting to the subject, Dr Tsujii said that many types of ions are used usually for cancer therapy. “Carbon Ion Radiotherapy (CIRT) uses ions produced by carbon molecules.

Dr Tsujii said that incidence of prostrate cancer is on the rise in Japan and Europe. Carbon Ion Radiotherapy is the best treatment for prostate cancer, because toxicity to the bladder and urethra is very low compared to conventional treatment.

“These ions have two characteristics: they can be focused very precisely and they are dense making the treatment very effective.”

“There is also an increase seen in the number of patients with recurring rectal cancer, where CIRT is once again effective.”

Dr Tsujii next focused on dose distribution in CIRT. “It gives high dose on precise locations of tumor, with peak areas having an increased physical dose

The doctor’s institute initially treated pancreatic cancer using CIRT, but now combines this treatment with chemotherapy for better results. He showed a couple of case studies of patients treated for pancreatic cancer.

“Over 20,000 people detected with early stage of cancer were cured using CIRT. The treatment was completed in one day.” The doctor showed case studies of people with cancer and the subsequent cure using the carbon radiotherapy method. Detailing the various steps of treatment using CIRT, Dr Tsujii named CT scan, calculation of dose distribution, simulation and finally treatment. At his institute, the cancer board meets twice every week to discuss treatme methodologies for

Japan has developed new facilities for CIRT such as the Charged Particle Facility and a new research facility for 3D scanning. “Currently we use scan beams to scan the full volume of tumor more precisely. We have developed the Compact Rotating Gantry, which is half the size and weight of the previous generation gantry.” Dr Tsujii said that patients are coming from places like Korea, China, Italy and US to Japan for

Takanori Shibata treatment. The second lecture, given by Dr Shigeru Saito, Vice President and Director of Cardiology, ShonanKamakura General Hospital, Japan, was titled: ‘Balloon and Stent for Heart Attack from the Wrist.” Dr Saito explained that the conventional method to access the heart for surgery was through the groin. “However, there are complications involved in this procedure because of bleeding. Blood fill up the abdominal cavity and causes complications. “In contrast, when you access the heart from the wrist, the complications are nearly zero.” The doctor then showed footage of a surgery he performed using the wrist method to clear two blocks in the coronary arteries of the heart of an Arab man. A catheter was inserted through the patient’s wrist and the blocks in the arteries were removed. The patient was shown sitting up soon after the non-invasive procedure. Dr Saito was a part of the medical team involved in saving tsunami victims and he shared some of his experiences during the mission. To a question on the advancement of non-invasive surgery techniques in Japan, Dr Saito explained that Japan lagged behind conventional surgeries a couple of decades ago, and focused on non-invasive techniques, helping it to make great strides in the field. Contemporary Japan 2011

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many people know our quality standards in the automobile and the electronics are one of the best in the world, and so is our medical technology. “Japan government has been promoting medical tourism to Japan since around 2009 and medical institutes or hospitals in Japan are now working to accept foreign patients, such as employing foreigners or interpreters, setting up the international affairs office, or being accredited by JCI.”

Dr Masanori Fukushima, Director and Chairman, Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI) and Foundation of Biomedical Research and Innovation (FBRI), Japan, tackled the subject of “Cancer Education and Early Detection” He said that before we go into advanced treatment methods, prevention and screening of cancer are very important. Dr Fukushima said that his center has translated the newest and most updated cancer information issued by National Cancer Institute of the US. He distributed copies of it pertaining to breast cancer. Japan, he added, has set up a Translation Research Informatics Center at Kobe, “which is the first medical data center for academics of its kind in Japan.” He divided his lecture into two parts namely: Disease Control Strategy and Dissemination of Cancer Information. When it comes to disease control, he noted that we have to look into the past and the present and plan for the future.

Cancer He said that 50 years ago stroke was the highest killer in Japan, but now stroke has gone down and cancer has taken its place. “Thank to new technologies and innovations,

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cancer rates are also dropping. “The number of ageing people is increasing and so we are seeing more cancer patients.” Making a comparison between Kuwait’s and Japan’s population pyramid, Dr Fukushima observed that Kuwait’s current status is like Japan’s fifty years ago. “Breast cancer is the sixth major cause of death in Kuwait, following Ischemic heart diseases, injuries, hypertension and diabetes. “The key to cancer control is early detection and early treatment.” He stressed the importance of cancer screening for asymptomatic healthy people. Dr Fukushima explained some of the important actions taken by the US government to tackle cancer. ‘The Action for Cancer Control was taken in 1971. Back then, there were 3 million cancer survivors in the US. Today, there are 10 million cancer survivors, which show a big drop in cancer mortalities.’ On the topic of “Current Situation of Japanese Medical Tourism” Dr Kazunori Fujimoto said that “Japan is known for the highest life expectancy in the world. Thanks to our healthier diet, low obesity rates. Many people live healthy free of disabilities for many years.” Medical tourism to Japan, he noted, is not well known, but as

Dr Fujimoto touched upon the latest developments in Japan in the treatment of various diseases such as the Carbon Ion Radiotherapy in the treatment of a variety of cancers and the cancer education system “which Japan will be able to contribute to foreign countries.” Takanori Shibata of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan spoke on the life innovation with therapeutic robot - Paro. He is also known as the ‘Father of Paro’. According to Shibata, Paro is a baby seal robot that has been developed since 1993 for two purposes - as companion at home and for therapy at hospitals, elderly institutions, schools and other similar bodies. He said Paro was commercialized in Japan in 2005 and 1,500 units had been sold there so far, adding that about 70 percent of the customers are individuals and about 20 percent are institutions. Describing the research on international comparison of evaluation of Paro by interacting with people, Shibata disclosed, “We distributed questionnaires to about 2,000 visitors in exhibitions in seven countries -Japan, Korea, Sweden, UK, Italy, Brunei and US. Most of the respondents had high evaluation on Paro regardless of the countries. However, when we analyzed the data through the principal component analysis, two different uses of Paro emerged - for pet and for therapy.”

Kuwait - Japan Friendship Month

Okinawa song and dance theater performed in Kuwait

he Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) recently held Japanese folk dance and music show by the Okinawa song and dance theatre “Chura” as part of Kuwait-Japan Friendship Month and part of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Japan.

The event started with a moment of silence for the recent Japan earthquake victims and followed by H E Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait, Yasuyoshi Komizu’s speech, where he highlighted the strong Kuwait-Japan relationship and expressed his sincere gratitude for Kuwait and Kuwaiti people for the kind support and assistance after the recent destructive earthquake. After that the enthusiastic and energetic Okinawa ladies started the dance and music show and the audience enjoyed the rich and colorful Okinawa culture.

At the end of the show, on behalf of the NCCAL, Director of the Culture and Arts Department Sahl Al-Ajmi expressed their thanks and presented a trophy to a Chura representative. Chura from Okinawa presented a traditional colorful Japanese doll to NCCAL for giving them the opportunity to perform in Kuwait.

Kuwait and Japan are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Kuwait-Japan diplomatic ties and May was the Kuwait-Japan Friendship Month. The Embassy of Japan held a number cultural and economic events and activities to celebrate this occasion.

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Kuwait - Japan Friendship Month

Concert proves music has no barriers

Japanese drums,

Arabic oud harmonize as one beat

he Embassy of Japan in cooperation with Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah and supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan in 2011 and cooperated by Theatre Office Natori, Tokyo Butaikikaku, World Project presented The Japanese Music Project in Collaboration with Arabic Traditional

“Taiko or the Japanese drums expresses the traits that characterize the Japanese people. The determination, the training needed to acquire this skill, the control and the ability to improvise is what the Japanese stand for. This evening

is a tribute to

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“I want to thank everybody for their support and friendship during our time of need. We shall never forget and we are very grateful. We know we have a genuine friend in Kuwait and we want to further strengthen that friendship.” Movements

Music ‘Oud’” at the Al Maidan Cultural Centre at 7 pm. Held in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Japan, the show resonated with the sound of the almost martial Japanese drums tempered by the sweeter sound of the Arabic oud. “Although this is a sad moment as we remember those who lost their lives in the horrific tsunami and earthquake that took place in Japan recently, this is a tribute to the survivors and the resilience of the Japanese people,” said Sheikha Hussa Al Salem Al Sabah, Director General of DAI in her introduction.

Kuwait after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March.

the people of Japan.” In his welcome address, the Ambassador of Japan, Yasuyoshi Komizo, said, “We have brought together our traditional drums and the oud to show that music knows no barriers.” He went on to express his gratitude for the support received from

The concert that followed featured Shonosuke Okura on the Otsuzumi, Yuji Tsunemi on the oud and Himiko, the fiesty Japanese Women’s Drum Group. The drama of the performance was unmistakable. The anticipation as Shonosuke Okura slowly moved his hand and struck the first note. His movements precise and controlled, and as mentioned earlier characteristic of the Japanese people. Shonosuke Okura played the Otsuzumi or the Okawa, an hour glass shaped Japanese drum used in traditional Japanese theatre and folk music. Shonosuke Okura, eldest son of the 15th generation head of the Okura

School, Chojuro Okura, is the inheritor of a legacy that has been passed down since the Muromachi Period, as one of the Noh musical families in the field of Otsuzumi and Kotsuzumi Japanese drums. He gave his debut performance at age 9 after having trained under his grand father and father. Besides performing on the traditional Noh stage, he established his position as a solo Otsuzumi player with several collaborations to his credit. He insists on playing with his hands, an extremely difficult task. A cultural ambassador for Japan, he has been invited by the Pope to play at the Vatican and has performed at various ceremonies and events around the world. Toshiyuki Natori, the producer of the show said, “Okura is the biggest star we have. He has years of playing to his credit.” Shonosuko Okura was later accompanied by Makato Ohno on the flute. The Arab touch was added by Yuji Tsunemi, the oud player. Few artists in Japan play the oud, an instrument that Tsunemi has mastered over the last twenty five years. When all three musicians took to the stage they produced a sound that was unusual. At first the sound

of the traditional Japanese drum, the oud and the flute seemed incompatible, but as the performance continued, the music came together as if bits of a whole. The tradi tional Japanese drum mellowed down to harmonize with the softer sound of the oud. Music, as the Ambassador said, did speak the universal language of humanity, compassion and peace. Soon an array of drums in different shapes and sizes took over the stage. They were played by women, members of Himiko the all female Japanese women drummers. Himiko was a pioneering group started by Kumi Kimura in 1985. The group was named after a mysterious empress Himiko who ruled the Kingdom of Yamataikoku in ancient Japan. The drums of Himiko combine the power and heroism of Japanese drums with female grace and glitter. The group has given several performances in Canada, Australia, Singapore, China and Uzbekistan.

Passion As the women began to play, the power, passion and zest of their music took over the auditorium. The performance was by all means dra-

matic with a touch of physical theatre as the drummers exchanged places, swayed and pounded away at their instruments. It was a tribute to the skill, artistry and power of the Japanese women. The diminutive, soft spoken Kumi Kimura, the founder of the group spoke in volumes as she and coartists played. “I have been playing drums for more than 30 years,” she said to Arab Times. An actress, she decided to form an all women’s group when drumming was restricted mostly to men in Japan. “Drums are traditionally played by men in Japan,” she smiled. “I wanted to do something different, so I formed an all women’s group. I wanted to be the first one to do so.” When asked if it’s difficult for women to play drums, she said, “A drum is a sensitive instrument. You just hit it and it makes a sound. On the other hand drums can go really deep. With just one hit, the drummer has to tell his or her feelings and emotions.” Usually the group tells a story and they wear costumes to suit the story, but on Tuesday evening, the drummers were in traditional Japanese costume as it was a short performance.

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Japan Culture Week

Sheikh Ahmad patronizes Culture Week

Traditional Japanese dances wow audience

forme eing per b s e c n a ional d the tradit Some of

s part of the ongoing Japan Culture Week patronized by Kuwait’s Oil Minister and Minister of Information, Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah, the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) organized a show of Japanese traditional dance by Kikunokai, at Abdul Aziz Hussein Cultural Theater in Mishref.

The second event was Shakkyo or Lion Dance. It was a typical Japanese classical piece. Legend has it that lions kick their cubs over a cliff to make them strong. Two dancers in lion costumes, one with a red mane, the cub, and the other with white mane, the father, performed together holding a branch of peony, known as the king of flowers.

The show was for special invitees and was open to the public. The dance troupe, Kikunokai, was founded by late Michiyo Hata in 1972, and upholds the fundamentals of classical dance while embracing modern styles and techniques.

The highlight of the first part was Tsuri Onna, a dance drama telling the story of a lord and his servant who fish (quite literally) for wives. They pray to God for wives and

they are shown in their sleep a vision of their prospective brides. The expressive performance of the characters in the play surmounted language barriers and helped audience understand and enjoy it, even stoking laughter at some places. The scene where the servant tries in vain to get rid of his unattractive wife tickled everyone’s funny bone. The second part saw a series of continuous songs and dances. Cherry Blossoms and the Hazy Moon was a graceful performance by a group of dancers focusing on Japan’s most liked flower. Cherry

The program consisted of two parts, and began with Kotobuki Kiku Sanba- So, a song sung to commemorate great events. SanbaSo originates from the famous Noh play, Okina. It gives hope to farmers on their harvests and fish yields, in addition to world peace. The song is also sung during New Year festivals and other celebrations. Girls danced with some gracefully choreographed steps to the lilting song.

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A section of the audience with Kuwait Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah, Mr. & Ms. Komizo

blossoms are very close to Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and art, and are a common theme in ancient and modern Japanese poetry. The Spring Dance was about courtship relations in Japan. Spring is the time when people start looking for partners and woo one another. It was followed by Tsugaru Owara Bushi, a typical folk song of Northern provinces in Japan. The dancers used colorfully designed umbrellas and the famous Japanese fans as props, enlivening the choreography. The Goiwai, a dynamic dance by men, came as a contrast to the soft movements of the dance preceding it. It is a dance dating back to the ancient times where five males use bold moves rejoicing in a big catch of fishes.

Yasaburo Bushi was more of a skit dealing with family machinations, particularly the age old conflict between mothers-in-law and daughters- in-law. It allowed audiences a peek into an ordinary Japanese household and created some laugh riots in the gallery. Kasa Odori or umbrella dance was spectacular in its props where men used colorful umbrellas made of special Japanese paper and bamboo. This was followed by Rokucho, a passionate dance by a duo in up-tempo tune. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ushibuka haiya Bushi - Awa Odoriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was the closing piece and was a fusion of cultures from two different prefectures of Japan, one from Kyushu and other from Tokushima. This dance was dominated by swinging movements and together with the soulful music had a hypnotic effect on the audience.

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Japan Culture Week

Event celebrates

50 years

of Kuwait - Japan ties

Japan’s renowned Taiko drummer Ichitaro (centre), Iwata Takuya, the flautist (left), and Sato Akihiro perform.

Japanese Taiko show mesmerises Kuwait

hose were not hands, but a fuzz of energy, like the industrious wings of a humming bird. The drumsticks swished like Japanese fan. There is more to that second metaphor than mere imagery, because the description is of a Japanese Taiko drum show by renowned drummer Ichitaro. The Taiko Drum show was held Monday at Abdul Aziz Hussein Cultural Theater in Mishref by Japanese Embassy in cooperation with National Council for Culture Arts and Letters (NCCAL) under the patronage of Kuwait’s Minister of Oil and Minister of Information, Sheikh

Ahmed Al- Abdullah Al-Sabah. The event was being held as part of the Japan Culture Week organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kuwait-Japan diplomatic relations. Ichitaro is a world famous Taiko drummer, and has given concerts at numerous prestigious venues the world over including Carnegie Hall in New York. He had also performed at the opening ceremony of the World Sumo Wrestling Championship in Estonia in 2008.

Percussion The show began in a dark stage with a soft tapping sound that

waxed higher as the lights faded in. Ichitaro then took the audience on a mesmerizing wave of music using traditional Japanese percussion instruments. He was at times joined by two members of his group, Iwata Takuya the flautist and Sato Akihiro, who accompanied with drums, and worked himself to a sort of spiritual frenzy, when the divide between the player and the instrument was blurred. Taiko means “drum” in Japanese. Outside Japan, the word is often used to refer to any of the various Japanese drums and to the relatively recent artform of ensemble Taiko drumming. The performances can

Kuwaiti, Japanese officials and other dignitaries

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last between 5 and 25 minutes and typically follow a jo-ha-ky_ structure, which means a structure with a beginning, middle and end part. The flow is rapid, sudden and urgent with erratic highs and lows, often speeding up towards a grand finale. Japanese Taiko drums have been developed into a wide range of percussion instruments that are used in both Japanese folk and classical musical traditions. Taiko, in general, are stick percussion instruments. With the exception of the “kotsuzumi” and “ootsuzumi”, all taiko are struck with bachi. They have heads on both sides of the drum body, and a sealed resonating cavity. Taiko are also characterized by a high amount of tension on the drum heads, with a correspondingly high pitch relative to body size. This high tension likely developed in response to Japan’s wet and humid summers when most festivals take place. Many Taiko are not tunable, and a drum with high head tension would counteract the slacking effects of humidity.

Instrument The most attractive instrument on the stage was a large drum placed on a high pedestal in the center. In his explanation about the instruments, Ichitaro said the large drum is called Odaiko. For many, the Odaiko is the embodiment of power due to the size of the drum, the volume, and the endurance it takes to perform. The Odaiko is the largest drum of all Taiko. The largest Odaiko are too big to move and permanently reside inside a temple or shrine. Odaiko means “Big Taiko”, but within any group, it describes the largest drum in an ensemble. Made from a single piece of wood, some Odaiko come from trees that are hundreds of years old.

nuances of the pipe demonstrating how shaking of head while playing it can finely chisel the music coming out of it. Shakuhachi, he said, is the name of the pipe. Iwata Takuya was awarded the first prize at the Japanese Music Contest in 2004, and he became the youngest musician to earn this honor. He has taken part at the Sibiu International Theater Festival in Rome and World Performing Art Festival in New York and won

prizes. In 2009, he won the first place at Tokyo Hougaku Contest. He was also awarded the Nihon Dento Bunka Shinko Zai Dan Award by Japan Traditional Cultures Foundation. Sato Akihiro, the accompanist drummer, is a member of Kosui Drum Group. Kosui has won many awards in several contests in Japan. The group holds more than 130 performances every year both inside and outside Japan. Ichitaro performs

The wind instrument which was an accompaniment to the main drums blended in with the beat to enhance the spiritual aura of the show. Iwata Takuya, the flautist, explained the Contemporary Japan 2011

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Kimono Promenade

Kimono-de Sozoro Aruki is held on the first Saturday of each month and costs 2,000 yen to participate, which includes the kimono rental and dressing fee. Participants are dressed by popular stylist Emiko Ozawa, who has outfitted magazine and TV models. “ People straighten their back when they are dressed in kimono, and their movements become graceful. Their facial expressions also become cheerful as they draw the attention of others,” she says.

he kimono is a traditional garment in Japan, which is still worn on special occasions today. One of its varieties, the meisen kimono, was worn by ordinary women as daily attire around the 1920s and 1930s. Relatively low-quality silk was used for meisen, with the same patterned designs mass-produced; which is the main reason they were sold at reasonable prices. The attention they garner today is based on their wide range of designs. The meisen was at the height of its popularity during a robust economy and flourishing popular culture, when many women were moving up in society. Meisen featured vivid color combi-

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nations and patterns using flowers from the West, and a series of innovative designs that had never been seen in Japan. Using woven lace obi sashes and other such Western fashion elements, meisen were at the forefront of contemporary fashion. The designs give off a unique impression that fuses both Japan’s traditional beauty and the beauty of the West; differing from both traditional kimonos and modern clothing. Meisen is making a comeback today as people feel a sense of nostalgia for beautiful things past. The city of Kiryu in Gunma Prefecture was a famous silk-producing area, so a large number of meisen were produced there. Since 2007,

the local nonprofit organization Kiryu Sanchi-no-Mise (Kiryu Production Area Store) has organized an event in which women can dressup in antique kimonos and wander around the area’s famous sights, such as the Kiryu Tenman-gu shrine. This monthly event, called “Kimonode Sozoro Aruki” (strolling in kimono), seeks to revitalize regional communities. It has been well received and always attracts the maximum twenty participants, with a total of around 700 taking part thus far. “At Sozoro Aruki, participants can choose from some 2,000 antique kimonos. Some girls spend hours choosing theirs,” says Chairman Hiromitsu Kobayashi of Kiryu Sanchino-Mise. A woman from outside Gunma who took part said, “Antique kimonos are really stylish. It’s also fun finding ways to pair them with accessories used in modern clothing.”

Living in Japan Home away from Home

he number of foreign visitors entering Japan in fiscal 2008 was 7.58 million, an increase of 2.68 million compared to fiscal 1998. In the same year, the number of “registered foreign residents,” that is people who have registered as permanent residents or for medium- to long-term stays, hit a record high of approximately 2.2 million, a 1.5-fold increase compared to ten years earlier. By easing requirements for issuing visas, the government is signaling enhanced personal exchanges with other countries, attracting tourists from overseas as well as foreign nationals with a high level of knowledge and skills, and also focusing on accepting exchange students. In terms of exchange students, the government is aiming to accept 300,000 such students by 2020. In 1998, exchange students numbered about 50,000 and by May 2009 the number had reached a record high of 132,000. They come from an extremely wide range of countries, from Asia to Europe, Africa to Oceania. For example, at Akita International University in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, about 15% of students are international students. They come from twenty-two

countries, and almost all classes are conducted in English. International students today study in all forty-seven prefectures and municipalities of Japan. “I want Japanese and international students to enhance their ability through friendly competition,” says Mitsuhide Shiraki, dean of the Center for International Education of Waseda University, which had the largest number of international students among Japanese universities in FY2009. “I also hope that on their return home, the international students will serve as a bridge between our countries.”

Waseda University, one of Japan’s premier private universities, presently has 3,600 international students enrolled in its courses and plans to increase intake to 8,000 over the next ten years. Contemporary Japan 2011

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