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Vol.10

Summer 2015

On the cover: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, the first Japanese prime minister to do so (April 2015).

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Feature

Japan: Helping Out Around the World

Bridges That Link Lives and Build Friendship

Two Examples from Over Six Decades of Japanese ODA

Japan commenced its program of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 1954, less than 10 years after it was defeated and left in ruins at the end of World War II. A major characteristic of Japan’s ODA is its focus on support for building the economic and social infrastructure essential for economic growth. The construction of bridges is a prime example.

International Cooperation

Half a Century of JOCV Activities

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program, launched in 1965. To support the social and economic advancement of developing countries, in addition to providing financial assistance in such forms as grant aid and ODA (Official Development Assistance) loans, Japan has been extending technical cooperation, including the dispatch of experts to developing countries and the hosting of trainees in Japan. The JOCV program is one of the pillars of this international cooperation based on human interaction.

Contributing to Global Peace and Stability

SDF Participation in U.N. Peacekeeping Operations

Japan has been contributing to the international community in security as well as in other areas. Its contributions include the dispatch of contingents from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to participate in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO). The first PKO dispatch of an engineering unit from the SDF was to Cambodia in 1992–93. 

Moments of Prime Minister Abe in Summer 2015

On the occasion of his attendance at the Asian African Summit, Prime Minister Abe exchanged views with a number of other top leaders (April 2015).

Toward an Alliance of Hope

Back in June 1957, Nobusuke Kishi, my grandfather, standing right here, began his address by saying, and I quote “It is because of our strong belief in democratic principles and ideals that Japan associates herself with the free nations of the world.”

Japanese People Contributing Worldwide

Speaking to the World with Music

Internationally active conductor Tomomi Nishimoto studied classical music from an early age under the influence of her mother, a music school graduate.

Japanese People Contributing Worldwide

Using Robots for Healthier, More Comfortable Lives

Think “I want to walk,” and your legs start moving naturally. This and all the movements we make are based on directions from the brain.

Bringing the View of Fuji Back to Tokyo: How the Metropolis Cleaned Up Its Air

On a clear day you can see the beautiful sight of Mount Fuji from Tokyo, more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) away.

Japan’s Regional Strength

Gifu Prefecture, located at the geographical center of Japan, boasts good accessibility. By Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed rail, it is just two hours to Tokyo and only 50 minutes to Osaka.

Japanese Technology Revolutionizes Microsurgery

World’s Thinnest Needles Contribute to a Better Quality of Postoperative Life

Medical treatment is among the fields in which superior Japanese technology has won international recognition. 

Ryo

涼 ryo
The character ryo (涼) consists of two elements. The left side of the character represents water, and the right side represents a house on a high hill. 

Beautiful Summer Destinations

Field of Lavender: Furano, Hokkaido
Kamikochi: Nagano Prefecture

Friends of Japan
Sushi and Beyond: Smitten with Japan and Its Food

It was 15 years ago when I first visited Japan on an assignment for a British newspaper.

The JET Programme:
A Great Way to Experience Japan
Connecting with Others on a Personal Level

My interest in Japan began while studying Japanese in high school.
 
 
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