Society | Culture
Japanese Education Today: Time to Move On
The authorities in Japan have abandoned the idea of yutori kyōiku, or “education that gives children room to grow.” But a return to the outmoded approach of cramming facts into children’s heads is not the answer. The twenty-first century, an age of globalization, demands education to foster the power of discernment.
Diplomacy | Politics
Party Politics In Japan—On Course for a Meltdown?
With Japan on its sixth prime minister in four years, some observers are questioning if a two-party system can work here. The following roundtable discussion explores the forces behind this rapid turnover and uncovers some alarming similarities to the circumstances leading up to the demise of party government in prewar Japan.
Economy
A Growth Strategy for a Nation Running Out of Time
Japan has belatedly begun to address the issue of reforming its industrial structure. The nation has lost two decades to stagnation since the early 1990s, while China and other countries have surged forward. The Japanese must tackle structural reform without further delay.
Society | Culture
Last-Minute Changes Yield World Cup Success
The Japanese national team under coach Okada Takeshi performed dismally in the games preceding this year’s World Cup, causing despair among supporters. But Okada made some bold changes at the last minute, and the team pulled together when the tournament got underway, reaching the round of 16.
Economy
Using Monetary Policy to End Stagnation
The Japanese economy has recovered smartly from the downturn following the global financial crisis. But the pace of the upturn has been unsatisfactory. The biggest factor has been the reluctance of the Bank of Japan to take a more active stance in fighting deflation.
Society | Culture
Why Tokyo Dazzles Michelin
The famous Michelin Guides now give more stars to restaurants in Tokyo than in any other city. It seems that even non-Japanese are coming to appreciate the high quality of Japanese cuisine. Now it is time for the Japanese themselves to rediscover the value of their own food.
Economy
Striving to Be Number One in Batteries
A senior executive at Sanyo Electric explains the environment in which his company is operating. Asia offers growing markets, but it is also home to some formidable rival companies. He focuses particularly on batteries, a strong growth market in the years to come.
Society | Culture
Nanjing: Not So Anti-Japanese
Because of the history of wartime atrocities, many Japanese think Nanjing must be full of hate for Japan. But as jūdōka Yamashita Yasuhiro discovered when he went there, its people are friendly and welcome Japanese visitors. The city is now the site of the second Japan-China Friendship Jūdō Hall.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Japan-US Security Treaty signed in 1960. This milestone coincided with a raging debate over Prime Minister Hatoyama’s plan to move the US Marine Corps Air Station at Futenma out of Okinawa. My concern is that the issue of military bases in Okinawa will now increasingly be treated as a taboo subject.
