Securing Supplies of Rare Metals for Environmental Technology
July 02, 2009
Securing supplies of rare metal resources is vital if cutting-edge environmental technology is to be put to widespread use. Currently, however, Japan relies mostly on imports, meaning its supplies of these metals are vulnerable to changes in the international situation. How can Japan secure stable supplies of rare metals?
Hereditary Lawmakers in an Era of Politically Led Policymaking (2)
June 23, 2009
The author has been pointing out for some time that there is a link between the prominence of hereditary lawmakers in Japan and the country’s bureaucratically led policymaking process. Establishing a policymaking system that is truly politically led requires that we reconsider the issue of hereditary politicians.
Rejecting High-Risk Coexistence with North Korea
June 12, 2009
On May 25 this year, North Korea conducted its second nuclear test. It is now clear that Pyongyang has taken further steps to weaponize its nuclear devices, which seem to be approaching ever closer to the operational level. The emergence of North Korea as a de facto nuclear weapon state has tremendous implications for the security of Japan. The author proposes that the current scheme of “high-risk coexistence” be replaced by “coordinated pressure” to reverse North Korea’s nuclear development.
Series
Future leaders of Asia gathered in Orissa, India, to share experiences and ideas on problems facing Asia. Muhammad Ilham from the University of Indonesia participated in “Building a Better Asia,” which is a biannual retreat for recipients of Sylff and other scholarships from the Nippon Foundation. The purpose of the dialogue was to nurture the leaders of Asia and to build a brighter future for Asia.
Rice terraces are paddies fields made on sloping land that follow the natural contour lines. Suited to the Japanese geography, they are ideal for sustainable agriculture, having the ability to filter water and nurture organisms, among other benefits. Today rice terraces are also growing into a focus of green tourism.
