Asia Pacific Perspectives: Japan+, August 2005, Volume 3, Number 4
 

Features:

• Global Warming: Urban Cool!  Japan's cities are heating up as a result of climate change and the heat island phenomenon.
   
• Renovation: Old Buildings, New Life  Buildings that were built decades ago are currently being reincarnated in various new forms.
   
• Special Feature: Proud Heritage The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are carefully selected to identify, protect and preserve the world's cultural and natural treasures. Japan currently has 12 UNESCO-inscribed heritage sites, consisting of 10 cultural heritage and two natural heritage sites.
   
• ODA: Stamps of Gratitude  Recipient nations of Japanese ODA have been issuing postage stamps as an expression of gratitude.
   
• IT: Toward a Ubiquitous Society  The recent Tokyo Ubiquitous Network Conference discussed the way forward to a ubiquitous information society.
   
• Interview: Makoto Taniguchi An expert on North-South issues looks at the regional integration that has accompanied globalization and the possibility of forging an East Asian Community.
   
• Traditional Art: Wajima Lacquer Ware  With its high technical level, its scale of production and depth of tradition, Wajima lacquer ware has become a byword for Japanese lacquer ware.

Columns:

• Manga

• Structural Reforms

• Lifestyle

• Environment

• Government

• Selection/Letters