Asia Pacific Perspectives: Japan+, October 2005, Volume 3, Number 6
 

Features:

• Shinkansen: Full Speed Ahead!  Over forty years have passed since the "bullet train" created the world's first high-speed rail link. What lies ahead for the future of the Shinkansen?.
   
• Special Feature: Branding Japan People all over the world today are fascinated by the vast array of Japanese creativity-art and films, anime and games. We spoke with some of Japan's experts in the fields of art, architecture, film, design and games to uncover the appeal of this collective creative genius.
   
• Water: Rainwater Forum Makes a Big Splash The recent Tokyo Asia Pacific Sky Water Forum was held in an area that has long been involved in the utilization of rainwater.
   
• Transport: Spotlighting Sustainable Transport The International Conference on Environment and Transport in Aichi was held in August to discuss the development of environmentally-responsible transport systems in Asia.
   
• Interview: Yonosuke Hara  A leading international economist gives his views on the potential of a dynamic Asian economic model that could serve as a new regional economic system and counteract the trend toward global standardization.
   
• Traditional Art: Hakata-ori Weave The obi, a sash worn around the waist, is an integral part of traditional Japanese attire. Of the many different types of textile used for obi, perhaps the best known is Hakata-ori weave.

Columns:

• Otaku Culture

• Structural Reforms

• Lifestyle

• Environment

• Government

• Selection/Letters