Asia Pacific Perspectives: Japan+, March 2006, Volume 3, Number 11
 

Features:

• Art: The Man Who Lived To Paint An exhibition dedicated to the works of ukiyo-e artist Hokusai is set for display at America's Smithsonian Institution.
   
• Food: Universal Instant Noodles  In 2005, a Japanese foodstuffs manufacturer released the world's first "space food instant ramen."
   
• Tourism: A Great Place to Visit Japan is undertaking a number of initiatives to promote inbound tourism.
   
• Special Feature: Unsung Heroes  We look at some examples of Japan's many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing their own distinctive, first-rate products in such areas as musical instruments, hobby goods and fashion.
   
• Manga: Hybrid Art-Japanese Manga and Thai Culture Thai manga artist Wisut Ponnimit is proving a huge success in Japan.
   
• Finance: Asia's Quiet Economic Revolution A new initiative is being promoted to ensure sustainable economic development in Asia.
   
• Exhibition: Out of the Ordinary  A multifaceted art exhibition held recently in Yokohama attracted the participation of artists from around the world.
   
• Interview: Yasuhiro Yamashita A leading figure in the world of judo gives his views on how the sport will fare in the 21st century.
   
• Traditional Art: Inlaid with Gold The process of chinkin, gold inlay lacquer ware ornamentation, has a long and venerable history.

Columns:

• Beauty

• Statistics

• Lifestyle

• Environment

• Government

• Questionnaire