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Vol.17

Summer 2016

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in Shima, Mie Prefecture, for the G7 2016 Ise-Shima Summit, participated in a commemorative photograph session with the other G7 leaders and the invited outreach country leaders after holding a session on the topic of stability and prosperity in Asia (May 2016).

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Feature

Helping to Build Asia’s Infrastructure

Better Access to the Sky for Viet Nam

Providing Financing and Know-how for Airport and Bridge Construction

In 2016 Japan and Viet Nam mark 43 years since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties. Japan resumed its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to Viet Nam in November 1992, ahead of other countries. Ever since 1995 Japan has consistently been Viet Nam’s leading donor; in 2014 the value of its ODA totaled over JPY 100 billion (USD 950 million).

Improving the Commuter Experience in Jakarta

Sharing Japanese Train Operation Expertise

As Indonesia’s economy continues to expand, the numbers of residents and commuters in Jakarta, the nation’s capital, and its environs have been rising, which has brought increased demand for transportation. Japan is providing assistance for the construction of Indonesia’s first subway line to help meet this demand.

Supplying Safe Water to Homes in Laos

Support for Local Waterworks Authorities Aimed at Promoting Self-Reliance

Laos, a country of 6.7 million people, has been developing dramatically, with an estimated average economic growth rate of 7.67% over the past five years. But currently only about 20% of the population have access to safe piped water; in rural areas people depend on water from wells some of which may not be safe.

Moments of Prime Minister Abe

prime Minister Abe hosted the G7 Ise-Shima Summit at Shima, Mie Prefecture (May 2016).

Speech of the Prime Minister

Excerpt from Press Conference After the G7 Ise-Shima Summit, May 27, 2016

First of all, as Prime Minister of Japan, I wish to extend my heartfelt welcome to all those of you visiting Ise-Shima on this occasion from all around the world.

Japanese People Contributing Worldwide
Improving Lives Through Free Eye Treatment

Tadashi Hattori is a Japanese ophthalmologist who provides free eye treatment in Viet Nam and other countries.

Japanese People Contributing Worldwide
An Acclaimed Master of French Gastronomy

Fumiko Kono, a Japanese culinary creator, has won international acclaim in the world of French gastronomy. Kono graduated at the top of her class at Le Cordon Bleu, the famous cooking academy in Paris, in 1997.

Regional Strength

Kumamoto Prefecture:
Seeking to “Build Back Better” Following the Quakes

Kumamoto’s prefectural government has been promoting investment by companies from elsewhere in Japan and abroad with a variety of incentives.

Cutting-Edge Technologies

Making Paper from Stone

Limex is a new material made from limestone that can be used in substitutes for paper and plastic products. It takes its name from “limestone” and “x,” a variable with no limit.

Wagashi :
Traditional Japanese Confections

Kingyoku-kan

One of the distinguishing features of wagashi is the delicate sense of seasons incorporated in these confections. During the hot, humid summer months, wagashi makers summon their skills to create sweets that convey coolness.

Cool Summer Sights

Sada Chinkabashi: Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture
Kikyo (Balloon Flower) : Kami, Hyogo Prefecture

Friends of Japan
Ancient Footpaths Lead Author to Traditional Japan

Anyone who writes for a living appreciates discovering a story yet to be told. Japan, very safe, still relatively littlevisited yet easily accessible, is full of such stories.

The JET Programme:
A Great Way to Experience Japan
Sharing the Charms of Life in Japan

I began studying Japanese in high school as a third language after English and Thai.
 
 
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