We Are Tomodachi Winter 2018

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3“We Are Tomodachi” is a magazine published with the aim of further deepening people’s under-standing of the initiatives of the Government of Japan and the charms of Japan. Tomodachi means “friend” in Japanese, and the magazine’s title expresses that Japan is a friend of the countries of the world–one that will cooperate and grow together with them.ContentsThe Small Giant Tree-Ring Management8Japanese Technology in Your Palm12Plating Tech Brings Innovations10Hidden Champions Inspiring the WorldFeature:P. 6P. 28P. 14P. 32P. 36P. 20Note: U.S. dollar equivalents for Japanese yen amounts in this issue are calculated at 113 yen to the dollar, roughly the rate at the time of publication.Long-Lasting Kizuna with U.S. Military Personnel22Sport for Tomorrow20Overcoming Disasters Together 24Imparting the Spirit of Peace and Humanity to Future Generations26YamagataThe Sacred Mountains of Dewa30Open Innovation for Fully Automated Driving28The JET ProgrammeTaking Turkey to Gifu36Japanese Individuals Contributing WorldwideSupporting Refugees’ Self-Reliance32Friends of JapanWadaiko Drumbeats in the United Arab Emirates34Prime Minister in Action14Contributed Article: Rich LesserThree Ways Japan Can Build on Its Economic Revival6Prime Minister’s Remarks on Universal Health Coverage18Winter: Gleaming White and Emerald Glow4Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Da Nang, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to attend the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. In his statement, he reiterated Japan’s proactive stance for establishing “free and fair” trade rules. During this period in Da Nang, ministers of 11 countries including Japan agreed on the core elements of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). (Pool photo)Cover