We Are Tomodachi Spring 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.ContentsMy Love for Japanese Food & Service6Strawberry Paradise Japan10Cultivate the Seas!8Japan’s Passion forFood ExcellenceFeature:P. 20P. 24P. 26P. 30P. 32P. 16Note: U.S. dollar equivalents for Japanese yen amounts in this issue are calculated at 108 yen to the dollar, roughly the rate at the time of publication.“Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan”16Towards the Future, Faster: Co-Creating a New High-Speed Rail in India26Cellular 3D Printer Brings New Hope18Artificial Intelligence: A Rival for Humans, or a Partner?20The Seto Inland Sea:An Enchanting and Tranquil Place22The JET ProgrammeShared Histories, Bright Futures34Japanese Individuals Contributing WorldwideAn Expert’s Touch Improves African Farmers’ Lives30Friends of JapanMaking Japan Accessible to All32Prime Minister in Action12Contributed Article: Dr. Michael J. GreenJapan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” as Grand Strategy28The Origin of Japan's Modernization: Reviewing the Significance of the Meiji Restoration after 150 Years24Cherry Blossoms Mark the Coming of Spring4Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits the Sugihara House museum in Kaunas, Lithuania. The museum occupies the city’s restored former Japanese consulate and commemorates the actions of the late Japanese Consul Chiune Sugihara (seen in the framed photograph on the left side of the desk), who issued “Visas of Life” to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. The museum’s purpose is to remind visitors of the importance of peace and humanity.Cover