Japan-Kuwait Magazine 2010

Contemporar y

Kuwait boosts economic cooperation with Japan

The Land of Rising Sun Mt. Fuji Stands Tall The Fascinating Cherry Blossom Season

The Diversity of Japan Affordable

Japan Nogoya : Japan’s Eco-Capital

The Art of Sushi

Top 10

All Time Japanese p Cars

IN COOPERATION WITH THE EMBASSY OF JAPAN - KUWAIT

Now more than ever it is vital to buy a car that is an investment. Toyota is a world leader by making the most reliable, economical, value-retaining cars on earth. Toyota designers and engineers are constantly at work to continuously deliver new innovations that make your comfort, safety and driving pleasure ever more rewarding. Adding to this the support of Al-Sayer services delivering the highest customer satisfaction at the most widespread locations across Kuwait. MNSS has won the Gold Award for excellence in customer service from 167 Toyota distributors around the world. Al-Sayer also ranks in the top 7 Toyota Distributors worldwide.

A Toyota is like investing in 24 carat gold.

Award yourself the best. A Toyota is 24 carat gold.

Customer Service Excellence Award

Civil Engineering Building Contractor General Trading

25 & 26 February Tower Mermaid Res. Complex 2

Royal Hayat Hospital

Cliff Res. Tower

P.O.Box 22806, Safat 13089 Kuwait - Tel. (965) - 24610090 - Fax (965) - 24610095 www.firstunitedco.com

Twin Towers

Japan waits for you ...

Co nte m po rar y

The Land of Rising Sun

2010 Cover

In cooperation with the Embassy of Japan - Kuwait Coordinator

Managing Editor

Cultural Attaché

Mujahid Iqbal

Ussuf Malik

Researcher

Sales Supervisor

Correspondent

Economic & Commercial

Fatima Kharouch

M. Yamin Siddiqui

Finance Manager

Photography

Design by

Takehito Inaba

KADOYA Yuki

Khurram Sajjad

Mohammad Riaz

Joint Editor

G. Mueen-ul-Din

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

Mujahid Iqbal

Contents A Message from the Ambassador

6

Affordable Japan

12

Japan shows interest in medical tourism industry

14

Kuwait boosts economic cooperation with Japan

16

Top 10 All-Time Japanese Cars

22

The Art of Sushi

34

Japanese Cuisine

44

Model Plan Spring 2010

50

Nagoya : Japan’s Eco-Capital

54

Japanese electronics companies race to innovate

62

Groundbreaking Robots

64

Selecting a school in Japan

70

Tokyo Girls Collection

72

Exporting Japanese Produce Worldwide

74

Musical Manga

77

Mt. Fuji Stands Tall

79

The Fascinating Cherry Blossom Season

85

The Fairy Queen on Ice

88

Cell: +965 – 9759 2064, 9955 8663 Email:talk2mujahid@yahoo.com Credits: www.kw.emb-japan.go.jp

www.gor-online.go.jp

www.japanwelcomesyou.com

www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/magazine

www.jnto.jo.jp

http://web-japan.org/trend

www.japanfocus.org

highlightingjapan

www.web-japan.org/nipponia/

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan

To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contributions and feed back are welcome.

The contents and opinions expressed here in are not necessarily those of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, no liability can be assumed by the publishers for any inaccuracies.

Masatoshi MUTO Ambassador of Japan On this occasion I would like to invite

For ladies: For their favorite hobby

the friendly Kuwaiti people to visit

– shopping! Ginza, department stores

Japan and contribute in the promotion

and

of tourism. As the proverb goes – ‘To

discounted prices or comparatively

see once is worth more than to hear it

new fashions.

many

suburban

malls

have

a hundred times’.

For young people: Akihabara

from the

A Message

Ambassador

Beautiful

nation

fashion, animation shops etc. Have fun

Today’s Japan is affordable and easier

with the costumes of famous anime

to reach, thanks to these supplements

characters.

and thanks to the tourism agencies who are developing new plans to meet

Needless to say.. sushi, tempura,

the diverse interests of the Kuwaiti

sukiyaki and teppanyaki, as I mentioned

people with splendid opportunities

before, with affordable prices for

and unbelievably affordable prices.

gourmet lovers.

My recommendations:

This spring Etihad Airways launched a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo

with

3-star

Airways launched a second flight to

restaurants (Japanese, sushi, French)

Tokyo as well as their existing flight to

Once again I am pleased to meet you

all over the world. The finest food

Kansai (Osaka).

through the 4th edition of this special

with affordable price is waiting for

supplement. There exists a strongly

you! I also recommend “Cool summer

I would like to welcome you all in Japan

built bridge linking Japan with Kuwait

in Hokkaido”, “Exotic World Heritage

to enjoy the beautiful and outstanding

- a bridge of firm relationship based on

Sites” and “Anti-ageing Therapy”. You

nature,

mutual interests, understanding and

will be treated to the most luxurious

technology, trendy fashion and most

cooperation of almost five decades.

hospitality.

of all the tasty and yummy Japanese

the

most

Michelin

historical

heritage,

latest

food.

To cement this bridge I am doing relationship, nurturing and fostering it to reach the highest levels. We are now at a turning point coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait

attractions

an expensive and faraway country.

and Nagoya while Emirates and Qatar

my best to maintain this friendly

with diverse

City, fancy and trendy boys and girls

For adults: Japan is the country

Hello readers, Japan:

Yes my dear readers - Japan is not

and Japan in 2011.

For children: Amusement parks like Tokyo Disney Resort, Universal Studio Japan, Animation Museum etc. Enjoy family time!

So…… See you in Japan

FOREWORD

Ties that bind

Mujahid Iqbal managing editor

Japan continues to wow us with its cutting-edge technologies, sumptuous cuisine and touristic marvels. So it is no surprise that Japan and all things Japanese have always fascinated the people of Kuwait. Visitor numbers to Japan from Kuwait are rising, as more people want to get a firsthand experience of a country whose cars and electronics they have always used.

But Japan is not only about technological triumphs. Japanese food has been making inroads into Kuwait’s culinary scene for years, and more Japanese restaurants are in Kuwait now than ever before. Sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki have become household words, with diners clamouring for more.

And who can forget Japanese anime? An entire generation of Kuwaitis has grown up watching Grendizer and Astroganga on local TV, and grownups today still nurture a nostalgic passion for these Japanese animated characters. Other Japanese art forms like origami and bonsai trees have also captivated people here.

On the political front, Kuwait and Japan have a long history of friendship and ties, which was evident during the invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

Economic ties are strong too, and trade is rising between the two nations.

This magazine aims to give locals a further insight into Japan, with the hope that Kuwait-Japan relations will grow ever more strong.

50 Years of Close Ties

Kuwait and Japan celebrate 50 years

of diplomatic relations in 2011, a milestone that has historic significance. Economic, political and interpersonal ties also flourished during this period. Our next issue will focus on this momentous occasion, and we hope the bonds between Kuwait and Japan get ever more strong.

T

There are so many ways to enjoy your visit to Japan— you can shop in the most fashionable districts, take part in tours to experience Japan’s culture, or stroll through old towns where tradition still lives on. Under the Visit Japan Campaign, the government is publicizing the many different attractions of Japan with the aim of increasing the number of visitors to Japan to 10 million a year by 2010. We hope this Special Feature will help you discover your own way to enjoy Japan.

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380 yen

eat > Yoshinoya One dish that all Japanese are well acquainted with is gyudon: onions and well-stewed beef piled onto a bowl of steaming rice. Yoshinoya is a chain of popular fastfood restaurants that serves gyudon, with a great many branches throughout Japan.

At just 380 yen for a regularsized helping you can get a hearty, filling meal. Yoshinoya restaurants have a constant stream of customers and are very popular among young people after a cheap bite. Another great idea to eat on the cheap is

0

kaitenzushi, sushi bars where sushi starting at 105 yen a plate passes in front of customers on a conveyor belt. These are just two examples of the array of reasonably priced food to be found in Japan.

yen

view > Tokyo Observatory The Shinjuku district is one of Tokyo’s major business centers, with many highrise buildings gathered tightly in close proximity. A popular place from which to gaze for free across these buildings and beyond to the whole city is the observatory on the 45 th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The views from 202 meters up in the air really are overwhelming. On a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance, which is a great attraction for the large number of visitors from overseas.

@On the internet http://www.yoshinoya-holdings.com/english/ index.html

@On the internet http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/index.htm

under

4,000 yen

stay > Capsule Hotels

buy > 100-Yen Shops

A capsule hotel typically has a whole floor taken up with tiny rooms like capsules, arranged like cells in a honeycomb. Each capsule is one meter high and two meters deep, and is fitted with a television, so you have all you need for a good night’s rest. Many visitors from overseas have recently started to use capsule hotels, attracted by the slightly futuristic designs. “Some visitors who are already staying in a regular hotel come here for one night just for the experience,” says Keisuke Yui, who runs Capsule Inn Akihabara.

A popular place for shopping is the 100‑Yen Shop, where everything costs 105 yen (the extra 5 yen is consumption tax). One such shop is Daiso in Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku district. “About half of our customers are travelers from overseas,” says Manager Masahiro Taniguchi.

Many of the things on sale are very popular as souvenirs — Japanese-

style crockery, folk crafts, erasers shaped like typical Japanese food items, or even, for a slightly higher 315 yen, DVDs of Mt. Fuji. Other places where you can go shopping on the cheap include convenience stores and drugstores. @ On the internet

100

http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/index.html

yen

@On the internet http://www.capsuleinn.com/

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tal inbound tourism volume.”

Japan shows interest in medical tourism industry and Mexico, the center said in a report.

Although medical tourism is still in its infancy in Japan and there are no official statistics on how many foreigners come here for treatment, there are signs the government is getting serious about attracting more in hopes of making hospitals more internationally competitive and making it easier for foreigners to visit and stay in Japan.

W

hile many Japanese companies have gone global over the years, making companies like Toyota, Sony and Canon household names in every corner of the world, the Japanese healthcare industry is focused largely on the domestic market and has long been shielded from pressure for change. But change is afoot.

A majority of hospitals in Japan have shown a mounting interest in “medical tourists” from abroad. And that could help some hospitals become more international and accommodative toward foreign patients’ needs, experts say.

“If you go to hospitals in Thailand and Singapore, you would be amazed at how modernized and internationalized the hospitals there are,” said Dr Shigekoto Kaihara, vice president of International University of Health and Welfare in Tokyo. “They have multilingual reception desks, and even sections where they would sort out the visitors’ visa issues.”

Medical tourism is rapidly growing worldwide, and in Asia, Singapore, Thailand and India have emerged as major destinations for patients from the US and Britain, where their skyrocketing health care costs have driven more people to seek treatment options offshore.

According to Washington-based Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, an estimated 750,000 Americans traveled abroad for medical care in 2007. That number is estimated to increase to 6 million by 2010. Several US insurers, seeking to cut healthcare costs, have entered into tie-ups with hospitals in India, Thailand

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has released guidelines for hospitals recently on how to attract such travelers, noting Japan boasts “cost-effective” healthcare and advanced medical technology. “By introducing Japan’s health culture and the underlying health care system abroad, Japan can make contributions to the world in areas other than manufacturing, and can also shore up related industries domestically,” the guidelines say.

METI also launched a pilot program under which two consortiums, made up of hospitals, tour operators, translators and other businesses, started accepting patients from abroad. Under the program, 20 overseas travelers were brought to Japan for health checkups or medical treatment at hospitals recently, said Tadahiro Nakashio, manager of marketing and sales promotion at JTB Global Marketing & Travel, which has been selected as a consortium member. He said the company will bring in patients from Russia, China, Hong Kong,Taiwan and Singapore. Nakashio said some of visitors will combine sightseeing with their hospital visits, staying at hot springs resorts or playing golf, during their weeklong stay.

The Japan Tourism Agency also convened a panel of experts to study medical tourism. The agency, which aims to boost the number of overseas tourists to 20 million by 2020, will soon start interviewing hospital officials in Japan and their foreign patients, as well as researching the practices in other parts of Asia, said Satoshi Hirooka, an official at the agency. “We think of medical tourism as one of the ways to achieve our 20 million target,” Hirooka said. “We decided to research this further, as Thailand and South Korea are very active on this front, with medical tourism making up 10 percent of their to

Although the numbers are small, Japan has a track record of accepting medical travelers. Tokyo-based trading company PJL Inc, which exports car parts to Russia, started bringing Russians, especially those living on Sakhalin island, to Japanese hospitals four years ago.

According to Noriko Yamada, a director at PJL, more than 60 people have visited Japanese hospitals through PJL introductions since Nov 2005. They have come for treatments ranging from heart bypass surgery to removal of brain tumors to gynecological screenings. PJL receives fees from patients for translating documents and interpreting on site for them.

One morning in Oct, a 53-year-old Sakhalin business owner visited Saiseikai Yokohama-shi Tobu Hospital in Yokohama to seek treatment for shoulder pains and other health problems. The man, who declined to give his name, said there may be MRI scanners on Sakhalin but none work properly. “The doctors and staff are good here, better than the ones in Russia,” he said in Russian as Yamada translated.

The hospital’s deputy director, Masami Kumagai, said the key to success in building up the medical tourism industry is finding enough skilled interpreters and translators who can communicate patients’ needs to hospitals before they arrive. “In healthcare, the textbook approach to translation won’t work,” she said. “Translators must have a deep understanding of the patients’ social and cultural backgrounds. And even with advance preparation, patients sometimes cancel tests at the last minute because they have spent their money elsewhere, like sightseeing in Harajuku.”

Medical tourists are not covered by Japan’s universal healthcare system, which means hospitals are free to set whatever fees they like for such patients. As Japan’s healthcare is known for being relatively cheap, patients from abroad are generally satisfied with the care they get here. At Saiseikai Yokohama hospital, Russian patients are charged about the same as those covered by national health insurance, Kumagai said.

Through dealing with foreign patients, hospital staff have grown more sensitive to patients’ needs, Kumagai said. “We try to offer quality service to Russian patients who come all the way here, just the way we have tried to offer quality service to domestic patients,” she said.

“For example, we have found a local bakery that sells Russian bread, and serve it whenever a Russian patient stays overnight.”

John Wocher, executive vice president at Kameda Medical Center, a 965-bed hospital group in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, said hospitals in Japan could market themselves more by obtaining international accreditation. Kameda in August became the first hospital in Japan to get approval from the Joint Commission International, a US-based hospital accreditation body aimed at assuring the quality and safety of care. Worldwide, more than 300 health care organizations in 39 countries have been accredited by JCI. To be approved, hospitals must pass inspection on 1,030 criteria, including infection control and protection of patient and family rights. Wocher, who has spearheaded the hospital group’s efforts to obtain accreditation, said it didn’t seek the JCI status just to attract more foreign patients, but it certainly helps. Kameda now gets three to six patients per month from China, mainly for “ningen dokku” (preventive and comprehensive health checkups) and postsurgery chemotherapy that uses drugs patients cannot get in China.

Wocher expects to accept more patients from abroad next year, having recently signed an agreement with a major Chinese insurer that covers 3,000 affluent Chinese and expatriates. Wocher said that accepting medical tourists from abroad would benefit long-term foreign residents in Japan as well, by expanding hospitals’ multilingual capabilities and amenities, although these might come at an additional cost. “I think that the infrastructure required to accommodate medical travelers will benefit all foreign residents as hospitals become more foreigner-friendly,” he said. “Much of the infrastructure will involve patient choices, perhaps choices that were not available before.”

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Kuwait boosts economic cooperation with Japan

A

Kuwait delegation was actively engaged in advancing economic cooperation between Kuwait and Japan at the first Japan-Arab Economic Forum held in Tokyo in December. The Kuwaiti representatives led by Ambassador Sheikh Ali Khaled Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who serves as Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Economic Department, paid an effort to facilitate the entry of Kuwaiti companies and businessmen into the Japanese market, and to provide a clear picture to Japanese investors of Kuwait’s investment climate, the embassy said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The delegation was also accompanied by Charge d’Affaires at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Japan Mohamed Al-Mutairi.

In his speech at the two-day forum, Sheikh Ali announced the initiative of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to establish a support fund for small and mediumsized companies in the 22-member League of Arab States. The initiative of the Amir to establish the support

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fund, with a capital estimated at $2 billion to which Kuwait will contribute $500 million, was commended during the ministerial meeting of the forum.

Sheikh Ali also noted at the forum that such measures will help improve the investment climate and infrastructure development in the Arab countries and enhance their chances of integration into the global economy. In the workinglevel meetings, Nawal Al-Fuzaia, Assistant undersecretary for economic affairs at the Oil Ministry, Dr Adel Al-Yousifi, Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Wael Al-Sagar, Co-Chairman of Kuwaiti-Japanese Businessmen’s Committee and Abdul-Aziz Salem Al-Badr, Director of the General Commission of Investment called on both bilateral and regional cooperation with Japan in a wide range of fields, such as energy, environment, investment, tourism, education, human resource development and promotion of employment in small and medium-sized companies.

In collaboration with Third Secretary at the Embassy Faraj Al-Hajri who speaks fluent Japanese, the Kuwaiti team also focused on seminars about cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, water business and science and technology, and was actively involved in promoting cooperation in trade and investment.

The economic forum was established by the Japanese government and the Arab League in cooperation with Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East and Japan Business Federation to advance the construction of mutual multi-layered relations in various fields, including trade, investment, energy, environment, scientific and technological research and development of human resources.

The second Japan-Arab Economic Forum will be hosted by Tunisia in 2010. The trade volume between Japan and Arab states hit $184 billion in 2008, compared with $48 billion in 2003.

Kuwaiti envoy hails relations with Japan

On the economic front, the ambassador welcomed the recent signing of a double-taxation avoidance agreement aimed at facilitating economic activity and investment in each other>s country, the first of its kind between Japan and Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al- the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The Otaibi recently renewed his commitment to the two countries are currently in talks to promote success of the coming year of 2011, the 50th and protect investment of the investors, accordanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ing to the ambassador. relations between Kuwait and Japan. «We are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The diplomat also urged Japanese companies, the establishment of our diplomatic relations in which boast their good reputation on the re2011,» Al-Otaibi said on the occasion of Kuwait’s gional and international levels, to join bid for 49th anniversary of National Day and the 19th Kuwait>s massive development projects with a Liberation Day.

budget of KD 37 billion.

Our relations were started long before that and Referring to the decoration of Sheikh Jaber Albefore Independence when we cooperated with Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Arabian Oil Company. In this context, we reaffirm Minister and Defense Minister by Emperor Akiour commitment to maintain the flow of energy hito last November with the Rising Sun Order, sources to Japan with prices that suit the interest Al-Otaibi said it is a recognition of his considerable efforts in strengthening and promoting the of producers and consumers,» he said. distinguished bilateral relations connecting the Al-Otaibi also expressed hope that Japanese two countries, as well as his appreciated endeavPrime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will pay a visit to ors in the environment protection area.

Kuwait at the time he deems appropriate. Last November, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser This Imperial Honoring translated Japan>s high Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah extended an consideration of the significant logistic services invitation to his Japanese counterpart to visit Ku- Kuwait provided for Japanese Self-Defense Forcwait for talks on strengthening bilateral relations es from 2004 till 2008, while these forces had under Japan’s new government, which was been on ground for humanitarian assistance of post-Saddam Iraq,» he explained. launched six months ago.

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Dozens of peace-symbolizing pigeons are released as an annual peace memorial ceremony is held in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. The dome was put on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996 as a building reminiscent of the calamities of nuclear arms. The blast and heat ray of the A-bomb dropped on the city ruined the dome, setting its ceiling ablaze and gutting its whole structure.

Aiming at

realizing nuclear-free world

iroshima and Nagasaki marked the 64th anniversary this year of U.S. atomic bomb attacks in 1945.

A number of “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors are still suffering from radiationcaused diseases, such as cancer, 64 years after the bomb attacks.

who participated in the memorial ceremonies prayed for the repose of the souls of the war dead and for a nuclear-free world.

Prime Minister Taro Aso, who attended both ceremonies, reiterated his determination to realize a world free from nuclear weapons.

In Hiroshima, Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba expressed support for U.S. President Barack Obama’s appeal for a nuclear weaponsfree world. e mayor read out the city’s peace declaration that called on the rest of the world to join forces to eliminate all nuclear weapons by 2020. In the Nagasaki ceremony, Mayor Tomihisa Taue called for taking the path that would “lead human beings to a world without nuclear weapons” and for world leaders to visit the city of Nagasaki.

An annual peace memorial ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, the 64th anniversary of the bombing. In Nagasaki, another peace ceremony was held on Aug. 9, the 64th anniversary of the city’s atomic bombing. A large number of citizens and foreign delegates

A great many number of citizens visited Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome and Nagasaki’s Peace Park in honor of those who perished in the bomb attacks. Lanterns were floated and torchlight processions were staged in the two cities through late at night to pray for ever-lasting peace.

H Prime Minister Taro Aso addresses in front of the Peace Statue at the Peace Park in Nagasaki. The upward right arm of the statue signifies the threat of nuclear bombs while the horizontal left arm symbolizes peace, with its closed eyes showing prayers for the souls of victims of the 1945 Nagasaki A-bombing.

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Top 10

All-Time Japanese Cars

Japan’s designers and engineers didn’t invent cars, they redefined them time and time again. A look at the 10 most important cars they’ve produced is long overdue, but is by no means easy to compile.

With dozens of deserving vehicles, some great cars and sentimental favorites have to be excluded.

As for the survivors, they’re milestones from their manufacturers.

These all-time Japanese cars were (and may still be) influential in and beyond their segment. It’s this impact (not performance, price or total sale) that determined their rank. Each car’s initial model year is listed (whether or not it was imported to the U.S. right away), and you’ll also see which years are standouts.

Without further hesitation, we’d like to present the top 10 all-time Japanese cars.

Number 10

Toyota Corolla 1966 For over 40 years, the Toyota Corolla has been a reliable, if unsexy, way to get around. As one of the first cars to justify the need for a sixth number on its odometer, buyers didn’t hesitate when Toyota brought the car to the U.S. in 1968. They made it the No. 2-selling import just two years later -- and it didn’t stop there.

Corolla was the world’s best-selling car from 1974 to 1977. With tens of millions of Corollas on the world’s roads, early impressions of the new 2009 model suggest it could be the best yet, making it one of the alltime Japanese cars around.

Number 9

Honda Civic 1973 The Accord may be Honda’s breadwinner today, but the Civic’s success enabled the company to introduce the bigger model in 1976.

What began as not much more than a reinterpreted Austin Mini soon became a legend. All along this all-time Japanese car has stood for comfort, value, refinement, and reliability. Body styles from wagons to two-seat targas have been made, but the most desirable unmodified

Number 8

Toyota 2000GT 1967 If you love Supras and MR2s, thank Toyota for first producing the 2000GT, their first real sports car, from 1967 to 1970. It set over a dozen endurance and speed records, and this was reflected in the sizable sticker price of over $7,000. It also happened to be a Bond car, appearing in You Only Live Twice, almost in its natural form. The two convertibles made for the film allegedly came to be since Sean Connery was too tall for the coupe (likely the inspiration for

other owners to follow suit). Despite the low total production run of 337 cars, the 2000GT’s impact still resonates today, with decent examples commanding quartermillion dollar prices.

car for enthusiasts could well be the fiery 2008 Type R sedan -- which has actually been withheld from the U.S. market, sadly.

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Number 6 Number 7

Subaru Impreza WRX 1992 We’ll give the Subaru stereotypes a respite from mention, but except for the rare SVX and to a lesser extent the XT, even remotely sporty cars are not what Subaru used to produce. That changed with the WRX. Inspired by rally-winning Imprezas, the successful and potent WRX was kept from our shores for a decade, finally arriving here for 2002 -- though its influence was apparent much sooner. The Subaru Impreza WRX sent a clear message that a sports car wasn’t necessarily defined by two doors and a big engine. Each model has its fans, but many regard the 2004-2005 STi models as the best-looking and most fun to drive.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 1992 It’s no breakthrough to see the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evolution ranked side-by-side due to their highly competent and competitive nature. Like the Subie, we also had a long wait until 2003 to legally get our hands on an Evo. Through it all,

the street-legal rally car delivers a bit more of a raw experience -- which is a good thing in its class. Loyalists have no problem making a good thing better, tuning their cars to run with or even outrun exotics. Based on out-of-the-box prowess and style, the 2008 Evolution X seems to be the greatest to date, helping it rank as one of our top 10 all-time Japanese cars.

Number 5

Acura NSX 1991

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Despite how often the term is used, there aren’t many cars you can truly call “everyday exotics,” and even fewer come from Japan. The Acura NSX was both, prompting one car magazine at the time to gush that it was the “best sports car ever built.” That’s debatable, but few will argue it deserves high praise. With a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated V6, the NSX achieved performance

that other cars needed twice the cylinders to match. Yet for all its ability, it was still a Honda at heart, demanding far less care and feeding than its rivals, even beyond 100,000 miles. Not a lot changed between the 1991 model and the final 2005 vehicle, but some are partial to the 1997, and newer cars with more power and a six-speed manual transmission. The 20022005 cars also benefited from fixed HID headlights instead of the old flip-ups.

Number 4

Mazda Miata 1990 Some drivers will never buy in to the appeal of the Miata, dismissing them as “She-atas,” or worse. Too bad, because in the summer of 1989, Mazda awakened drivers’ dormant sentiments for small, two-seat convertibles with their Miata. Like British roadsters of decades earlier, the compact Miata was moderately powered, but overachieved in the handling department. Wisely, Mazda chose not to emulate the sketchy electrical systems or inability to retain oil. For autocross and Spec Miata racing, first-generation cars (1990-1997) tend to be more popular. If you want a daily driver, look into the second-gen editions (1999-2005), especially the rare and snarly MazdaSpeed cars of ‘04-’05.

Some have said the latest (2006present) style lacks the character of earlier cars, but any Miata is going to be a fun drive.

Number 3

Nissan Skyline GT-R 1969, 2008 It goes contrary to typical performance-car philosophy, but some of the most formidable Japanese road cars don’t look that way at first glance. Evidently, they let their performance make their statements. This was how Nissan went about their business with the Skyline and the Skyline GT-R for many years. Enthusiasts lucky enough to have them in their markets quickly tweaked them for otherworldly capability, while the rest of us in non-import countries dreamed from afar. After such an unfathomable drought, the 2009 GT-R is officially in the States and is the choice model of the breed.

If you’re a fan of the old-school cars and can finagle them through your friendly local DMV, go for the last GT-R (1999-2002) before the hiatus.

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Number 2

Lexus LS400 1990 European automakers had it too easy for too long, the way Toyota reckoned, so they took the luxury car market by complete surprise when Lexus was formed and the LS was launched for the 1990 model year. Despite Acura’s initial plunge into the market a few years prior, the Lexus LS was a car of substance in size, refinement and technology. Frustrated with their cars’ unreliability and indifferent dealers, more than a few premium brand owners defected to Lexus showrooms -- and more than a few haven’t strayed.

While they won’t admit it outright, the European brands quickly engaged in a frantic catch-up mode thanks to the gazillion award-winning LS, including the 2007 to present LS 460 L, with and optional reclining and massaging rear seat available.

Number 1

Datsun 240Z 1970 As the 1960s gave way to the 1970s,

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plenty of folks wanted sports cars, but muscle cars weren’t the answer for them. The aforementioned Toyota 2000GT was indeed potent, but it was rare and expensive.

Jaguars and Porsches were out of the question too. Salvation came from Datsun and the new 240Z. For thousands less than the European cars, buyers were treated to impressive performance and reliability from the 2.4-liter inline-six, not to mention the great design, plus the standard and optional features that made it an even better value.

No other car offered so much bang for the buck at the time, and it set the stage for affordable Japanese performance. Changes in emissions and safety regulations meant the best Zs are the original 240s from 1970-1972, but the spirit is stronger than ever in a number of Japanese performance cars.

DOMO ARIGATO Japanese car manufacturers may not have been the first, but they’ve given us many of the best. From fuel-efficient compacts to highperformance sports cars, their models -- especially those of the last four decades -- have changed the automotive world for the better.

Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org www.caranddriver.com www.mitsucars.com www.acura.com

2010 Infiniti G37 roars into Kuwait ‘Power, style, luxury ... and technical accuracy’

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bdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co, home of the Infiniti brand in Kuwait, has unveiled the latest expression of what it called the ‘Inspired Performance’ - the much-awaited all-new 2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe Convertible in Kuwait. The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible builds upon the performance legacy of the Infiniti G line, with the liberation only a convertible with the top down can provide.

The stunning silhouette is perfectly proportioned, looking just as beautiful with the three-piece folding hard-top up or down, while the performance promised by the potent 3.7-litre V6 engine is guaranteed to delight. The G37 Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter signature VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 328 horsepower.

The engine is backed by a standard electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching technology which delivers fast, smooth and satisfying downshifts for the enthusiastic driver.

Speaking on the occasion Khaled Al-Babtain, chairman of the company said the company proudly houses the Infiniti brand in Kuwait. “This Japanese brand has always been one of the premier choices among customers for its cars, all of which are superior in make, impeccable in design and a joy to drive.”

The chief guest on the occasion was the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait HE Masatoshi Muto. Addressing the invited guests, the company dignitaries and the media the ambassador stressed the Japanese cars “gives you value for your money but there is no compromise when it comes to quality, performance and customer satisfaction”.

The G37 Convertible offers signature Infiniti styling cues such as flowing front fender curves, a wave-style aluminum hood, expressive front fascia with double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bifunctional xenon headlights. The automatic top opening/closing sequence takes approximately 25 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on the center console, just behind the transmission shifter lever.

The G37 Convertible’s interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features has a high quality appearance with an Infiniti signature instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white illumination color scheme, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and signature Infiniti analog clock.

The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability,

with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The G37 Convertible will be offered in eight exterior colors with a choice of black or beige leather seating complimented by polished wood trim accents. For customers with even sportier tastes, red leather seating matched with red wood accents can be specially ordered.

Climate-controlled front seats with 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger adjustment are standard. A power ‘walk-in’ device with seat position memory provides easy access to the 2nd row seats (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). A rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down. The 2010 G37 Convertible’s long list of comfort and convenience features includes standard Infiniti intelligent key with push button ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.

Engineering enthusiasts, who all greeted the exceptional presence of the main mastermind behind the

Al-Babtain honors ‘Infiniti’ mastermind

entire Infiniti lineup and Nissan GT-R.

Nissan’s Nakamura visits Kuwait.

“His visit today is incredibly valued,” said Mr. Khalid

“Nakamura san is truly a figure to be inspired by” says Khalid Al Babtain.

sions for our company. Mr. Nakamura is truly a figure

Al Babtain. “This marks one of the very special occato be inspired by and had a great influence on the design direction of Nissan and Infiniti lineup.”

With the company of Al Babtain’s top officials, Nakamura toured the showroom and viewed the premium lineup of Infiniti designed out of his very own creative insight, being showcased today by Infiniti

distinction, elegance and a special way of life. It is about value and an optimistic outlook on the world.

Moreover, it highlights liveliness and charm, demonstrated in seductive and powerful colors.

worldwide.

Meanwhile, Nakamura signed on a special Nissan MuMeanwhile, CEO Mr. Saleh Al Babtain welcomed Na-

KUWAIT: In an unprecedented event, Abdulmohsen

at the Infiniti showroom in Al Rai on the honor of Mr.

Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co. the sole agent of Nissan

Nakamura with the presence of Mr. Monal Zeidan,

and Infiniti in Kuwait welcomed the arrival of the de-

General Manager – Marketing & Corporate Commu-

sign mastermind behind the luxury Japanese auto

nications Department at Nissan Middle East. A vast

brand Infiniti, Mr. Shiro Nakamura, senior vice presi-

attendance of VIPs from Al-Babtain Group, including

dent and chief creative officer of design and brand

Mr. Khalid Al Babtain, chairman and Mr. Mohammed

management of Nissan Motors Co. ltd.

Shalaby, chief operation officer., was witnessed, in addition to other top officials of Al Babtain Co. and

Infiniti Al-Babtain hosted a special welcome reception

the media along with Kuwaiti artists and Automotive

kamura and the attendees while expressed his great

rano hood that will be sold in an auction for proceeds

pleasure to be hosting one of the exclusive events in

to go to charity. The same hood was signed by Richard

the courtesy of a very special guest. The key achieve-

Branson, founder of the Virgin Mega Store business

ments of Nakamura were under the limelight and

empire, in addition to Nissan Motor Company CEO Mr.

the main focus of the event, which introduced the

Carlos Ghosn in separate events.

guests to the long successful record accomplished by the Japanese cerebral.

Nakamura attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, which witnessed the birth of several car design careers. Nakamura is considered one of the focal figures of Infiniti and Nissan, developing the brand with exclusive designs to reflect the core concept “Adeyaka.” Adeyaka stands for luxury,

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SUMO WRESTLING

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apanese Sumo Wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts in Japan. Sumo wrestlers were a favorite subject on Japanese woodblock prints. In contrast to some of the traditional Japanese art forms like kabuki, which has a heavy stand in today’s world, sumo wrestling is enjoying a rising popularity – comparable to basketball in North America or soccer in Europe.

History of Japanese Sumo Wrestling

Sumo has its roots in the shinto religion. The matches were dedicated to the gods in prayers for a good harvest. The oldest written records date back to the 8th century. But it is probably more than 1500 years old.

Sumo prints from the 18th and 19th century prove the popularity of the sport in the past. During the last two decades the art of sumo wrestling could establish itself even outside of Japan. Akebono, an American born in Hawaii, became the first American champion to reach the highest rank.

The

Rules

of

the

Game

A sumo wrestling match is accompanied by a lot of traditional ceremony. The marchingin of the wrestlers is a sequence of formal rituals. The wrestlers are accompanied by two assistants - one walking in front and one behind him - the one behind is usually hard to spot. The referee is clad in a luxurious kimono and wears a strange hat. After

performing a series of opening rituals, the contest begins. The wrestling match is all about pushing or throwing the opponent out of the doyo - the ring - or to bring the other guy down on the floor.

Sumo does not know any weight categories.

There are a few basic techniques - from pulling the opponents legs to grabbing his belt and trying to throw or carry the opponent out of the ring.

The Art of Sushi Finger-licking healthy delicacies

Japanese cuisine is now gaining high popularity around the world and of course, Kuwait is no exception. This is evident from the fact that there are more than 20 Japanese restaurants in Kuwait and the number is still on the rise.

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ice and fish are central to Japanese cuisine, and the two come together perfectly in sushi. Sushi’s roots go deep in Japan, although apparently the first “sushi” was made long ago in Southeast Asia and China as a way to preserve

food, using the ability of rice to promote lactic acid fermentation and protect seafood from bacterial action. Today, each region in Japan has its own traditional sushi recipes, keeping alive a treasure house of culinary variety reflecting local conditions and preferences. Among the oldest of these is the funa-zushi of Shiga Prefecture. That recipe calls for a fish called funa to be pickled in rice and salt for about half a year.

The mixture undergoes lactic acid fermentation, producing a strong, rich odor something like that of a mature washed-rind cheese. Take a single thin slice of the sushi, place it in a bowl and pour hot water on top - you will find the taste delectably complex.

A short history of handmolded nigiri-zushi

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If someone mentions sushi, you will probably think first of the type formed in front of you by a professional sushi chef. This is nigiri-zushi.

On the bottom is rice that has been seasoned with vinegar and a small amount of salt. The rice is handmolded into an easy-to-manage clump, and then topped with seafood. This type was first made in the early 1800s, when the people of the city of Edo (present-day Tokyo) developed a taste for good eating.

Back then, “Edo gourmets” were also creating other recipes that still survive today, like unagi no kaba-yaki (split, grilled eel), tempura (bite-size vegetables and seafood dipped in a batter then deep-fried), and soba (buckwheat noodles). These dishes are representative of Tokyo cuisine, and are now served throughout Japan.

Edo sprang up on Edo Bay (now called Tokyo Bay), a place rich in fish and shellfish. The best of these were served as toppings on clumps of sushi rice. This was Edo’s haya-zushi (“speedy sushi”), a fashionable fast food that fulfilled the desire of the people of that city for flair and perfection, or iki. The popularity of this new sushi quickly surpassed that of the main type served at the time, hako-zushi (a pressed sushi), and took Edo by storm. But hako-zushi did not die out, and is still central to the sushi repertoire of Osaka, Kyoto and

other places in he Kansai region.

Part of the genius of traditional sushi lies in its ability to play up the flavor of a particular seafood to the maximum, while preserving it at the same time. Great to eat, and safe to eat, too - in the old days, chefs introduced one innovation after another to push the “delicious and safe” bar higher. Next time you are at a sushi counter, ask for an ikkan helping of nigiri-zushi. The sushi rice and the topping are quite different, as far as ingredients go, but they balance each other out, making a delicious harmony.

The art of making nigiri-zushi reached its present state of near perfection around 1910, using toppings that are either marinated raw with salt and vinegar, or simmered, or even steamed. Nigiri-zushi began in old Edo, but it continued strong after the city’s name changed to Tokyo in the 1860s, carrying on traditions that became famous throughout Japan as Edo-mae (Edo style) nigiri-zushi.

Of course, today’s rapid transportation systems and refrigeration have eliminated the need for the old-fashioned preservation methods. But the genius of sushi chefs of old remains true today - no matter how high the quality of the seafood, and no matter how fresh it is, in many cases it is far better to serve it not raw but marinated, simmered or steamed the old-fashioned way. That is, if you want your nigiri-zushi next to perfect. The best sushi chefs are willing to take the extra time to practice the old Edo-mae techniques. Read on to explore the world of Edo-maezushi.

The genius of Edo-maezushi chefs When making nigiri-zushi, what is the best way to mold the sushi rice?

One expert, now deceased, put it this way: “When you’ve finished, the grains of rice should be loose enough that you can see the light from a light bulb filtering through the gaps. The clump shouldn’t fall apart even if you knock it over, but when you put it in your mouth and move it about with your tongue it should collapse nicely.”

Here again, we have a delicate balance: sushi made by the best chefs creates a harmony of rice and topping that practically dissolves in the mouth. And the shape of the clump of rice? If you look at it from the side, the bottom should be slightly narrower than the top, so the sides slope up and out something like a fan. If you follow the instructions of the expert quoted above, the rice will naturally assume a deliciouslooking shape.

ago, spotted shad (kohada) was taken in large numbers from Edo Bay, but it only became prized after it was used as a sushi topping. It was a major factor in Edo-mae-zushi taking off in the first place. Sushi pros say this about spotted shad: “Preserve it with the right amount of salt, and marinate it with the right amount of vinegar.” Clean and fillet the fish, then sprinkle on salt and set the fillets aside. Later, wash off the salt with water, then rinse the fillets with plenty of niban vinegar, which contains traces of fat from spotted shad previously marinated in it. Then, place the pieces on top of each other, and apply enough pressure with your hands to gently squeeze out any excess vinegar.

How about the topping? Long

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texture and delicious taste.

Set aside for a short while. During this part of the process, the fish will lose its “raw fish” smell. Use some fresh vinegar to marinate again, then place the pieces of fish around the inner sides of a bowl for at least one night, to let the vinegar drain off. How much salt and vinegar to use depends on the state of the fish, something an expert chef can judge by looking at it. If the salt and vinegar are used in the right quantities, the fatty succulence of the fish and the harmonious tasty balance of the rice and topping will make you think that spotted shad evolved in the ocean for one reason only—to be made into sushi!

From the above it is obvious that sushi does not necessarily mean raw fish on rice. Sometimes the seafood is simmered first, and this is the case with one seafood variety excellent for sushi, anago eel (common Japanese conger). After it is cleaned and slit open, eel pieces are arranged in a hikizaru basket made of woven strands of bamboo, and the basket with eel is lowered into the broth.

A special anago broth is used, with sugar and soy sauce added. Getting things right depends on the anago broth. If an inferior broth is used, the pieces of eel will absorb too much of the seasonings, and their fat will seep out into it, preventing any opportunity for a moist

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After use, the broth is strained and stored in a refrigerator, to be used time and time again, with sugar and soy sauce a d d e d each time.

When apprentices leave a sushi shop to set up their own business, the master chef will often follow the old tradition of giving them some of the broth stock to use in their new establishment.

Incidentally, before serving it to customers, the anago is brushed with a sauce made by taking some of the broth, adding more sugar and soy sauce, and simmering it until it is quite thick.

A special omelet is also made for authentic Edo-mae-zushi. The beaten egg contains minced ingredients that differ according to the chef’s preferences - common ones include round clam adductor muscles, prawn, and white fish. The result is quite different from what you would expect an omelet or dashimaki rolled egg to be - it is more like a high-quality castella cake, a dessert and sushi at the same time.

Any discussion of Edo-mae nigirizushi should also mention a chic topping called oboro. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer shops are making it these days. Minced prawn is mixed with sugar, mirin and a little salt, then heated well in a pot without oil. One way to serve oboro is to place it under a topping of fish called kisu (Japanese blackish halfbeak) that has been salted and vinegared. Another way is to roll it with kampyo gourd strips in a nori-maki

roll. Oboro is sweet and light and melts in the mouth, offering a taste that is rich yet subtle at the same time.

The search for authenticity in Edo-mae-zushi

How many ways are there to prepare the topping for Edo-mae style sushi? Perhaps too many to count! It takes just a second to mold the rice by hand and put on a topping, but preparing that topping takes many hours. You will see sushi shops all over Japan with signs advertising their “Edo-mae-zushi,” but fewer and fewer of them are following the old techniques faithfully. That is not to say that their nigiri-zushi is no good. But if they do not follow the old techniques, it certainly is not authentic.

A true Edo-mae topping benefits from many long years of innovations in preparation methods, all with the aim of achieving a balance - a harmony between the rice and the topping - and the wonderful taste which that harmonious balance can give. An expert attains this balance in the palm of his hand. The combination of proper technique and ingredients is what makes Edomae nigiri-zushi the real thing.

The best makers of Edo-mae nigirizushi have mastered the many traditional techniques, and they are able to judge which technique to use for the seafood they choose. They use touch and sight to examine fish and shellfish that comes to their local market from all over the country.

One traditional Edo-mae-zushi shop that has taken the high road in this regard is Kizushi, located in the Ningyo-cho district of central Tokyo. It opened its doors in 1924 and is now ranked among the best in the city. The third-generation owner, Yui Ryuichi, is a master chef combining awesome insight with technical expertise. His nigiri-zushi is delectable to the palate and a feast for the eyes. His shop brings the past into the present, and shows how centuries of innovation can shine in splendor today.

Japanese

FRUIT

Premium gift shop

Opens in Salhiya Complex

Furthermore, their exceptional quality is maintained through the careful supervision and monitoring of every stage of cultivation.

Japanese fruits Oishii Nippon (A Taste of Japan), the first dedicated boutique in Kuwait selling premium Japanese fruits, officially opened its doors on the ground floor of Salhiya Complex, under the management of Food Supply Co WLL (Kei Japanese Restaurant). Under patronage and in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Firyal Al-Sabah, the grand opening ceremony of the store was hosted by HE Masatoshi Muto, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait, along with several dignitaries. The ceremony included a fruit tasting session for all attendees.

Launched by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) as part of a major initiative to promote premium Japanese food products in the Arab region, Oishii Nippon is

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administered by Kintetsu World Express Sales (KWE), and supported

by JA Zen-Noh, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations.

The first store of its kind in Kuwait, Oishii Nippon is distinguished not only for selling premium Japanese fruits that have a host of healing properties, but also for the unique way they are sold, in a finely crafted traditional Japanese gift basket known as furoshiki. “With the opening of Oishii Nippon in Kuwait, customers will have access to the exquisite taste of Japan and its ultimate gifting tradition, whether for personal consumption, corporate gifts, or to simply break the ice in social gatherings,” said Keiko Muto, the owner of Kei Japanese Restaurant.

Emphasising the high quality of Japanese fruits, HE Masatoshi Muto stated that he is delighted to

inaugurate Oishii Nippon in Kuwait, which he believed will satisfy people in Kuwait having various fruits grown in the best region of Japan for fruit production. Mr Tamai, Representative of JA Zen-Noh, said, “because of the meticulous attention to the agricultural conditions and production techniques in Japan, the Oishii Nippon boutique is now ready to satisfy Kuwait’s exquisite taste with fruits unlike any other in the world.”

In ancient Japan, fresh fruits were given as gifts by nobility in specially designed furoshikis, which were originally used to wrap treasure and hence the practice of giving fruits in Furoshikis rose among the noble class to symbolize their importance and respect for the recipient.

Japanese fruits are known for having the highest sugar content among fruits worldwide, making them extremely delicious and juicy.

Persimmons

This luscious shiny orange-coloured fruit has a crispy texture and rich mellow taste that is adored by both children and adults at any occasion.

It is known to resist high blood pressure and helps detoxification due to its well balanced variety of minerals and vitamins.

Nashi pears

Japanese pears can be distinguished by their unique appearance. Nashi pears are especially known for their juicy, mouth-watering texture and their delightful appearance. With its high potassium content and balanced minerals, these pears help to prevent high blood pressure, fatigue and digestive problems.

Mandarin (unshu)

oranges

The most popular fruit in Japan, these mandarins are known to have

no pips and balance sweetness with tenderness. They are also very easy to peel with their delicate skin. They prevent cold, cancer, skin problems, hypertension and fatigue.

Earl’s melons

A true representation of the incomparable fruits that make the taste of Japan, the earl melon with its outstanding fragrance and exquisite taste is sure to tease and entice your senses. Known also as muskmelon, it is believed to prevent cancer, hypertension, cold, skin problems and acts as an active antiageing agent.

to prevent high blood pressure and fatigue.

There’s nothing quite that can describe the experience of the refreshing taste these fruits bring to your senses. And one secret to this is their sugar content; by far the highest among fruits from anywhere in the world. They are by far, the most delicious, juiciest and fleshiest fruits that you’d ever had. And savoring these delightful fruits is an experience you’d almost don’t want to share! In the age-old traditions of Japan, gifting of these premium fruits symbolized special warmth and respect.

Grapes

With their fragile look, this exceptional variety of grapes is celebrated for both its fine flavor and fragrance. Kyoho, known in Japan as the king of grapes, is the largest of the lot with a sweet juicy texture. Rosario Bianco, known as milady grape due to its jade-like colour, has a rich scent, which beats the scent of the normal Muscat grapes.

Kaiji, with its flower-like appearance and splendid sweetness, is a favorite among Muscat grapes. These grapes also improve blood circulation and increase strength and are known

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W

asabi is an original concept diner with a chic modern interior and modern Japanese art. This

delightfully popular restaurant serves authentic Japanese fare, which is now the rage in Kuwait. This is no surprise as Japanese cuisine places an emphasis on fresh and healthy ingredients, which Wasabi restaurants are famous for. Wasabi was established in 2001, with its first restaurant in Kuwait City. It now has five branches across the state. The eatery is also famous for its sauces.

The Wasabi salad is wonderfully fresh and famous throughout Kuwait. Other appetizers include soups and Ebi Furai – breaded shrimp dipped in a secret sakana sauce. If raw fish isn’t your thing there are plenty of options from Rock Shrimps (shrimp balls with a spicy mayonnaise sauce) as well as teppanyaki – with gyuniki (beef tenderloin), lobster and prawn that are continuously in demand.

The sushi range is outstanding with delights such as shaki (salmon), tai (red snapper) and inagi (seawater eel). The fresh ingredients and creative presentation are renowned.

If you have room for dessert, then check out their banana fritters.

Wasabi japonica is a popular condiment traditionally served in Japanese cuisine. Over the centuries, the Japanese have believed that eating grated fresh wasabi with raw fish and other foods helped prevent illness. The plant also has anti-cancer properties. Wasabi is not just healthier, but it also has hotness and a very characteristic flavour.

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Sakura

J

‌ the Soul of Japanese Cuisine

apanese cuisine has developed

over the past 2,000 years with strong influences from both China and Korea. But it is only in the last 300-400 years that all the influences have come together to form what nowadays can be described as Japanese cuisine. Japanese cuisine offers a great variety of dishes and regional specialties.

Some of the most popular Japanese dishes are rice dishes, seafood dishes, noodle dishes, nabe dishes, soya bean dishes, yoshoku dishes and other dishes.

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The typical Japanese meal consists of a bowl of rice (gohan), a bowl of miso soup (miso shiru), pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and fish or meat. While rice is the staple food, several kinds of noodles (udon, soba and ramen) are very popular for light meals.

As an island nation, the Japanese take great pride in their seafood.

A wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, eel, and shellfish appear in all kinds of dishes from sushi to tempura.

Wondering where to find great sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki?

It’s all being craftily prepared by expert Japanese chefs to serve you mouthwatering dishes from a place nearest to your home. Sakura invites you, your family and friends to indulge your senses at Sakura Japanese restaurant, with unforgettable dishes served by a crew that are willing to serve you.

Sakura is a famous Japanese cuisine which has captured the breathes of its customers by the enormous number of dishes that are from different 7 Asian cuisines that include Thailand, Vietnam, Chinese and of course the famous Japanese and many other different kitchens that are well known for their history and traditions.

It is also well known that Sakura restaurants have an amazing menu with delicious dishes made by the hands of expert chefs, brilliant in serving the Asian food by all its different kinds making Saku-

ra a flower with a fragrance that the chef prepares for its guests.

This has made Sakura more responsible towards its guest to serve special menus with the best dishes.

Sakura has 5 branches all around Kuwait, getting closer to its lovers and guests through its outlets located in Mangaf, Multaqa Al Shaab, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Laila Gallery mall and Discovery mall.

Try now any of our Sakura outlets for an unforgettable Japanese experience.

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Japanese Cuisine Traditionally modern

The Japanese presentation of meals is foremost visual and highly thoughtful. Japanese dishes are chosen to highlight, enhance and harmonize the presentation of food. Food is chosen for its color, texture and season and artistically arranged to create a visual display of edible cuisine.

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nce known in the west either in the form of “sukiyaki” or the more exotic “sushi,” Japanese cuisine has in recent years become much more familiar and appreciated around the world.

Many visitors to Japan will have already sampled the pleasures of raw fish or batter-fried shrimp. But few firsttime visitors to Japan are prepared for the variety and sumptuousness of Japanese food, as it is traditionally prepared. Eating in Japan is an experience to be enjoyed and remembered fondly for the rest of your life.

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Among the types of cooking found in Japan are:

Sukiyaki is prepared right at the table by cooking thinly sliced beef together with various vegetables, tofu and vermicelli.

Tempura is food deep-fried in vegetable oil, after being coated with a mixture of egg, water and wheat flour. Among the ingredients used are prawns, fish in season and vegetables

Sushi is a small piece of raw seafood placed on a Shabu-shabu is tender, thin slices of beef held ball of vinegared rice. The most common ingredients are tuna, squid and prawn. Cucumber, pickled radish and sweet egg omelet are also served.

Sashimi is sliced raw fish eaten with soy sauce Kaiseki Ryori is regarded as the most exquisite

by chopsticks and swished in a pot of boiling water, then dipped in a sauce before being eaten.

Soba and Udon are two kinds of Japanese noodle. Soba is made from buckwheat flour and Udon from wheat flour. They are served either in a broth or dipped in a sauce, and are available in hundreds of delicious variations..

culinary refinement in Japan. The dishes are mainly composed of vegetables and fish with seaweed and mushrooms as the seasoning base and are characterized by their refined savor.

Yakitori is made up of small pieces of chicken meat, liver and vegetables skewered on a bamboo stick and grilled over hot coals.

Tonkatsu

is

a

deep-fried

cutlet

rolled

in

breadcrumbs

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EMBASSY HAPPENINGS

H.E. Masatoshi MUTO, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait and H.E. Moon, Young-han, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait with their spouses at an event.

H.E. Masatoshi Muto, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait and legendary Japanese animator Go Nagai are seen with local fans.

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Dr. Ahamed Al-Munayyes (right), Director of the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education of Kuwait University and H.E. Masatoshi Muto (second right), Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait are seen at the Japanese Speech Contest was at Kuwait University.

to their valued customers; the job is not complete until they are 100 percent satisfied. QTA takes great pride in knowing their customers return each time they wish to travel, leaving every detail to QTA.

QTA offers the following services.

Ali H. Al-Qattan General Manager

Al Qattan Travel Agency

See the world with QTA! Al-Qattan Travel Agency (QTA) is a subsidiary of Al Dhabi Trading and Contracting Co, one of the oldest established businesses in Kuwait. Al Dhabi Trading and Contracting Co is well known in the field of real estate and investment in the Middle East and Europe.

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Established in 1980 and a member of the IATA since 1992 QTA is acknowledged as one of the fastest growing travel conglomerates in the Middle East in addition to being one of the leading travel agencies in Kuwait. QTA enjoys a good reputation specializing in the travel and tourism business since its conception.

QTA is among the top ten with most airlines and tour operators. It has been awarded outstanding performance certificates in sales and services each year for the past ten years. QTA is highly connected with ministries, civil aviation authorities, national carriers, and foreign airlines in Kuwait. QTA also has contacts with groups, clubs and associations of different nationalities such as Americans, Arabs, Asians, and Europeans. Its sales and marketing team is just as diverse as its clients, with associates from a wide variety of countries.

It has always been the sole motto at QTA to render the best services

* Worldwide reservations for hotels, apartments, resorts and villas * Worldwide air tickets lodges to luxurious star-rated hotels, you can find enough options to choose from that suit your taste and pocket. In Japan you will also find Arabian restaurants that serve halal food,” narrated Al-Qattan.

Abid Saeed, Manager * Worldwide rental car reservations * Honeymoon special packages. * Train and cruise reservations * Summer camps and language courses in the US and UK * Air ticket delivery 24 hours * Special facilities and services for corporate customers QTA offers package tours to many countries including Japan. QTA’s Ali Al-Qattan and Abid Saeed recently visited Japan, and came back raving. “Every part of Japan has something unique as compared to others. You are bound to get plenty of bargain deals in eating, travelling, sightseeing and even accommodation. Right from cheap hotels and

QTA’s tour packages are carefully thought out and well-planned in terms of transportation, accommodation, meals, guided tours and sightseeing. All one has to do is reach the airport to board the plane. These tour packages are of great value, not just for families, but even for independent travellers.

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Model Plan Spring 2010 Photos: Sherali Abbas

1. We recommend the following places to visit:.

•

Tokyo Metropolitan Area:

Imperial Palace:

The former Edo Castle of Tokugawa Shogunate, where Their Majesties the Emperors have resided since the Meiji Restoration in 19th century. The Palace is surrounded by numerous cherry (sakura) trees which fascinate people day and night in their full bloom.

Asakusa Temple:

The Temple is in downtown area surrounded by old-fashioned shopping districts. It is famous for the Furaijin-mon (Gate of Wind God and Thunder God) adorned with a large red paper lantern that bears the inscription «Kaminari-mon» (Thunder Gate).

Ginza:

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Ginza is one of elegant and luxurious shopping areas just like the Park Avenue in New

York or the Champs Elysees in Paris. The Kabuki-za Theater, where the Japanese traditional theatrical art known as «Kabuki» is performed, is also located here.

Akihabara: The name of Akihabara is world famous. There are more than 250 electrical appliance and electronic shops as well as duty free shops and showrooms. Emerging animation-related shops have also been attracting much attention. The shop assistants have a wealth of knowledge and are able to answer all sorts of questions. Many of them speak English Note: You can also visit various other places by

Hato Bus with English guide.

•

Nikko Toshogu Shrine: Ieyasu Toku-

gawa, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate from 17th to 19th century, was enshrined here after his death. It is one of Japan>s World Heritage sites famous for the engravings of the three monkeys and the statue of Nemuri-neko, the sleeping cat.

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2. For optional one day tour we also recommend: • Kamakura: An ancient city where the first shogunate (ruling by samurai) was established in 1192. It is famous for the Great Buddha (a huge Buddha statue called «Kamakura-no Daibutsu»).

•

Yokohama: One of

port cities which opened for foreigners in 19th century.

It is famous for Minato Mirai 21 Landmark Tower, which has the highest observation deck in Japan and for the finest Chinese cuisine in China Town.

• Tokyo Disney Park and Disney Sea Park: A gigantic theme parks where you can spend a day without knowing passage of time! The Park opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside the USA. Since then it has been the most popular theme park in Japan and is by far the second most annuallyvisited theme park complex in the world behind the Walt Disney World Resort.

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while the manufacturing of cars has moved out to Toyota City to the east of Nagoya.

Nagoya: Japan’s Eco-Capital

N

agoya’s history goes back 400 years.

The city was created in the aftermath of the Battle of Sekigahara. Uniting Japan through his victory at the battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu commenced construction of Nagoya Castle in 1610, and in the years that followed the residents of the former town of Kiyosu moved to the area surrounding the new castle. Under the leading family of the three Tokugawa clans, Nagoya developed as a centre for culture, manufacture and trade.

Nagoya is not all about industry, transport and trade, however. It has a thriving cultural scene and a vibrant nightlife, and there is a wealth of museums in the city, including some excellent art museums. In addition, it also has something to offer nature lovers, in particular the Fujimae-higata wetland area near the port, which is Japan’s largest

stopover site for migratory birds and hence a great site for bird spotting. There are also plenty of green spaces in Nagoya, and the city is working to become even greener.

Nagoya has also initiated a number of comprehensive green projects with the stated ambition of becoming Japan’s eco-capital of the future.

Sightseeing

The city’s foremost sightseeing highlight is Nagoya Castle with its

two golden dolphins on the roof.

It’s only a replica, since the original castle was destroyed by American bombing in 1945, but it’s still an impressive building with an interesting museum inside. Among the city’s many temples and shrines, the Atsuta Shrine is the most important, as it contains one of the three sacred imperial treasures of Japan. There is a small museum, and the grounds offer a nice environment for an afternoon stroll.

With 2.2 million inhabitants, Nagoya is today the fourth-largest city in Japan. One of the country’s major transport hubs, situated halfway between east and west along the main transport lines running from Tokyo via Kyoto and Osaka to Hiroshima and further west, Nagoya also has Japan’s leading port for international trade as well as its own state-of-the-art airport, half-an-hour from the city centre.

For centuries a centre for porcelain, ceramics and lacquer-ware production, in modern times Nagoya has been among Japan’s most important manufacturing and industrial cities. Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the world’s leading car makers, was established in Nagoya, and it still runs a technology and industry museum in the city,

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Nagoya is also home to some excellent art museums, including Nagoya City Art Museum and Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts, which both feature Japanese and nonJapanese artworks, and the Tokugawa Art Museum, an amazing collection of more than 10,000 items of traditional Japanese art. Much effort has been put into making the city’s port attractive to visitors, and the spectacular Port Tower is worth visiting for the views it offers of the harbour. The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is very popular and one of Japan’s finest.

For those interested in ceramics and local crafts, the Noritake Garden is worth a visit. Higashiyama Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Sky Tower offer a fun day out in a lovely park setting.

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Top Attractions Nagoya Castle

This impressive castle was constructed by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612 for the Owari Tokugawa family. It was almost completely destroyed by American bombing in 1945, and the current ferro-concrete reconstruction dates from 1959. On top of the building are the two famous golden dolphins which used to symbolise the authority of the feudal lord.

Today the castle is a museum, and because of its many cherry trees it is very popular during the cherry blossom season.

Atsuta-Jingu

The Atsuta Shrine houses the ‘Kusanagi-no-tsurugi’, a sword that is

one of the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures in Japan. More than 6.5 million people visit this place annually, the second largest of Japan’s Shinto shrines after the one at Ise. The sword is said to have been given to the imperial family by the goddess Amaaterasu Omikami. The museum contains several artefacts of national importance in Japan.

Nagoya City Art Museum

Housed in a modern building designed by Kisho Kurokawa, the city’s art museum boasts a collection of 2,500 local and international artworks. It focuses on modern artists of the local Ise Bay area, but also features works by Ecole de Paris and Mexican Renaissance artists to

show how these have influenced local artists.

Tokugawa Museum

Art

A treasure trove of Japanese art, furniture and equipment from the feudal period, the collection at the Tokugawa Art Museum consists of the holdings of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family, who had very close family and political ties to the ruling shoguns throughout the Edo period (1603-1868). Many of the personal effects of Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of the heroes in Japanese history, can be seen, along with a vast variety of artworks, cultural objects and books stretching back to Medieval times.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Nagoya has an excellent aquarium down by the port. It is divided in two buildings. In the North building visitors can see large sea mammals like killer whales, beluga whales and dolphins. In the South building there are tanks representing Antarctic marine life (with plenty of penguins), Australian freshwater life and tropical marine life, as well as a deep sea gallery.

Attractions Noritake Garden

The famous Noritake factory (the birthplace of the modern ceramic industry in Japan) is surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens, and there is a craft centre where visitors can see how ceramics are made and even try their hand at it themselves.

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age of shops selling international high street fashion and designer brands in these parts of town, but neither is it difficult to find shops that concentrate on local crafts and souvenirs (for instance tied-dyed textiles or pottery).

There is also a museum displaying early Noritake ceramics items, including wonderful pieces from the art deco and art nouveau periods.

Higashiyama Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Sky Tower This comprehensive park with a zoo, botanical garden and amusement park is located in the eastern part of Nagoya. Koalas, giraffes and elephants can be seen in the zoo, while the botanic garden boasts a large greenhouse and flower gardens. The Sky Tower has an observation room 100 m above the ground that offers great views of Nagoya.

A very nice restaurant is located on the top floor.

Shopping

The main shopping areas in Nagoya are in Sakae, the busiest and most popular part of the city, and near Nagoya Station. There is no short-

A massive Takashimaya department store is located above Nagoya Station. The Loft department store in Sakae’s Nadya Park is also popular among serious shoppers. For streetlevel shopping with a stronger local link the area around the Osu Kannon temple offers a nice atmosphere and several small clothes and crafts shops and cafes.

Nagoya and the surrounding region is one of Japan’s centres for production of fine porcelain, ceramics, lacquer-ware and tie-dyed fabrics, and there are many outlets for these products. Arimatsu, 12 kmsouth east of downtown Nagoya, is an old centre for the production of tie-dyed fabrics and clothes, and it is possible to get hold of some wonderful items there.

Excursions

Inuyama is a city located to the north east of Nagoya. It is famous for its beautiful castle, Inuyama-jo, the oldest in Japan with a donjon (keep) dating back to 1537. Nearby is the strolling garden Urakuen, in which can be found the tea cere-

mony house Joan, built in 1618 and widely regarded as one of the finest tea-houses in Japan. From June to September, it is possible to take part in ukai, cormorant-fishing, in which fishermen amazingly make the birds do the actual fishing. The fishing takes places near Inuyama-yuen Station, by the Inuyama-bashi Twin Bridge, and tickets can be bought at the Inuyama Tourist Office.

Arimatsu, some 12 km south east of downtown Nagoya, has been a centre for the production of tie-dyed fabrics and clothes since 1608. The history of this industry is brought to life in the local museum, ArimatsuNarumi Shiborikaikan. The town also features the Arimatsu Festival Float Museum, which displays the impressive floats used for the colourful annual festival there. Several of the old houses involved in the tiedyeing industry are listed buildings because of their architectural and cultural importance.

Toyota City is also worth a visit.

Located to the east of Nagoya, it is home to the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Toyota Automobile Museum is located in east Nagoya, while the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which tracks more than a century of motoring history, is located in the city centre.

Japan Self Defence Forces Day & Opening of new Chancery 3rd of June, 2009

Embassy of Japan

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Japanese

electronics companies race to innovate I

n the past, Japanese electronics companies (JECs) were able to maintain their competitive advantage in the global marketplace by focusing on product innovation.

However, competitors in other parts of the world are now outperforming JECs in terms of productivity, financial performance and brand value. To win the global challenge, JECs need to race toward becoming global innovators and focus on a five-pronged transformation.

For decades, Japanese electronics companies have dominated the global electronics industry. Their brands were hallmarks for quality, style and especially innovation.

In fact, looking back over the top ten US patent holder lists since 1999, at least five of the ten companies recognized each year have been JECs. Unfortunately, technological prowess in product innovation alone has not been enough to keep JECs ahead of their global competitors.

Globalization, electronics industry trends such as product commoditization and increased global competition are reshuffling the industry’s leading contenders, with fewer JECs remaining in the top tier.

Though this situation is obviously difficult for the JECs involved, its impact may reach much further – upstream to suppliers as well as across the national and global economies. Currently, electronics is the leading contributor to Japan’s gross domestic product – even higher than the automotive industry; the Japanese economy, in turn, is the second largest in the world. The ripple effect of a continued decline could be staggering.

competitors – often South Korean ones – to surpass JECs, taking on more prominent positions in the industry.

Five focus areas for winning the global challenge For JECs to counteract these trends and become global innovators, five areas of focus will be key: * Customer insight – Develop a deep understanding of both the domestic and international customer to create strong value propositions. * Business model innovation – Implement new or updated business models that help them achieve greater value propositions. * Global business portfolio management – Establish the ability to shift resources among lines of business (LOBs) and enter/exit businesses fluidly. * Global governance and communication – Make decisions efficiently and communicate clearly with stakeholders. * Global human resource management – Attract and retain top global talent at a competitive price.

Given their current condition in comparison to competitors worldwide, JECs face a challenging race ahead. Over the past few years, global competitors have learned from watching the strengths – and weaknesses – of their Japanese rivals. It is time for JECs to also learn from the strengths and weaknesses of their global competitors.

JECs have an important advantage over other companies in the electronics industry – their experience and track record in product, technological and manufacturing innovation. But they must build on this core strength.

For those JECs that commit to the fundamental changes required to become Global Innovators – and take action now – we see a very bright future. They will be the ones that outpace their global competitors and maintain a formidable advantage in the continuous race to innovate.

JECs face a tremendous global competitive challenge.

Rivals across the rest of the world (ROW) are currently outperforming them in terms of productivity, financial performance and brand value. Across each measurement area – including productivity, financial performance and brand value – JECs trail their counterparts in other parts of the world. For example, although JEC revenue continues to grow incrementally year to year, the ROW’s revenue is growing four times as fast. That means, JECs’ share of the global electronics market is shrinking, falling 13 points over the last decade.

There are instances where an individual JEC is outperforming its global peers. However, when evaluated as a group, JECs are clearly losing their edge.

The top spots vacated by JECs leave room for

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dination. Controlling a robot today requires expert knowledge, but there are high hopes that future developments will enable CBi to be controlled by general users.

Photos : Noman Simran Mehran

g

in k a e r b und

Gro

s t o Rob

Robots with Expressive Faces Elsewhere, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed a humanoid robot that is about the size of an average young Japanese woman. HRP4C has facial expressions and movements that resemble those of humans, which makes people more comfortable in its presence that with earlier robots. HRP-4C’s facial expressions were created with the face of an average Japanese woman in mind and exude an air of elegance. The material used for the surface of the face is highly elastic silicon, which enables HRP-4C to smile or express surprise. Since its movements are based on data from detailed analysis of human movements, it can move in a smoother and more human-like way than previous robots. The institute expects that HRP-4C will be used in the enter-

Robots Can Now Bat, Smile, and Chat Japan possesses some of the world’s most advanced robotics technology, and Japanese researchers have developed a succession of groundbreaking models in the field of humanoid robots. Recently, attention has focused on robots with a high level of learning ability and robots whose human appearance and facial expressions make them more approachable.

Enlarge photo

Robot Mimics and Monkeys

Humans

The Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute Interna-

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tional (ATR) has developed a humanoid robot called CBi that possesses extraordinary learning abilities. CBi is equipped with a computer system that automatically programs physical movements. To demonstrate this ability, an experiment was conducted in January 2008 between ATR in Kyoto and Duke University in the United States, in which CBi imitated the movements of a monkey. The research team at Duke had a monkey walk on a treadmill. While it was walking, the electric signals in its brain were measured and sent via the Internet to CBi at ATR. CBi then

reproduced the walking motion of the monkey based on these signals, and walked in a similar manner.

Humans can also teach CBi to perform actions. If a human takes CBi’s hand or leg and repeats the same movement a number of times, CBi will learn that movement. CBi has already learned high-level movements such as batting a ball thrown by a human and rolling a ball on its palm. People were amazed when they saw a video released in January 2009 of CBi batting a ball - an exceptionally complex feat of coor-

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tainment field; the robot has already acted as MC for a fashion show.

Professor Kobayashi Hiroshi of Tokyo University of Science has developed a humanoid robot called Saya that has an even wider range of facial expressions. Like HRP-4C, Saya has the appearance of a young Japanese woman. Saya’s face is made of synthetic rubber, beneath the surface of which lie 30 motors. By combining the movements of these mo-

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tors, expressions from laughter to anger can be achieved. Saya is not equipped with artificial intelligence and is currently remotely controlled by humans. In an elementary school classroom, however, «she» was able to smile and have simple conversations with students, while occasionally cautioning students with a stern look. Saya”s range of expressions, beyond the capabilities of

previous robots, have attracted attention. With the addition of artificial intelligence and other improvements, robots like Saya may be able to provide nursing services or be used in psychological counseling.

T r a v e l to T o k y o

Travel to Tokyo

Starting 28th March, you can travel to Tokyo 5 times a week, non-stop from Dubai, with Emirates. Also known as the Imperial City, it’s home to Japan’s Imperial family and over 30 million other inhabitants. With this many people, even walking down the street can become an incredible experience of sound and motion.

Once you get off the street and step into one of the enormous multi-purpose sky scrapers, the exhilaration continues.

Within one building, as you travel from floor to floor, you can experience exquisite dining, incredible entertainment, great shopping and then walk out on to the roof to discover a full size football field.

Extend your stay in Tokyo and continue on to explore the hot spring resorts of Hakone, the temples of Kamakura or the grace and hospitality of Osaka.

Discover Tokyo What to do in Tokyo

When you fly to Tokyo, you’ll find a place where newer means better, it creates an energy that feels almost magnetic at times.

Balancing out this unrelenting modernity is strong cultural and traditional history. Central Tokyo is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city, home to the lofty heights of the Imperial Palace, as well as some of the world’s most fascinating museums.

So much to see and do

Discover what you can do in Tokyo, a city with a lot to offer. If it is fashion you are after, you can visit the shopping capital of Ginza for a variety of international brands, or if you want to try something different there’s the world’s largest fish market in Tsukiji.

Then there’s the technology hub that is Akihabara.

A place where you’ll find every electronic gadget you’ve ever heard of, and more than a few that you haven’t.

In Shibuya and Harajuku you’ll find interesting pop cultures, unique street fashion, the best boutiques and the trendiest nightspots. It’s a fantastic introduction to the urban life of modern Tokyo.

See the future and the past

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No trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to Shinjuku or Ikebukuro. They are two of the major transport hubs, with towering buildings of steel and glass, heaving masses of commuters and maze-like cityscapes lit up by blazing neon.

Or, for a rare glimpse of old Edo, amidst a seemingly endless sea of concrete, head to the adjacent districts of Asakusa and Ueno, which retain the few scant historical remnants and ancient buildings of Shitamachi and the Low Town.

Exquisite dining

When exploring Tokyo, you’ll find a veritable gastronomic galaxy, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Try an array of traditional Japanese specialties, like Botamochi (rice dumpling) and Chirashizuzhi (clam soup). It’ll change the way you look at food forever.

Tokyo, Japan Experience Japan

Japan is made up of an incredible 6,852 mountainous islands, many of them volcanic. It’s home to over 120 million people, and famous the world over for having a unique culture and traditions.

History

By dating pottery fragments, scientists estimate Japan has been populated for over 30,000 years. Over that time, the land of the rising sun has developed some of the most fascinating cultural traditions in the world.

Sumo wrestling and other martial arts were born in Japan, as were the Ninja and the Samurai. There are unique art forms, beautiful haikus, delicious food, imaginative outfits, exquisite gardens and genuine hospitality. Japan really does have it all.

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s second city, with almost 20 million people. Famous for its down-to-earth citizens and hearty cuisine, Osaka combines a few historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese city. Incredibly popular with tourists, it boasts aquariums, museums, theatres, temples, palaces and more. A must-see if you’re considering a visit to Japan.

Kyoto

The cultural heart of Japan is full of peaceful shrines, temples and gardens. Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of your imagination: raked pebble gardens, poets’ huts hidden amid bamboo groves, arcades of vermilion shrine gates, geisha disappearing into the doorways of traditional restaurants, golden temples floating above tranquil waters. A welcome tonic from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Iriomote-Jima

Get out of the urban jungle, and explore a real one.

Experience wild Japan with a trek through a tropical jungle. Iriomote-jima is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts

Fukuoka

An affordable town with plenty to see, eat and drink. Your best chance to enjoy some night-life with some friendly locals. Fukuoka has transformed itself over the last decade into one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan cities.

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Graduate schools

Junior colleges

The length of study in a graduate school depends on whether you are matriculated in a mas ter’s program or doctor’s program.

The length of study is two years or three years depending on the department. The majority of departments are those related to home economics, humanities, education and sociology.

Master’s program: lasts for two years.

Selecting a School in Japan

F

oreign students can enroll in one of five types of institutions of higher learning: universities (undergraduate courses), graduate schools, junior colleges, special training colleges (post-secondary courses) and colleges of technology. Because each student may have a different reason for choosing to study in Japan, you should clarify your objective before selecting a school. * Do you want to earn a degree or

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conduct long-term research?

* Do you want to acquire proficiency in the Japanese language through study at a Japanese-language institute or preparatory Japanese language courses established by private universities? * Do you want to acquire a certain specialized skill?

Once you have clarified your objective, you can then find the educa-

tional institute that is most suitable for attaining your goal.

Universities (undergraduate) There are about 700 universities in Japan, including national, public and private ones. The length of study in an undergraduate university is four years with the exception of medicine, dentistry and veterinary science department, which require six years of study.

Doctor’s program: lasts for five years.

Generally, the doctor’s program is divided into the first period (two years; applicable to the abovementioned master’s program) and the latter period (three years).

However, the length of study for the doctor’s program in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science (entered upon after completion of the six-year undergraduate courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science) is four years. Some universities offer doctor’s programs covering the full five years while others offer only the final three years.

Special training colleges Special training schools that offer post secondary courses are called special training colleges. Such schools are positioned as higher educational institutions in Japan.

They provide vocational education as well as education in the skills, technology and knowledge needed in life. The length of study is one year or more, but most courses are two years in length.

Colleges of technology Colleges of technology provide junior high school graduates with five years (five and a half years for merchant shipping courses)

of education. There are about 60 colleges of technology in Japan.

They offer courses related to engineering, merchant shipping as well as other fields.

Note: Some universities and graduate schools offer courses for non-degree credit earning students, auditors and research students in addition to full-time students. * Non-degree credit earning students: Credits recognized for completed specified courses * Auditors (Non-degree parttime students): Permitted to take specified courses but credits are not recognized for completed courses) * Research students (Kenkyu-sei): Allowed to engage in research in special fields for a specified period.

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show. Even more unusual is the fact that most spectators grasp mobile phones throughout the spectacle. As they enter the hall, visitors register their e-mail addresses using terminals provided at the venue. This enables

TOKYO

GIRLS COLLECTION

THE TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION (TGC) has been a fea-

At TGC, Models from TV, magazines and advertising

ture of the fashion scene since 2005, under the banner

are greeted with shouts of joy as they take to the cat-

“Japanese real clothes for the world.” At the 8th TGC

walk, and respond with smiles and waves. This familiar-

show on March 7 last year, some 22,800 spectators

ity between models and audience is one of the most

gathered to admire the latest fashions from 26 labels.

appealing features of TGC. Another is the reasonable

The audience largely consisted of teenage girls and

pricing of the clothes the models wear, all of which are

women in their twenties.

affordable for the young women who come to see the

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them to receive e-mail magazines on the fashions that appear on the runway and to make on-the-spot purchases of the same clothes the models are wearing via a special mobile retail site.

TGC is also proactive in a whole range of social and environmental initiatives. Designer charity Tshirts from the brands on show are sold to raise money for treeplanting projects, and an eyewear show is held in partnership with Sabae City, a major center of eyeglass production, to give a boost to regional industry.

TGC is pushing the boundaries of women’s fashion and

FACING: The grand finale of the show staged by the popular Spiral Girl label.

making it an engine of growth for contemporary Japa- ABOVE: Even famous TV celebrities turn out to stroll down the catwalk. nese culture.

TOP: Spectators wave to the models on the catwalk.

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Exporting Japanese Produce Worldwide

In recent years, overseas demand has been rising for Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products (AFFP), including fruits like strawberries and melons, vegetables, livestock products, marine products, and processed foods. The increase in exports has been particularly noticeable in Asian countries and regions, such as South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where new markets for Japanese products are taking shape. Here Masaki Yamada reports on the increasing international popularity of Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.

Jun’ichi Takeuchi

Buoyed by the Health Boom According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), the value of Japan’s AFFP and processed food exports totaled ¥431.2 billion in 2008.

Given that the figure for 2004 was ¥295.4 billion, that means that exports have risen by almost 50% over the past five years.

Due to the strong yen and other factors, the figure was actually down 0.6% year on year, but this decline was marginal in comparison to the fall in the value of auto and videoequipment exports, which declined by 5.8% and 9.8%, respectively.

“The background to this rise in exports of Japanese AFFP and processed foods is first a result of the great popularity of Japanese foods,” notes Jun’ichi Takeuchi, director of the Export Promotion Office of MAFF’s International Affairs Department.

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“This is a reflection of the fact that people around the world are more conscious of their health. There are said to be about 24,000 to 25,000 Japanese restaurants around the world right now, and in the past few years they have been spreading to Asian countries as well as in developed countries in Europe and North America. They are mainly sushi restaurants, but recently the number of restaurants that serve noodles like udon and ramen and full-course kaiseki ryori cuisine have also been increasing.

“Another reason for the growth in exports is the rapid economic growth in Asia in recent years, and the accompanying growth in the wealthy population. More people are buying high-priced, high-quality Japanese-grown fruits like melons and strawberries as gifts. Of course, the fact that Japanese AFFP and processed foods are safe and reliable and that there are varieties available for every season are other reasons that exports are on the rise.”

Aomori’s Fuji apples are popular in foreign markets. ©PANA

High Quality and Delicious Looking at Japan’s AFFP and processed food exports by region, Asia accounts for 69.2% of the total and North America for 18.2%. By country and region, Hong Kong is the biggest export market, accounting for 18.4% of the total, followed

by South Korea (11.4%), Taiwan (11.2%), China (10.1%), and Thailand (6.4%). In Hong Kong, a wide range of Japanese food items are available at local supermarkets as well as at those serving the Japanese community, and there are over 800 restaurants that serve sushi and sashimi.

The view that Japanese food products are delicious and of high qual-

ity has taken root. In Bangkok, Japanese food was once closely associated with special menus at fancy restaurants, but recently it has become available in a wider range of restaurant types, from family diners to conveyor-belt sushi, and is enjoyed by a broad customer base, centered on the younger generation. In China, all-you- can-eat Japanese-style bars are gaining popularity, while specialized restaurants serving sushi and tempura are also on the rise. Japanese food can now be counted among the standards of Asian cuisine.

By product type, agricultural products make up the bulk of the value of Japan’s farm exports at 56.5%, followed by fishery products at 40.7% and processed fishery products at 11.3%. Even within the category of agricultural products, there are many different product types, from fruits, vegetables, livestock products, and grains to condiments like soy sauce, miso, and Japanese-style snacks like senbei and dorayaki. Soy sauce in particular has become a common item in kitchens around the world.

Looking at individual items, three products stand out in terms of yearon-year export growth: meat at 79.4%, strawberries at 58.3%, and sanma (Pacific saury) at 55.7%. For all three, exports are primarily to the Asian market.

is probably unique to Japan. Similarly, for items like strawberries, which are easily damaged, some producers have gone so far as to develop their own special shipping cases to prevent the fruit from being crushed during shipping.

Competitive Brand

“There are also some local governments that are actively working with local farmers to research breed improvements and cultivation techniques so that they can produce even better-tasting, higher-quality products. This sort of passion on the part of producers is what has elevated the ‘Product of Japan’ label into a globally competitive brand.

Amid the robust performance of Japanese AFFP and processed food exports, fruit and livestock products in particular have been favorably received for both their flavor and appearance. This high-quality image is becoming so firmly embedded that the label “Produce of Japan” has essentially become a brand in its own right. Needless to say, behind this development are the tireless efforts and ingenuity of the producers. “ To produce beautiful apples, the farmer rotates each fruit individually at set intervals to ensure that the color is even,” says MAFF’s Takeuchi. “The entire surface of the fruit is thus exposed to the same average amount of sunlight to prevent uneven coloring. That kind of attention to detail in growing fruits

” In order to support producers’ proactive initiatives, MAFF invites overseas buyers to Japan for seminars, where information on the food markets of export partner countries are distributed to domestic producers. The ministry also creates pamphlets and distributes them abroad to transmit information about Japanese AFFP and processed foods”.

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Virtual

Idol

MIKU HATSUNE is a popular singing idol, yet she does not exist in reality. Miku is a scftware-generated character from a singing synthesis system called vocalaid.2. This revolutionary software lets users create origional vocal recordings by entering melodies and lyrics. Since it uses a database of human voices, users can generate real, natural-sounding songs rather than balads in robotic synthesizied voices.

The main attraction of this technology is that budding songwriters can have Miku sing their original compositions in anime-style voice. In the desktop music software industry, annual sales of 1,000 units denote a hit product, but Miku hatsune became a mega-hit when more than 3,000 units were snapped up in just two weeks after its August 2007 luanch.

Its popularity was trigged by internet video-sharing sites. Users posted compositions and videos according to their taste, and this led to the non-existent Miku being recognized as a singing idol and becoming so popular that you can now buy CDs and character goods featuring the virtual star.

The key to Miku’s success is that it allows users to improve their software operations and create original and realistic vocal performance. users can fiddle with a number of parameters, including volume and pitch to control Miku’s performance.

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Now she is being joined by ists induding the twins Rin Japanese-English bilingual who are new models for character business.

a stable of virtual vocaland Len Kagamine and singer Luke Megurine, the internet-generated

Musical Manga Manga that depict the lives of young musicians have recently been capturing the imagination of comic fans, and some are being made into anime and live-action movies. Their success has not only led to a boom in sales of related merchandise, but has also spurred increasing numbers of young people to take up music and join bands with their friends.

More Students Take Up Music Perhaps the most famous example of a musically themed manga is Nodame Cantabile. This immensely popular romantic comedy manga tells the story of young musicians as they follow their dreams and meet the challenges of trying to make it in the world of classical music. Nodame Cantabile made it onto the big screen as a feature film in December 2009, following a successful run as a television series.

K-On!, meanwhile, is a four-panel comedy manga about four Japanese high school girls who join their school>s pop music club to try to save it from being closed down, even though they have no experience playing in a band. The story, which depicts both the band>s activities and the leisurely lives of the girls, is popular among girls and guys alike. After an anime adaptation aired between April and June 2009, the songs of the main characters and the show’s opening and closing themes became huge hits.

The anime also had a wider impact: fans of the show flocked to buy the model of bass guitar used by the main character, causing music stores to sell out, and the music

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Japan’s

Mt. Fuji S t a n d s Ta l l

Rising 3,776 meters to meet the sky from nearly the geographical center of islands that is Japanese archpelago is the nation’s highest peak, Mt. Fuji.

The beautiful shape of the mountain as we know it today was created by volcanic activity that began approximately 10,000 years ago. An icon of Japan, Mt. Fuji can be seen in its magnificence streaching skyward from as far away as Tokyo on a clear day.

store on which some scenes were modeled became a must-visit destination for K-On! devotees.

A similar success story is the 34-volume megahit manga series Beck, which has sold a total of 15 million copies. It tells the story of a group of Japanese high school boys who form a rock band named Beck, focusing on the trials and tribulations they experience as they try to make the big time as professional musicians. Plastic models of the musical instruments in the story began selling in November 2006, with total unit sales reaching over 1 million. The popularity of the intricate models has been driven not only by fans of the manga series but also

by musical instrument enthusiasts.

In October 2009, figurines of the characters from the manga were released and have also sold well. A live-action film adaptation, starring popular actors Mizushima Hiro and Sato Takeru, is set to be released in the fall of 2010.

Growing numbers of high school students are joining their schools pop music clubs and getting together to form bands, a trend that likely owes something to the influence of these manga.

From Page to Screen Another popular manga, entitled Solanin, is set to be released as a live-action film in April 2010. The story centers on a young woman, Meiko, who quits her first job less than two years after graduating from college, and her boyfriend Taneda, who works a series of parttime jobs and refuses to give up his dream of becoming a musician.

The couple struggle to reconcile their youthful dreams with the uncertainty of their post-graduation adult lives. The manga has won the

hearts of readers since its release in 2005 for its sensitive portrayal of the lives of young adults today and its realistic dialogue. Fans are waiting with bated breath to see how the film portrays the scene in which Taneda and Meiko passionately sing the song «Solanin», which Taneda wrote with his fellow band members.

Another musical manga, the gagdriven Detroit Metal City, chronicles the life of a shy, gentle-mannered young man who dreams of a career in pop music but, by a strange turn of events, ends up as the lead singer and guitarist of a death metal band called Detroit Metal City. A live-action film adaptation was released in 2008, and the film was invited to screen as part of the Toronto International Film Festival>s Midnight Madness program. The sharp contrast between the main character>s calm and peaceful demeanor offstage and the wild lyrics and outrageous make-up that make him popular onstage delivers a string of laughs. This comic tale continues to be serialized in a popular manga magazine.

Mt. Fuji is well known overseas, with many visitors to Japan each year making a trip to the mountain to see it with their own eyes.

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“ In Yamanouchi-Cho, Nagano Prefecture lies a

secluded hot spring called Jigokudani Onsen, or Hell Valley Hot Spring. Come winter, this hot spring offers a toasty haven for Japanese

Snow Monkeys of

Hell Valley

macaques to escape the cold and is possibly the only spot where monkeys can be seen soaking in a hot spring. A photograph of this spectacle once graced the cover of America’s “Life” magazine and every year many foreign tourists come to visit. Unperturbed by the attention, the so-called “snow monkeys” indulge themselves as the snow falls around them.”

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The Fascinating

Cherry Blossom

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All over Japan there are locations renowned for the beauty of their cherry blossoms, and at this time of the year Japanese people pack their own little banquets and head out in droves to partakes in hanmi, or flower-viewing parties. The appearance of the pale pink blossoms provides occasion to celebrate release from the rigors of the recent winter and in the coming of spring.

Blossoms in full bloom, the fallen petals of cherry blossoms and blossoms viewed at night - what fuels the fascination that the Japanese people feel for cherry blossoms?

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TOP LEFT: The blossoms at Hirosaki Castle are said to be one of the three most beautiful locations in the Tohoku region for viewing cherry blossoms.

FAR LEFT: A two-kilometer streach of the Shiroishi River in Miyagi Prefecture boasts as many as 800 cherry trees.

TOP RIGHT: Wild cherry trees in Kyotos Arashiyama district.

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RIGHT: Cascade cherry blossoms in Miharu Town, Fukushima Prefecture.

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The FAIRY

QU E E N on ICE M

ao Asada, the 2010 Olympic silver medallist and 2008 and 2010 world champion from Nagoya, Japan, has been one of the world’s top figure skaters for several years. She is known for her ability to land a clean triple axel, the most daunting jump for a female skater. Asada, 19, started out as a ballet dancer but switched to figure skating, following her sister, Mai, who is two years older. The change served both of them well. Mai is also an elite figure skater. But Mao became the biggest star of the family - and a star in Japan.

Mao Asada began skating when she was 5, then realized she had a gift for jumping. She easily nailed jumps that posed challenges to other skaters and landed her first triple axel when she was 12. Now she is the only woman to have landed two triple axels in an international competition. As a young skater, she won the 2005 Japanese junior national championships as well as the 2005 world junior championships, ahead of South Korea’s Kim Yu-na, who was the runner-up. Kim and Asada remain fierce rivals.

Asada was too young to compete at the 2005 world championships at the senior level. Later that year, having turned 15, she competed as a senior skater, winning the 2005 Trophee Eric Bompard Grand Prix event in Paris. She also won the 2005 Grand Prix Final. That season, she proved that she was one of the world’s best skaters, defeating the future 2006 Olympic champion, Shizuka Arakawa of Japan, as well as the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, Sasha Cohen of the United States, and the 2006 Olympic bronze medalist, Irina Slutskaya of Russia.

Still, Asada was not old enough to be eligible for the

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2006 Olympics, missing the age cutoff by 86 days. She became the 2008 world champion without a coach, but had a difficult 2009. In Feb 2010, Asada competed in the ladies event at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In the short program, she executed a triple axel-double toe loop, a triple flip and a double axel as well as receiving level fours for all her spins and her spiral sequence. She scored 73.78 points to place second in this phase. In her free skate, she succeeded in landing two triple axels, but made mistakes on two other jump elements in her program. With 131.72 points from the free skate she won the Olympic silver medal with a combined score of 205.50 points.

At the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships, she placed second in the short program with 68.08 points, 2.32 behind Mirai Nagasu of the United States.

In her triple axel-double toe loop combination, the triple axel was downgraded to a double, but she executed a triple flip and a double axel and received level fours on all her spins and her spiral sequence.

She was also second in the free skate with 129.50 points, 0.99 behind Kim, after exectuing a triple axel, a downgraded triple axel-double toe loop combination, a triple flip-double loop, a triple loop, a triple flip-double loop-double loop, a triple toe loop and a double axel. Asada won the gold medal with 197.58 points, 6.79 ahead of silver medalist Kim. Asada is a celebrity in Japan. She is featured in television commercials and print ads for items including paper, cameras and chocolate bars. One of her three dogs, a miniature poodle named Aero, is named after a chocolate bar. The two have been in commercials together for that candy. Asada is also a student at Chukyo University in Japan.

Mao Asada performs

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Taking control: A visitor to the museum enjoys simulated flight in the cockpit of a DC-8 aircraft. The woman has just completed a “flight” beginning and ending at Narita airport that gave her a birds-eye view of multiple local landmarks including Tokyo Disneyland. With perfect sunny skies a given, the 15-minute simulation flight is always fun.

Moving on up: A moving model of the Boeing 747-400 built 1/8th scale. The model is the largest moving model in the world. Visitors can “fly” the model jet, manipulating the aircraft and changing its bearing via the controls in cockpit to the rear of the display.

Museum of Aeronautical Sciences:

T

Buckle Up & Prepare for Takeoff

he Museum of Aeronautical Sciences couldn’t ask for a better or more apropos location. Situated at the southern tip of the runway at Narita International Airport— the main international gateway to Tokyo—its observation room allows visitors an unparalleled vista of the myriad of airliners from around the world landing and taking off from the runway right in front of them.

Apart from the stunning view, a number of aeronautical treats await museum visitors. A 10-meterlong model of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet is on display in the museum>s main exhibition

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hall. This aircraft is nothing less than the world’s largest motorized model aircraft. Visitors can even test their hand at controlling the aircraft via the flight controls set up behind the model jet. As visitors manipulate its flaps and rudder, the aircraft banks to the left and the right. Visitors can also experience firsthand operating the landing gears, with the sound of 026 through images Taking control: A visitor to the museum enjoys simulated flight in the cockpit of a DC-8 aircraft. The woman has just completed a “flight” beginning and ending at Narita airport that gave her a birds-eye view of multiple local landmarks including Tokyo Dis-

neyland. With perfect sunny skies a given, the 15minute simulation flight is always fun. jet engines roaring in the background as a nice added touch.

lots. One lucky visitor sits in the cockpit and mans the simulator controls based upon advice from an instructor. After taking off from the runway at Narita airport, passengers see clear skies ahead through One recent visitor to the museum was Katsuya the cockpit and cabin windows. The aircraft banks Tashima, 25, who is a conductor on Shinkansen repeatedly as it soars across the simulated sky durbullet trains. Testing his mettle, Tashima piloted ing the 15 minutes of realistic, simulated flight until the model aircraft, giving himself a new perspec- finally touching down again. Passengers feel as if tive on what pilots must do. ”There are so many they have really taken to the sky and then returned gauges, indicators and buttons. It is much different to the ground. conducting a train on rails than the more difficult task of maintaining control in all directions for an In addition, hands-on exhibits of a real aircraft enaircraft in the sky,” Tashima said. gine, landing gear and cross-sectional aircraft bodies are also on display at the museum. The initial Visitors can also experience what it would be like test model of the YS-11, Japan’s first domestically to fly on a Douglas DC-8 via a simulator at the mu- developed and manufactured airliner, is also on seum. Up to 14 people can board the simulator, show together with small aircraft and helicopters which was once used by Japan Airlines to train pi- in an open space outside the museum.

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JTB Presentation on tourism in Japan The Embassy held presentation on tourism in Japan by JTB (Japans largest travel agency) for travel agents in Kuwait at the Multi-Purpose Hall on May 26. JTB representatives also joined Boodai Travel Mart and had a meeting with students of Kuwait University.

Ambassador Masatoshi Muto makes an introductory speech.

Mr. Koizumi, General Manager of Marketing Strategy Department, came from Tokyo Headquarter and explained overview of tourist attractions in Japan.

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Mr. Ohkuma, General Manager of JTB Europe Office, briefed in details on features attracting foreign tourists in Japan and stressed that Japan is no longer expensive!

After the presentation several travel agents came up to JTB representatives and had business talks.

Ambassador answered some questions from the audience.

Some journalists invited interviewed the Ambassador.

JTB representatives had a meeting with students of Kuwait University.

Mr. Koizumi explaining tour plans for guests at Travel Mart

They participated in Boodai Travel Mart.

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ated the series for TV. But, if I have a chance, I will translate it to a book in the future. I must admit that I didn’t face any objections against the animated TV series, but some small problems faced the comics,” noted Nagai. Nagai is currently working on the second part of Mazinger for the new Mazinger saga.

Fans meet legendary Japanese animator

Fans of the legendary Japanese animated classics gathered at the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait in October 2009 to meet Go Nagai, the Japanese manga artist and creator of memorable robot animations such as Grendizer and Mazinger Z. The fans brought some of their collections of Grendizer’s figures, books, drawings and other items to the embassy in order to share their collections with each other and show them to Go Nagai.

During the two hour event, Go Nagai spoke about Grendizer and Mazinger Z before one of the latest

episodes of the Mazinger saga was screened. At the time, Grendizer was a new idea for an animation, where the main character was a robot. It was the first time when the robot was controlled from inside.

The main hero, Daisuke, sat in the robot’s head and controlled it. “I first came up with this idea when I got stuck in a traffic jam and thought about what it would be like if my car had four feet. That is where the idea came from before it was eventually realized and turned into the animation in the mid 1970s,” said Nagai during the event.

Nagai was not aware of the great number of Grendizer fans in the Middle East. “After I found out how many lovers of Grendizer are there are in the Arab world, I decided that I would have to go on tour in some Arab countries. I visited Jordan, and after Kuwait I will also visit Egypt.

I’m also satisfied with the Arabic version of Grendizer, as most of the names were not changed and were kept in Japanese,” he added.

“I also think about continuing the Grendizer story, as many people insist on this. It is difficult to do the same cartoon again, but it was popular all over the world. It wasn’t screened in the US, and this is the reason why there are no comics of it in English,

Wife of Japanese PM attends event organized by Kuwait

Grendizer and Mazinger were meant to be shown as animated TV movies. “I’m not aware of all the translations in comics, as I cre-

Wife of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Miyoki Hatoyama attended an event in Tokyo recently organized by wife of Kuwaiti Ambassador Jamila Al-Otaibi and wives of Arab diplomats in Tokyo.

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but I have thought about releasing it there,” he said.

One of the most interesting and funny question fielded to Nagai was who the mother of ‘Hikaro’ was, who is one of the main female characters. “I will think now of this question, because I didn’t think of it when I created the serial,” replied Nagai, laughing.

After answering some questions from fans, Nagai enjoyed seeing a nice collection of Grendizer items that the fans brought with them. They also had the chance to take photos with him and get his autograph.

Al-Otaibi welcomed the Japanese woman figure during a luncheon held on her honor and lauded the bilateral relations between Kuwait

and Japan, hoping that relations would needed to be even further develbe bolstered in the future. oped.

Hatoyama attended a small exhibition showcasing the culture of each partici- Hatoyama thanked Al-Otaibi pating Arab state. and all those who invited her to the luncheon and exhibition, afOn her part, head of the Siwag Society, firming that Japan would be wife of Bahraini Ambassador, Dr. Salwa Mahrous stressed that the Arab World interested in boosting relations and Japan enjoy strong relations which with the Arab world.

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Operation Turtles Japanese Society’s Beach Cleaning Campaign at Shuwaikh Beach The name of this campaign “Operation Turtle” came from wishes that turtles would be able to come back on the beach of Kuwait again to lay eggs.

M

embers of the Japanese Society in Kuwait and other volunteers participated in an annual beach cleaning operation entitled ‘Operation Turtles’ at Shuwaikh Beach Park in Nov 2009. More than 250 people took part in ‘Oper-

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ation Turtles’, including members of the Japanese Society in Kuwait, Kuwaiti schoolchildren and members of many other groups, all coming together to pick up litter and debris scattered across the beach and the adjacent park. ”We’ve been doing this since

2000,” explained Yukihiro Nikaido, Charge d’Affaires with the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait, “and I was pleasantly surprised that so many people from Japan and Kuwait participated today.” The senior diplomat added: “Around 200 people participated from the Japanese Society in Kuwait, as well as from Kuwaiti schools, and a lot of associations share the event ‘Operation Turtles’ with us to clean up the Shuwaikh Beach.”

created this event to let turtles return to the beach, and we are happy to see people who care about the environment taking part and at the same time talking and making friends through this type of event”. “The aim of holding such a campaign is to raise awareness in Kuwait to keep Kuwait’s beaches

On the inspiration behind the event, Nikaido explained, is that “we

clean,” he said.

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Ancient Capital Nara Ablaze with A u t um n T i n t s T

The city of Nara once prospered as the ancient capital of Japan. Today this history lives on. And while the city’s unique mix of history and nature produces a myriad of beautiful scenery during the four seasons of the year, Nara is especially beautiful in autumn.

Come fall, the city’s lush foliage erupts into reds and yellows as nature’s hues harmoniously highlight the ancient shrines, temples and gardens of Nara for a visual treat the likes of which can be seen only in Japan. In 2008, a record 520,000 foreign tourists visited Nara, which is on the list of World Heritage sites of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Nara, situated in mid-western Japan, was the nation’s capital known as Heijo-kyo for about 80 years from 710. In the Nara period (710-794), aristocrats developed a Buddhist-rooted culture, known as Tempyo culture, and a large number of important Buddhist temples were built.

largest Rushana Buddha statue, measuring 14.98 meters in height and affectionately known as the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) of Nara.

More than 1,000 deer freely roam the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine and Nara Park. An annual deer horn-cutting ceremony is a seasonal Nara tradition that originated in the Edo period (1603-1867).

Various commemorative events are scheduled in Nara in 2010 to mark the 1,300th anniversary of the relocation of Japan’s capital to Heijo-kyo.

In 1998, UNESCO listed eight Nara sites as “historic monuments of ancient Nara.” Among the eight are a group of Buddhist temples such as Todai-ji, Yakushi-ji and Kofuku-ji, the ruins of Heijo-kyo, and Mt. Kasuga’s primeval forest.

Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall houses the world’s

A panoramic view of Tanzan Shrine in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, comprising a 13-story pagodathe world’s only existing ancient wooden pagoda—and a dozen of vermillion-lacquered pavilions. It is known as a showplace ablaze with crimson foliage in autumn when leaves of some 3,000 maple trees turn red.

Photo: Nara Visitors Bureau

Five-storied pagoda at Hasedera Temple stands against the backdrop of glowing autumn tints.

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“Okina-mai” dance, performed annually on the night of October 8 at Nara-tsuhiko Shrine, is designated as an important intangible national folk cultural property.

A colony of Japanese silver grass swaying in the autumn breeze at Soni Highland in Nara Prefecture, about 900 meters above sea level.

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