Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Matsuo Watanabe Title: Japan’s Foreign Aid Policy in Transition: An Interpretation of TICAD IV Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: As the host of two important international conferences, the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) and the G8 summit, Japan has had an unrepeatable diplomatic opportunity this year. The outcome of TICAD IV suggests that Japan’s aid policy for Africa is changing from being conformist with international norms to being autonomous and resultorientated, looking to the interests of client countries and Japan more explicitly. As Africa is becoming increasingly important politically and economically, the Japanese government appears determined to mobilise its main diplomatic tool, official development assistance, to create closer ties with the continent. The shift can be interpreted in the context of the changing environment in diplomacy. The series of diplomatic setbacks and the declining role of the US as the anchor of the international political economy no longer allow for the sole dependency on US hegemony for securing Japan’s interests; Japan needs to manoeuvre to pursue its interests on its own within the global order. Pages: 7-26 Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:7-26 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Reinhard Drifte Title: From ’Sea of Confrontation’ to ’Sea of Peace, Cooperation and Friendship’? – Japan Facing China in the East China Sea Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: In June 2008 Japan and China announced an agreement, following lengthy negotiations, on joint approaches to the exploitation of hydrocarbons in the East China Sea. To evaluate this agreement and its possible consequences, one has to look at the history of the disputes over the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in Chinese) and the delimitation of the maritime border in the East China Sea. This article argues that the June agreement does not solve either of these problems. Its value is more political than legal or economic. As a result, the implementation of the agreement will necessitate further arduous negotiations and the ratification of a treaty in Japan, both of which will expose the implementation of the agreement to the vagaries of Japan’s and China’s domestic politics and the current atmosphere in the relationship between the two countries. Pages: 27-51 Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:27-51 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Keith Dinnie Title: Japan’s Nation Branding: Recent Evolution and Potential Future Paths Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: Interest in the concept and practice of nation branding has proliferated in recent years. Whilst it is clearly true that nations have always sought to promote themselves and their economic, diplomatic and military interests, it has only been in the last decade or so that nations have turned to the explicit use of the techniques of branding as practised in the business world. Terms such as ‘brand image’ and ‘brand identity’ are increasingly used to describe the perceptions that are held about nations amongst their various “stakeholders”. This article outlines the key aspects of nation branding and then considers the various nation branding activities engaged in by the Japanese government in recent years. Potential future paths for Japan’s nation branding are also explored. Pages: 52-65 Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:52-65 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Silke Bromann Title: New Trends in Vocational Education in Japan Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: Demographic change, globalisation and new technologies pose new challenges to Japan’s economic system. The system of vocational training and education is an important part of the economic system. In addition, as a consequence of the crisis years of the 1990s, Japan faces a rising share of young people who do not manage the transition between school and employment smoothly. This article first provides an introduction to the system of vocational education and training in Japan, which is still centered around on-the-job training in the firm. Second, it describes some new programmes aimed at improving the “employability” of high school and university graduates. In this context, the analysis focuses particularly on the task sharing between the state and private sector. Pages: 66-80 Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:66-80 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Daniel P. Aldrich Title: The Crucial Role of Civil Society in Disaster Recovery and Japan’s Preparedness for Emergencies Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: This article is concerned with the empirical puzzle of why certain neighborhoods and localities recover more quickly than others following disasters. It illuminates four mainstream theories of rehabilitation and resilience, and then investigates a neglected factor, namely the role of social networks and civil society. Initial analyses underscore the important role of trust and connectivity among local residents in the process of rebuilding. After examining the role of civil society in Japan’s preparedness for emergencies, the article concludes with some policy recommendations for governments and nongovernmental actors involved in disaster relief. Pages: 81-96 Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:81-96 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ruth Achenbach Title: The Recurring Dilemma of Okinawa Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: In February 2008, another case of sexual harassment of a schoolgirl by a US military service man occurred in Okinawa, the southernmost Japanese prefecture, where the largest US military bases in Japan are located. Politicians in Japan and the US were quick to respond with apologies and promises to improve discipline in the military. Even though the large-scale protest movement politicians feared did not materialize, the incident showed again the fragility of the situation in Okinawa. All parties involved are unhappy with the de facto occupation of the islands by the US military. The government of the island prefecture as well as civil society groups in Okinawa repeatedly express their grievances about having to shoulder the burden of what is perceived as Japan’s eagerness for US safety guarantees, while the US government demands tangible Japanese military support for the bilateral alliance, which might violate Japan’s pacifist constitution. The central government of Japan is permanently under pressure to take sides between American stipulations and the calls from the Okinawan population to relieve them of their burden. Pages: 97-110 Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:3:p:97-110