Amphioxus has an important evolutionary position as a result of their phylogenetic position relative to vertebrates. Understanding their chromosomes would provide key points in the study of evolutionary biology and co...Amphioxus has an important evolutionary position as a result of their phylogenetic position relative to vertebrates. Understanding their chromosomes would provide key points in the study of evolutionary biology and comparative genomics. The difficulty in preparing amphioxus chromosomes currently provides a significant hurdle in this research. In the current study, we describe an improved method for metaphase preparation from amphioxus embryos and methodology for preparing metaphase spreads from regenerative somatic cells. Chromosomes of two amphioxus species from Xiamen waters in China are also observed. The diploid chromosome number was found to be 40 in Branchiostoma belcheri, while B. japonicum has 36, confirming the two are distinct species from cytotaxonomic viewpoint.展开更多
A large number of towns along the Sanriku coastal line were swept away by tsunami attacks on March 11,2011. Although some heritage buildings survived, the damage condition was too severe to carry on repair and restore...A large number of towns along the Sanriku coastal line were swept away by tsunami attacks on March 11,2011. Although some heritage buildings survived, the damage condition was too severe to carry on repair and restore them to the owners. As the municipal cultural heritage division and local cultural society in Kesennuma City were looking for possibility to save these damaged heritage buildings, the author gave them full assistance. To apply for fund for the repair and restoration work to related foundations, the author made an investigation of the damage conditions, prepared measured drawings, fundamental restoration plans and cost estimates. Domestic and international foundations granted funds to our projects for three years in May 2012, and we formed a restoration body to take responsibility of repair and restoration work. But soon, we were faced with several difficulties. The first is that we had to wait for a long time until the authority fixed the town redevelopment plan, meeting the National Guideline of Tsunami-Free Redevelopment. The second is that the building cost continued to increase during rapid-development periods. Although the author expected to complete the whole work within three years, the progress is really slow, and has not amounted to a quarter.展开更多
The objective of this paper is to examine an effective strategy for maintaining and utilizing the traditional arts resources of Japan. The authors explore two pillars of the strategy. One is to improve the quality of ...The objective of this paper is to examine an effective strategy for maintaining and utilizing the traditional arts resources of Japan. The authors explore two pillars of the strategy. One is to improve the quality of Japanese traditional performing arts by securing incomes for artists. The other is to utilize the traditional arts as a medium to expand Japanese cultural influence in foreign countries and to improve Japan＇s branding as a nation. First, the authors focus on the income security system practiced in traditional Japanese music and describe the discrepancy between short- and long-run optimality. The authors prove that the reputation of this art form affects its popularity and that it is optimal for the Iemoto （the head of the music school） to restrict the number of pupils in onstage performances in order to maintain stage quality. Second, the authors provide evidence that effective methods for a country to expand its cultural influence across the world differ among nations. The authors conduct willingness-to-pay （WTP） experiments and find that while German audiences largely prefer traditional Japanese music, those in the USA are slightly partial to its mixed fusion form. Therefore, the effective ways to expand Japanese cultural influence in foreign countries differ from one country to another.展开更多
Culture is the soul of a nation, and also the basis of landscape design, the basis of historical inheritance and innovation. Japanese garden was born out of Chinese garden, but because of the difference of geographica...Culture is the soul of a nation, and also the basis of landscape design, the basis of historical inheritance and innovation. Japanese garden was born out of Chinese garden, but because of the difference of geographical environment and national culture, Japanese gardens combine Chinese culture with local national characteristics, forming a unique garden culture in Japan. Based on the research on Japanese gardens like pond garden, rock garden and tea garden, this study analyzed the cultural connotation in Japanese garden landscape design, made in-depth understanding of Japanese landscape development, explored the value existing in the contemporary garden design of Japanese gardens, with the aim to make use of the excellent experience to the garden landscape design in the future.展开更多
This paper examines, as a case study, Japanese media production, remaking, and transferences of media content derived from the manga Janguru Taitei （Jungle Emperor） and contemporary Japanese government strategies to...This paper examines, as a case study, Japanese media production, remaking, and transferences of media content derived from the manga Janguru Taitei （Jungle Emperor） and contemporary Japanese government strategies to protect and promote Japanese cultural and economic value within the content business. The study utilizes methodological triangulation inclusive of textual, document, and value chain analysis. The Japanese government has progressively appreciated the intrinsic value of the media content from both a commercial and cultural context and the loss of value in unregulated segments of the regional market. In 2003, they established an Intellectual Property Strategy Group to support and promote the Japanese media content business. There has been a continuum of policy development since then to protect and amplify the financial value of Japanese media products. All of the developments in media industry are fuelled not only by government regulations, the imagination of talented artists and writers, and the growing regionalization and internationalization of the industry but also the ＂bottom line＂ emerging from the value chain. The recognition of the need for sustaining profit growth to continue the viability of original and remade content in Japan is paramount for Japan.展开更多
Comparative studies of Japanese mythology have developed since the 1920s above all through eftbrts of Japanese ethnologists. They have paid attention to the possible ethno-cultural complexes that brought mythological ...Comparative studies of Japanese mythology have developed since the 1920s above all through eftbrts of Japanese ethnologists. They have paid attention to the possible ethno-cultural complexes that brought mythological motifs into the archipelago. In the present paper the theories set forth by Nobuhiro Matsumoto, Akihide Mishina, and Masao Oka are examined in terms of retrospect. The result shows that they shared the view that at least three different complexes, based in ancient Yamato, Izumo, and Kyushu respectively, contributed to the formation of Japanese mythology compiled in the 8th century CE （Common Era）. Their assumptions were synthesized by Taryo Obayashi in 1961, the hypothesis which has survived until today. In future we should cooperate with other disciplines and address the formation process of Japanese mythology.展开更多
AIM:To clarify the similarities and differences in gastric cancer epidemiology between Japan and China.METHODS:A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database was performed.The relevant literature published i...AIM:To clarify the similarities and differences in gastric cancer epidemiology between Japan and China.METHODS:A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database was performed.The relevant literature published in China was also been cited.Data on incidence and mortality rates in 2008 were obtained from the Cancer Mondial database,published by International Agency for Research on Cancer at http://www-dep.iarc.fr/.RESULTS:Gastric cancer remains a significant publichealth burden in both Japan and China.The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonization is high in the adult populations of both countries.Accumulating evidence from intervention studies in both countries has shown the effectiveness of H.pylori eradication in reduc-ing gastric cancer incidence.There are differences,however,in many aspects of gastric cancer,including patterns of incidence and mortality,trends in the prevalence of H.pylori infection,H.pylori strains,the magnitude of risk of gastric cancer related to H.pylori infection,and associations with dietary habits.Compared with China,Japan has seen a more rapid decline in H.pylori infection among adolescents.While Japanese cohort studies have dominated the literature concerning the associations between gastric cancer and dietary habits,numerous case-control studies in China suggest a positive association between a high intake of preserved fish and vegetables and gastric cancer risk.There is a need for a multidisciplinary research approach to understand the interactions between various strains of H.pylori,host factors,and other lifestyle and environmental factors in gastric carcinogenesis in both countries.CONCLUSION:The shared high incidence of gastric cancer and high prevalence of H.pylori,as well as differences in many aspects of gastric cancer,provide an excellent opportunity to establish Sino-Japanese collaborations.展开更多
In the examination-oriented education system, widespread foreign language major＇s language proficiency is relatively weak, poor employment, led to the current prevailing social Graduates Employment social phenomenon....In the examination-oriented education system, widespread foreign language major＇s language proficiency is relatively weak, poor employment, led to the current prevailing social Graduates Employment social phenomenon. To solve these problems, this study takes constructivist theory as a guide to practice base for the carrier, focusing on the application of practical skills from the Japanese culture, professional quality college students to explore new aspects of Japanese IT personnel training mode, and then realize Japanese IT professionals, so as to achieve the strategic requirements of talent and rejuvenating the country.展开更多
This article traces the development of modem Japanese femininity from the Meiji Restoration （1868） to the end of the Asia Pacific War （1945）. It explores how modem Japanese femininity was constructed in relation ...This article traces the development of modem Japanese femininity from the Meiji Restoration （1868） to the end of the Asia Pacific War （1945）. It explores how modem Japanese femininity was constructed in relation to ＂civilization＂ （bunmei） and war. With the introduction of the Western notion of ＂civilization＂, the Meiji state tried to ＂civilize＂ its views on women to become on par with the West. As the status of women became a major national issue in the late 19th century, women began to regard themselves as important members of the nation through their involvement in patriotic activities. During the Second Sino-Japanese War and Asia Pacific War, women strengthened their ties to the nation by supporting the wars on the home front as mothers, wives, laborers, and members of women＇s association. This made patriotism, frugality, and selflessness essential to the definition of the Japanese woman. In addition to these qualities, chastity was central to the idealized image of the Japanese woman. Through the examination of the historical development of Japanese femininity, this article offers insight into the image of ＂good Japanese woman＂.展开更多
The purpose of this paper is to clarify how the Kabu-ido system can be employed to successfully regulate groundwater pumping. This was accomplished by analyzing surviving historical documents, including budgetary note...The purpose of this paper is to clarify how the Kabu-ido system can be employed to successfully regulate groundwater pumping. This was accomplished by analyzing surviving historical documents, including budgetary notes and a diary. The Kabu-ido system was a customary institution for groundwater management in a ring levee area of the Noubi Plain in Japan that consisted of three programs： restriction of groundwater pumping through a permit system, groundwater pricing and economic compensation. The system was created in the 1810s and survived for 100 years. This paper covers the Kabu-ido system from the 1810s to the 1860s, the first half of the 100-year history. Excessive groundwater pumping is not a new environmental problem. Although many case studies have investigated remedial actions, few have investigated how local residents addressed the problem before the 20th century because of a lack of documents. The Kabu-ido system is an exception in which of the procedure was documented in writing. The historical data indicate that it was a pioneering institution for groundwater management.展开更多
This study examines long work hours and work-life balance in relation to wage level, workaholism, and consumerism in both Korea and Japan. Findings of this study can be summarized as follows. First, the hypothesis tha...This study examines long work hours and work-life balance in relation to wage level, workaholism, and consumerism in both Korea and Japan. Findings of this study can be summarized as follows. First, the hypothesis that the wages and working hours have positive but differential effects depending on wage level categories are supported. Second, effects of cultural factors, such as workaholism and consumerism, on long work hours, however, are not significant in both countries. Third, for Korean manual workers, the probability of working long hours is high, but the level of time scarcity is low; but the effect of union membership on long work hours is not significant in both Korea and Japan. Fourth, the hypothesis that negative effects of long work hours and time scarcity on satisfaction with work-life balance are supported. These findings suggest that an increase in wage for non-regular workers and a minimum wage are required to reduce working hours. In addition, they also suggest that reducing working hours, overtime work in particular, and wage gap are crucial to raising the level of satisfaction with work-life balance in both Korea and Japan.展开更多
基金Supported by grants from NSFC (No.30570208)SRFDP of Ministry of Education, China (20070384041)The Education Department of Fujian Province, China (JB07063)
文摘Amphioxus has an important evolutionary position as a result of their phylogenetic position relative to vertebrates. Understanding their chromosomes would provide key points in the study of evolutionary biology and comparative genomics. The difficulty in preparing amphioxus chromosomes currently provides a significant hurdle in this research. In the current study, we describe an improved method for metaphase preparation from amphioxus embryos and methodology for preparing metaphase spreads from regenerative somatic cells. Chromosomes of two amphioxus species from Xiamen waters in China are also observed. The diploid chromosome number was found to be 40 in Branchiostoma belcheri, while B. japonicum has 36, confirming the two are distinct species from cytotaxonomic viewpoint.
文摘A large number of towns along the Sanriku coastal line were swept away by tsunami attacks on March 11,2011. Although some heritage buildings survived, the damage condition was too severe to carry on repair and restore them to the owners. As the municipal cultural heritage division and local cultural society in Kesennuma City were looking for possibility to save these damaged heritage buildings, the author gave them full assistance. To apply for fund for the repair and restoration work to related foundations, the author made an investigation of the damage conditions, prepared measured drawings, fundamental restoration plans and cost estimates. Domestic and international foundations granted funds to our projects for three years in May 2012, and we formed a restoration body to take responsibility of repair and restoration work. But soon, we were faced with several difficulties. The first is that we had to wait for a long time until the authority fixed the town redevelopment plan, meeting the National Guideline of Tsunami-Free Redevelopment. The second is that the building cost continued to increase during rapid-development periods. Although the author expected to complete the whole work within three years, the progress is really slow, and has not amounted to a quarter.
文摘The objective of this paper is to examine an effective strategy for maintaining and utilizing the traditional arts resources of Japan. The authors explore two pillars of the strategy. One is to improve the quality of Japanese traditional performing arts by securing incomes for artists. The other is to utilize the traditional arts as a medium to expand Japanese cultural influence in foreign countries and to improve Japan＇s branding as a nation. First, the authors focus on the income security system practiced in traditional Japanese music and describe the discrepancy between short- and long-run optimality. The authors prove that the reputation of this art form affects its popularity and that it is optimal for the Iemoto （the head of the music school） to restrict the number of pupils in onstage performances in order to maintain stage quality. Second, the authors provide evidence that effective methods for a country to expand its cultural influence across the world differ among nations. The authors conduct willingness-to-pay （WTP） experiments and find that while German audiences largely prefer traditional Japanese music, those in the USA are slightly partial to its mixed fusion form. Therefore, the effective ways to expand Japanese cultural influence in foreign countries differ from one country to another.
文摘Culture is the soul of a nation, and also the basis of landscape design, the basis of historical inheritance and innovation. Japanese garden was born out of Chinese garden, but because of the difference of geographical environment and national culture, Japanese gardens combine Chinese culture with local national characteristics, forming a unique garden culture in Japan. Based on the research on Japanese gardens like pond garden, rock garden and tea garden, this study analyzed the cultural connotation in Japanese garden landscape design, made in-depth understanding of Japanese landscape development, explored the value existing in the contemporary garden design of Japanese gardens, with the aim to make use of the excellent experience to the garden landscape design in the future.
文摘This paper examines, as a case study, Japanese media production, remaking, and transferences of media content derived from the manga Janguru Taitei （Jungle Emperor） and contemporary Japanese government strategies to protect and promote Japanese cultural and economic value within the content business. The study utilizes methodological triangulation inclusive of textual, document, and value chain analysis. The Japanese government has progressively appreciated the intrinsic value of the media content from both a commercial and cultural context and the loss of value in unregulated segments of the regional market. In 2003, they established an Intellectual Property Strategy Group to support and promote the Japanese media content business. There has been a continuum of policy development since then to protect and amplify the financial value of Japanese media products. All of the developments in media industry are fuelled not only by government regulations, the imagination of talented artists and writers, and the growing regionalization and internationalization of the industry but also the ＂bottom line＂ emerging from the value chain. The recognition of the need for sustaining profit growth to continue the viability of original and remade content in Japan is paramount for Japan.
文摘Comparative studies of Japanese mythology have developed since the 1920s above all through eftbrts of Japanese ethnologists. They have paid attention to the possible ethno-cultural complexes that brought mythological motifs into the archipelago. In the present paper the theories set forth by Nobuhiro Matsumoto, Akihide Mishina, and Masao Oka are examined in terms of retrospect. The result shows that they shared the view that at least three different complexes, based in ancient Yamato, Izumo, and Kyushu respectively, contributed to the formation of Japanese mythology compiled in the 8th century CE （Common Era）. Their assumptions were synthesized by Taryo Obayashi in 1961, the hypothesis which has survived until today. In future we should cooperate with other disciplines and address the formation process of Japanese mythology.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid from the Third Term Comprehensive Control Research for Cancer,the Ministry of Health,La-bour and Welfare,Japan
文摘AIM:To clarify the similarities and differences in gastric cancer epidemiology between Japan and China.METHODS:A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database was performed.The relevant literature published in China was also been cited.Data on incidence and mortality rates in 2008 were obtained from the Cancer Mondial database,published by International Agency for Research on Cancer at http://www-dep.iarc.fr/.RESULTS:Gastric cancer remains a significant publichealth burden in both Japan and China.The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonization is high in the adult populations of both countries.Accumulating evidence from intervention studies in both countries has shown the effectiveness of H.pylori eradication in reduc-ing gastric cancer incidence.There are differences,however,in many aspects of gastric cancer,including patterns of incidence and mortality,trends in the prevalence of H.pylori infection,H.pylori strains,the magnitude of risk of gastric cancer related to H.pylori infection,and associations with dietary habits.Compared with China,Japan has seen a more rapid decline in H.pylori infection among adolescents.While Japanese cohort studies have dominated the literature concerning the associations between gastric cancer and dietary habits,numerous case-control studies in China suggest a positive association between a high intake of preserved fish and vegetables and gastric cancer risk.There is a need for a multidisciplinary research approach to understand the interactions between various strains of H.pylori,host factors,and other lifestyle and environmental factors in gastric carcinogenesis in both countries.CONCLUSION:The shared high incidence of gastric cancer and high prevalence of H.pylori,as well as differences in many aspects of gastric cancer,provide an excellent opportunity to establish Sino-Japanese collaborations.
文摘In the examination-oriented education system, widespread foreign language major＇s language proficiency is relatively weak, poor employment, led to the current prevailing social Graduates Employment social phenomenon. To solve these problems, this study takes constructivist theory as a guide to practice base for the carrier, focusing on the application of practical skills from the Japanese culture, professional quality college students to explore new aspects of Japanese IT personnel training mode, and then realize Japanese IT professionals, so as to achieve the strategic requirements of talent and rejuvenating the country.
文摘This article traces the development of modem Japanese femininity from the Meiji Restoration （1868） to the end of the Asia Pacific War （1945）. It explores how modem Japanese femininity was constructed in relation to ＂civilization＂ （bunmei） and war. With the introduction of the Western notion of ＂civilization＂, the Meiji state tried to ＂civilize＂ its views on women to become on par with the West. As the status of women became a major national issue in the late 19th century, women began to regard themselves as important members of the nation through their involvement in patriotic activities. During the Second Sino-Japanese War and Asia Pacific War, women strengthened their ties to the nation by supporting the wars on the home front as mothers, wives, laborers, and members of women＇s association. This made patriotism, frugality, and selflessness essential to the definition of the Japanese woman. In addition to these qualities, chastity was central to the idealized image of the Japanese woman. Through the examination of the historical development of Japanese femininity, this article offers insight into the image of ＂good Japanese woman＂.
文摘The purpose of this paper is to clarify how the Kabu-ido system can be employed to successfully regulate groundwater pumping. This was accomplished by analyzing surviving historical documents, including budgetary notes and a diary. The Kabu-ido system was a customary institution for groundwater management in a ring levee area of the Noubi Plain in Japan that consisted of three programs： restriction of groundwater pumping through a permit system, groundwater pricing and economic compensation. The system was created in the 1810s and survived for 100 years. This paper covers the Kabu-ido system from the 1810s to the 1860s, the first half of the 100-year history. Excessive groundwater pumping is not a new environmental problem. Although many case studies have investigated remedial actions, few have investigated how local residents addressed the problem before the 20th century because of a lack of documents. The Kabu-ido system is an exception in which of the procedure was documented in writing. The historical data indicate that it was a pioneering institution for groundwater management.
文摘This study examines long work hours and work-life balance in relation to wage level, workaholism, and consumerism in both Korea and Japan. Findings of this study can be summarized as follows. First, the hypothesis that the wages and working hours have positive but differential effects depending on wage level categories are supported. Second, effects of cultural factors, such as workaholism and consumerism, on long work hours, however, are not significant in both countries. Third, for Korean manual workers, the probability of working long hours is high, but the level of time scarcity is low; but the effect of union membership on long work hours is not significant in both Korea and Japan. Fourth, the hypothesis that negative effects of long work hours and time scarcity on satisfaction with work-life balance are supported. These findings suggest that an increase in wage for non-regular workers and a minimum wage are required to reduce working hours. In addition, they also suggest that reducing working hours, overtime work in particular, and wage gap are crucial to raising the level of satisfaction with work-life balance in both Korea and Japan.
