Process In Japan Research Articles

Significance of Category Classification of Novel Medical Products Originated from Japanese Academic Researches with Regards to Its Industrialization

This communication to chief editor discussed category classification process of medical products originated from Japanese academic researches, showing that of authors’ product for example. US guideline in 2017, “Classification of Products as Drugs and Devices & Additional Products. Classification Issues: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff. Final Guidance”, was refereed and key provisions for device definition were introduced. In US, medical products were defined as device when primary intended purpose of the product was not achieved through chemical action. Examples of FDA’s device definition of two kinds of heat generating nanoparticles were shown as gold nanoparticles illustrated in the guideline and magnetite cationic lipid composite particles (formerly named magnetite cationic liposomes) originated from Japanese academic research. Concerning category classification process in Japan, necessity of detailed discussion between academia and administrative agency was issued in order to facilitate its technology transfer to Japanese industry.

Japanese Culture as Element of Intercultural Space

This article introduces a definition of intercultural communication, understood as an important skill in creating social bonds in times of globalization. Mutual understanding in an intercultural space is based, among other things, on language, a point which the author underlines by using the Japanese language as an example. Moreover, she points out how the Japanese belief in ethnocentrism and the main cultural differences in fields such as nonverbal communication are considered problematic in facilitating outsiders both to understand Japanese society and to function within it. The analysis is based on the author’s own research focused on students attending a course at the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland on the cultural adaptation process in Japan, including reflections on the usefulness of the Japanese language in this process.

Emission of Dioxin-like Compounds and Flame Retardants from Commercial Facilities Handling Deca-BDE and Their Downstream Sewage Treatment Plants.

Commercial mixtures of decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE), a brominated flame retardant, contain not only polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, mainly BDE-209) as the main component but also dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) such as polybrominated dibenzofurans (PBDFs). Deca-BDE handling facilities (DHFs) and sewage treatment plants receiving effluent from DHFs are point sources of DLC and flame retardant (FR) pollution. Here, we examined their emission in Japan. For DHF effluents, DLCs detected by the dioxin-responsive chemically activated luciferase expression (DR-CALUX) assay were 1.3-890 pg TCDD-EQ/L (median 46 pg TCDD-EQ/L), while PBDEs and other FRs were <2.0-110,000 ng/L (610 ng/L) and 150-4,800,000 ng/L (41,000 ng/L). Risk quotients based on predicted no-effect concentrations suggested that DLCs, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TDBP-TAZTO), and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BPA-BDPP) present significant risks for aquatic organisms. The concentrations of PBDFs, which are impurities in deca-BDE, were expected to decrease with the inclusion of deca-BDE in the Stockholm Convention list of persistent organic pollutants (May 2017). However, DLCs other than PBDFs and alternative FRs such as DBDPE, TDBP-TAZTO, and BPA-BDPP are likely still discharged. Additional findings indicate that strong (e.g., DLCs, DBDPE, and BPA-BDPP), but not weak (e.g., TDBP-TAZTO), hydrophobic compounds are sufficiently removed by current wastewater treatment processes in Japan.

К ВОПРОСУ О ВЛИЯНИИ ГЛОБАЛИЗАЦИИ НА ПРОЦЕССЫ ДУХОВНОГО РАЗВИТИЯ В ЯПОНИИ

The article focuses on the participation of Japan in the world globalization process and the features of the response to this process of the Japanese cultural tradition. It is concluded that there are three main stages in the spread of globalization processes in Japan: the Meiji era, the era of American occupation after World War II and the period from the 1970s. It is noted that in the 1960s and 1970s, Japan experienced the so-called boom of theories about Japanese identity (nihonjin-ron, nihon bunka-ron), reflecting the presence of a “contextual” personality in Japanese culture, in which an individual had an extremely high ability to act within the framework of interpersonal relations. The author recalls, that from the very beginning of Japan’s capitalist path, its outstanding intellectuals were aware of the danger of extreme individualism characteristic of the Western worldview, which viewed people as independent individuals driven by purely pragmatic interests. In Japan, on the contrary, each person traditionally felt himself / herself involved in a network of complex relationships, not only economic, but also universal human ties. It was obvious to Japanese intellectuals that the destruction of these traditional ties is fraught with the loss of national identity. It is stated that globalization, which in practice opposes the existence of national states, ultimately leads to the general elimination of national cultures that embody the specific features of human activity inherent in a particular community of people (both ethnic and professional, confessional, etc.) and reflecting the desire for cultural depersonalization. The author concludes that the efforts that the country’s ruling elite, despite the pressure of popular culture, are trying to direct to preserve the spiritual and moral core of the nation, help Japan, at least in part, to overcome the crises and upheavals of the era of globalism.

Developmental Experiences Related to Retirement from Sport: Insights from Japan

Psychological support systems for retiring elite athletes can assist them in making career transitions out of sport. The purpose of this study is to further advance research in this area, with a specific focus the developmental experiences related to the sport career transition process in Japan. One retired Olympic medalist was analyzed with a life story analysis method. The findings highlight the psychological difficulties experienced by retiring athletes and the system requirements to help them make an optimal transition.

The Influence of Elite Networks on Green Policy Making

This article analyzes the relationship between the policy networks and the success of renewable energy and emission reduction policies. Arguing that strong connections between typologically different groups of elites are essential for good policies, the analysis looks at the Twitter community structure of the ministers in 34 countries. The results of the network study indicate that the success of renewable energy and CO2 emission reduction policy implementation is strongly related to the community structure in social networks of ministers. Looser network structures within policy communities and an abundance of relatively stronger connections between them are associated with higher renewable energy consumption and also lower CO2 levels, thus possibly with better policies. A case study on seven Nordic and Northern European countries complements and reinforces the theoretical expectations about deliberative policy making.Related ArticlesSabag‐Ben Porat, Chen, Azi Lev‐On, and Sam Lehman‐Wilzig. 2020. “Silent Partners: How Politicians' Facebook Communication with Constituents is Mediated.” Politics &amp; Policy 48 (3): 550‐569. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12352Rowe, Andrew D., and David E. Pitfield. 2019. “The Challenge of Social Media Incorporation: A Case Study of HACAN Clearskies.” Politics &amp; Policy 47 (4): 775‐806. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12319Tanaka, Yugo, Andrew Chapman, Tetsuo Tezuka, and Shigeki Sakurai. 2020. “Multiple Streams and Power Sector Policy Change: Evidence from the Feed‐In Tariff Policy Process in Japan.” Politics &amp; Policy 48 (3): 464‐489. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12357[Correction added on December 17, 2020 after first online publication: The citation “Ben‐Porat, Chen Sabag, Azi Lev‐On, and Sam Lehman‐Wilzig. 2020” was edited to “Sabag‐Ben Porat, Chen, Azi Lev‐On, and Sam Lehman‐Wilzig. 2020“ to reflect correct spelling.]

Changing dynamics of the nuclear energy policy‐making process in Japan

AbstractTo improve the effectiveness of environmental policy and governance, recent theoretical and empirical research increasingly suggests the adoption of multi‐level and more participatory policy‐making processes over traditionally centralized policy‐making processes. This article takes the Fukushima nuclear crisis of 2011 as a prime example in an attempt to assess the changing dynamics of the nuclear energy policy‐making process in Japan. To explore the changing dynamics, the paper focuses on the roles of the judicial branch and local governments in the nuclear energy policy‐making process. Nuclear energy policy in Japan has evolved along with industrial policies for economic growth. Before the Fukushima crisis, neither the judicial branch nor local governments were regarded as influential actors in nuclear energy policy‐making. The judicial branch basically supported government policy in litigation brought by civic groups. Local governments in rural areas tried to attract nuclear power plant construction because of promised subsidies from the national government and a solid tax base from construction and jobs. However, after the Fukushima crisis, both judicial branches and local governments became more influential in the nuclear energy policy‐making process. Local and high courts now actively issue injunctions against the reoperation of nuclear power plants. In gubernatorial or mayoral elections of local governments where nuclear power plants are located, candidates are politically pressured to express their stance on nuclear power plants more explicitly than in the past. Anti‐nuclear civic groups are also gradually changing the focus of their lobbying efforts to local elections.

Potential Impact of Accelerated Approval on the Drug Lags for Anticancer Drugs Between the United States and Japan

The term 'drug lag' represents the difference in the timing of drug approval among countries. The impact of accelerated approvals on the drug lag for anticancer drugs between the United States (U.S.) and Japan was evaluated using publicly available information to identify anticancer drugs approved in the U.S. or Japan between January 2006 and March 2017. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between the oncology drugs lags and potential factors, including accelerated approval. The median drug lag was 805 days. The drug lag was extended for drugs that were approved in the U.S. under accelerated approval (884 days) compared to the standard approval (606 days). A total of 170 approvals were available for the analysis of drug lags. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors contributed significantly to the drug lags (p &lt; 0.05): accelerated approval (odds ratio [OR] 4.48), Phase III study (OR 3.69), major cancer (OR 0.38), and international/global development (OR 0.32). Accelerated approval in the U.S. is one of the significant factors that extend the drug lags for anticancer drugs. The current drug development and approval process in Japan may have advantages, however, since a new regulation to reduce drug lag for anticancer drugs, the conditional early approval system, may help minimize drug lags and support decision making not only for regulators but also pharmaceutical companies.&#x0D; https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08nagasawa

近代的企業家の輩出プロセスと類型 ─幕末・明治期企業家46 人のキャリアパス分析─

近代的企業家の輩出プロセスと類型 ─幕末・明治期企業家46 人のキャリアパス分析─

The first survey of gap between the actual labelling and efficacy information of functional substances in food under the regulatory processes in Japan

Abstract To make well-informed choices, consumers need access to reliable and clear messages regarding the benefits of functional substances in food. This study identified foods with function claims (FFCs) in Japan that had a gap between actual labeling and efficacy information of functional substances not visible on their food package. Between April 1, 2015, to July 20, 2018, 1,310 FFCs were submitted to the regulatory agency and analyzed. The proportion of FFCs with a gap was highest in the health claim category of blood pressure management (79.5%), followed by neutral fat reduction in blood (75%) and suppression of blood sugar spikes (73.4%). These gaps are attributable to differences in food development strategy. Thus, to ensure the quality of benefit communication on FFC to consumers, scientific evidence regarding health claims of functional substances should be managed in an integrated manner.

Multiple Streams and Power Sector Policy Change: Evidence from the Feed‐in Tariff Policy Process in Japan

AbstractSustainability concerns have been placing public policy in the power sector under pressure to realize a radical change. However, energy policy is often subject to strong path dependency and inertia that make such change difficult. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the conditions under which radical policy changes happen in the power sector, based on the Multiple Streams Approach. Through a case study of the Feed‐in Tariff program for increasing renewable energy deployment in Japan, it is elucidated that the elevation of the generous program, which is fundamentally incompatible to previous policy processes, was a result of the intersection of problem, policy, and politics streams. The findings provide strong evidence to support our claim that political parties embrace a policy proposal that is not necessarily “softened” within the policy network when an existing policy community itself is perceived as a problem.Related ArticlesBrant, Hanna K., Nathan Myers, and Katherine L. Runge. 2017. “Promotion, Protection, and Entrepreneurship: Stakeholder Participation and Policy Change in the 21st Century Cures Initiative.” Politics &amp; Policy 45 (3): 372‐404. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12201Morris, Mary Hallock. 2007. “The Political Strategies of Winning and Losing Coalitions: Agricultural and Environmental Groups in the Debate over Hypoxia.” Politics &amp; Policy 35 (4): 836‐871. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00086.xRawat, Pragati, and John Charles Morris. 2016. “Kingdon's ‘Streams’ Model at Thirty: Still Relevant in the 21st Century?” Politics &amp; Policy 44 (4): 608‐638. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12168

Constitutional foundations of the budget process and budget policy in Japan

Introduction. The article covers the main principles, challenges and structure of the budget system. The article compares the budget revenues with expenditures regarding the issues related to the foundations of the constitutional system of the state and through this perspective analyzes the laws and provisions of the Japanese Constitution.Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the article is formed by special and specific scientific (comparative legal and technical) methods. The interdisciplinary method was used to explore the issues that overlap sectoral legal sciences. The use of the above mentioned methods made it possible to explore the issues in an interconnected, holistic and comprehensive manner.The results of the research. The essence and structure of the budget process and its role in the legal system of Japan were determined. The budget system of Japan has been developing for a long time and now it is one of the main state institutions. Nowadays the budget system is closely connected with social, tax, political and economic spheres.Discussion and conclusions. The article covers the constitutional and legal features concerning adoption of the budget and regulation of the budget process in Japan. The Constitution and the laws regulating the budget system and the budget process, were analyzed. The legal framework, which contributes to ensuring all constitutional and legal principles in adopting the budget and implementing the main aims, was explored.

일본의 NPO정책과정에 관한 고찰 : 정책 피드백과 시민단체의 제도화

일본의 NPO정책과정에 관한 고찰 : 정책 피드백과 시민단체의 제도화

Adaptation in Japanese media mix franchising: Usagi Drop from page to screens

Abstract Japanese media franchising is normally discussed in relation to long-running chains of serial transmedia production known in Japan as 'media mix'. I argue that this focus on the biggest of Japanese franchises is over-determining how we conceptualize the flows of adaptation in Japanese media culture. Therefore, in this article, I focus on a short-lived franchise based around Yumi Unita's manga Usagi Drop (literally, Bunny Drop, 2009–11) in order to think about the media mix as a set of relational adaptation processes. In the space of just a few months in 2011, this manga about a young man adopting his grandfather's illegitimate daughter became the seemingly unlikely source of a transmedia franchise that included television animation and live action film. Focusing on such a short-lived cycle of production allows me to reconsider how Japanese franchise media texts relate to one another, and to decentre anime as the defacto core medium in Japanese franchising. Expanding the view of Japanese media mix adaptations, I consider how both internal and external factors can influence media franchising and adaptation practices in contemporary Japan. Retracing the production discourses around the creation of the Usagi Drop franchise therefore allows me to reconsider the concept of media mix as adaptation practice and process in Japan.

我が国の科学技術・イノベーション政策形成システム : 現状と展開に向けた示唆

我が国の科学技術・イノベーション政策形成システム : 現状と展開に向けた示唆

Расширение трудоустройства и усилия по повышению долгосрочной занятости инвалидов в Японии

В последние годы ситуация с занятостью инвалидов в Японии быстро меняется вслед за мировыми тенденциями. В данной статье рассматривается вопрос, насколько повышается уровень занятости инвалидов и какие проблемы возникают в этом процессе. При этом акцент сделан на двух ключевых понятиях: «расширении» трудоустройства и «долгосрочной» занятости. Вначале рассмотрена история развития политики в отношении трудоустройства инвалидов и в этом контексте проанализирована текущая ситуация. Обращено внимание на законодательно установленные квоты приема на работу инвалидов. Компании, которые не достигают необходимого уровня занятости инвалидов, подвергаются штрафам. В последние годы постепенно расширяется список видов стойких расстройств функций организма, для которых законодательно установлен уровень занятости (квотирование рабочих мест). Принятие такого законодательства и совершенствование системы его применения ведут к тому, что занятость инвалидов постоянно возрастает. Однако это не означает, что в данном процессе не возникает проблем. Одной из самых больших трудностей в последние несколько лет является постепенное сокращение среднего периода работы. Этот показатель различается у людей с разными видами стойких расстройств функций организма, но особенно заметно с каждым годом он снижается у людей с ограниченными умственными способностями, а у людей с психическими заболеваниями период занятости совсем короток по сравнению с людьми с другим характером инвалидности. Конечно, влияние могут оказывать специфические особенности разных видов заболеваний. Для того чтобы понять, с чем связана такая разница, что происходит с рабочей средой инвалидов, был проведен анализ результатов социологических опросов представителей предприятий (организаций) и работников с ограниченными возможностями (особенно людей с психическими заболеваниями). В конце статьи рассмотрены способы поддержки занятости инвалидов, которые потребуются от общества в будущем.

イシュー・セイリアンスと刑事政策―「ポピュリズム厳罰化」と「民意なき厳罰化」の政治過程―

イシュー・セイリアンスと刑事政策―「ポピュリズム厳罰化」と「民意なき厳罰化」の政治過程―

Challenges and opportunities for greater tobacco control in Japan

Japan is a high tobacco burden country with over 20 million smokers in 2017. Tobacco control measures in Japan has been criticised as largely inadequate and ineffective despite ratifying the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004. Numerous factors such as pro-tobacco legislators, regulatory oversight of the primary Japanese tobacco company from the Ministry of Finance and industry interference on the policy-making process in Japan have prevented aggressive tobacco control efforts. Given the intricate challenges in Japan, it is important to develop feasible and effective smoking cessation strategies. In this paper, we have analysed the trends in tobacco prices, sale and smoking prevalence, major tobacco/smoking policies and some of the industry-related challenges that have prevented the development of effective tobacco control measures in Japan. We have emphasised the need for stronger implementation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and its MPOWER policy package and to separate the tobacco industry from the tobacco control policymaking process to promote cessation and abstinence from smoking and better sensitisation against exposure to second-hand smoke.

Participation of nurses and care workers in the decision-making process for people with dementia in Japan: Discussion paper

Numerous socio-legal factors make the process of surrogate decision-making for people living in dementia very complicated in Japan. In this discussion paper, we argue that the lack of early consultation between patients, surrogate decision-makers and healthcare providers and the overreliance of patients and their families on doctors to assume the decision-making role lead to healthcare practices that may not align with the patient’s wishes. Further, we argue that lack of laws on surrogate decision-making, changing family structure and the liabilities associated with the care of people living with dementia contribute to the complexity of the decision-making process in Japan. Finally, given the rapidly changing social and healthcare norms in Japan, we call for greater involvement of nurses and care workers in the decision-making process to ensure patient-centric treatment and care are adopted.

The Impact of Triage for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance with Human Papillomavirus Testing in Cervical Cancer Screening in Japan

Background:One of the features of cervical cancer screening using the combination of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is the triage for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). The effectiveness of the triage has been recognized widely. However, there are few reports evaluating this triage process in Japan.Material and Methods:We retrospectively examined the results of cytology and HPV co-testing for cervical cancer screening in the Oyama area of Tochigi Prefecture between 2012 and 2014. Women who were ASC-US/HPV positive and had cytologic abnormalities [low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or worse] were examined by colposcopy. The results of the colposcopy testing were evaluated. In addition, we also examined the results of those who underwent co-testing a year after a ASC-US/HPV-negative result.Results:A total of 21,342 women received their first screening test during the study period, with 542 (2.5%) found to have ASC-US. Of the ASC-US-positive women, 289 (53.3%) were also HPV positive. The prevalence of CIN+ (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or higher) in the ASC-US/HPV-positive group was 63.2%, with 81.8%, 16.4% and 4.8%. showing CIN 1, CIN 2 and CIN 3+, respectively. The prevalence of CIN+ in the LSIL group was 66.8%, with the majority having a low risk CIN 1 (76.6%) compared to CIN 2 (18.6%), and CIN 3+ (4.8%). No significant difference was observed between the LSIL and ASC-US/HPV-positive groups. The prevalence of women diagnosed with CIN in the ASC-US/HPV-negative group, following co-testing a year after colposcopy was low (3%).Conclusions:The ASC-US/HPV-positive group was comparable to the LSIL group in terms of prevalence of CIN+ lesions. Furthermore, low CIN prevalence after one year in the ASC-US/HPV-negative group provides confirmation that the screening interval could be extended. The application of HPV triage (which is routine in other countries) to identify these groups would be of benefit in Japan.