Trends In Japan Research Articles

政府・文部省・諸団体の教育政策動向(2000年1月〜12月)(国内動向,V 内外の教育政策・研究動向)

政府・文部省・諸団体の教育政策動向(2000年1月〜12月)(国内動向,V 内外の教育政策・研究動向)

Analyzing Platinum and Palladium Consumption and Demand Forecast in Japan

Platinum and palladium are used in small but essential quantities in a variety of advanced industrial sectors. Platinum and palladium are used as catalysts in various industrial sectors, especially in the car industry. However, their sources are typically concentrated in South Africa and Russia, and there are concerns about supply security. In terms of resource security, it is important to verify domestic platinum and palladium consumption trends and future demand. In order to understand the domestic platinum and palladium consumption trends in Japan, we tracked the historical platinum and palladium consumption structures from 2001 to 2013, applying a bottom-up approach, and illustrated recent domestic platinum and palladium flow by using a substance flow analysis. The results showed that catalytic converters (9.1–12.8 t) and jewelry (5.3–15.5 t) for platinum, and catalytic converters (14.2–20.0 t) and dental use (9.5–16.4 t) for palladium, have marked the biggest consumption sectors during 2001–2013, where the total consumption of platinum and palladium have fluctuated by 18.4–31.6 t for platinum and from 33.0–46.3 t for palladium. We also forecasted the demand for each end-use of both up to the year 2025 using multiple regression analysis. Our results suggest that platinum demand could decrease from 18.9 t in 2013 to 11.9 t in 2025 and palladium demand could slightly decrease from 33.0 t in 2013 to 13.8 t in 2025.

Coastal Wastes Management System and Policy Trends in Japan

Coastal Wastes Management System and Policy Trends in Japan

The history of the principle of change of circumstances and legislative trends in Japan

The history of the principle of change of circumstances and legislative trends in Japan

Measles elimination and immunisation: national surveillance trends in Japan, 2008-2015.

Measles elimination relies on vaccination programmes. In Japan, a major outbreak started in 2007. In response, 5-year two-dose catch-up vaccination programme was initiated in April 2008 for children 13-16-years-old. In this study, we analysed the epidemic curves, incidence rates for each age group, virus genotype, vaccination coverage and ratio of measles gelatin particle agglutination (PA) antibody using surveillance data for 2008-2015. Monthly case counts markedly decreased as vaccination coverage increased. D5, which is the endemic virus type, disappeared after 2011, with the following epidemic caused by imported viruses. Most cases were confirmed to have a no-dose or single-dose vaccination status. Although the incidence rate among all age groups ⩾5-years-old decreased during the study period, for children <5-years-old, the incidence rate remained relatively high and increased in 2014. The ratio of PA antibody (⩾1:128 titres) increased for the majority of age groups, but with a decrease for specific age groups: the 0-5 months and the 2-4, 14, 19 and most of the 26-55- and the 60-year-old groups (-1 to -9%). This seems to be the result of higher vaccination coverage, which would result in decreasing natural immunity booster along with decreasing passive immunity in infants whose mothers did not have the natural immunity booster. The 20-29- and 30-39-year-old age groups had higher number of cases, suggesting that vaccination within these age groups might be important for eliminating imported viruses.

Inter-prefecture disparity in under-5 mortality: 115year trend in Japan.

Child poverty is a growing, serious issue in Japan, where various social disparities are increasing. Numerous reports have focused on the relationship between social inequity and health, but few studies have assessed how the overall magnitude of disparities in child health has changed in the course of drastic social and economic transitions from 1899 to more recent times. In this study, we assessed the trend of the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) and its inter-prefecture disparity in Japan. This is a secondary analysis of Japan's vital statistics data from 1899 to 2014 (115years), which covers a core period of modern Japan. We calculated the U5MR of each prefecture and its Theil index by year to assess the trend of inter-prefecture disparity in child health from 1899 to 2014. The U5MR monotonically decreased from 238 per 1,000 births in 1899 to 3 in 2014. The Theil index of the U5MR increased in the post-war period, peaked in 1962 (0.027) and gradually reduced to <0.01 in the 1970s. In the 2000s, however, even though U5MR continued to decrease, the Theil index started to increase, and in 2014 (0.013) it exceeded that in 1970 and was more similar to that before World War II. The disparities in child health appear to be widening, and may serve as a warning to today's society that increasing socioeconomic gradients may lead to rising health inequity among children. Further investigations into the causes, mechanisms, and possible interventions are needed.

Tourism Research on Japan—Overview on Major Trends: Japanese and English-language Materials

ABSTRACTResearch articles and books on tourism and Japan published in both Japanese and English are reviewed based on online databases. In Japanese, 2,463 books and 727 government publications (1940–2016), and 471 articles published in two journals (1961–2015) are identified, and in English, 21 books and 7 book chapters (1983–2013), and 224 articles in 97 journal titles (1975–2016) are examined. The review had two aims: to identify main research trends in Japan and globally, and to examine how the overall theme of this special issue—regions, communities and places in Japan—are portrayed (or not) in the existing studies within the materials located with the keyword tourism or kankō (in Japanese). General trends and specific aspects are identified and explored independently as well as comparatively between Japanese and English-language publications, providing an overview of and potential future directions in this field of study.

Recent Trends in WRN Gene Mutation Patterns in Individuals with Werner Syndrome.

To determine recent trends in mutation patterns in the WRN gene, which cause Werner syndrome (WS), a rare, inheritable progeroid syndrome in Japan. Retrospective cohort. Longitudinal survey of WS and literature search for case reports. Individuals whose genetic testing their facilities had requested between 2009 and October 2016 (N=67). A nationwide epidemiological study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 to improve understanding of the pathology of WS and develop therapeutic guidelines. Since 2009, Chiba University Hospital consecutively evaluated the WRN gene in 67 individuals throughout Japan who had requested genetic testing. A literature search was also conducted for case reports on Japanese WS reported since 1997. A definitive diagnosis of WS was confirmed genetically in 50 of 67 participants. Through the literature search, 16 individuals diagnosed genetically with WS were identified. Of these 66 individuals with WS, 42 were homozygous for a WRN mutation, and 21 were compound heterozygotes. One novel mutant allele was identified in an individual with the compound heterozygous genotype. The proportion of compound heterozygotes (31.8%) was significantly greater than reported previously (14.2%), indicating that the incidence of consanguineous marriage of parents has decreased. The increased frequency of individuals with WS with the compound heterozygous genotype is a recent trend in Japan. A long-term follow-up study on WRN homozygotes and compound heterozygotes will allow the relationship between WRN genotype and clinical severity of WS to be evaluated in the future.

Idols You Can Meet: AKB48 and a New Trend in Japan's Music Industry

Idols You Can Meet: <scp>AKB</scp>48 and a New Trend in Japan's Music Industry

Technological development in automotive industry and transformation in corporate governance system

This study aims to understand how governance change is triggered by cybernetics issues, such as the development of automotive navigation systems in German, Japanese and US automotive industry. Six points are discussed for the central question which are 1) GDP Trends for Manufacturing Activities, 2) Organizational Structure for Supply Chain Management (SCM), 3) Viewpoint related to Internet of Things (IoT) usability, 4) National IoT planning, 5) Definition of IoT, 6) Developing Navigation Systems. At first, the trend in manufacturing activity reveals two different trends: a downward trend in Japan and the USA, and a stable trend in Germany. We see several possible reasons for this difference; first, the “smiling curve concept” is applied to visualize the difference. And the organizational structure of SCM is concerned such as “Keiretsu” in Japan, “Konzern” in Germany and the “Anglo-American” model. Then, this paper addresses how the unique organizational features of SCM might react to the technological developments in the automotive industry such as autonomous driving, which has shaken the core of the industry. For this gradual change, the IoT technology is necessary. IoT means the progress of certain embedded system, which adds a network function into it. The embedded system for automobile orientation on a map (hardware and software) has to be upgraded with the network function. These technological developments could influence their corporate governance system. Then, the discussion matrix is formed for the six points, which are discussed in this paper and reveal the boundaries between Japan, Germany and the US. According to Beer, the societary maps (the cybernetic maps) are required for this structural progress to find the right way to go. Finally, we think a dynamic industrial movement is ensured by keeping fair competition, which ensures diversity as well as technological development. It could be the last resort to protect our “Designing Freedom”.

PBL Study Trends in Japan: Focusing on University Education Practices

PBL Study Trends in Japan: Focusing on University Education Practices

Theories of Inequality and Its Trends in Japan

Theories of Inequality and Its Trends in Japan

Analysis of cardinal grey relational grade and grey entropy on achievement of air pollution reduction by evaluating air quality trend in Japan

The Japanese government has promoted a number of policies regarding air pollution control to regulate the maximum permissible limits of air pollution, including motor vehicles, industrial activities, and firecrackers exhausts, which can be established as a mechanism for monitoring air pollution. Studies of Japan's air pollution have been presented since the 1970's, but only few studies have focused on evaluating air quality trend by grey system, which can be used to calculate the grade of air quality. The study used cardinal grey relational grade and grey entropy to calculate the data of five major Japan's air pollution such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) carbon monoxide (CO), suspended particulate matter (SPM), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and photochemical oxidants (OX) from 2002 to 2011 for evaluating the air quality trend in Japan. The relation between achievement of air pollution elimination and outcome of air pollution reduction can be determined via evaluating air quality trend. The results of this study can demonstrate the trend of air pollution spread from 2002 to 2011 and also can be used to establish a permissible limit for each type of air pollution. Furthermore, this study can be a reference for further studies on evaluating air quality trend and also on air pollution control and environmental protection, as an ultimate goal.

Payments systems trends in Japan: Blueprints for the next-generation Zengin system

This paper examines initiatives to accelerate the development of Japan’s payment infrastructure through the lens of the Zengin System — the heart of this infrastructure. In addition, this paper distils how cutting-edge technology is being applied and imagines the evolution of the financial services landscape as we enter the rapidly evolving, brave new world of financial technology (FinTech).

Destination Development: Trends in Japan's Inbound Tourism

Japan has seen a marked increase in tourist arrivals since the start of the current decade, and this paper presents a case study of the country as a destination for overseas leisure visitors and recent trends. The factors and forces underlying the upturn are examined to reveal the importance of national conditions in the country as a whole alongside government tourism policy, attractions and amenities, access and mobility and destination marketing. These emerge as key determinants of the destination development process with international conditions also playing a role. Further growth in Japan's inbound tourism is expected in the years leading up to 2020 when it will host the Olympic Games, but the multiple influences at work create some uncertainty about the future as well as new opportunities. While exhibiting distinctive characteristics, the case does afford more general insights into how and why states acquire the heightened popularity attendant on destination development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

IS IMBALANCES AND CURRENT ACCOUNT SURPLUSES IN JAPAN: IN MEMORY OF PROFESSOR RONALD I. MCKINNON

In this paper, I find (1) that Japan showed massive and persistent current account surpluses from at least 1981 until at least 2011, (2) that Professor Ronald McKinnon was correct, at least in the case of Japan, and that these large and persistent current account surpluses were due primarily to Japan’s large and persistent IS imbalances (the excess of saving over investment), (3) that the specific causes of the IS imbalances have changed dramatically over time, and (4) that future trends in Japan’s IS imbalances (current account surpluses) are difficult to project but that they will probably not change dramatically in either direction in the foreseeable future.

ICT시대의 핀테크 규제에 관한 고찰 - 최근 일본의 금융규제의 동향을 중심으로 -

ICT시대의 핀테크 규제에 관한 고찰 - 최근 일본의 금융규제의 동향을 중심으로 -

Our Experience with 131 Cases of Simultaneous Breast Implant Exhange with Fat (SIEF).

Background:Breast augmentation with fat injection is a growing trend in Japan. Many Japanese patients experiencing breast implant complications are requesting to have their breast implants removed and simultaneously exchanged with autologous fat injection. The keys of our simultaneous implant exchange with fat (SIEF) process are to embrace the “Coleman technique” and to carefully detach implant capsules when removing breast implants. Furthermore, we carefully inject fat to avoid necrosis.Methods:Between January 2010 and January 2015, we investigated consecutively 131 Japanese patients whom we could follow up for over 6 months postsurgery. We ascertained the usefulness of SIEF by assessing changes in breast size, complications, and a satisfaction survey.Results:There were no serious complications. We had experienced mild complications in 9.2% of patients (12/131). Partial fat necrosis with inflammation occurred in 2.3% of patients (3/131), seroma in the capsule in 3.1% (4/131), complaints of nodules (cysts, lumps) in 3.1% (4/131), and 1 hematoma patient (0.8%). At 6 months after surgery (n = 131), breast cup size (by Japanese Industrial Standards) had decreased by less than 1 cup size, despite SIEF. At 6 months, we performed a postsurgery satisfaction survey, and only 4% of the patients (5/131) were not satisfied with their surgery results.Conclusions:SIEF is a very safe and effective procedure. Breast implants removed with a low invasive traumatic approach and centrifuged fat injected with the “Coleman technique” are important principles in our practice. Furthermore, avoiding fat necrosis is one of the most important considerations, and our SIEF approach allows us to better control this potential complication during the surgical process.

Monitoring nature-based tourism trends in Japan’s national parks: Mixed messages from domestic and inbound visitors

Monitoring nature-based tourism trends in Japan’s national parks: Mixed messages from domestic and inbound visitors

Update on our investigation of malignant tumors associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in Japan.

To investigate the recent incidence of malignant tumors associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) in Japan to clarify if there are any differences in malignant tumor risk and the spectrum of malignancies by reviewing the literature on this subject. We reviewed PJS cases reported in 1115 papers in Japan between January, 1989 and December, 2014. Malignant tumors were identified in 186 of the total 583 PJS cases from 523 evaluable studies. The estimated cumulative risk of a malignant tumor was 83.0% at 70years of age. Compared with a previous study, on a collective 91 cases reported up until 1988 in Japan, the reported proportion of gastrointestinal malignancies decreased, from 82.4 to 48.3%, whereas that of gynecological malignancies increased, from 8.8 to 34.3% (P<0.01). Moreover, breast cancers were occasionally reported (4.8%), even though none were reported in the previous study. Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix was the most common malignant tumor (46.8%) among women with PJS. The increased number of reports of cervical adenocarcinoma in women with PJS is the prominent trend in Japan, and a subject of concern among gynecologists. The risk of breast cancer seems to be increasing, but confirmation of this trend will require further investigation.