MakePolicy.com

Japanese is the sixth most spoken language in the world.
This site provides worksheets and information for teachers and students of Japanese language and culture.
Did you know that the Japanese also has a lot of local dialects. These dialects are called hogen. Despite the different accents throughout the country, however, people all over Japan can understand each other. Take a look through the various posts to inspire and encourage kids to learn more about Japan and its people.

Japan’s border security continues to remain a critical issue. In the recently released Annual Report of the Japan Coast Guard two particular themes are highlighted. The first is a section dedicated to describing recent threats to Japan’s territory, saying unlawful activities and roaming by Chinese and Taiwanese ships have “breached Japan’s sovereignty.” The second issue discussed at length is that of the Somali pirates and Japan’s involvement in international efforts.
One of the most sensitive issues for Japan’s border security, revolves around the claim of sovereignty by Japan, China and Taiwan …

The pressure was too much? Scandal again. Another resignation! This time its the leader of the Democratic Party of Japan. Yesterday, Ichiro Ozawa surprised the political world by announcing his resignation as DPJ president to take responsibility for the political fundraising scandal involving his chief aide. But considering the number of scandals involving corruption in Japan perhaps it is not such a surprise!
Ozawas resignation comes at a critical time for the government and opposition parties. This is because there is an election looming.
Ozawa’s secretary, Takanori Okubo, was charged in …

The doom and gloom of economy woe has moved at such a heightened pace over the past year, its as if there has never been a recession or cutbacks before. Its significant to note that there are constant waves in the economy and cycles that result in job cutbacks and factory/business closures. What we need to do is for leadership to re-focus on ways to build new jobs in new industries.
I am heartened to look back through the archives of the BBC and see that in the late nineties …

The eyes of the world are firmly on Mexico as the source of the Swine-flu – as it has been named. But many in the pork industry are asking if the outbreak could be renamed the ‘Mexican’ influenza. Already there are predictions that a sharp decline in pork chops and pork products in general is imminent. No doubt the importing of pork from various North and South American countries will be under discussion. Significantly, medical authorities have tried to emphasize that it is not through eating properly cooked pork that …

Previously known as the Japan Defense Agency, the Ministry of Defense came into being on January 9 2007. It is based in Ichigaya, Tokyo and offers tours of the site for those interested in looking at the honour parade and memorial hall. The tours are a good way of promoting Japan’s military position to a society grounded for past half century in the ideals of pacifism.
The way that Japan has refocused the national attitudes and security policy to justify a more active global and regional military position over the past …

Taiwan and China are currently discussing pacts to enhance economic cooperation. Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to claim the island as part of its territory.
But there has been a siginificant alteration in the Taiwanese anti-China policy recently. The President Ma Ying-jeou has made a partial free trade agreement with Beijing his top goal this year. The belief is that in doing so it would help Taiwan maintain its competitive edge in the region. The agreement will permit the free flow of many goods, …