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 …

Japan has agreed to add two P-3C patrol aircraft to the antipiracy mission off Somalia. It will be the first time for P-3C planes to be dispatched on an overseas mission.
The mission will involve about 150 personnel, including the air crews and Ground Self-Defense Force personnel who will guard the airport, according to the ministry. In addition, the Air Self-Defense Force will transport personnel and necessary supplies to the airport.
The P-3C aircraft will complement two MSDF destroyers that have been conducting escort missions for Japan-linked commercial ships in the pirate-infested …

With its shrinking economy, a very depressed stock market and a rising gap between the haves and the have-nots widening, Japan’s politicians are facing a backlash. And with this rising discontent, the Communist Party (JCP) has had a sudden upswing in popularity. Membership has surged and many of these members are young people who are interested in focusing on welfare and job creation.
With the end to the boom years in Japan’s economy, there has been increasing discontent with the ruling liberal LDP regime. At the latest count the membership had …

After a year of not talking the political rivals North and South Korea held their first formal talks.
But with disputes over the venue and what to talk about – things did not start well.
Neither did they finish well – after 20 minutes all talk was off again.
The South Korean delegation wanted to see a worker who had been detained in March 2009. This request was refused. The worker had supposedly been denouncing the North’s regime. The North Koreans also demanded that the South Korean companies pay more for operating in …

A billion dollars in aid to Pakistan over two years. That is a huge donation from Japan to try and assist the stabilisation of the Pakistani economy and to aid the fight against terrorism. It is also a large portion – in fact a quarter – of the total package pledged by about 40 countries and international organisations over the same period. It is a strong commitment to global security initiatives by the Japanese government.
It is also an important lever in any discussion that could lead to friction in the …

One of the post-WWII challenges for Japan in the Asian region has typically been to promote reconcilation and good-will. It is something the Japanese have worked at very hard for many decades. In particular, the Fukuda Doctrine of 1977 spearheaded Japanese committments to peace and trust between the Asian countries. And as a result, Japan has achieved its successful global position partly through the development of its soft-power.

The current PM, Mr Aso has stressed the ongoing need for Japan to make use of this soft power. It is well-known …