Japan in the UN
A UN member for nearly 50 years, Japan is one of the international organization's major contributions, both financially and with human resources, and its share of the UN budget is greater than four of the Security Council's permanent members combined. Japanese diplomats have played major roles in ending conflicts and aiding refugees, and Japanese civilian and SDF units regularly undertake UN humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. It is now thought that a permanent seat on the Security Council would allow this leading nation to play an even more effective role in world affairs.
New Life for Old Houses
The traditional old wooden houses of Japan were built in a time when people lived more in harmony with nature. Many of these houses were being torn down because they no longer met the needs of modern lifestyles. However, a new environmental awareness is now making people appreciate their values. New techniques are being used to renovate traditional buildings, adding modern amenities while retaining their old warmth and beauty, and fine old timber from abandoned houses is now seen as valued material for reuse.
Ridding the World of Landmines
Over 100,000,000 deadly land mines lie hidden in the earth, maiming and killing 24,000 people around the world each year. At the present rate it will take 1,000 years to clear these mines using today's dangerous manual methods. The leading Japanese NGO involved in mine clearance has helped to modify heavy machinery which is already being used to detonate buried mines rapidly and safely. And researchers in several Japanese universities are working on futuristic remote-controlled robot designs to detect and clear mines.
Centrair - Japan's Newest Hub Airport
Recently opened Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) is now Japan's third largest airport. This new Asian hub links 25 world cities and 24 Japanese airports. The 24-hr, 3,5000 m runway is also a major air freight gateway for central Japan's regional industries. Centrair was designed for convenience: access to the frequent connecting flights is very easy, and it's a quick 30-minute train ride to Nagoya. It's also a fun place to visit, with themed arcades of shops and restaurants, and many recreational facilities.
2005 Special Olympics Winter Games in Nagano
The Special Olympics is a 40-year old global movement to provide people with intellectual disabilities with opportunities for sports training and competition. Nagano City has previously hosted both the Olympics and the Paralympics, and this year was proud to become the first city in Asia to host the Special Olympics. These Winter Games comprised seven sports including floor hockey, a unique game of the Special Olympics. Related programs held during the games included the Global Youth Forum.
