Exploring Japan - Appreciating Wooden Architecture
Mountains comprise 70 % of Japan's land area and the Japanese have traditionally valued forests and carefully fostered the culture of wood. There are many large trees in Japan and Japanese people have venerated them as sacred objects while valuing their timber in their daily lives. In this segment, we will introduce the charm of Japan's wooden structures and introduce some of Japan's finest examples: Todaiji Temple Hall (48 meters high, the world's biggest wooden structure), the five-storied pagoda of Horyuji Temple (32.5 meters high, the world's oldest wooden structure), Kintai-kyo bridge (constructed in 1973), and Ise Shrine, which is regularly rebuilt to revere the freshness of wood.
Mobile Phone TV
There seems to be no end to the diversification of mobile phone functions. In April 2006, a "one-segment broadcasting" service was launched in Japan. For the first time in the world, digital television programs can now be viewed on a mobile phone. The service will be available nationwide by the end of 2006. The advent of the era in which you can watch television anywhere had begun. "One-seg" has already been a big hit with young people who enjoy live sports programs, but it is attracting everyone's attention because it will greatly influence the future of TV. This segment introduces the current situation of "one-seg broadcasting".
Japan Welcomes Young Students
This segment provides an update on studying in Japan. Recently, the number of young people from overseas countries who want to study at universities and advanced vocational schools in Japan has been increasing. The Japanese government has been making an effort to complete its system to help promote understanding about Japan. One of the measures taken is the introduction of a general examination called EJU, held every June and November. If students acquire a certain score, they can then apply for the entrance examination to the educational institution the y wish to enter. In addition, there are Japanese language schools available that are specifically designed to help students master a sufficient level of Japanese to take the EJU. In addition, Japan Education Fairs are being held in several countries to encourage overseas students to come to Japan.
