Abstract
This paper begins with a description of the destruction caused by the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan and then takes a look at why the region suffered such extensive damage. The paper describes how the traditional Japanese home is constructed as well as how commercial buildings and transportation-related structures are typically constructed and explains why these structures could not withstand the force of the earthquake. The paper also points out the need to adopt newer methods of construction in order to make the homes and buildings safer and more capable of withstanding earthquakes.

From the Paper
"In 1990, the Japanese Meteorological Agency made a list of 18 regions that experienced seismic activity of less than 3 on the Richter scale. The regions on this list were considered "earthquake-proof". On January 17, 1995, to the surprise of the researchers involved, Kobe, Japan, one of the locations on the safe list, was struck by one of the most severe earthquakes known to mankind at 5:46 a.m. (Japanese Standard Time) (See Figures 1 &2). The magnitude of this earthquake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale and 7.2 on the Japanese Meteorological Agency scale. As a result of this earthquake, 5470 people were killed, 33,000 more were injured and a total of 310,000 local residents were left homeless. Water mains and gas lines were badly damaged. Survivors of the earthquake were left without many of the essentials for everyday life. Eventually, citizens were informed that they could be without water and gas systems for two months or more. Several larger structures including transportation systems, office buildings, and bridges were also damaged during the earthquake (Figure 3). As of April 22, 1995, $110 billion had been spent trying to restore Kobe to livable conditions. "

Tags:soil, foundation, conditions, proximity, fault, age, structural, system, survived, wood

Abstract
This paper discusses the possibility of a major earthquake in Japan, examining probability, preparation for such an event, warning systems and financial implications. The paper also includes information on 2004 earthquake in Japan,

From the Paper
"Natural disasters have been occurring at an increasing rate and with more devastating impact in recent years than in the past. More than ... such disasters have been reported since ... and approximately ... of them have occurred within the past ... years. (Guha-Sapir, Hargitt, Hoyois) In fact, an article in November reported that for the five most recent years disasters affected on average ... million people, which represents a rise of over from a decade earlier. (Schirber) Approximately one month later the Indian Ocean tsunami occurred..."

Tags:disaster, impact, earthquake, Japan, warning system, financial, probability, scientific evidence, human, plant, animal

Abstract
This paper discusses an idea of opening a business in Japan. The paper shows that one first needs to understand the Japanese culture and society. Many Westerners try to "go it alone" and without proper research, their ideas often fail, but with good planning, it is possible to open a successful car wash in Kobe, Japan.
Place
Promotion
Product
Price

From the Paper
"There are a great deal of factors that need to be considered when evaluating business expansion into Japan. The business culture of Japan is very different to that of the Western world. Tradition and culture are as deeply set in business as they are in everyday life. To put yourself in a competitive position in the Japanese economy, you must first understand the unusual rules of the economy. Culture and tradition must be understood fully, before conducting the expansion."

Tags:business, opportunity, culture, marketing

Abstract
In the past, America has always had to choose between China and Japan. Before the Second World War the United States had friendly relations with China and Japan was the adversary, and after Japan was defeated in the war and nationalist China was defeated by Mao and his communist revolutionaries, the United States and Japan became allies. But this historical pattern of alternating adversaries does not have to be repeated in the 21st century, for the United States, China, and Japan can interact politically and economically in ways that will be beneficial to all three countries. The question requiring examination and analysis is whether the United States, China, and Japan will interact politically and economically for their mutual benefit.

From the Paper
The United States, China, and Japan: An Analysis In the past, America has always had to choose between China and Japan. Before the Second World War the United States had friendly relations with China and Japan was the adversary, and after Japan was defeated in the war and nationalist China was defeated by Mao and his communist revolutionaries, the United States and Japan became allies. But this historical pattern of alternating adversaries does not have to be repeated in the 21^st century, for the United States, China, and Japan can interact

Tags:china, japan, u.s.

Abstract
This in-depth paper explores the sometimes fragile alliance between Japan and the U.S. and ponders whether or not Japan is capable, from a technical standpoint, of creating nuclear weapons. This paper delves into the possibility that Japan may already have nuclear weapons in its possession. A large number of Japanese citizens and successive governments have favored continuing the alliance with the U. S. which involves enormous reliance on American security and military power to protect Japan from attack. This paper defines article 9, the renunciation of war, of Japan's Peace Constitution. The writer also discusses the economic benefits in developing and maintaining nuclear weapons. This well-researched and informative paper considers some of the means Japan could employ to gain greater military autonomy which includes completing the development and production of advanced weapons such as the FSX fighter. This paper also discusses the various groups and parties that oppose nuclear weapons including the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs.

From the Paper
"Considering that the huge military-industrial complex of United States is an often-criticized force in the American economy and that maintaining a similarly high level of expenditures on weapons was a critical factor leading to the economic and political failure of the former Soviet Union, many in Japan are understandably content not to have a defense industry of a comparable magnitude. But there are some Japanese willing, and even eager, to duplicate or surpass American state-of-the-art military technology. Those who wish to see Japan more independent of reliance on the American power, who believe Japan's future is dependent on an autonomous defense establishment, favor the concept of Kokusanka or, indigenization of defense production."

Tags:asia, japan, economy, military, plutonium, nuclear, weapons, u.s., international, opposition, peace, constitution

Abstract
This paper examines how history has had a considerable impact on Japan's relationship with Southeast Asia. The experience of the Japanese colonialism and the atrocities of the WWII participated in a persistent anti-Japanese resentment in the region with the result that Japan's foreign policy has had to deal with serious suspicion and difficulties to rebuild mutual understanding between Japan and Southeast Asia. It also looks at how the experience of the Cold War and Japan's submission to the U.S. economic and security interests have constituted an important obstacle to Japan-Southeast Asia interaction.
Outline
The Legacy of the Japanese Military Expansionism in Southeast Asia Before 1945
A Difficult Japan-Southeast Asia Interaction after 1945: The Japanese Foreign Policy Choices in a Confrontational World Order
Balance: Japan and the Challenge of Reconciling History With the Future of a More Globalised World
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Japanese historical presence in Southeast Asia thus can be considered to have participated in the development of forthcoming antagonisms precisely in this region during the Cold War. In this respect, Takashi Inoguchi's analysis of the impact of the Japanese occupation on Vietnam is particularly relevant. Indeed, he insists on the fact that Japan's colonisation of Vietnam led to a considerable exploitation of the country's resources which resulted in the emergence of nationalist movements and doctrines that would be then appropriated and exploited by confrontational ideologies during the Cold War. "

Tags:burma, china, colonialism, cooperation, imperialism, interdependency, japan, korea, pacific

Abstract
This paper explores how Portuguese and Spanish Roman Catholic missionaries introduced Christianity to Japan in in 16th century. This paper discusses Japan's perception of Christianity which is linked with imperialist culture of the west and was believed to be a threat to the political control in Japan. The writer describes the ban on Christianity between the 17th-19th centuries in which Japan continued to exhibit intense antagonism towards the religion, but, as the imperialist power grew and Christianity dimensions were explored, the ban on the religion was lifted in 1873. This well-researched and informative paper focuses on the spread of Christianity in Japan, the level of acceptance and rejection as well as the history of this particular religion in Japanese culture and society.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Coming of the Religion
The Acceptance and Rejection Philosophies
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Japan, long before has been identified with a history of superior political stability that let particular tribe ruler to poise each other out in the dominion of authority . During this time and before this time the presentation of overseas ideas developed in to the religion that we call native for Japan . Because Japan happen to be increasingly integrated into the administration of the imperial family for the duration of the fourth and the fifth centuries, the religious conviction became of tool for political control . Afterwards, albeit the imperial control was in spite of everything, intense, Japan developed into an isle of cultural swap in the middle of China, Korea and further south east Asian nations."

Tags:japan, portugal, spain, culture, theology, western, political

Abstract
The paper examines the role of Japan's military on the world stage. The paper relates that historically, Japan's military has served an imperialistic world internationally, however, today there are other countries in Asia whose economic and military might is equal that of Japan's. The paper shows how for this reason, Japan's approach and use of the military has to be more diplomatic.

From the Paper
"In the twentieth century, Japan's military role was pretty much defined by expansionism and imperialism. From the first Sino-Japanese War of the late nineteenth century to the end of the World War II, Japan was a major military power in the world. After the defeat of Japan in 1945 and the end of the War, Japan spent a great deal of time redeveloping the country and defining its role on the international scene. During this period, Japan expanded its economic influence in foreign markets, as the United States became the primary trading partner."

Tags:japan, military, role

Abstract
This paper argues that race distinctions were not a European phenomenon adopted by imperial Japan in the early 20th century. The paper criticises the post-colonial studies approach in reference to Marxist constructs and also discusses Cohn's failure to examine more universal models of difference and race that were certainly present in Japan, and indigenous to India. The paper notes how Japan has been studied incompletely, and discusses how the post-War amnesia affects Japanese as much as Western scholars, just as 1930s Japanese scholars served Japan's imperial project.

From the Paper
"Japan's colonial expansion into the South Seas Islands occurred during the late 1800's - early 1900's and was not necessarily pleasurable for those who lived in the conquered lands. The fact that the capitalist system was the primary methodology for this extension made the lower classes that lived in these areas bear much burden (Yong-sop 133). This form of capitalism was not the same as employed in other regions of the world that centralized the assets (capital) and put quite a strain on the indigenous people, eventually destroying their customs and identity. Most of those that were colonized by the Japanese resisted their occupation but also..."

Tags:tomiyama ichiro, race/colonialism, japan

Abstract
This paper discusses the key features of Japan's foreign policy and also studies the reasons that exist behind its peace-oriented strategies. The author finds that Japan brought significant changes to its centuries-old foreign policy on two occasions during the 20th century. This paper focuses on the importance of world events which prompted Japan to abandon its policy of isolation and passive diplomacy and urged it to adopt a more positive, active and independent foreign policy.

From the Paper
"In order to understand the key features of Japan's foreign policy, it is important to take a look at the history of Japan's foreign policymaking. Since the Edo period, the country was interested more in protecting its borders from foreign attacks and threats and less in developing healthy positive relations with other countries of the world. Japanese policymakers were of the view that increase in power and might would help the country secure its borders against foreign aggression, but the problem was that, in doing so, the country completely forgot about development of healthy diplomatic relations."

Tags:edo, foreign, japan, period, policy, relations, us, positive, peace, independent, 20th, century