Abstract
This paper discusses the economic and political conditions in Japan that affect foreign investment there. It looks at the background of political and cultural changes in Japan since World War Two and how these have affected Japan's economy. It shows how recently introduced reforms are gradually dismantling barriers to investment in order to promote future growth and to help Japan recover from an economic slump. The paper discusses how this provides new investment opportunities.

From the Paper
"Japan has emerged a world leader in technology development with innovations including wireless capabilities, i-modes and wireless technology services. The success of i-modes, a wireless Internet service popular in Japan, is unlikely to be repeated at quite the same level anywhere else. Their innovations in technological environment generate an alternative way of doing things that can lend additional perspectives to technological enterprises in the U.S (Barclay,2004)."
"As a result of recently introduced reforms in which barriers to investment are being gradually dismantled to promote future growth and to recover from an economic slump, new investment opportunities exist. The process of deregulation is underway and future growth and increased competition is expected. Opportunities for investment in the financial, technological and medical sectors are predicted, which will provide multiple opportunities to foreign investors in Japan. Although economic barriers are being removed, prospective investors must consider the unique cultural characteristics of Japanese society in implementing a strategic plan."

Tags:enterprize, technology, venture

Abstract
This paper discusses China's family planning law, explaining its history and background in order to clarify the government's decision to implement such a law. Detailed information is provided on the rules, regulations, implementations, and exemptions of the policy. The writer examines its pros and cons, including the argument that it is in violation of human rights, and points out some of the overlooked positive results of the policy. The writer notes that China's one-child policy was reviewed in 2005 and explains one of the options that have been suggested for the future. The paper concludes that the one-child policy can mostly be considered a success, as it has alleviated the economic, social, and environmental problems associated with a population of that size. This paper contains MLA-style footnotes but does not include a works cited page.

From the Paper
"Despite its name, the one-child rule applies to a minority of the population; for urban residents and government employees, the policy is strictly enforced, with few exceptions. The exceptions include families in which the first child has a disability or both parents work in high-risk occupations, or are themselves from one-child families (in some cases). 70 percent of the population live in rural areas and in these areas a second child is generally allowed after five years. This provision sometimes applies only if the first child is a girl - a clear acknowledgement of the traditional preference for boys. A third child may be allowed among ethnic minorities and in remote, under-populated areas."

Tags:ecological, resources, childbearing, insurance, sterilization, abortion, contraception, environment, exploitation, fertility, savings

Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the inner mechanisms of the political system of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The writer maintains that there are several key factors that account for its undeniable success, the most prominent of which include its complex structure and diverse support base, its ability to be flexible, pragmatic and non-ideological, and its relatively weak, fragmented and unorganized competition. Furthermore, the party also possesses the extraordinary ability to overcome the plethora of political barriers and scandals they have faced. The writer concludes that the conservative foundation built by the Liberal-Democrats is firmly entrenched within Japanese culture and its structural fundamentals suggest that its enormous influence on Japanese life will remain for many more years to come.

From the Paper
"In additional, further bias of election law is evident in the mal-apportionment of Japanese electoral districts. A census, which dates back to 1946, has provided the framework for the current distribution of the lower house and the corresponding districts associated with them. At that time, rural communities were the dominant force of Japanese demographics due to the drastic decline in population of major urban centers, such as Nagasaki and Tokyo. This was due to the various ramifications of the Second World War, including, ordered civilian evacuations, the tens-of-thousands that had left to serve in the military and, most significantly, the atomic bomb which desecrated two entire Japanese cities in a matter of moments. Once the War had receded, the urban centers where swiftly repopulated. It did not take long until the cities had grown considerably since the pre-war era and despite this major demographic shift, the distribution and apportionment of seats for the House of Representatives has remained unchanged."

Tags:democracy, economy, conservative, culture

Abstract
Throughout the world, nations have used their history to help form a national identity. History has been manipulated by presenters and politicians to promote perceived societal ideals, to orientate political ideologies, and to build a power base. The paper examines how this ability is clearly seen in Japan and the Yasukuni Shrine. The paper shows that the shrine, founded in 1869, is the resting place of roughly 2.5 million Japanese who gave their lives in the service of their country dating from the Meiji Restoration period.

From the Paper
"Since the end of the Pacific War, Japan has been rife with debate over the position of government with respect to the shrine. In 1979, the two sides became more divided with the enshrinement of fourteen class A war criminals at Yasukuni. Yet much of the controversy lies in the rhetoric used by the Japanese government and in the shrine. Far from admitting to the crimes of its kami and appeasing the progressives, the Yasukuni website claims that "there were also 1,068 'Martyrs of Showa' who were cruelly and unjustly tried as war criminals by a sham-like tribunal of the Allied forces (United States, England, the Netherlands, China and others)."

Tags:commemoration, koizumi, shinto, kami

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the socio-political structures in China under the Ming Dynasty and the People's Republic of China. In doing so, the author explores the differences between Confucius's philosophies and Mao's with its roots in Soviet Communism. A good part of the paper is devoted toward a discussion of Zhu Yuanzhang's totalitarian rule.

From the Paper
"In 1911 AD, a revolution in China overthrew the Manchu rulers and ended the Qing Dynasty. Over the next forty years China was ruled by various warlords, occupied by the Japanese, and eventually liberated by the nationalist forces of Chang Kai Shek, known as the Guomindang. However, before China could be restored to order, the Red Army of the Chinese Communist party, operating in small guerilla units, took first the North and then the South of China, forcing Chang and the remnants of his forces to flee to Taiwan. On October 1st 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the people's republic of China."

Tags:asia, china, communist, east, guomindang, history, mao, ming, people, political, politics, republic, science, taiwan, zedong

Abstract
This paper illustrates and concludes that the Opium Wars not only reinforced Western influence in China, but also had many long and short term effects. The writer maintains that the Opium Wars not only caused the short-term crisis of opium addiction, but also weakened the economy by further opening China to the West. The writer discusses that Chinese resistance to Western influence and the weakness of the Imperial government created mass popular movements, such as the Taiping rebellion, with the goal of bringing down the Manchu dynasty. Social structure and ideologies were also affected, as Chinese scholars and leaders learned Western ideas and technologies.

From the Paper
"In the early 19th century, most of the world was dominated by European powers. Great Britain, in particular, had a huge hand in this power play. Having gained control of several colonies in Africa, as well as the extremely profitable colony of India, Britain was indeed an Empire. However, one country still maintained a closed-door policy towards the West. China's refusal to trade with the West ultimately led to the conflict between Great Britain and China, known as the Opium Wars. The Opium Wars resulted in many repercussions for China, most of them negative. Not only did the Opium Wars reinforce Western influence on China, but brought about many social, economic and political changes to the Chinese people.
In order to understand the Opium Wars, one must first examine the tense relationship between Britain and France prior to the start of the war. Before 1840, China was completely closed off from the world, and trade with the West was only permitted in the city of Canton. Western traders were discouraged from trading by the restrictions imposed upon them by the Chinese. To even enter Canton, ``one needed special permission, which was rarely given."

Tags:china, britain, opium, opium wars, history, chinese, war

Abstract
The author of this paper has divided it into two parts to gain a better understanding of the Japanese wine market. The contemporary aspect of the general Japanese market has been presented within the first part. It comprises the domestic production trends, the importer trends, a consumption analysis and the legislative laws which influence the wine market. The second part of this article looks at the vehicle to enter and the distribution channels of this product. It discusses how wine be sold successfully and how it competes with the local wine industry. It also discusses importation tips for importers.

From the Paper
"It is often said that Japan is one of the most difficult markets for a foreign company to penetrate. The lack of understanding of Japanese business culture and complexity of the market are seen as barriers to entry. Before we make clear why we choose wine to get in the Japanese market, we need to know what is the environment within and how we use the strategy to enter this market."

Tags:asia, direct, fdi, france, french, italian, italy

Abstract
Japan is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the global business environment. It is imperative to gain an understanding of this nation's unique and intricate culture in order to facilitate success business ventures with its people. This paper first discusses an overview of the Japanese culture, including basic facts, history, government, religion and economy. An in-depth analysis is then performed on Japanese business practices, including Japanese values, meeting etiquette and protocol and women in the business world. Lastly, implications for domestic and international managers within Japan are examined. Also included are numerous interviews with businesspeople who have or are working in Japan to contrast their perspectives with those of North Americans.

Table of Contents:

Basic Facts
A Brief History
Japanese Government
Religion
The Japanese Economy
Japanese Business Practices
- Values in Practice
- Meeting Etiquette and Protocol
- Women in the Business World
Management Implications

Appendices:

Appendix I
Interview Results
Appendix II
Japan's Placement on
Indices in the Text
Appendix III
Top 15 Important Lessons Every Business Person Must Know Before
Doing Business WITH or IN Japan!
Appendix IV
How Culture Affects Management Approaches: Cultural Dimensions
Appendix V
A "Must-Know" List of List of Japanese Culture and Customs
Addendum
Article Summary: Current Intercultural Issues and Challenges

From the Paper
"The Japanese have a deep-rooted culture and value system that helps to dictate their daily business dealings. Primary to these values is the concept of trust and of establishing long lasting relationships. The Japanese will go to great lengths to get to know their business counterparts in order to feel at ease with them. Thus, when Western managers first meet their Japanese counterparts, they should be ready to participate in discussions that cover topics such as personal hobbies and family life. Moreover, after creating a bond of trust between the two parties, it is expected that the relationship will last for some time as the Japanese value long lasting relationships that are of mutual benefit. This concept is based on the Japanese heritage of being an isolated nation where people stayed in one place for a long time and thus formed long lasting relationships."

Tags:akihitu, emperor, hokkaido, honshu, kyushu, shikoku, yen

Abstract
This paper discusses the progress and activities of the Japanese Yakuza from centuries ago and describes how organized crime groups in Japan have prospered and grown over the years. Outlining the opportunistic nature of the Yakuza, the author explains how they have benefitted from the economic growth of Japan and even migrated to other countries. The paper also looks at the operational methods of the Yakuza as well as strategies of control applied to curb their influence and activities throughout Japan and internationally.

From the Paper
"Organized crime in Japan originated centuries ago following the end of feudalism. Gang activities stemmed from deviance and territorial disputes between displace Samurai and posing threats. Over time, the Samurai and other criminals became the Yakuza, a sophisticated and intertwined band of crime groups spanning across Japan and more recently migrating to other nations. The Yakuza has been over opportunistic, benefiting from the economic growth of the nation. They have fostered strong political ties and social legitimacy, by demonstrating intolerance towards assaults against the innocents or law enforcement, and yet have posed significant threat to Japan's economic stability."

Tags:organized crime, mafia, east-asian

Abstract
This paper discusses various elements of Asian religions and how it is intertwined in Crane's novel "Bones of the Master." These elements include pilgrimage, master/disciple relationship and the importance of meditation. The book is a true story of a man on a spiritual quest for the truth.

From the Paper
"The concept of the teacher and the student is prevalent in Bones of the Master. When beginning a religious path, it is most widely agreed that the best place to start is by finding a teacher, or a master. It is this teacher, that can guide the student towards proper meditation techniques and passing their wisdom down to the student. In his younger days, Tsung Tsai found his master in Shiuh Deng. One of the key teachings of a Buddhist master is the art of meditation. For one who is seeking a religious path, the most important aspect to learn is meditation."

Tags:bones, buddhism, crane, george, master, meditation, tsai, tsung