Search

Background and aims: The excellent physical and chemical properties of Abacá and Japan papers make them one of the most used materials in restoration of cultural assets on paper. The objective of this work is to characterize the fibers that compose them and identify plant genera or species that were used in their manufacture. M&M: Fibers from samples of each paper and previously collected reference plant material were disintegrated. The diagnostic characters of the fibers were observed with a photomicroscope and photomicrographs were taken. Subsequently, the homologous characters were compared by relating the Abacá paper fiber samples with those of Musa sp. and the Japan paper samples with Broussonetia sp. and Euonymus sp. Results: There were coincidences between the diagnostic characters of the paper fibers of Abacá and Musa sp. Regarding the Japan paper samples, there were results consistent with Broussonetia sp. but not with Euonymus sp. Conclusions: According to the results observed between the Abacá paper fibers and the samples of the collected living material, we infer that the Abacá paper contains fibers of Musa sp. In the Japan paper samples, the similarities observed between the diagnostic characters of the fibers with respect to the reference plant samples indicate the presence of Broussonetia sp. fibers. There is no evidence of fibers of Euonymus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first half of the 20th century, Japan launched an imperialist project in East Asia that transformed the region in many ways. By means of a historical and comparative analysis, this paper describes the economic activities of the Japanese in that period, directed not only to the mere extraction of resources, but also to the construction of infrastructure, the training of technical personnel and the creation of institutions and long-lasting international links. It also shows how all this was used favorably as a driving force in the industry of the region, and even in cases of economic growth that emulated the "Japanese miracle" after the Second World War. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After more than 20 years of the first massive migrations of Peruvians to Japan, Peruvian women face challenges in raising the second generation of migrants in this country. In this context, this research tries to answer how these women re-define their motherhood. The migratory routes of women, their relationship between households, work and school are key in this re-conceptualization. Thus, this article shows that their migratory motivations, their gender roles as mothers and wives, and the different upbringings of their children are the main factors that question their concepts of motherhood as guiding mothers. This paper is based on a qualitative research, elaborated under an ethnographic methodology, carrying out fieldwork with Peruvian mothers living in Aichi prefecture, Japan between 2016 and 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the Second World War, Japan began paying war reparations and instituted a strategy of international positioning - based on international cooperation activities - that aimed to ensure the supply of natural resources to its production and trade. Economic security became the target of Japanese cooperation. Japan soon became a major donor, whose strategy has been permeated by its interests. Taking a critical perspective, this paper analyses the evolution of the Japanese cooperation strategy, in particular the changes promoted by the prime minister, Shinzo Abe. Its starting point is a review of the stages of Japanese cooperation (emphasising the outside interference the country has had to respond to), the underpinning of which has shifted from the principle of economic security via the principle of human security to its present greater focus on strategic security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the improvements and challenges that Japan has been facing between 1983 and 2007. The paper explores the interaction among the different stakeholders --i.e. the Japanese Government, international organizations and civil society- to advance full access to citizenship regarding gender equality, the elimination of social and physical barriers for the inclusion of people with disabilities and elderly persons; ethnic minorities --specifically the situation of the Ainu people and the Buraku community--and the persons considered as "foreigners" living in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]