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Recently, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly in Asia. One of the possible etiologies for the same may be partly related to the amount of work requiring the use of screens. Therefore, I will present possible causes and countermeasures with regard to the display and its effect on the progression of myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific papers on the history of psychiatric diagnosis presented at the 16th International Taniguchi Symposium for Comparative History of Medicine-East and West which was held in 1991 in Japan were briefly reviewed and discussions and comments interchanged in this meeting were introuduced with some personal appreciation that the meeting was excellently organized and enormously successful. Particularly, the papers of medical historians and the expert in specific area like Indian medicine from North America and Europe were highly instructive. The informal gathering in the evening had offered a fascinating original report such as an old documentary film about Imu, a Japanese culture bound syndrome. One very important point was raised in this review that the comparisons between the Medicine-East and the West, particularly the translation of the Eastern medical descriptions of mental illness into the modern Western pschiatric terms should be very cautiously carried out, because by the crude identification of one medical system with the other system the uniqueness of the illness in a specific time and in a specific place might easily be overlooked. For both Japanese and Korean traditional medicine share with Chinese traditional medicine and yet they preserve their uniqueness, a small group study for comparative East Asian medicine was suggested for the more elaborated clarification of medical terms.

The paper analyses the literature produced in Parkinson's research during the last decade (2008-2017) from the Asian countries using scientometric methods. The data was taken from the ISI Web of Science. Using Microsoft excel the data was analyzed. There was no correlation between productivity and impact factor. Though China is found to be ahead of all Asian countries in productivity, its impact factor is less than Japan and Israel. Open access articles were cited more than limited access articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxy fatty acids (FAs) in fresh snow from Sapporo, one of the heaviest snowfall regions in the world, have been studied to ascertain the airborne bacterial endotoxin concentrations and their biomass. The presence of β-hydroxy FAs (C9-C28), constituents of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), suggests long-range transport of soil microbes. Likewise, the occurrence of α- and ω-hydroxy FAs (C9-C30 and C9-C28, respectively) in snow reveals their contribution from epicuticular waxes and soil microorganisms. Estimated endotoxin and GNB mass can aid in assessing their possible impacts on the diversity and functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as lethal effects on pedestrians through dispersal of microbes. Air mass back trajectories together with hydroxy FAs unveil their sources from Siberia, Russian Far East and North China by the Asian monsoon. This study highlights the role of fresh snow that reduces the human health risk of GNB and endotoxin by scavenging from the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the "White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2006," in Japan. Structural changes to which the country must adapt includes globalization, a rising Asia and an aging society. Strategies must be taken to deal with such changes and ensure sustainable economic growth. An index is needed to measure the levels of economic prosperity.

Provides a brief overview of Japanese high school students in terms of 1995 post-school destinations and types of jobs obtained. Describes the school-based job referral process that systematically regulates job distribution for high school graduates, including high school-employer networks and guidance for students in employment-related decision-making. (KS)

The bio-medical model of 'mental health' and 'mental illness' that relates to the relationship between wellbeing and distress informs psychopathology and dominates conceptualisation in many Western Educated Industrialised Rich Democratic (WEIRD) populations. This paper aims to critique the model, questioning the appropriateness of psychopathology as a conceptual framework when working as a Western trained clinician with populations such as in China, Japan, Asia, the Middle-East and Africa. The paper also considers the cultural appropriateness of western notions of psychopathology when working inter-culturally in relation to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, and the Review of the Implementation of the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-Yoku, is the Japanese practice of taking short trips to a forest and immersing oneself within the atmosphere of the environment. Over the last twenty years, emerging evidence from the fields of complementary medicine, allied and environmental health has shown promising results for human health, including cardiovascular, immune, and neuro-endocrine benefits, as well as improvement in mental wellbeing. More recent research suggests that these improvements in physiological and psychological health may be in part due to phytoncides (airborne aromatic compounds) that are inhaled by breathing in the forest air. Autonomic nervous system regulation has also been identified as a potential mechanism for the improvements seen. This article reviews the current evidence for the health benefits derived from forest bathing to determine the need for future research, including the potential for studies to be conducted in Australian environments. Methods: A search was undertaken in PubMed (including PMC), Medline Complete, and SCOPUS using the search term "forest AND bathing." A review of the methods and references of selected papers were reviewed to identify additional sources of published research. The inclusion criteria applied were human studies published between 1998 and 2017, available in full text, English language, with methodology that included direct exposure to a forest environment. Results: Thirty-one papers were determined to meet the inclusion criteria and are included in this current review. Conclusion: The current evidence demonstrates significant benefit for human health in relation to cardiovascular, immune, and neuro-endocrine function. Furthermore, significant psychological benefit has been associated with forest bathing. The review has identified that the majority of the current research has been conducted in Japan and other regions of Asia. Further research in other regions, such as the Australian environment, warrants consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beech has long been the subject of ecological research in many fields. Recent studies using new methods are now being conducted. This special feature focuses on local beech forests and offers a collection of articles to readers of Ecological Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the small intestine that is caused by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The development of celiac disease is based on a complex immune response to gluten proteins. The global average prevalence in the general population is about 1%. In recent years, it has become clear that celiac disease is not less common in Asian countries than in Western countries but often remains undiagnosed. Although the number of patients with celiac disease in Asia is expected to increase with improving disease recognition and advances in diagnostic techniques, there remain few reports of celiac disease in the Far East region of Asia, especially in Japan. In this paper, we outline the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of celiac disease. In addition, we summarize the reported Japanese cases of celiac disease with an overview in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the coverage of the "White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2006," in Japan, with emphasis on the Japanese trade issue of international business networks in Asia. The structure of the international division of labor within East Asia, which includes Japan, China, South Korea, was clarified by the paper. In the input-output linkages with the electric machinery sector, an increase in the number of industries with significant linkages with foreign nations was reported.

The aim of this study is to explore the subjective and practical experiences of international social workers, focusing on the content, outcomes, impact, and related factors of their activities in Asia. Individual reports of social workers dispatched from Japan to 11 Asian countries during the period of 2003–2018 were collected (n = 59). A mixed quantitative and qualitative content analysis was used to examine their experiences and perceptions in the field. Parts of their reports were categorized mainly into the relationship between requested activities and perceived needs, the type of social work activities conducted, experiences of success and failure in activities, and perceived outcomes and impact of the activities. The quantitative analysis showed that approximately 48.9% of the social workers described positive outcomes of their activities and 43.9% described positive impacts of their activities on the placement or communities. The qualitative analysis revealed that they experienced a variety of difficulties, together with sociocultural and religious differences. Many of their experiences of success or failure appeared to be associated with their interactions with local stakeholders. The findings suggest the importance of the reflective and contextualized practice of international developmental social workers with local stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After adopting the Paris Agreement, many countries (including developing countries) have started to develop targets aimed at achieving net-zero emissions to realize a "decarbonized society" in response to the 1.5 °C target. Effective plans and actions need to be urgently developed on how to achieve the ambitious targets associated with these targets, but not many countries have developed long-term strategies to achieve net zero emissions. The Asia–Pacific Integrated Model (AIM) team has been working with researchers and policymakers in Japan and other Asian countries to develop a long-term strategy toward a decarbonized society. Asia is a region with diverse countries, and there are many different pathways to achieve decarbonized societies. This paper presents the process of developing a long-term strategy for several Asian countries based on our experiences to date and discusses challenges and solutions, including how to use the AIM models in the policy-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English has been introduced as a core subject in primary schools across Asia over the past decade. Besides aiming to improve the English proficiency of Japanese primary school students, Japan's recent reforms also mandate the development of children's awareness of cultures other than their own. However, relatively little is known about pedagogical strategies to achieve cultural awareness in the Japanese primary school classroom. The objective of this study was, therefore, to utilize an almost wordless picture book and examine the ways children interpret stories about people from cultures other than their own. This study explored the independent meaning-making practices and processes of six Japanese primary school students as they viewed, without teacher intervention, Mirror, an Australian almost wordless picture book about the daily lives of an Australian and a Moroccan family. Interview and observation data provided insights into the children's meaning-making processes and the ways they interpreted the messages within the stories that led to a range of understandings and misunderstandings across the cultures. The paper concludes with a discussion about pedagogical implications for supporting the development of cultural awareness, for challenging cultural stereotypes, and for facilitating English language learning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 created dangerous public health conditions which pressured governments and health systems to respond in a rapid and effective manner. However, this type of rapid response required many governments to bypass standing; bureaucratic structures of health sector administration and political governance to quickly take; essential measures against a rapidly evolving public health threat. Each government's particular; configuration of governmental and health system decision-making created specific structural and functional challenges to these necessary centrally developed and coordinated strategies. Most East Asian governments (except Japan) succeeded relatively quickly in centralizing essential disease control and treatment initiatives in a timely manner. In contrast, a number of European countries, especially those with predominantly tax-based financing and politically managed health delivery systems, had greater difficulty in escaping bureaucratic governance and management constraints. Drawing on data about these governments' early stage COVID-19 control experiences, this article suggests that structural changes will be necessary if low-performing governments are to better respond to a pandemic. This paper also summarizes other relatively successful strategies. By adopting such strategies, nations can help overcome structural bureaucratic and administrative obstacles in responding to further waves of COVID-19 or similar future pandemic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws attention to the current and possible effects of COVID-19 on the mobility trajectories of mainland Chinese students studying in Asia. By drawing on 35 biographical interviews, this paper focuses on their decision to study in Asian countries and regions. Particularly, it calls for more attention to Asia in global student mobilities and discusses whether COVID-19 has changed the position of Asia in the global landscape of student mobility. Results show that even if COVID-19 provides an opportunity for Asian universities to embrace more international students, Asia still lacks the capability to attract great numbers of them. Finally, the study argues that college students' choice of mobility destinations is shaped by their perception of the central-periphery structure of higher education, which is hard to be shaken by the pandemic.

Previous studies of East Asian welfare regimes focus on similarities between social security schemes. In contrast, this paper explores cross-national variations in public–private pension mixes in six welfare states: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Our research echoes the pension policy analysis of international organisations but takes a step forward with emphasis on the historical and institutional characteristics of the respective pension systems. The analysis identifies three institutional patterns. First, the statist pension system (Taiwan and China) primarily relies on public pensions to provide old-age security, with private pensions playing a rather minor role. Second, in the dualist pension system (Japan and Korea) both public and private pensions work in parallel to ensure retirement income, though a clear security gap exists between workers in the formal and informal economies. Finally, the individualist pension system (Hong Kong and Singapore) is characterised by genuine fully funded individual accounts, emphasising citizens' own responsibilities for ensuring old-age security. These three types of pension systems demonstrate distinct institutional characteristics and policy outcomes, illustrated by the juxtaposition of their institutional structures as well as by the comparison of key indicators collected from government reports and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development statistics. The paper concludes with a theoretical reflection of East Asian pension policies and a diagnosis of the distinct challenges confronted by each of the various pension patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a study of school physical education (PE) in French Indochina to cover the existing lack of knowledge on the developmental process of PE in developing countries. The study focused specifically on how PE developed in the Indochina Union, based on "colonial experience" in each region of French Indochina. A historical overview revealed that the former colonial countries had reconstructed their own education models in response to the demands of the extrinsic development model imposed by the colonial government. However, it was suggested that individual societal values may have regulated the behavior of the colonial people, and redefined the characteristics of PE. Regarding the process by which PE had been introduced, it was found that after sporadic and uneven efforts at gymnastics education based on the "General regulation of education" in 1917, the introduction of PE in the Indochina Union had gained momentum as a result of "Instruction n°26" issued by the Superior General Commander in 1921 and the "General Regulation of Physical Education" approved by the Minister of Public Instruction and Fine Arts. Moreover, based on failures experienced in the early stages, the French-Indochina administration took measures to prepare for the introduction of full-scale PE through a series of "arrêté" in 1924, including the signing of an agreement between the University and Military, provision of special allowances to military instructors, establishment of the Regional Center for Physical Instruction (CRIP), and physiological surveys conducted by the special committee. Furthermore, it was revealed that the PE program started in French Indochina through the 1925 PE campaign included the establishment of PE classes and annual sports festivals through the PE facilities established at fullexercise schools (école de plein exercice), and a teacher training system that was organized in 1926 by adopting the teaching methods of the Joinville School, distribution of PE manuals, and establishment of several PE training courses for teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the way in which the anime industry has developed since the mid-1960s, by looking at transnational production systems and the international division of labor. First, it tries to demonstrate that anime, though seen both as a cultural product originating from Japan and as an export within the recent Cool Japan project promoted by the Japanese government, has, from the beginning of its history, been a very hybridized product due to the transnational production system, in particular among Japan, Korea and China. Second, the paper also shows how this transnational production system has led to the lasting poor labor conditions suffered by Japanese animators, one of the prototypes for freeters in the 1990s. Third, by examining the anime promotion policy led by the Chinese government, I would like to discuss the possible future of anime production systems in the age of digital production in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to explore the connections between expanding female education and the participation of women in paid employment in Japan, China and India, three of Asia's largest economies. Analysis based on existing data and literature shows that despite the large expansion in educational access in these countries in the last half century, women have lacked egalitarian labour market opportunities. A combination of social discouragement and individual choice largely explains the withdrawal, non-participation or intermittent female presence in the labour force, notwithstanding increased educational access. In taking stock of these issues and debates across these countries, it is argued that the parallel experiences of women in these countries can be traced back to persistent gender norms which, amongst other things, imply the centrality of marriage and non-market unpaid labour for women. The paper argues that there is a need for gender-sensitive public policy in order for increased education to translate to labour market gains for women, leading to sustainable development outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper demonstrates and assesses the capability of the advanced three-dimensional (3-D) ionosphere tomography technique, during severe conditions. The study area is northeast Asia and quasi-Japan-centred. Reconstructions are based on total electron content data from a dense ground-based global navigation satellite system receiver network and parameters from operational ionosondes. We used observations from ionosondes, Swarm satellites and radio occultation (RO) to assess the 3-D picture. Specifically, we focus on St. Patrick's day geomagnetic storm (17–19 March 2015), the most intense in solar cycle 24. During this event, the energy ingested into the ionosphere resulted in Dst and Kp and reaching values ~ − 223 nT and 8, respectively, and the region of interest, the East Asian sector, was characterized by a ~ 60% reduction in electron densities. Results show that the reconstructed densities follow the physical dynamics previously discussed in earlier publications about storm events. Moreover, even when ionosonde data were not available, the technique could still provide a consistent picture of the ionosphere vertical structure. Furthermore, analyses show that there is a profound agreement between the RO profiles/in-situ densities and the reconstructions. Therefore, the technique is a potential candidate for applications that are sensitive to ionospheric corrections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a complete student-led, student-edited collective writing project (CWP) conducted virtually in Spring 2022 throughout the course Knowledge Socialism taught by professor Michael Peters for the Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal university. The CWP involves 4 international, 5 domestic Ph.D. students, and 2 senior Western scholars as reviewers, revealing their thoughts, arguments, understanding, and criticisms towards the creative economy status in East Asian countries (Japan and China mostly) higher education as reflected in the knowledge socialism narratives. Xiyuan as the lead author, co-editing with Woraport and Stefan, assigned each section to other authors and successfully devoted themself to organizing, proofreading, and revising the paper. Through a month of collective work, the final version of the paper elaborates on the contribution of East Asian creative universities and the economy as a whole to the knowledge socialism through co(labor)ation, with implications to the creative labors cultivation and shifted roles of students.

An introduction is presented that discusses the issue theme of women in Asia, along with articles on literary representations of rural Chinese migrant women, domestic violence in Makassar, Indonesia, and the social conditions of single women in Japan.

By reviewing regulative documents and extant literature, this paper explores the realities and trends of international students in East and Southeast Asia (ESA). It also shows motivation and strategies of four new players in the international higher education sector in East and Southeast Asia i.e., China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia. Apart from showing that intraregional students have not predominated the overall international student population in the region anymore, the paper highlights that ESA region has become an established hub of international students rather than a new emerging destination as it was in previous years. The overall net flow of international students in this region was still deficit prior to 2010s, but the deficit in 2017 is still less than that of 2010?s. This is probably the first study of its kind to examine the trends of international students as well as of higher education policies of countries in the ESA region. The findings of this study shall provide an insight into international higher education trends among the ESA countries for stakeholders, including policymakers, university managers, faculty, students, and parents.

The westerly jet (WJ) is an important component of atmospheric circulation, which is characterized by prominent seasonal variations in intensity and position. However, the response of the WJ over Asia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is still not clear. Using general circulation model experiments, the seasonal behaviors of the WJ over central Asia and Japan are analyzed in this paper. The results show that, compared to the present day (PD), the WJ presents a complicated response during the LGM, both in intensity and position. Over central Asia, it becomes weaker in both summer and winter. But over Japan, it is enhanced in summer but becomes diminished in winter. In terms of position, the WJ over central Asia shifts southward in both summer and winter, whereas the WJ over Japan moves southward in summer but does not change obviously relative to PD in winter. Such WJ changes are well explained by meridional temperature gradients in high troposphere, which is closely linked to seasonal thermal anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Despite cooler LGM conditions, the anomalous warming center over the TP becomes stronger in summer. Derived from the heat budget equation, the stronger heating center is mainly caused by the weaker adiabatic cooling generated from ascending motion over the area south of the TP. In winter, the cooling over the TP is also strengthened, mostly owing to the subsidence-induced weaker adiabatic heating. Due to the importance of the WJ, the potential role of TP thermal effects should be a focus when explaining the East Asian climate change during the LGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper attempts to find out the spatial and temporal movement of rice yield in twelve countries in Asia which is its lifeline over the period 1961 to 2016 by following Bai-Perron multiple structural break tests. The results based on endogenous multiple structural break analysis show that many of these countries passed through several phases of acceleration and deceleration in rice yield over this period The results also demonstrate that except Japan, all the twelve countries considered in our study experienced at least one structural break in rice yield at level during the period 1961 to 2016. The acceleration phases of rice yield growth observed mostly during 1970’s and 1980’s are resulted from improved technological innovations in agriculture whereas deceleration phases observed in the last two decades are mainly caused by environmental challenges on rice production. Cross country yield gaps have been showing declining trend since early 80’s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Family Therapy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diverse efforts not only by the private enterprises but also by the national gov-ernments clearly prove the growing significance of soft power. This paper spe-cifically zooms into food as a potential means to strengthen national image, crucial to soft power. Focusing on the development of gastro-diplomacy poli-cies in Thailand, Japan, and Republic of Korea, this analysis argues that food can serve as an effective method of increasing soft power. This point is proved through the measurements of Country Branding Index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stepfamilies, an emerging family form in Asia, are gaining growing academic and social attention in Asia. This paper presents an overview of stepfamilies in Asia, based primarily on research findings in Japan, which suggest underlying two competing stepfamily models as key factors in understanding stepfamily dynamics: the "scrap and build" household model versus the expanded and interconnected network model. The findings in Japan are, then, juxtaposed with existing research findings on stepfamilies in East Asia and Singapore in terms of (a) cultural views on stepfamilies; (b) values of grandparenting, mothering, and fathering; and (c) family law and policies. Some commonalities are found in remaining influence of the "scrap and build" household model and in recent policy changes toward the expanded and interconnected network model, along with some variations, across these societies. Evidently, more studies across Asian societies are needed to obtain a clearer picture of stepfamilies in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most economists examining the question of 'pollution havens' have concluded that the level of environmental regulation and activism in different states is not generally a significant determinant of international patterns of trade and foreign direct investment. This paper argues on the basis of extensive primary research that with respect to Japan's foreign direct investment during the 1970s, at any rate, this conclusion needs to be rethought. In the early 1970s, Japanese actors were remarkably forthright in ascribing their investment decisions to a desire to move polluting industry overseas. These statements allow us to examine 'pollution export' as a state strategy, a project advocated by industry organizations, and a response of individual firms to high levels of protest and regulation. The paper also traces the development of the Japanese debate over pollution export through the 1970s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the rise of mutual recognition regimes in Asia, focusing on some lessons from the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement. It discusses the difference of these regimes from the models in the European Union (EU) or transatlantic framework. The article concludes that mutual recognition in the region remains a continuous learning process between governments.

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the impact of cultural exchange on Japanese advertising discourse construction perpetuated through the idea of prestige. This phenomenon can be explained through the concept of mukokuseki (Jap. 無国籍) 'lack of nationality', a term which encompasses the idea of transculturality in Asia. In the context of globalization, erasing the identity or any sort of national mark enhances the absorption and integration of foreign elements and leads to reconsidering aesthetic communication. Japanese advertising discourse is based more on emotional reactions rather than cognitive ones, and this can be noticed through the extensive use of kawaii 'cute' symbolism. Considering that the idea encompassed by the concept of "cute" is present in any culture, and its effects are more or less the same, by freeing it from any cultural or societal restraints (mukokuseki), it becomes an intermediary space where traditional, national elements can overlap foreign ones without damaging the essence of the discourse, but on the contrary. Interculturality and inbetweenness manifests not only at the visual level but also at the linguistic level through hybrid language use: the coexistence of gairaigo (loan words) along wago (words deriving from Japanese) and kango (words deriving from Chinese). According to several studies, gairaigo and wasei-eigo (Japanglish, English words coined in Japan) create a special effect and often serve as euphemisms. Thus, we have selected three Japanese print adverts (displayed between 2000 and 2012) in order to explain the phenomenon by focusing on their sociolinguistic function and their impact on discourse construction. Advertising discourse has surpassed its primary economic function and has come to be a statement of the global world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper extends the understanding of the constellations of logics in Japanese management practices in Asia and the West. By adopting comparative ethnographic case studies in the context of a multinational corporation (MNC), it explores the cultural meanings of corporation, family, market, religion and profession logics in the subsidiaries in Thailand, Taiwan, Belgium and the US. In so doing, this paper contributes to the understanding of constellations of logics from cross cultural perspectives. Three findings are identified, and their significances are elaborated. First, the finding that the constellations of logics are somewhat distinct between Asia and the West indicates the role of cultural contexts in Asia and the West. Second, the finding that the constellations of logics are ongoing and continuously formed strongly questions one-off win or loss of logics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hikikomori, which originated in Japan, refers to the condition where youths withdraw into the home and do not participate in society for an extended period of time. Recent updates on hikikomori presentation within the region were exchanged at a Hikikomori Round Table and Regional Symposium (HRTRS) discussion late 2017, leading to this perspective paper. Hikikomori presents as an overall homogeneous construct, while diversity in clinical presentation exists across East Asian countries. We examined the various presentations, risk factors, theoretical frameworks, and classification issues about hikikomori. In particular, specific risk factors have emerged to some degree across the region, while some are more locale specific. We propose that hikikomori youths have differential onset and developmental patterns, potentially resulting in heterogeneous presentation. We briefly summarized existing interventions in the East Asian region. Intervention strategies need to be tailored to different subtypes. A multicomponent approach would address complexity, multifactorial onset, and development of the condition. The HRTRS presented to participating countries the opportunity to collectively work toward a more universal definition of the hikikomori condition and explored innovative ways to shape existing service structures. Opportunities for participating countries described pertain to early detection of cases, adoption of assessment tools, and improved intervention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During my doctoral research, I looked at a specific type of medium who lives in the north of Japan. Although many of these figures are categorised as religious, the activity and role they cover in their communities goes beyond the "religious" function. In light of this consideration, I became interested in the use of the term religion, as its application in this context limited the capacity to understand these mediums. As I began questioning the category of religion, I was introduced by my supervisor to The Ideology of Religious Studies by Fitzgerald. The book quickly became a relevant source to understand the development of the discourse on the study of religion and in my specific region of research: Asia, and more specifically, Japan. Since then, I have applied his critical approach to the study of religion to my methodology of research, coupling it with visual ethnographic methods, "giving a body" to Fitzgerald's observations in his critique of religion in Asia. This paper will explore the use of the critical religion approach in the analysis of the use of the concept in Japan and, more specifically, in the study of the Itako mediums of Nord Tohoku. This work will also be related to the visual ethnographic work moulded on the critique of religion as conceived by Fitzgerald. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Conservar Património is the property of Associacao Profissional de Conservadores-Restauradores de Portugal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)