An online interactive web magazine, "Discuss Japan--Japan Foreign Policy Forum" (http://www.japanpolicyforum.jp/ ),was launched November 26 to disseminate viewpoints and arguments relating to Japan's foreign policies in both English and Chinese, with the aim of deepening global understanding of Japan and heightening its international presence.

The web journal uncovers and publishes a variety of policy papers, opinion pieces, analyses, critiques, interviews and panel discussions presented by intellectuals and experts in such fields as diplomacy, politics, economics, society and culture. It also takes over the content of its predecessor "Japan Echo Web."

The interactive website also presents a forum for global discussions as it features a social networking function to enable experts and other designated people to contribute comments on published articles.

Its content will be updated regularly to spur discussions on the most pressing topics. The inaugural edition highlights "the Senkaku issue'' and features an interview with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada, panel discussions by experts, various opinion pieces, and opinion surveys.

The journal, like its predecessor, is commissioned by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But an independent "Editorial Board" of private-sector experts has been newly established to solely determine the content and management policy of the website.

The Genron NPO, a Japanese nonprofit independent think tank, serves as the secretariat of the board. Kyodo News, Japan's leading international news agency with a global readership and network, is commissioned to handle English and Chinese translations and to operate the website.

Source:

Editorial Board Secretariat

Discuss Japan--Japan Foreign Policy Forum