Katakana, Japan's 46 character phonetic script, used mainly for the writing of foreign words, is a source of fascination for linguists, philosophers and anthropologists. This week JIN takes a critical look at various commentaries on this linguistic phenomenon. Read Now

With the election of Kevin Rudd to the Australian premiership many have speculated that there will be a cooling down of bilateral relations with Japan. This week's JIN takes a long view of the dynamic between the two countries, from iron ore exports to whale hunting. Read Now

As men and women in Japan relax in hot spring baths, down in Beppu the first ever Asia-Pacific Water Summit is about to take place. The summit addresses the issue of water scarcity which, with current climate trends, looks set to become one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Read Now

Ines Ligron, the business brain behind Miss Universe Japan talks to J@pan Inc about her work with Japan's most beautiful women. A successful entrepreneur, Ligron talks about her road to the top and explains how and why Miss Universe Japan is as profitable as it is glamorous. Read Now