Program Contents (March 6th, 2010)

"The Power of Praise"
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Today's working people have no shortage of reasons to worry. Some people may be struggling to meet their sales targets, and others may be losing their motivation as they face more demands within the companies with no prospect for higher pay. Employees who constantly worry about being laid off may realize that they haven't smiled for a while. Some workers may feel everything they do at home or work is taken for granted and find them experiencing stresses or a sense of disconnectedness. But offering sincere compliments can be just a thing to provide such people with strength and get going again. Praise can provide reassurance that someone is taking notice of someone's effort. Today's Close-up will take a look at the power of praise.

"Free Money!? The Rise of No-Pricing Business"
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Free electronic books, free electronic international calls, free applications for cell phones, free electronic medical records… These free businesses seem to be difficult to figure how they make money. However, they have been growing rapidly and receiving huge attention. Their business models are totally different from free papers that depend on advertising and trial samples which shift prices to the final products, free businesses have been successful in creating wealth from nothing. In the background of this scene, the lataest behavioral economics is a key after the financial crisis. The field of this study is combined economic theories and the complicated and irrational psychology of human beings. Today's close-up this week will feature and explore the unique backstage of this "No-Pricing Business" which is predicted to grow and affect various industries in the future.

"TBA"
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"JAPAN VIDEO TOPICS"
- No "Today's Closeup" this week -

Episode #48: "SAKURA - Celebration of Spring"
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Episode #49: "Keeping Frozen Cells Alive - CAS"
The phenomenal freezing technology called "CAS = Cell Alive System" was invented in Japan. CAS enables to keep food fresh without breaking any cells inside of it. Normally, when we defrost food, water and its 'umami' will be dripping out. However, when we use CAS, no liquid will be running after defrosting food and the freshness still remains. The technology of CAS just popped out from a laboratory in Japan and has been applied in many fields worldwide.

Episode #50: "Matsuri-Zushi - Festival Sushi"
Sushi is world famous, but the kind of sushi known overseas is just one of many that are eaten inside Japan. Matsuri-zushi is a term describing sushi eaten at festivals and celebrations, and even this comes in many varieties, made using different local ingredients and methods. We look at two famous regional styles – Okayama's extravagant bara-zushi, and Chiba's futomaki-zushi, featuring intricate designs that combine several layers of seaweed-wrapped rolls.

Episode #51: "Wazuma - Japanese Traditional Magic"
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