Program Contents (January 3rd, 2009)

"Takashi Murakami's World of Art"
- Exclusive Interview -

46 year old Takashi Murakami continues to produce paintings and figures using anime and manga (Japanese comics) as a motif. This year in America, one of his works sold for over $17 million, a record high for modern Japanese art. Requested by Louie Vuitton as a designer over the last 5 years, he is the world's best "selling" artist. Why is "Otaku Culture," a subculture of Japan, highly appraised as an art by Europe and America? Researching the western art scene, there is Mr. Murakami's certain and formidable concealed strategy. What does Japan need in order to be understood in Europe and America, what does Japan need in order to compete with Europe and America? Within Murakami's art theory there is a message of defiance to the obstruction of Japanese society. Ms. Kuniya will approach the modern art revolutionist Murakami, who continues to send messages from Japan to the world.

"2009 Presidents' Strategies"
- Beating The Recession -

With the Japanese Economy facing a major test in 2009, how will each company's president steer management towards new opportunities? Although Mitsubishi Motors is amidst an unprecedented decline of demand domestically and in emerging markets such as Russia, they plan to rise to the challenge by releasing electronic vehicles this summer. Meanwhile, Kirin Beer has sold it'd overseas enterprise, launching its focus on the Asian Market. Furthermore, among supermarkets in close competition, the ones that fought bravely, offered products with "cheap prices and beneficial to the consumer." The manufacturing industry and consumer consumption. We will forecast this economic issue of 2009, as we report on how presidents within each industry plan towards new opportunities from the frontline.

"Prevent Cyber Violence"
- Korea's Case -

Regarding the regulation of the Internet, the Korean Diet is now becoming complecated. The trigger was the death of anactress who was popular in Korea. She was slandered on the Internet and commited a suicide. There are many cases that people who was slandered online and commited a suicide in Korea. Grand Nation Party (GNP) is trying to legislate "Cyber Insulting Crime Law" that the government can arrest and identify criminals without any appealing to courts. On the other hand, the Democratic Party and public organizations are strongly criticizing that the purpose of policy is to confine the criticism to the government. Currently, the Cyber criminal violence is a social problem even in Japan. Today's Closeup will report the situation in Korea, the developed IT country, and will analyze how the legulation of the Internet should be.

"Raging Diet Jolts LDP"
- Prime Minister Aso's Capability -

The Aso Cabinet's approval rating continues to fall. Chosen as prime minister, Aso, who was the "face of the election," has had a decrease in his unifying force by postponing the general election. In addition, lingering criticism over the stance on fixed benefits and consumption tax increase has his party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in smoldering conflicts. Meanwhile, Ozawa, of the opposition democratic party, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), intensifies the campaign for regime change. Ordinary Diet sessions continue with opposition parties clashing from the opening. As the Diet continues to operate on a tightrope, what is going on with the LDP, engulfed in an unprecedented crisis facing an "Administration Selection Election"? Amidst employment problems becoming ever more serious, what will be the outcomes of the National Assembly (Diet) debate and the general election? Following the key figures of both parties, ruling and opposition, we will investigate the whereabouts of the Clashing National Assembly.

"Small Satellites, New Business"
- Reasonable to the space -

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