Over the past several years, institutes, programs and projects have been steadily rebuilding one of humankind's most amazing wonders — the Silk Road. As the disparate pieces of the Trans-Asian Railway and Asian Highway gradually start to link up, Japan should ensure that it is not left out of the developments. By contributing to the ongoing renewal of the Silk Road, Japan could find an excellent way to connect with cultures from Xian to Venice, and rediscover Japan's rich influences and past connections.
One of humankind's most important arteries, the Silk Road sustained world commerce and cultural exchange for over 2,000 years. Stretching over nearly a quarter of the Earth's circumference, the road formed the longest continuous connection in human history. Its importance in the development of a fascinating array of cultures, including Japan's, is incalculable. Not only was silk traded, but gold, art, books, ideas and, according to one recent genome study, human genes. Without the Silk Road, Japan might have somehow acquired silk, but not Buddhism.
Instead of building another highway inside the country, helping reconstruct the ancient highway holds the promise of re-establishing traditional cultural, economic and social links.
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