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Recently, two big meetings were held in South America. APEC was held in Peru, and G20 was in Brazil. These groups might sound similar, but they are actually very different. Let me explain.

APEC, or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, focuses on trade and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. It has 21 members, including Japan, China, and the United States. These countries work together to make trade easier, so businesses can grow and people can benefit. APEC is all about helping neighbors in this part of the world work as a team.

G20, or the Group of Twenty, is different. It looks at the world as a whole and tries to solve big problems, like climate change, health crises, and financial issues. Members of G20 include large economies like Brazil, India, and Germany. It’s not just about one region—it’s about everyone.

Both groups meet once a year. APEC takes turns hosting meetings among its members, following a set order. G20 also rotates its hosts. While APEC is about local teamwork, G20 is about finding solutions for the whole world. Both are important, but in different ways.
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(Image from “G20 Brazil 2024”)

encyclopedia　 – 百科事典;
explorer – 探検家;
UAE – アラブ首長国連邦;
gold leaf 金箔;

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National Geographic started in 1888. It is an American magazine known for its authority and scientific quality. Like an encyclopedia, it shares articles on society, history, and culture. It is also famous for its high-quality photos, making it a great platform for photojournalists.

National Geographic has just revealed its list of the top 25 places to visit in 2025. The list was chosen by its explorers, photographers, and editors. Some of the top places are Kanazawa, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; the Eastern and Oriental Express train in Malaysia; and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Kanazawa was chosen as an alternative to Kyoto, which is crowded with tourists. Kanazawa is just two hours from Kyoto by train. It has a well-preserved castle, traditional teahouses, Kenroku-en Garden, and a samurai district. Kanazawa also makes 99% of Japan’s gold leaf. Visitors can try making gold leaf decorations at workshops like Gold Leaf Sakuda.
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