Sep
19
2013

“Osaka ‘ecological village’ could be harbinger of new lifestyle in Japan”

Posted by

I read a Xinhua news article titled “Osaka ‘ecological village’ could be harbinger of new lifestyle in Japan”, published on July 30, 2013. It gave an overview of a new neighborhood that recently opened within Sakai City, Osaka prefecture. The SMA-ECO (smart and ecological) Harumi-dai Town is claimed to be Japan’s first net zero-energy neighborhood. Daiwa House Industry Company, in collaboration with Sakai City, built this neighborhood with a “new philosophy of modern living” in mind, one that utilizes renewable resources “to enjoy the extra bonus of the power generated by one’s own home” (Ebihara). Solar panels and time data software were installed on all homes; for the first month or so, a self-sufficiency energy rate of 110% was achieved across the community. Harumi-dai has communal electric cars, which are linked to the solar power system. The district also has a number of eco-friendly policies that mitigate disaster impact and maintains greenery.

From word choice, the article definitely portrays Japan [or at least Sakai City and Daiwa] in a positive light. For example, the author talks about a “new era in an ‘ecological’ living concept”. Harumi-dai town, the author proposes, may “be an example of the next generation’s lifestyle in Japan, which is now seeking the best ways to use renewable sources for further growth” [my italics]. Although most of the article is dedicated to description of the neighborhood features, it comes back to words like “ecological life”, “environmentally friendly”, and “next generation’s lifestyle” without really explaining their connotations. I can reasonably assume that ‘ecological’ is something desirable and ‘good’, and that Harumi-dai is directing the Japanese towards a clean future.

I think this article is ‘green’ because it jumps on the ‘green’ discourse bandwagon, using terms like ‘ecological’ and ‘net zero energy’. Most people have a sense that ‘green’ is right, but they do not really know what ‘green’ is. Going green is not just about transportation, parks, or new business ventures, but it has become a lifestyle in itself, as this article clearly informs us.

 

Ebihara, Atsushi. “Osaka ‘ecological village’ could be harbinger of new lifestyle in Japan”. Xinhua News. 30 July, 2013. Xinhuanet. Web. 20 September, 2013.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-07/30/c_132586826.htm

 

-Clifford

 

Sep
06
2013

Japan to go non-nuclear for at least six months- Review

Posted by

http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-go-non-nuclear-least-half-year

The Straits Times. Tuesday, 3 September, 2013.”Japan to go non‐nuclear for at least half a year”

This article talks about the present nuclear situation in Japan. After the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, there has been a huge debate on the use of nuclear power in the country. A few of Japan’s nuclear reactors which have been closed for maintenance have not been restarted largely as a result of public backlash after the Fukushima disaster. The remaining two reactors are also due for maintenance and it is likely that the whole country will go non-nuclear for at least half a year. Recent reports on the leakage of radioactive water from storage tanks at Fukushima which has even drained into the sea are likely to dampen public’s enthusiasm for nuclear energy. As such, Japan is turning back to conventional energy sources such as thermal power plants to make up for the loss.

This switch back to the use of thermal energy seems to be the ‘green’ way forward for Japan. Reports in other magazines such as Niponica also show how Japan is trying to revitalize its disaster-stricken towns through the tapping of other forms of renewable energy. Here one may need to ask the question, what is considered ‘green’? Is nuclear energy considered ‘green’ still? Or is it no longer so due to the radiation threats that it is now posing to the people in the country? It seems that there is no fixed definition for ‘green’ energy, and we probably need to rethink before we attached a ‘green’ label to an energy source in the future.

Sep
05
2013

Japan’s Eco-friendly Demolition Scheme

Posted by

Japan’s Quiet Skyscraper-Demolition Technique Generates Energy
by Liat Clark, 15 January 2013

The article introduces a new Japanese eco-friendly demolition scheme that was developed by Japanese company Taisei Corporation. This new technology, christened as Taisei Ecological Reproduction System (TECOREP), took a year and a half to be developed. This technique has been used to demolish the 140-metre tall Grand Prince Hotel in Akasaka, which cannot be disassembled by cranes as the latter cannot reach buildings taller than 100 metres.

The building is disassembled two floors at a time from the inside, with hydraulic jacks propping up the top of the floor. After the inside is deconstructed, the jacks are lowered to let the roof and scaffolding move down.

This technique is touted as eco-friendly for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, explosives are not used in the demolition process unlike in traditional methods and the materials are dismantled bit by bit. Not only is there less debris and dust produced, the materials can also be recycled. Also, noise pollution is reduced by 17-23 decibels with the soundproofing of the building. It is also said that carbon emissions are reduced by 85 percent. Most importantly, electricity is generated from the motion of a crane which transports the dismantled components from the top to the ground floor. This electricity is then used to power lighting and other machines used in the demolition process.

The article blatantly states that previous demolition methods are “far from green”, hinting that Japan (other countries included) may not have been as kind to the environment. Yet, it portrays Japan as a eco-friendly nation committed to creating environmentally-friendly technologies, as it mentions the advent of other similar deconstruction schemes and acknowledges the benefits (to the environment) such technologies bring about.

I personally feel that it is near impossible to leave the environment in its pristine condition in the pursuit of economic development. As such, ‘green’ to me is really about living in harmony with the environment – striking a balance between environmental conservation and economic development, or in other words, sustainable development.  Taisei Corporation seems to be phenomenal at this, as it reduces landfill waste, utilizes clean energy, conserves natural resources and reduces carbon footprint, all while pursuing economic development.

While this newly invented technology seems to be highly viable with few drawbacks, I have some reservations. With the possibly higher costs and much longer time taken, how many companies will be receptive to such a demolition scheme? As it takes about 10 days to demolish 2 floors, the demolition process is definitely longer than traditional demolition methods. If companies do not utilize this eco-friendly demolition scheme, then it may seem like a futile venture.

Reference:

Clark, Liat. “Japan’s Quiet Skyscraper-Demolition Technique Generates Energy”. Wired. 15 January 2013. Available at: http://www.wired.com/design/2013/01/japan-building-demolition/ [Accessed 2 September 2013]

Sep
03
2013

Mount Fuji, So Popular It Hurts

Posted by

By Belson, Ken.  13 Aug 2013

Review by Pearl:

As the title suggests, the popularity of Mount Fuji might, or rather, is hurting the environment around Mount Fuji. Here, Belson informs us about the Japanese government’s decision to add Mount Fuji into the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, which because of overcrowding, might aggravate the problem of preserving the nature of Mount Fuji already at hand. As he described it, “Illegally dumped garbage fills the forests. Traffic chokes surrounding roads and paths to the peak.” Even “big events like the jazz festival at Kawaguchiko [that] draw thousands of fans” to the area was contributing to the resultant degradation of the mountain as a cultural heritage site.

Alluding to his personal experience to Mount Fuji, Belson puts across the overcrowding issue fully. The resonance of Mount Fuji was reduced to tourists’ snapping away of a picturesque view of Mount Fuji. The sound of nature surrounding Mount Fuji was also polluted by the congested traffic below. It seems that the preservation of Mount Fuji runs incompatible with human activities near and about it. Thus, I believe Belson’s idea of “green” and “preserving the nature of Mount Fuji” is protecting the natural state of the mountain itself, without any or limited human interference.

Perhaps so, the issue of reconciling the protection of the natural environment with tourism and human activities, that is undesirable to the area, is so contentious. It is notable that restricting access to nature like Mount Fuji is impossible, especially in the present world of globalization. The Japanese government might need tighter control with regards to regulating the number of visitors per year, but it is highly unlikely they’ll stop tourism altogether in the name of “preserving the nature”.

To me then, “being green” represents the relationship between nature and human. One is not subordinate to another, for one’s action will ultimately prompt a response from the other. Human activities are not necessarily detrimental to the environment, but at the same time too much of it would result nature “crying out” through its degradation. Therefore, we humans have a responsibility to ensure the balance in this relationship.

Belson, Ken “Mount Fuji, So Popular It Hurts” [The New York Time 13 Aug 2013.] accessed on 3 Sep 2013. http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/travel/mount-fuji-so-popular-it-hurts.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

additional article read: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/08/22/national/volunteers-work-to-clean-up-reforest-kyotos-poets-mount/#.UiQH8LxVsap

Aug
29
2013

Why it Matters Where Our Food Comes From

Posted by

BY MELINDA JOE, 31 MAY 2013

REVIEW by Poh Qiying:

Ethical eating habits have been on the rise, and restaurants in Japan are also stepping up onto these efforts.  Narisawa, being awarded the first Sustainable Restaurant Award, practice sustainable ways. For example they purchase mostly local produce (paying close attention to the seasons), and the handling of water and waste is appropriate.

However, because of its growing popularity, sometimes the phrase ‘sustainable restaurant’ is simply used loosely as an attractive label to entice people to consume.  The restaurant itself does not act out what is being said.

It becomes more problematic when the consumers themselves do not understand the importance of sustainable ways and why it is necessary (especially in light of the food scarcity problems).  Thus the restaurant can act as a medium to educate people, while at the same time “bringing nature into the city”.

Therefore, I feel that being sustainable is beneficial, especially in the long run in ensuring and securing our future.  Natural resources are further ensured, and waste is properly used.  The old linear pathways of dealing with any resources are now all connected in a continuous cyclical flow. On the other hand, it is difficult to tell if the corporation truly believes in the idea of sustainability or just greenwashing consumers as mentioned in the article.

“Being green” to me should entail certain sense of time, that whatever we do today is going to benefit in the long run.  These benefits are not only for us humans but also for the environment.  It is also equally important to understand that the inputs (local produce) and outputs (waste) of any system need to be thought more carefully of in the road to ‘greening’.

 

 

ARTICLE LINK: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/05/31/food/why-it-matters-where-our-food-comes-from/#.Uh-jrD_t84K

Joe, Melinda, 31 May 2013. Why does it matter where our food comes from [online]. The Japanese Times. Available from http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/05/31/food/why-it-matters-where-our-food-comes-from/#.Uh-jrD_t84K [Accessed 27 August 2013]

 

Aug
29
2013

Japan Solar Energy Soars, But Grid Needs to Catch Up

Posted by

“Japan Solar Energy Soars, But Grid Needs to Catch Up.” by Yvonne Chang

Reviewed by Dominic

Due to the recent Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, Japan has put a halt on most of its existing nuclear plants. As such, the government is seeking for alternative sources of energy.

The article highlights that Hokkaido is the target of large scale investment for the development of large areas of solar farms for solar energy harvesting as there is ample sunlight available throughout the year.

In the start of the article, the writer begins with the phrase “A new renewable energy incentive program has Japan on track to become the world’s leading market for solar energy, leaping past China and Germany, with Hokkaido at the forefront of the sun power rush.” (Chang, 2013).

I believe that the initial portrayal of Japan is of a country that has been constantly engaging in alternative energy sources. However, another image I feel should not be overlooked is that Japan is incapable of handling with the environment even though she has been attempting to engage environmental concerns. The writer argues that, for instance, the national electrical grid is still not well equipped to transmit electricity across the nation from the north to where it is needed.

I interpret the word ‘Green’ to be the efficient usage of resources as well as environmental conservation. The Japanese government has launched a slew of incentives such as the provision of tariffs to lessen the costs of developing solar technologies, but the grid is controlled by companies that operate on different transmission networks. Worse, because of the difference in the frequency of electricity provided, energy produced would not be able to reach many places (Chang, 2013). As such, while Japan may seem to pursue ‘Green’ interests with alternative sources of energy, but I believe that its inability makes it ‘not Green’.

References

Chang, Yvonne. “Japan Solar Energy Soars, But Grid Needs to Catch Up.” National Geographic.  August 14 2013. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/08/130814-japan-solar-energy-incentive/

 

Aug
24
2013

How green is Tohoku’s ‘Green Connections’ project?

Posted by

News review by Ong Shi Rong

How green is Tohoku’s ‘Green Connections’ project? by Winifred Bird

Bird reports on two projects that aim to protect coastlines by restoring forests destroyed during the Great East Japan Earthquake: the “Green Connections” project (緑の絆再生プロジェクト), started by the Forestry Agency, from Aomori Prefecture to Chiba Prefecture; and the Great Forest Wall Project by Morihiro Hosokawa and Akira Miyawaki.

The article then focuses on the disapproval of such moves from some people like ecologist Yoshihiko Hirabuki, citing that the forests will destroy the native species by taking over their land, which can have far-reaching consequences to biodiversity in Japan. The opponents of such moves also lobby for the Forest Agency to at least assess such moves.

The Forest Agency responded by agreeing to create a team of people to assess such moves (with scant details of this provided) but more interestingly, also countered that needs of people are more important than of biodiversity, citing local laws requiring them to restore the forests since they were made by locals.

It would not be surprising if readers feel that Japan has (unusually?) a lot of control over its environment with all these plans of (RE)making forests and more importantly, the idea that people do have a say over their environment. Notably, the environment and its future too can shape people’s lives.

I am also intrigued by how the different ideas of “green” can be in conflict with each other: The supporters of these plans seem to have a traditional idea of “green” as in having forests everywhere, while those who do not support these plans see “green” as lands (and therefore, animals and plants residing there) untouched by humanity.

 

Aug
22
2013

Review of “Fuji Rock”

Posted by

News review by Sebastian Sim

Article:

Fuji Rock: Japan’s clean, green and safe 16-year spectacle by Danielle Demetriou

In her article, Demetriou writes about Fuji Rock, the largest annual music festival in Japan held in Naeba in Niigata prefecture. She describes it as a “quintessentially Japanese event, renowned as one of the cleanest, greenest and safest music festivals in the world.” These features entice performing artistes, both local and international, and revellers all over the world to participate in the festival each year.

According to a director of Smash, the music promotion company responsible for Fuji Rock, the festival is “possibly the cleanest festival in the world”, and its ‘green concept” is a central theme. Various “green” initiatives include:

  1. A zero-rubbish policy, where rubbish created is sorted into five categories before being recycled;
  2. Other recycling efforts, including toilet paper made from cups and cigarette packaging and jackets worn by staff made from recycled plastic bottles, among others; and
  3. Minimal corporate intervention and prohibition of sponsorship banners near performing stages, in a bid to present an “untouched countryside”.

The director interviewed in the article mentioned that “being a Japanese festival, the event is not typical of Western festival style”, and if we recall Demetriou’s statement about Fuji Rock being “quintessentially Japan…”, there is a sense that both of them view Japan as a nation actively involved in ecologically-friendly practices and protective of its environment. In other words, there is a suggestion of Japan being a “green” nation.

It seems, therefore, that the article, despite focusing on Fuji Rock, makes a certain representation of Japan and the environment. It is essentially presenting to the reader a Japanese nation which is clean, “green” and unique compared to its Western counterparts. Such implicit representation, in my view, may well construct an inaccurate perception of Japan in the mind of a reader who possesses limited and uncritical knowledge of Japan.

Reference:

Demetriou, D., 2013. Fuji Rock: Japan’s clean, green and safe 16-year spectacle [online]. The National. Available from:

http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/economics/fuji-rock-japans-clean-green-and-safe-16-year-spectacle#ixzz2cIOzPv8P [Accessed 18 August 2013].

Aug
21
2013

Green News

Posted by

Welcome to the NUS blog for the module “Japan, the green nation?” from the Department of Japanese Studies.

This blog features posts related to the module, including “green” news reported by students. These are news stories that present Japan or a Japanese institution, person, company, etc. as particularly eco-friendly. Student search for relevant news items, summarize the news, and provide a critical analysis of the news through concepts discussed in class.

We hope that by collecting these news items in one place we can provide an overview of “green” news about Japan. Look for weekly posts!