Front page news
Tokyo has (at least) two free magazines, with ads for BMWs and Volvos, moving companies, cheap (?) mobile services and hairsalons, that cater to expats. Oh, and lets not forget the ads for Escort Clubs! The movie listings are good too. Anyway, to the point: In July both Metropolis and Weekender have chosen eco-friendly lifestyles and sustainable development as their front page feature.
Metropolis interviews Peter David Pederson, billed as the "pioneer behind Japan's sustainable lifestiles craze". He is one of the many who introduced LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) in Japan, by starting E-Square Inc. in 2000. Remi Kanazawa, director of LOHAS-World is also quoted in the article: "In the United States, the word LOHAS is used in business-speak. In Japan, it's more popular among consumers."
What I really don't like is this:
E-Square long ago acquired a limited trademark on “LOHAS” for conferences and events, which it allows others to use freely, Pedersen says. It was expected that, like in the United States, commercial use of the name would remain free and open to help promote the ideal. But in December, Mitsui & Co. and Todo Press, owner of LOHAS magazine (at that time still called Sotokoto), snatched a lion’s share of the trademark rights in Japan, announcing others in their respective sectors would have to pay for its use. Public outcry forced the firms to back down in May. But by then the damage had been done. Others in the private sector remain skittish about using the LOHAS brand for fear its owners may have another change of heart.
Weekender interviews Damion Mannings (Tokyo volunteer and a member of People for Social Change) who shares his experiences from Cambodia and India and Chris Martin, Coldplay singer and Oxfam campaigner in Ghana and Haiti.
I also liked J.M. Roberts analysis of Japan as "The Asian Leader" in terms of ODA in Asia: Did you know that between 2000 and 2004, Japan pledged assistance in excess of $3 billion to developing countries, with $10 billion over the next three years going to less developed countries? As J.M Roberts points out, lets hope some of that money goes to health-related millenium goals, such as reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
Metropolis interviews Peter David Pederson, billed as the "pioneer behind Japan's sustainable lifestiles craze". He is one of the many who introduced LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) in Japan, by starting E-Square Inc. in 2000. Remi Kanazawa, director of LOHAS-World is also quoted in the article: "In the United States, the word LOHAS is used in business-speak. In Japan, it's more popular among consumers."
What I really don't like is this:
E-Square long ago acquired a limited trademark on “LOHAS” for conferences and events, which it allows others to use freely, Pedersen says. It was expected that, like in the United States, commercial use of the name would remain free and open to help promote the ideal. But in December, Mitsui & Co. and Todo Press, owner of LOHAS magazine (at that time still called Sotokoto), snatched a lion’s share of the trademark rights in Japan, announcing others in their respective sectors would have to pay for its use. Public outcry forced the firms to back down in May. But by then the damage had been done. Others in the private sector remain skittish about using the LOHAS brand for fear its owners may have another change of heart.
Weekender interviews Damion Mannings (Tokyo volunteer and a member of People for Social Change) who shares his experiences from Cambodia and India and Chris Martin, Coldplay singer and Oxfam campaigner in Ghana and Haiti.
I also liked J.M. Roberts analysis of Japan as "The Asian Leader" in terms of ODA in Asia: Did you know that between 2000 and 2004, Japan pledged assistance in excess of $3 billion to developing countries, with $10 billion over the next three years going to less developed countries? As J.M Roberts points out, lets hope some of that money goes to health-related millenium goals, such as reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
Comments
Japan's assistance not always what it appears. Often it is tied to the purchase of Japanese products. For instance, rather than donating cash to buy food, Japan will give credit toward the purchase of Japanese rice which costs perhaps ten times what rice from the USA or other countries might cost. Also, the Japanese government's concern for African nations may be more a desire for supportive votes in the United Nations.
In contrast, aid from (ahem) Scandinavian countries is usually free from such restrictions.
Japan is desperately trying to play the leading role in the future of Asia in the face of China's growing influence and strength. (I won't take up your blog with all my thoughts about this).
Yet the economics being persued are all non-sustainable as they require year to year growth into the future.
And that way, more good ideas can emerge too, I'm sure.
I'm more than happy about your comments, long or short!
And ODA is tax payers' money, so it should be debated much more by the public.