Kurashi - News From Japan

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"We want to complete the mission, we want to get it done right, and then we want to come home, with honor," he told about 4,000 [U.S.] troops... "The American people will not support a policy of retreat." - Dick Cheney speaking about the Iraq war at the U.S. Naval Base in Yokusuka, Japan Mainichi: Cheney meets Emperor , tells troops U.S. won't relent in Iraq war For another point of view, read the discussion between Michael Shank and Noam Chomsky over at Asia Time: It all comes down to control The Japanese NGO Video Act has a great page with information about the 2003 anti-war demonstrations in Japan , in case you forgot. Unfortunately, they can't afford to keep the videos on the server anymore, but you get the general picture. Support them by purchasing their VHS Nippon Han-Sen Watashi (Japan Anti-War I).

McDonalds has been doing poorly for a long time in Japan, until its MegaMac hit the stores. So, I just had to post this image, comparing the photo in the ad to the real thing. Lovin' it? Serves you right. And, seems Japanese netizens, always ready to be seduced , are already going for the GigaMac, TeraMac... or even a YottaMac.

China had its warmest year in over half a century in 2006, with an average temperature of 9.9 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). The report, which cited the China Meteorological Administration, said the temperature was the highest on record since 1951. In a sign of how widespread the warming trend was last year, 13 out of 39 climate observation stations on the usually frigid Tibetan plateau recorded record high temperatures, Xinhua said. Nineteen of the past 21 winters have tended to be warmer than usual, Xinhua said, and the current winter is also likely to hold to that trend if temperatures stay as warm as they have been since December. Reuters notes that the Chinese government has been slow to wake up the challenge of addressing climate change, but there have been growing signs that Beijing is worried about how global warming could frustrate ambitions for prosperity, stability and influence, as China may become the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009, over...

"In order to save the Earth, local leaders must make citizens aware of the need to fundamentally alter our social and economic systems right now," Kyoto Mayor Yorikane Masumoto said in his opening remarks to the Kyoto Conference on Climate Change on February 16. "Since the Kyoto Protocol went into effect two years ago, climatologists have amassed even more evidence that man-made greenhouse gases are a major cause of global warming." Kyoto Governor Keiji Yamada noted the conference in northern Kyoto was opening in unusually warm weather for this time of year, when snow normally covers the ground: "This mild weather might be nice. But it shows that Kyoto itself has felt the effects of global warming," he said. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives -- Local Governments for Sustainability, a network of 500 local governments worldwide committed to sustainable development, held a conference that ended Sunday with 109 mayors and city coun...

NHK has a series of programs called Professionals and tonight the segment introduced Kitayama Yasuo . His job? Designing and creating rock gardens. NHK says he is recognized both in Japan and abroad, not only for his zen temple rock designs, but also for smaller, private gardens. Kitayama explains his philosophy and how he got his skills. Apparently, he was good at math, which helps in making the designs. But, he insists that his art goes beyond words and concepts. Moss helps too. There is a short movie on NHK's website, but of course you should experience Japanese rock gardens for real. Find out more: Shishu-Intuition and Feeling in the Japanese Garden Tradition Written and directed by, Robert Ketchell; presently Chairman of the Japanese Garden Society of Great Britain and landscape designer. Robert studied for four years in Kyoto, Japan. This video originates from over twenty years of continuing absorbtion in the profound beauty and beguiling content of the Japanese garden. Des...

Yamamoto-san at Greenz.jp writes about Fair Trade chocolate in Japan, and the movement to educate people about the good beans. Have an organic Valentine's Day with no pesticides, non-GMO stuff from farmers who get paid properly. At the Amnesty International website you can sign a petition to get Nestle to source Fair Trade chocolate, and stop child labor in hazardous conditions on cocoa farms in Cote d'Ivoire. Also Japan's Slow Food movement and Greenpeace and others have focused on chocolate this winter. My favourite is Choco Revolution ! They were featured on J-Wave's radio program Lohas Sunday on Feb 11 and on NHK Feb 12. They have even made a Mixi community (you have to log in). Nice. Chocolate previous

Reuters says China's State Environmental Protection Administration will begin to publish biannual figures on emissions in each province to give poor performers more pressure from the public to clean up their act. China has set a goal of reducing emissions of pollutants by 10 percent between 2006 and 2010. The agency also noted that emissions of acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide had amounted to 25.9 million tonnes in 2006. That was 1.8 percent more than in 2005, when such pollution grew by 13.1 percent. (Photo from Shanghai by Takahashi-san)

Interesting new series of articles in Asahi starting today, with an interview with Kenji Someno, an Environment Ministry official attached to the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. "It is wrong to assume China's economic state by just seeing Beijing, Shanghai or the GDP figures," the 40-year-old Someno said. "The fact is, most regions across China are in no more of an economic state than a typical developing country." Tokyo's official development assistance (ODA) to China has been slashed over the past decade because of China's rapid economic growth and Japan's severe fiscal conditions. Tokyo and Beijing also agreed to terminate new yen loan-related projects before the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Although Japan remains the primary contributor in China's efforts to combat its serious environmental problems, a Japanese Environment Ministry advisory panel in August proposed a more equal "partnership." In 2005, the government's yen loans ...

When I want to read some really great English, I turn to The Times . It has been a habit for a long time. Now, if you are interested in Asian topics, you will find anything from stories about North Koreans trying to get a £30 million compensation from Lloyds, the underwriters for insurance claims, or complaints about all the abbreviations used in a Lexus LS 460 SE-L car... Anyway, this is English ! Here is a good read about sushi, written by a great writer who spent 59 hours in Japan: Lost in Sushi Their Asia Exile blog is also rather entertaining. Perspective.

Just a few photos of the preparations I have been doing for Sunday's big event at Bokuryuutei , where magic is bound to happen... Produced by Yamazaki-san, Big Thanks to Takahashi-san for making it possible. Live music by Descarga Corazon Latino !! - a splendid time is guaranteed for all.

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) sounds like something I could need for my dusty apartment these days, as the sunshine shows every speck of dust all too clearly. We are having very warm weather in central Japan, with temperatures around 14-15 C every day. Cherry blossoms have already started blooming in Ueno Park, about a month too early. However, if you know a little about the Kyoto Protocol, you are probably familiar with the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Hisane Masaki at Asia Times explains: Japan's government and businesses are increasingly turning to an array of "Kyoto mechanisms" as attractive means of achieving the target at a lower cost while maintaining the international competitiveness of the nation's economy. These involve "credits" that firms earn in return for gas-reduction investments in developing countries, which can be counted as cuts in their own emissions - and in turn, in Japan's - under a system called the Clean Development...

Reuters has the story about how Japan aims to reduce its heavy dependency on imported oil and coal. A government panel on energy policy this week said Japan should increase the supply of electricity generated by renewable energy by 2014 to reduce use of fossil fuels. The call comes amid growing pressure on governments to act against global warming: The energy subcommittee of Japan's trade ministry said in a draft report that utilities should be required to raise supplies of electricity generated by renewable energy, such as wind and solar power and biomass, to 16 billion kilowatt-hours a year by the fiscal year starting in April 2014. That compares with 5.5 billion kilowatt-hours supplied in the year ended in March 2006, or about 0.5 percent of Japan's total annual electricity supply. Wind Rose is a website with updates about wind turbines installed in Japan. Did you know that you can select renewable energy and support this trend? My supermarket has this certificate proudly ...

These photos from The Japan Times and The Mainichi show a ceremony last Sunday at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. People in happi coats draw a cart full of sacred logs to be used for the 2013 reconstruction of Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, during an Okihiki event. It is the first time the event has been performed outside of Ise. The reconstruction of the shinto shrine buildings is a remarkable process. They actually tear the entire building down, and rebuild it with new logs, to keep it "pure". I think doing the ceremony at the posh Roppongi Hills was a clever idea, reminding busy people of such ancient traditions. Ise Shrine is worth a visit, by the way, but the most sacred areas are hidden from view by thin sheets of white silk (or maybe cotton). This actually adds to the sense of beauty - the divine communicates in mysterious ways! The official Ise Shrine website is nice, with details about the rebuilding ceremonies here .

Fair Trade chocolate and of course organic chocolate is getting popular in Japan, but can still be difficult to find in ordinary shops. Keep asking for it, and make sure your local food shops start selling it.

Got some nice photos from the Earth Garden event yesterday, please enjoy. These people really know how to put on a good show with lectures, organic food, crafts, clothes and music. Polan , the organic food delivery company, was there too with an impressive selection.

Japan's media is reacting to the UN report about global warming . I will add links here as I find them. First out is Yomiuri Shimbun: Warming to alter Japan One of the main concerns seems to be that Koshihikari rice will be less tasty and the zone suitable for producing mikan will move northward, according to a forecast released by the Environment Ministry. The ministry released its report, based on a number of national studies Friday, in conjunction with the UN report, according to the Yomiuri editorial. The U.N. report predicts the level of the Earth's seas will rise. If the sea rises one meter along Japan's coasts, 90 percent of the country's beaches will be swallowed up, and tidal mudflats, which are feeding grounds for migrant birds, also are expected to disappear. To counter the effects of global warming, the country will need to make huge outlays. Tokyo Bay and Osaka Bay, among others, will need to spend a combined 7.8 trillion yen to prepare for the higher water...

Earth Garden will be held this weekend at Hamamatsucho in Tokyo. Saturday Feb 3 11-17PM Sunday Feb 4 10-17PM Lots of organic foods and performances as usual, this time indoors. Also lectures about a wide range of topics, including "Stop Rokkasho", "Deep Natural Life" and "Valentine Revolution". ＠産業貿易センター浜松町館3Fホール（JR浜松町駅 ５分） 入場料：各日￥500

I changed things around a bit here at Kurashi , after updating to the "new" Blogger (hrm). I lost my moon calender in the process, so I had to go and find it, and put it where I wanted it. Then I found this cool video, Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Bad Moon Rising" - enjoy! Bonus: Have you ever seen the rain ? There has to be a link to Japan here, right? OK, this is the best I could do tonight: Tina Turner did a great version of Proud Mary in 1971, and Beyonce sang it again at the tribute gala for Tina, and - - Beyonce is really popular in Japan! :) Here she is live in Tokyo . OK, OK, long shot.

Sin musica no hay vida.. Irish band The Fat Lady Sings - Archlight (1989) Thanks, Tom.

Received a nice email from David Kilburn, who lives in Seoul and debates the development of the old parts of the Korean capital, with hanok houses. In a letter to Seoul Development Institute he notes that their report about the way Seoul is dealing with its historical district is not entirely correct: "...the original plan is excellent and its goals are achievable, worthwhile, and affordable. How tragic that the implementation has been so marred by incompetence, negligence, and corruption." David also sent a link to a nice blog called London Korean Links with impressions from this lovely part of Seoul. Read David's essay The Value of Heritage: The Problem in South Korea ...South Korea's track record in preserving its own heritage has achieved only mixed results as large amounts of heritage are destroyed every year. For example, although the Changdeokgung Palace has been lovingly restored, the neighbouring Bukchon area is being relentlessly developed as buildings fr...

NHK reports that the catch quota of bluefin tuna, the highest quality tuna, for Japan and nine other countries and territories will be cut. The decision was made at the conference of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, which ended in Tokyo on Wednesday. The representatives from 17 countries and territories discussed to what extent quotas should be cut for individual member countries, in order to achieve their basic policy for reducing the total fishing quota of bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean by 20 percent to 25,500 tons by 2010. With the agreement on the 23 percent cut, Japan's quota will be reduced from 2,830 to 2,174 tons. This follows a decision last week at a five-day meeting in Kobe about ways to reverse the sharp decline in tuna catches worldwide.