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