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June 2011

Avoiding a massive black out – Efforts to save energy by local governments in Japan

In Japan, we are concerned that the electricity supply may fall short of electricity demand this summer since many nuclear power plants cannot be restarted because of objections by concerned local governments. Shortfall in power may cause a massive black out, which will have a large effect on life and economic activities. New Yorkers will remember the blackout of 2004! The government, companies and people in Japan are considering various ways to reduce energy consumption to avoid such a severe situation. The issue for Japan is not “always” reducing usage but reducing usage “during peak hours”. For their part, local governments in Japan are also making efforts to save energy.… Read More »Avoiding a massive black out – Efforts to save energy by local governments in Japan

Municipality in Tokyo bans smoking on the street

In April 2010, Chiyoda Ward in Tokyo, where the national government offices are concentrated, enacted legislation banning smoking on all streets except within the Imperial Palace. Chiyoda was the first municipality to restrict smoking on some roads, in 2002, imposing a fine of 2,000 yen ($24.90) on violators. Since the enactment of this ordinance was announced in Chiyoda, similar ordinances have been enacted in a lot of municipalities around Japan and now smoking in a lot of public places is prohibited. The fine is basically collected by the staff of Chiyoda Ward. Payment can be made either at the time, when the ticket is handed out, or later at a… Read More »Municipality in Tokyo bans smoking on the street

Earthquake Support from Hiroshima City

Immediately after the great East Japan earthquake caused havoc and tragedy, Japanese local governments responded urgently to calls for assistance from the affected areas. Immediate initiatives and manpower were dispatched to help ameliorate the damages caused by the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami. As a representative of Hiroshima city government, I would like to tell you about how Hiroshima city officials responded. First, staff from the Fire Services Bureau and Waterworks Bureau were dispatched to the damaged areas and on the following days supplies arrived to support the relief efforts. A command center, the East Japan Earthquake headquarters was established to provide all types of support; including medical staff consisting… Read More »Earthquake Support from Hiroshima City

Sending local products to where they are needed

Since March 11th, many local governments around Japan have supported the disaster victims with relief supplies and activities. In this effort, Sakai City has attracted much attention by its unique support utilizing its local industries. Sakai City is known as “Bicycle Town” because it has so many bicycle-related manufacturers such as SHIMANO INC. After the huge earthquake hammered Kobe in 1995, Sakai City brought a large number of bicycles to the affected area. Although they certainly helped people get around after the transportation infrastructure was destroyed and gasoline was scarce, they often suffered from blowouts due to the debris lying all over. Repair crews had to spend a lot of… Read More »Sending local products to where they are needed