The Japanese government is planning to charge all electricity consumers with the cost of the nuclear power plants that the power companies with nuclear power plants should primarily shoulder. Consumers Union of Japan is requesting the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to withdraw the introduction of the new system. We are also starting a campaign to collect signatures to support our message: “Please do not shift the costs related to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident to our electricity bills.” Please cooperate and spread the word among friends and acquaintances. You can download the pdf file with the signature campaign appeal form here (J). The government’s plan…
Emergency Meeting: Definitely Cancel the Planned Move of the Tsukiji Fish Market to Toyosu!
Participants: Consumers Union of Japan & Food Safety Citizens’ Watch CUJ & Food Safety Citizens’ Watch held an emergency meeting on November 10, 2016 to discuss the emerging problems with the planned move of Tokyo’s wholesale fish market from Tsukiji to Toyosu. We demand that Tokyo Metropolitan Governor Yuriko Koike should definitely cancel the move to the heavily polluted Toyosu Island in Tokyo Bay. We have followed this debate closely since 2006 and wish Mrs. Koike would listen to the voices of concerned consumers. At our meeting, we adopted a resolution highlighting the importance of food and to never allow a polluted place to become a market where food is…
Japan Resources – No 165
Please click here cuj-jr-165 for the latest issue of Consumer Union of Japan’s English newsletter, Japan Resources (pdf). The theme this time is safe & sustainable development, to highlight the need for those involved in production to better live up to consumers’ high expectations. We have also participated in events for peace and democracy, and will step up our efforts to reach out and raise awareness both abroad and at home. We also share the story of how one small country, Bhutan, is aiming for 100% organic food production, truly a great idea and an inspiration. We hope you will continue to stay updated with CUJ’s activities and news on…
CUJ co-signed Joint Open Letter calling on UNIQLO to guarantee labour rights in its supplier in Cambodia
Consumers Union of Japan has co-signed the open letter calling on Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., owner of the UNIQLO brand, to guarantee labour rights in its supplier in Cambodia. We are urging Fast Retailing to increase their leverage by cooperating with other brands, e.g. H&M and Lindex, sourcing from both Zhong Yin as well as from a number of suppliers belonging to the parent company, Beijing Joywin. We firmly call upon Fast Retailing to act swiftly and responsibly, to use all their leverage and ensure the fundamental rights of workers to freedom of association.
Bhutan Aiming for 100% Organic Agriculture by 2020
Rice paddy field management without herbicides made possible by Japanese aid By Koa Tasaka (CUJ co-chair and Asian Rural Institute director) Bhutan, the nation of happiness Recently, I have been engaged in a grass root technological cooperation project for organic agriculture, in the country where the national aim is happiness. Bhutan wants to develop local agriculture with a focus on organic farming through a project with Mr. Inaba Mitsukuni from Minkan Inasaku Kenkyujo, a rice growing research center in Tochigi prefecture. I was able to help him and his research center get funding for the project from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Bhutan is known for making Gross National Happiness…