Consumers Union of Japan and concerned citizens and experts formed a committee in September 2013 to put forward proposals for a reform of Japan’s energy system. This network took the opportunity to make a detailed submission to the government in January 2014. This is a brief summary of the Japanese text, which is available in full on the website of Consumers Union of Japan. We must learn from the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant, and formulate a master plan which advances energy conversion. The government should listen to the opinion of citizens and reflect the public view when going forward with its plans. A stable energy supply must be…
Japan Resources No. 158 & 159
Busy days as the year ends, isn’t it going faster than last year…? So much to do and so many campaigns and meetings! Here are Japan Resources No. 158 and 159, please feel free to print out and keep in your library and share with friends and collegues. We appreciate everyone’s support. Do check out our Japanese website for how you can become a member, purchase books and other literature from CUJ! Editors Japan Resources 158 & 159 (pdf): CUJ JR 158 CUJ JR 159
Biosafety Expert Meeting In Quezon City, Philippines
Consumers Union of Japan and the No! GMO Campaign participated in a four-day meeting in the Philippines in November, to discuss the risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMO). Of particular interest was the ambush by the biotech industry in countries like Bangladesh, where they want to introduce BT eggplants (after failing in India). Also on the agenda was Vitamin A rice (see details below) that is currently tested in field trials by IRRI and others in Asia. Experts and activists from 12 countries participated! PRESS RELEASE 26 November 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact person: Nina Somera Third World Network Biosafety experts arrive in Manila, question Golden Rice Respected scientists…
Protest Against The New State Secrecy Law
Please send a message to express your concern about the new State Secrecy Law by November 7, 2013 The proposed State Secrecy Law will most likely be adopted this week by Japan’s Parliament, where the LDP can get a majority together with Komeito. However, many opposition lawmakers are trying to rally against the bill. They need your support! Please express your concern for how this new Law may violate people’s right to know. The clauses in the proposed Law are very vague on what exactly a “state secret” may be. It goes against democratic principles and at different events, answers to questions have not been properly answered. We call for…
Soil & Peace Festival 2013
There will be a Soil & Peace Festival in Hibiya Park, Tokyo on Sunday October 20, 2013. Starting at 10:00 hundreds of farmers and activists and artists will hold a great event until the evening. A great opportunity to meet your favourite NGOs and learn more about organic food, anti-nuclear campaigns and the future of Japan. Look forward to lots of inspiration! Music by Katou Tokiko and many others throughout the day, starting with a taiko performance by Gocco. Website with more info (J) here