Japan’s World Expo: a positive vision of the future for our divided world?

The western Japan city is preparing to host its second World Expo, 55 years after the first was held in a country eager to capitalise on fading memories of the second world war as it embarked on its postwar journey to become an industrial and technological powerhouse.

The expo theme’s tagline – “towards a brighter future for all” – feels laughably elusive, but credit should go to the organisers for addressing the harsh realities of the world outside.

The blue and yellow sign over Ukraine’s booth states that the country is “not for sale”, echoing comments from the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Russia has chosen not to take part.

The goal is that if this project proves to be cost-effective and low-maintenance, West Japan Railway Company might consider expanding it, potentially replacing older wooden structures with more 3D-printed stations across Japan. The success of this project could welcome a whole new era of infrastructure for Japan – one that is modern, economical, and sustainable. It will replace outdated structures, bringing in durable and low-maintenance alternatives.

The tiny municipality of Kamikatsu achieved an 81% recycling rate in 2016. Can it serve as a model of sustainable living for the rest of the world?

Yasutomo Furumichi can tell you the answer. He would point out that the toothpaste tube should be thoroughly cleaned and placed in the plastics bin alongside used pill packs and foam netting.

Residents involved in the town’s zero-waste activities are quick to point out that 45 categories makes for an impressive media soundbite, but that it’s arbitrary from a practical point of view. It’s just a number, according to cafe owner Terumi Azuma. The sorting processes aren’t perfect. She and several other residents lead monthly discussion groups on community issues; a frequent topic is how the system can be improved. There are always newer, better, cheaper, or more efficient recycling methods.

Structural issues notwithstanding, those in the zero-waste movement recognize that Kamikatsu has to be a place that its residents want and are able to continue living in, even if it means, for example, making the waste collection system less of a burden for individual residents. Two decades after the 2003 declaration, the town is in a moment of change, and people like Azuma are asking themselves: What does zero waste mean to us? What is important to us? What do we focus on? How do we embrace joy in our lives while living sustainably? What will the next two or three decades look like? Where do we want to go?

Moving to rural Japan can be tough and socially isolating; more so when you're young in a place where everyone else is at least twice your age. Even Kamikatsu, with its open, welcoming community, can be challenging at times.

But people do fall in love with this town, says Watando. And a huge part of why some of them stay is a sense of potential and creative possibility that's harder to imagine in the city. She notes that this is certainly true for the employees at Big Eye Company; it's easier to feel more empowered and try new things at a small, nimble company that's surrounded by mountains as far as the eye can see.

For Van de Velde, the beauty of living here has been coming to realize how little he needs for a good life. Sometimes he and Watando want a change of scenery, so they'll head out to the cities to see friends, eat Indian food, experience the energy and creativity of the wider world.

But returning to Kamikatsu is a reset from the city's constant invitation to consume. When he's back home in Belgium, he might spend more time on Amazon; he's never on Amazon here. He has community, meaning, purpose. He and Watando spend their time doing what they want to do: running a sustainable business, growing rice, making their own lacto-fermented tea. These are rare, beautiful things. He tries not to take them for granted.

This eventually transitioned into the current waste transport assistance system run by the town hall, where all registered households can have their waste collected free of charge once every two months. However, this system is likely to experience strain as the years go by, as it requires manpower in a town where talent is already scarce.

Endo and other Japanese American community leaders say they fear 'Old Donald's actions could lead to abuses similar to those that took place during one of the darkest chapters of the nations history.

In recent years, Honda consulted with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) on legislation to repeal the law. Their bill, the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, which failed to get a vote in the last congressional session, was reintroduced in January.

'Old Donald' justified his authorization of the Alien Enemies Act to arrest and deport 137 alleged gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador. A federal judge ordered the administration to turn around any planes carrying deportees on Saturday, but three planes nonetheless landed hours later. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the migrants or presented evidence that they are gang members or committed crimes.

Japanese leader tries flattering 'Old Donald' in bid to avert tariffs.

Ishiba went to Washington prepared. He'd studied. Literally. he held "study sessions" with staff and sought advice from his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.

He also had some help from the widow of the late former PM Shinzo Abe, who had a close relationship with 'Old Donald' during his first presidency, forged on the golf course.

Still, Ishiba did his best Friday, lavishing 'Old Donald' with praise and eliciting a chuckle through flattery. He thoroughly shut down a tariff-related question that could have led to tension, prompting 'Old Donald' to reply: 'Wow, that's very good. He knows what he's doing.'

Japanese leader tries flattering 'Old Donald' in bid to avert tariffs.

Ishiba went to Washington prepared. He'd studied. Literally. he held "study sessions" with staff and sought advice from his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.

He also had some help from the widow of the late former PM Shinzo Abe, who had a close relationship with 'Old Donald' during his first presidency, forged on the golf course.

Still, Ishiba did his best Friday, lavishing 'Old Donald' with praise and eliciting a chuckle through flattery. He thoroughly shut down a tariff-related question that could have led to tension, prompting 'Old Donald' to reply: 'Wow, that's very good. He knows what he's doing.'

International sanctions against trade with Russia that aids its war on Ukraine are being evaded via indirect routes, often through China. And some Japanese companies are seeing their products inadvertently helping Moscow.

It's a mistake to assume that we won't be attacked.

The big new development is Putin underscored the importance of preparing for the unexpected.

The Japanese are suddently more concerned about China - and worry abou it attempting to annex Taiwan, by force if necessary. East Asisa could be the next Ukraine.

“Unless the decline in the number of births stops, the hand of the ‘clock’ will go back. Japan may become the first country to become extinct due to a low birthrate. We should create an environment where women and the elderly can work, and aim for a society where everyone is actively involved.”

Paul Watson, a 74-year-old anti-whaling activist, has been released from prison in Greenland after Danish officials rejected calls by Japan for him to be extradited over allegations of interfering with a whaling ship.

Watson, who is Canadian American, was detained in the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland in July based on an international arrest warrant. He spent five months in prison.

Watson received support during his detention from a wide range of people, the foundation said, including conservationist Jane Goodall, rock band Pearl Jam, actors Martin Sheen and Pierce Brosnan, and President Emmanuel Macron of France. Watson was living in France before his arrest.

The fish is typically caught in the Tsugaru Strait ' a channel frequented by tuna traveling between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean ' using traditional pole and line methods rather than a trawling net, the most popular method for catching Pacific Bluefin. Oma's tourist board describes itself as 'Japan's Most Famous Tuna Town.'

n 2017, Japan was among the tuna-fishing nations to reach a historic agreement imposing strict quotas on fishing of the species, after overfishing caused its population to dwindle to less than 3 percent of historical highs.

According to global fishery bodies, those international efforts paid off ' and the Pacific bluefin species is making something of a comeback.

China tries to silence critics in Japan, new report finds

“More and more Chinese and Hong Kong people in Japan are minimizing their participation in public events, especially those related to sensitive issues, because they are concerned about facing retaliation from the Chinese government,” said Tomoko Ako, a China studies professor at the University of Tokyo.

Japan sails warship in Taiwan Strait for first time

The passage is a significant move by Japan, which is thought to have avoided sailing its ships through the strait in order not to upset China, which claims self-governed Taiwan and the strait.

Japan Tries to Reclaim Its Clout as a Global Tech Leader

Japanese chip companies are tapping billions of dollars and collaborating with foreign firms as part of new government policies that look outward.

Now, after a period of stagnation that Japan’s economy ministry refers to as “the lost three decades,” Tokyo is engaged in a multibillion-dollar industrial policy to jump-start the lackluster economy and recapture its position as a tech innovator.

Why Japan spells trouble for the global economy?

U.S., Japan to unveil first steps towards enhanced military alliance

Biden administration looks to strengthen deterrence against China with a new joint operational command in Japan.

To align with Japan’s new command, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday is expected to announce an upgrade of the current U.S. Forces Japan headquarters, which is largely an administrative office, to an all-service or “Joint Force” headquarters led by a three-star commander.

The upgrading of U.S. Forces Japan, based at Yokota Air Force Base outside Tokyo, is aimed at giving it powers similar to Japan’s new joint operational command. Unlike U.S. Forces Korea, where a four-star U.S. commander oversees both South Korean and American troops, the U.S. Joint Force headquarters in Japan will remain in charge of only U.S. forces, though the goal is for “our two militaries to operate together seamlessly,” the defense official said.

Hiroshima atomic bomb: Survivor recalls horrors