Two weeks on from the Earthquake a estimated 27,000 people have died or are missing. In this episode we look at how Japan is coping with this natural disaster.
Three weeks have passed since the earthquake and tsunami wreaked havoc across northeastern Japan. More than 28,000 people are dead or missing. 170,000 survivors are leading the lives of refugees. As time passes, more information about the scale of the disaster becomes known. It now appears that tidal waves swelled to 30 meters in some places. The extent of the damage to farming, fishing, and manufacturing is also becoming apparent. As for the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the situation remains serious, with worldwide implications. France and the United States are providing assistance in efforts to stabilize the condition of the facility. The chairman of TEPCO, the utility company that runs the plant, has acknowledged the necessity of decommissioning at least four of the damaged reactors.
What to make of radiation readings? An expert explains the meaning of radiation measurements at various places: inside the Fukushima Daiichi plant where high levels of radiation are hampering work, around Fukushima Prefecture, and in Tokyo and other cities far from the plant.
Seismic Sensing Technology Aids Bullet Trains All 27 scheduled bullet trains running in northeastern Japan on March 11th reduced their speed at the first sign of tremors, before the main impact of the earthquake arrived. Some had been running as fast as 300 kilometers per hour, but they all stopped safely. Seismic wave sensing technology is what prevented derailments. In 2007, the technology was employed to provide warnings of impending quakes via television and other media. It now also is used in sending alerts to individuals' cell phones. Mexico is the only other country with a similar system. In Japan, the warning comes only about 30 seconds in advance, but 30 seconds can make a dramatic difference. We'll meet one of the designers of the system and discuss how those 30 seconds can be used to make decisions and save lives.
Nearly two months have passed since the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. On this week's program, newscaster Minori Takao reports on her trip to one of the hardest-hit areas, Minamisanriku-cho in Miyagi prefecture. The coverage will include an update on the situation of people seen in previous programs and an assessment of progress in repairing and restoring the lives of those in the region. The program will feature the voices of people directly affected, telling their own stories.
The continuing crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has caused a reconsideration of the safety of nuclear plants in other parts of the country. Prime Minister Kan requested the shutdown of the Hamaoka plant in Shizuoka prefecture, because of its proximity to a geological fault line and the potential for tsunami. After consideration, the utility company agreed to the request. In this week's program, we'll consider the reasons behind the Prime Minister's action, and we'll report on recent steps taken at the Fukushima facility. We'll also examine the nationwide effects of the situation.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents to an NHK survey say that they don't approve of the government's handling of the Fukushima nuclear crisis. However, an even greater number support the shutdown of the Hamaoka plant at the urging of Prime Minister Kan. The government says it will review Japan's long-term energy policy with the goal of reducing dependence on nuclear power. However, it has not yet set out concrete measures. As for aid to people directly affected by the nuclear crisis, it has put forth a timetable but is still working out the specifics of compensation.
Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan delivered a speech at the beginning of the G8 summit, in an attempt to convince world leaders that the country has charted a course for recovery. The heads of state were anxious for an explanation of why Japan's nuclear safety policies failed and what will be done. The Prime Minister set forth a new energy policy, with an emphasis on using renewable resources. We'll report on what that shift of policy might involve, including solar and geothermal power generation.
A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Naoto Kan was voted down in the Diet. However, Kan said he will step down in any case when issues related to the March 11th disaster and the nuclear crisis are brought under control.
The Japanese government's investigation and verification committee on the nuclear accident held its first meeting this week. Electricity has been restored to more than 90 % of households in areas affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, except for evacuation zones in Fukushima. Water service has been slower to recover. Regional disparties have become conspicuous. We'll describe the current conditions and challenges by showing how people living in the stricken areas are trying to overcome their problems.
Three months after the earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese government has simplified procedure for registering death. The new procedures are causing many families to confront the difficult decision of whether to conclude that missing loved ones will never be found. Our report profiles people struggling to accept the reality, even though that acceptance can help them begin rebuilding their own lives. Social media are helping establish community ties in Fukushima. For a charity event in the city of Iwaki, Twitter was used to connect organizers, disaster victims, and participants. Our story will examine the roles that social media have played during the disaster and reconstruction.
Many local governments in Japan have started to measure radiation on a regular basis in response to anxiety expressed by residents. Employees of firms from abroad are also receiving information, from their employers. A number of such persons left Japan when the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant spun out of control. They have, to a great extent, returned. Our report considers differences in the ways Japan and the United States approach crisis control, and examines a survey on the subject conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce.
Chusonji Temple and other historic places in the town of Hiraizumi have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The sites are located in Iwate prefecture, which suffered significant damage on March 11th. Residents are hoping the World Heritage designation will attract tourists and boost reconstruction in the area. Efforts are already underway to make the most of the selection through the sale of souvenirs and the promotion of products made by companies affected by the disaster. Other news: - More troubles for new cooling system at Fukushima nuclear plant - Mt. Fuji climbing season starts
The victory of Japan's women's soccer squad has given people in Japan something to smile about, after months of non-stop worry over earthquakes, tsunami, and nuclear meltdowns. Wherever the team members go, they're greeted by thousands of fans. Now that the matches are over, they can relax and give fans a glimpse of their everyday personalities. Their victory has also inspired teenagers to aspire to become Nadeshiko team members of the future. Other news: - Radiation-tainted beef shipped across Japan causes fears about food safety - Tourist-related businesses try various tactics to revive travel to Japan
The meltdowns at Fukushima and off-line inspections at other nuclear power plants have required people in many parts of Japan to change their ways. Utility companies and the government are asking households and businesses alike to curb their use of electricity. In response, some companies have introduced a type of daylight-saving-time system to adjust working hours. Those on the new schedules now find it's still light when they're done. That's encouraged them to seek out classes for their hobbies or devote more time to socializing. Businesses are also looking for ways to capitalize on the new timing. Our report examines the changes that energy conservation is bringing to summer in Japan. Other news: - Japan still can't get enough of its World Cup Champions, Nadeshiko - Signs of recovery from the earthquake and tsunami: Sendai Airport reopens and tours of the tuna wholesale area in Tokyo's Tsukiji market resume.
Matashichi Oishi was exposed to nuclear fallout from a US hydrogen bomb test on Bikini Atoll in 1954 as a crewmember of the Daigo Fukuryu-maru trawler. Now 77, he's concerned about Japan's most recent nuclear hazard. Oishi attended a conference of the Japan Congress against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, held in Fukushima prefecture. He talked with people from the area who are worried about how the meltdown of the Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant may affect them. Oishi spoke about his own experience and his continued medical problems. Other news: - Hiroshima peace declaration to call for review of Japan's energy policy - Rice to be included in farm products checked for radiation
In mid-August, people across Japan observe Obon, the time when--according to tradition--souls of ancestors and departed family members return home. This month's Obon activities are the first since the earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of eastern Japan. Numerous events were held to remember those who died. In some places, traditional dances were performed for the departed souls. Other ceremonies involved prayers for the speedy recovery of the stricken region, including a fire-burning ritual using wood from a forest that was leveled by the tsunami. People also were taking practical steps to hasten the recovery prayed for. In the city of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture, a shopping arcade created from a string of trailers opened for business, putting 100 people back to work. Other news: - Soaring temperatures cause heat stroke across the nation.
A stall set up in Tokyo's Tsukiji Market is selling vegetables and fruit picked each morning in the Fukushima prefecture village of Tamakawa. Tsukuji is Japan's biggest wholesale market and attracts large numbers of visitors. Farmers from the village hope the shop will help them overcome concerns that their produce might be contaminated by radiation. Tamakawa is separated from the Fukushima nuclear power plant by more than 50 km. Sales people from the prefecture working at Tsukuji do their best to dispel the rumors. Others at the market are also providing support. Members of an NPO there are updating recipes on the Internet using Fukushima vegetables in an attempt to boost sales. Other news: - Bargain-hunting to benefit from a stronger yen - Nadeshiko Japan practices for Olympic qualifying rounds
Japan once again has a new Prime Minister, its 95th. Democratic Party president Yoshihiko Noda succeeds Naoto Kan in the job. His top priority is implementing reconstruction from the March 11th disaster. That involves numerous decisions related to rebuilding survivors' lives and bringing the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant under control) Financial matters also are demanding his attention. The yen continues to trade at historic high levels amid uncertainties over the US and European economies. Paradoxically, the rating of government bonds has been downgraded, and the nation's fiscal condition remains unsettled. Noda will also have to manage a number of diplomatic issues, including how to manage Japan's relationship with the United States, China, and other Asian countries. Our program will profile the new Prime Minister and examine the challenges facing his new administration. Other news: - Map shows contaminated soil around troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant - Nadeshiko women's soccer team wins first match in Asian final qualifying round for the Olympics
Reconstruction Challenges Six Months after the Great East Japan Earthquake Six months have passed since the earthquake and tsunami wreaked havoc on northeastern Japan. This week's Japan 7 Days examines the current situation, the progress to date, and the challenges for reconstruction. Physical Infrastructure Minamisanriku, in Miyagi Prefecture, is one of the hardest-hit communities. Newscaster Minori Takao went back to the town for the first time since May to assess the progress in reconstruction of infrastructure and removal of rubble. She also reports on how a temporary shopping street is restoring some sense of normalcy to residents' daily lives. Social Infrastructure All of Minamisanriku's evacuation centers were closed by the end of August, once people were relocated to temporary housing. While they have a roof over their head, they lack the community ties that had been established in their old neighborhoods. The town has started sending personnel around to make sure residents don't fall into isolation. Temporary home dwellers have also taken steps of their own, including setting up a "salon" to foster communication. Business and Industry Fishing used to be a lucrative occupation in the Omoe district of the city of Miyako. Some fishermen earned more than $130,000 dollars annually. The tsunami, however, washed away most of the area's 800 fishing vessels. A lack of financial aid from the government made things worse. The local fishermen's association started collaborative projects to help, but income has fallen dramatically. The fishermen, however, are not giving up. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Updates on Reactors 1-4 and impediments to resolving the crisis. Persons Displaced by the Fukushima Meltdown All 11,000 residents of the town where four of the six Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant reactors are located don't know whether they will be able to return. Some are coming to terms with the necessity of restarting their lives
Smartphones and tablet devices are making a place for themselves in the game industry. Established methods of play are being joined by the new electronic tools, as reflected by the displays at the Tokyo Game Show. With sales of household consoles and their software leveling off, developers are turning their attention to on-line games that allow multiple players to participate. Other news: - Survivors of the earthquake and tsunami offer prayers for the victims six months after the disaster. - Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivers initial policy speech. - Nadeshiko women's soccer team qualifies for the 2012 London Olympics. We'll have excerpts from an interview with captain Homare Sawa.
The recent Tokyo Fashion Week featured collections of young Japanese designers made with locally-produced fabrics and high levels of craftsmanship. For many years, the country's fashion industry has been a favorite of discerning customers around the world, hungry for the latest clothes from designers such as Issey Miyake, COMME des GARÇONS and Yohji Yamamoto. But the prolonged economic slump and the rise of fast fashion have cut into demand for their products. Small-and-medium-sized sewing factories in the country are also having difficulty maintaining their businesses and preserving their craftsmanship. Under such circumstances, the industry is looking for ways to reinvent itself, nurturing young designers and supporting fabric makers and sewing plants. Japan's Industry Ministry and the government of Tokyo's Shibuya ward have begun providing support to designers so they can start companies and develop bases for their businesses. Other News: - Development of batteries that don't need cobalt may reduce dependence on the rare earth metal. - Japanese companies are taking steps to offset the business effects of flooding in Thailand.
After several weeks of denying financial irregularities, optical instrument manufacturer Olympus has admitted hiding investment losses that began in the 1990s. In 2001, Japan introduced revised accounting standards, requiring companies to report their securities and other financial assets at the market value at the time of their account settlement. Some financial observers say the change may have been what led Olympus to begin transferring losses to foreign funds. Critics wonder why auditing and corporate governance didn't catch the problem. Other News: - Prime Minister Noda says Japan will consult with participants of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks before committing to fully joining the negotiations. - Evolving humanoid robot ASIMO learns new skills: lifting a canteen lid to pour juice into a glass, and stepping aside to avoid running into an approaching person.
SELLING JAPANESE ANIME TO THE GLOBAL MARKET This week's Tokyo International Anime Fair offers overseas buyers an opportunity to choose from among a vast array of Japanese anime to purchase for use in their home markets. The producers of the films, of course, are just as eager to connect with customers from abroad. A declining birthrate and slow economy have dampened domestic sales. Japanese producers also are working to stay a step ahead of filmmakers from around the world who hope to compete with anime of their own. In this climate, JETRO--the government-affiliated Japan External Trade Organization--is offering assistance to Japanese companies in finding potential business partners from the US, Europe, and China. Other news: - North Korea announces satellite launch plans; - Japan considers deploying Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile in�Okinawa; - Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide to travel to International Space Station in July on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
The popularity of Japanese cuisine has been growing around the world, in part because it's low in calories. In Japan itself, however, traditional food is losing favor. Young people, in particular, have become accustomed to a Westernized lifestyle. Many of them lack a familiarity with their own country's dishes. Some lack even the most rudimentary knowledge, such as how to make soup broth. A restaurant recognized by Michelin three years in a row has started cooking classes to reacquaint Japanese people with their own cuisine.
Japan's movie industry has earned a reputation for special effects over the years. Godzilla and Gamera, for example, loomed large over the cinematic landscape because they were filmed next to precision miniatures of cities, mountains, and oceans. Nowadays, however, directors often opt for computer graphics. To make sure the long-established approach is not forgotten, a special effects exhibition is giving the public another look at what's possible. Toshio Miike has been involved with movie magic for 40 years. He says he hopes the show will expose visitors to the breadth and depth of what Japanese filmmakers have accomplished in making movies special.
Kyoto's Gion Festival is not only one of the oldest public events in Japan; its 1,100 years make it one of the most enduring in the world. The climax of the month-long summer festival is the Yamahoko procession with 32 floats parading through the streets. This time, 24 volunteers from other countries joined the crew responsible for the Funeboko float. The leader of the international group has become a veteran. Shaheed Rupani, from Canada, has participated 11 times, and with each year the bonds strengthen with the community. The number of young people from the area willing to pull the float has been decreasing, So, Rupani is helping create a new chapter in the Gion Festival's long history.
THE ARTISTRY OF JAPANESE ENGINEERING High-tech and manga may not usually come up in the same sentence, but the illustrated novels of Japan have played a role in the advancement of science. In particular, some robot creators say they started out wanting to make another "Astro Boy", an early manga and anime hero. As the scientists grew up, their fantasies matured as well. Now, a number of them are trying to convert the come-to-the-aid images of the comic books into real ways of helping actual people. Other News ��Government panel releases final report on Fukushima nuclear plant�catastrophe; ��Osprey transport aircraft arrives at US base in Iwakuni.
Discarded material such as weeds and paper scraps may have a role to play in decontaminating radiation-contaminated areas of Japan. An experiment is being conducted in the village of Iitate to see whether bioethanol, produced from those materials, can be effective. Working with Gifu University, a company by the name of "Contig-i" has succeeded in producing bioethanol from disused articles at half the usual cost. They developed an enzyme that can turn out several times the conventional quantity of ethanol, making large-scale plants unnecessary. Developing countries are looking to the technology as a source of raw material for fuel cells. Other news: - North Korea launches missile. - Active fault suspected at Tsuruga nuclear power plant. - Shinya Yamanaka receives Nobel Prize at ceremony.
Japanese voters gave the Liberal Democratic Party and its partner, the New Komeito party, more than two-thirds of seats in the Lower House election. The supermajority will allow them to override bills that are rejected by the Upper House. As a result, the new administration will be able to have its way in enacting laws it expects to end deflation. Other matters will also demand its attention, including foreign affairs and national security. The LDP has said where it wants to go. It now will have to show that its policies will get there. Guest: University of Tokyo Professor Kiichi Fujiwara Other news: BOJ holds first policy meeting after general election. New Tokyo Governor takes office. Experts think northern Japan nuclear plant may be on active faults.
ASSISTING TOHOKU DISASTER VICTIMS WITH FOOD A year and ten months since the Great East Japan Earthquake, more than 300,000 people still are living away from home, either in temporary housing or in other quarters. Many are elderly and in need of daily assistance. Rumi Ide quit her job at a major food manufacturer to devote her time to helping fulfill their food needs. Working with "Second Harvest Japan" she visits disaster-hit areas to find out what people really require and urges food companies to donate appropriate items.
Despite concerns over declining interest in science among Japanese children, they're taking to a card game using atomic symbols. In the game "Chemistry Quest," players match cards to make different molecules. The game has sold 47,000 copies, a breakthrough in the competitive game industry, in which sales of 10,000 are considered a hit. The developer, Yuito Yoneyama, is in the 7th grade. He also happens to be the president of the company. These days, he is busy holding seminars and delivering speeches, as he tries to let people know the fun of learning chemistry by playing the game. Yoneyama has also developed smartphone applications he hopes will sell around the world. Other news: - Boeing 787 planes plagued with battery problems - Three Japanese among hostages seized in Algeria - Prime Minister visits Asian nations and disaster-hit areas in Miyagi - 80% probability of mega-quake in Nankai Trough within 30 years
A giant robot controlled by a person on board is no fantasy. The company producing just such a device, "Kuratas" has already received more than 3,000 orders worldwide. News reporters in many countries are taking notice. Wataru Yoshizaki, one of the developers, envisions a future in which every household owns at least one robot. The "V-sido" software that he made hastens that day, allowing anyone to control a robot with ease. Other News: - Update on hostage-taking in Algeria - Government and BOJ release joint statement on inflation target - Battery manufacturer looks into cause of Boeing 787 problems
56 years have passed since the official recognition of Minamata disease, a condition caused by exposure to discarded mercury. Sickness and environmental pollution related to mercury occur in many parts of the world every year. This year, however, the United Nations finally agreed on the first treaty regulating its sale and use. One patient in Kumamoto continues to tell the story of what happened in Minamata, to prevent a recurrence. Masami Ogata lost his father and grandfather to the disease, and 20 of his relatives have been diagnosed as suffering from it. Ogata himself continues to struggle with symptoms unique to the problem. Other News: - Prime Minister Abe delivers policy speech at 183rd ordinary Diet session. - Experts say they can't be certain a fault running beneath Tsuruga nuclear plant is not active. - Boeing 787 battery that caught fire shown to media.
With ornate clothing, elaborate makeup, and dramatic gestures, kabuki actors continue to captivate audiences around the world, 400 years after the art form was born. The longevity of any traditional art depends on the willingness of young people to take part in it, as performers or audience members or both. The Shintomiza Children's Kabuki Theater aims to make sure this form of drama keeps on going. Located near the Kabukiza theatre in Tokyo's Ginza area, it involves about 20 elementary school children. Shopkeepers, makeup artists, and various companies support the performances. Fumiko Morokawa, a teacher of Japanese dance, founded the troupe. She grew up listening her grandmother sing kabuki songs. Now, she's bringing a similar experience to children of today. Other News: - Chinese frigate's radar locks onto Japanese destroyer. - Japan remains on watch for North Korean nuclear test. - Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro dies.
Orientarhythm is a totally new type of dance performance, synchronizing music, projected images, and actions inspired by the martial art of karate. The combination has been performed in more than 20 countries. The director, Katsumi Sakakura, describes how his career has evolved, from hip-hop dancer to someone who now brings a multitude of movements together. Other News: - North Korea conducts third nuclear test. - 23 months since the March 11 disaster. - Opinion poll shows support for new cabinet.
This month's "Japan Media Arts Festival" introduces audiences to some of the most popular art and performances from all over the world. "Wolf Children" by director Mamoru Hosoda received the Excellence Award in the Animation Division. It features a theme of family bonds, using precise hand-drawings and computer-graphics. Last year, the film did strong business in Japan bringing in box-office revenue rivaling Ghibli productions by Hayao Miyazaki. It's scheduled to be shown in more than 40 countries and regions. Guest: Mamoru Hosoda (animation film director) Other news: -Survey results of geologic faults may keep Higashidori nuclear plant off-line for some time. -Japan contends with air pollution from China. -Kabuki actor Bando Tamasaburo receives French cultural award.
Industries that have long been dominated by men in Japan are starting to offer women the opportunity to succeed. In service industries, some of the employment changes result from consumer preferences. Delivery firms, for example, have a hunch that female customers living alone will feel more at ease if the person who brings a package to the door is the same gender. Many companies have also become more willing to promote women to management positions. The current administration has set a goal of raising the presence of women in leading positions upper business management to at least 30% or higher by 2030. Movement in that direction could play a part in rejuvenating the country's economy. Guest: Kaori Sasaki (CEO, ewoman, Inc.) Other News: - Japanese among victims in Egyptian hot air balloon crash. - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers policy speech. - Vice PM Taro Aso meets South Korean President Park Gwen-hye.
The film "ROOTS: Senzoninaru" received a special mention at this year's Berlin International Film Festival. The documentary depicts an elderly man's efforts to rebuild his home after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The Berlin jury said the production grabs viewers' hearts by portraying the beginning of a new life and the rich spiritual culture of Japanese people. The documentary is to be shown this month as well, in the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The 77-year-old woodcutter who is the focus of the story is from Rikuzentakata. He lost his son in the disaster and his home. Yet, he decided to rebuild on the same spot. The documentary shows the people around him gradually understanding his perseverance and struggle. In our story, the director talks about the quiet yet insistent determination of the man who refused to allow the disaster to determine the rest of his life. Guest: Kaoru Ikeya (film director) Other News: - Snowstorms bring death to Hokkaido; Akita Shinkansen derails. - Landslide under the sea may have caused 2011 tsunami. - Radiation drops 40% at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. - Crown Prince Naruhito speeches at the United Nations.
