The Asaza Project

This is interseting case of environmental revival by citizens and NGOs without any forcement from government. Please visit the website.

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REVIVING NATURE AROUND LAKE KASUMIGAURA

Lake Kasumigaura ranks second in size in Japan, after Lake Biwa, with a surface area of 219.9 square kilometers and a catchment basin more than ten times the lake's surface area. Located not far from the metropolis of Tokyo, Lake Kasumigaura was developed on a large scale during Japan's period of rapid economic growth from 1950s to 1970s, to provide water for industrial and drinking. In the process, much of the lakeside was encased in revetments (concrete facing to sustain an embankment), with a devastating effect on the natural environment. The lake suffered. People stopped visiting the lakeside, and the migratory birds and other living creatures that once visited the reed beds disappeared.

(continued to website: http://www.japanfs.org/en/public/ngo04.html)


Daeng KM

"The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan" Federation

Seven villages in Japan have established a Federation of “The most beautiful villages in Japan”. Using the French “most beautiful villages” movement as a model, it aims to promote local revitalization to increase tourism, preserve landscapes, the local environment and cultures as well as effective communication of local issues.

(Please visit website: http://www.jtbgmt.com/japannow/NEWS/news48.html)


Daeng KM

Snow in Tokyo

Today (January 21), since morning until evening, Tokyo enjoyed the first snowy scene (9 cm high) in this winter season. And very cold Saturday!

My daughter and wife tried to make 'a snow rabbit' by snow and two leaves for rabbit's ear. We remember that such rabbit were made 10 years ago when my daughter was before 1 yaer old.

Usually, Tokyo got only several snowy days in a winter season, February or March. How many days will we enjoy these snowy days in this season?

Daeng KM