Mitsuko Nashima - The Japan Times

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Mitsuko Nashima

For Mitsuko Nashima's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

JAPAN

Oct 22, 1997

U.S. environmentalist seeks true commitment to climate

Staff writerWith little more than a month to go before a major U.N. conference in Kyoto on climate change, a leading American environmentalist is urging Japan to come up with new proposals to solve existing conflicts among developed nations and guide the global community."Ultimately, it is essential to have an agreement that goes far beyond anything that will be discussed in Kyoto," Jonathan Lash, president of World Resources Institute, said in an interview in Tokyo. However, he said, the conference will be a turning point to mark a "very significant change of direction," in which wealthy nations will agree, for the first time, to limit their use of resources.Lash, here to attend a series of symposiums on global warming and other environmental issues, said Japan must seek to ensure that the global community make the right decision, despite existing huge gaps between member nations. "That would mean being prepared to make proposals that will solve the differences between the United States and the European Union, even if they are different from Japan's initial proposals," he said.The European Union is calling for a 15 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 compared with 1990 levels, while Japan is proposing a maximum 5 percent cut by 2012. The U.S. was set to unveil its proposal Oct. 22 in Washington, most likely calling for industrialized nations to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by around 2010.Lash said he agrees with none of the three proposals, although he welcomes the "significant commitment" pledged by the largest economies in the EU, namely, Germany and Britain.The protocol that comes out of Kyoto should not have the disparities seen in the current proposals, he said. "Essentially, we are moving toward an agreement that will not have a great deal of differentiations among nations."Meanwhile, as to the handling of developing nations, Lash said there should be an agreement, not reduction obligations, to set up a negotiation process to lead to an accord with developing countries to limit their emissions in the future. "The problems that exist now are almost entirely attributable to the actions of developed countries, and the role of developing nations has been very small," he said, adding that it is only appropriate that developed nations first commit to reductions.But in the future, he said, problems cannot be solved by developed nations alone and there needs to be some agreement to limit emissions by developing countries. "We need their agreement to solve the problem, but it would be immoral to ask them not to develop," he said. "There has to be an agreement to assist them to find a technological means of development without increasing emissions."

JAPAN

Oct 6, 1997

Compromise key to climate policies, German minister says

Staff writerTo achieve both economic growth and environmental protection, one must make compromises and seek "intermediate paths," according to German Economic Minister Gunter Rexrodt."Germany views the simultaneous achievement of economic growth and environmental protection as an important challenge," Rexrodt said in his written response to questions sent by The Japan Times.In shaping environmental policy in a manner that is conducive to economic policy, he said, "an appropriate balance must be found between environmental policy and economic policy, (which includes) striking out on new intermediate paths and making compromises." In this regard, he said, success in climate protection policy, in particular the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, is indispensable.At the upcoming environmental conference to be held in Kyoto, more than 150 signatory nations to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change will attempt to attach legally binding numerical targets to industrialized nations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions starting from 2000. Germany is a leading member of the European Commission and among its most aggressive members in putting forward reduction targets. The EU has been proposing a 15 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels.Conference host Japan has its own proposal, calling for a 5 percent reduction in principle by 2010, compared with the 1990 level. The proposal will have some flexibility because it takes into account such factors as economic growth and population increases, but it is bound to draw criticism from Germany and other European nations for being comparatively lenient.Turning to bilateral economic relations, Rexrodt noted that Japan is the nation's most important trading partner in Asia, and that Germany is Japan's most important trading partner in Europe. Thus, he said, German business and industry have been carrying out a "Japan initiative" campaign to encourage more German companies, especially small and midsize businesses, to boost their involvement in the Japanese market.Rexrodt called for Japanese companies to increase their presence in Germany, especially in the former East Germany. "The level of Japanese investment in Germany has stagnated for some time. Efforts of the German government toward increased Japanese investment activities have not yet produced the desired effect," he said. "By comparison with other countries, for example, Japan ranges behind Finland in terms of investment by foreign countries in the Federal Republic's new states."

JAPAN

Sep 30, 1997

Philippines' fundamentals still sound, Bautista says

JAPAN

Sep 9, 1997

Native materials may be future key to sustainable growth

JAPAN

Aug 19, 1997

Consortium offers building owners energy-savings windfall

JAPAN

Aug 13, 1997

Old-style shopping areas fight to survive

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

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