Latest news with #JWA
Japan Forward
5 days ago
- General
- Japan Forward
Reintroducing Wolves: A New Hope for Japanese Ecosystems
During a recent visit to the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden in Sapporo, I found myself standing before two haunting figures: the taxidermied remains of the now-extinct Ezo and Honshu wolves. Preserved behind glass, their forms felt frozen in time, ghosts of a lost species that once ruled the forests of Japan. Their absence, however, is anything but silent. In recent decades, deer, wild boar, and even bears have surged in numbers across Japan. They have disrupted ecosystems and damaged crops, edging ever closer to human settlements. It's within this context that the Japan Wolf Association (JWA) proposes an audacious solution: Bring back the wolves. A taxidermied Japanese wolf (courtesy of the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences / Faculty of Agriculture). The JWA was founded in 1993 by Associate Professor Naoki Maruyama, who was then teaching at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. According to Kunihiko Otsuki, a current director at the Association, the idea was born after Maruyama attended a conference in Poland. "He happened to see a wolf on the grasslands," Otsuki told me. At the time, Maruyama had been researching the effects of deer overpopulation on Japan's forests. That single encounter made him realize what was missing in his work: a natural predator. He returned to Japan convinced that wolves were the key to restoring balance to the nation's ecosystems, and rallied fellow researchers to form the JWA. "In the beginning, we were starting from zero," said Otsuki. The notion of reintroducing wolves to Japan was met with skepticism and fear. For many, wolves were still the villains of old folktales, dangerous beasts better left in the past. Yet over the years, the Association's persistence has paid off. Between 2006 and 2016, public support for their reintroduction rose from 17.4% to 43.3%. During the same period, opposition fell from 30.2% to just 11.0%. These numbers, Otsuki believes, reflect the cumulative impact of the Association's outreach: books, symposiums, a robust online presence, and educational campaigns. However, progress has since stalled. "Support has plateaued since 2016," Otsuki said. "The biggest barrier now is the government." Japan's Ministry of the Environment remains opposed to the idea of reintroducing wolves. Without political will, the JWA finds itself at a crossroads. "We believe we've entered a phase where political lobbying is necessary. Ultimately, we must move the national government." Tibetan wolves in the enclosure at Osaka's Tennoji Zoo (courtesy of Tennoji Zoo) What would the return of wolves mean for Japan's environment? Otsuki laid it out in ecological terms: deer populations, particularly Sika and Ezo deer, are causing widespread damage to forests and farmland. The government has responded with increased hunting allowances, but the effects have been minimal. Wolves, as apex predators, could offer a more sustainable solution by naturally regulating deer and boar numbers. "By restoring the food chain's natural order, wolves would allow vegetation to recover," said Otsuki. This, in turn, would support the return of birds and small mammals, halt soil erosion, and slowly revive entire ecosystems. "Ultimately, we see this contributing to the recovery of healthy forest systems and the mountain–river–sea continuum." So, where would reintroduction be viable? According to the Association, mountainous regions across Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu are all technically suitable. Wolves, with a natural fear of humans, could be imported from overseas, and would likely avoid populated areas, said Otsuki. Potential sites include Shiretoko, the Daisetsuzan range, the Japanese Alps, the Kii Peninsula, the Chugoku Mountains, and Mt Aso. Each of these areas has sufficient prey and land area to support multiple packs — roughly 100 to 300 square kilometers per territory. Even in national parks with tourist traffic or rural communities, human activity wouldn't necessarily pose a significant obstacle. "If Japan's intensive livestock model is maintained, wolf attacks on farm animals would likely be rare," Otsuki explained. Still, he acknowledged the need for systems to mitigate risk: "Subsidies for livestock protection and compensation schemes must be in place to reassure farmers." Moreover, geography isn't the only factor. "Local government consent and political decisions will greatly influence which sites are selected," he said. "That's why we can't name a concrete location ourselves at this stage." Public fear remains a formidable challenge. "The biggest misconception is fear — what we call 'Little Red Riding Hood syndrome,'" said Otsuki. People also conflate wolf reintroduction with the introduction of invasive species, or worry that wolves will disrupt ecosystems rather than restore them. To change minds, the JWA has used every tool at its disposal, including books, lectures, exhibitions, art, and social media. One notable publication, The Maligned Predator: Rethinking Wolves in Japanese History ( Ookami Enzai no Nihonshi in Japanese, Impress Books), directly rebuts the idea that wolves were historically dangerous to humans. A taxidermied specimen of the Japanese wolf (courtesy of the National Museum of Nature and Science). The Association also shares accident statistics, research from Europe and North America, and even produces children's stories with wolves as protagonists. "We share voices from communities already coexisting with wolves," said Otsuki. Could Japan follow in the footsteps of Yellowstone National Park or Europe? Otsuki thinks so. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s is often cited as a success story. Wolves restored balance to the ecosystem, reducing elk overgrazing and allowing plant and animal life to flourish. The European example is different but equally valuable. Protected under the 1979 Bern Convention, wolves in Europe have expanded naturally from neighboring countries into old habitats. "It's not exactly reintroduction, but more like a comeback," said Otsuki. He highlighted a framework Japan could emulate: protect wolves legally, create compensation systems for damages, and permit controlled hunting once populations stabilize. "Public education, like websites explaining that wolves aren't dangerous, is also key." Finally, I asked Otsuki what reintroduction would mean for Japan, not just ecologically, but culturally and spiritually. "It would be a big step for biodiversity," he said. Japan is classified as a biodiversity hotspot (rich, highly threatened ecosystems) by Conservation International. "Wolves could help reverse the decline of vegetation, birds, insects, soil life — even reduce sediment buildup in rivers and dams." Culturally, wolves once held sacred meaning in Japan. Shrines, such as Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama Prefecture, still honor them, and legends abound about wolves that protected and guided humans. "These stories show that wolves were once part of a vibrant spiritual worldview," Otsuki explained. Their return could reignite that relationship. In a time when balance feels increasingly out of reach, the howl of a returning wolf might signal something far greater than its own survival. It could mark the first step toward restoring Japan's ecological soul. And perhaps most profoundly, reintroducing wolves would force a reckoning with the natural world. "Seeing a wolf hunt a deer might strike some as cruel," said Otsuki, "but it reminds us of nature's laws. It helps us reflect on what life means, and what it means to live as a human in harmony with nature." Author: Daniel Manning
Sunday World
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Seeing Metallica live it's clear to see why fans still love these four rock gods
RIDE THE LIGHTNING | As one fan said, 'Metallica didn't just play Philadelphia tonight, they detonated it!' Last weekend I travelled to Philadelphia to find the answer after they announced two mega-shows for Dublin's Aviva Stadium in June 2026, with tickets going on sale tomorrow morning at 10am. I met superfans who have built their lives around Metallica, some having seen them hundreds of times as they followed their heroes around the globe with like-minded souls. And watching the American group's two incendiary shows at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field stadium - or 'The Linc' as it's locally known - last Friday and Sunday night it was clear to see why fans love these four iconic rock gods. Metallica performs at JWA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, New York, on April 19, 2025 Despite the heavy nature of the songs, the Metallica live experience is an adrenaline pumping, crowd bonding, mind-blowing, life affirming, fun event. As one fan said, 'Metallica didn't just play Philadelphia tonight, they detonated it!' Since opening in April 2023 in Amsterdam, their M72 World Tour has already seen Metallica strut their stuff on stage to around four million fans. After 44 years at the top of their game and with nothing to prove, the band members could be forgiven for sticking their juggernaut on cruise control at every performance these days. But watching them take fans on a rollercoaster ride around a giant stage in each of their brace of shows at The Linc last weekend, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo looked like they were still fired up with enthusiasm for the challenge of live performing and were having the time of their lives on stage. Their interactions with each other were like those of an emerging band that had suddenly hit the big time and couldn't believe their good fortune. And despite playing to around 67,000 metal heads in the giant stadium that is home to the Philadelphia Eagles American football team, the Metallica behemoths somehow managed to make a personal connection with each member of the audience. Entering the stadium you immediately see the first star of the show, a breath-taking stage 'in the round' with eight gigantic towers hosting video screens and a colossal sound system that ensures even fans sitting in the gods have a good experience. Metallica performs at JWA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, New York, on April 19, 2025 Throughout the night, Metallica unleashed a barrage of their most celebrated and revered songs from their impressive arsenal, with manic drumming from skinsman Lars driving the full-on, power-packed performance. James Hetfield's voice is a force of nature and he looks like he's in the best shape of his life these days - having struggled with alcohol abuse in the past - as he prowls the stage mesmerising us with his guitar work. 'Music saves my life every day, I hope you feel the same,' Hetfield told us at the first show. On the second night he addresses the issue of suicide… 'I know darkness, I know everyone here knows darkness, and we don't know how hard it needs to get to go there (suicide). But that permanent solution to a temporary problem is not worth it. 'I say talk, talk that sh*t out, get that sh*t out… that's not why you're here. You are here to be loved and cherished, so talk to your friends.' The M72 Tour in support of their 72 Seasons album is also a No Repeat Weekend experience, where the legendary band delivers two completely different sets with two unique opening acts each night. Read more The support acts announced for Aviva Stadium next June are Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose and Avatar. And in each city they visit they do a 'takeover' with lots of sideline shows and attractions. In Philadelphia last weekend there were seven events, including A Conversation with Kirk Hammett, who was interviewed at a local venue called The Fillmore, and a pop up merchandise store. Superfan Brian Thomas from Raleigh, North Carolina told us that at this stage his connection with Metallica is as much about the bonds he's built with other fans from all over the world as the music and live shows. What does he think is the appeal of Metallica? 'They're an American institution,' he says. 'Even people who aren't fans, they know Metallica because they hear them all the time. 'You can't go to a sporting event in the United States without hearing a Metallica song because it's high energy, excellent music, amps the crowd up and everybody's feeling good when they hear it.' Metallica's M72 World Tour will play Dublin's Aviva Stadium on June 19 & 21, 2026. Two-night tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10am. For further information, enhanced experiences, travel packages and more, see here
Ammon
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Ammon
Tunisian Ambassador visits Jordanian Writers Association
Ammon News - Tunisian Ambassador to Amman, Moufida Zribi, affirmed the "deep-rooted, strong and brotherly" Jordanian-Tunisian relations, praising the ongoing cooperation in various fields, especially in the cultural Zribi's visit Sunday to Jordanian Writers Association (JWA) Headquarters, she was briefed on the association's activities in organizing joint cultural expressed the embassy's aspiration to enhance cultural cooperation Jordanian and Tunisian writers and intellectuals, within the 39th Tunis International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from April 25 to May 4, added that this future collaboration can also be achieved under joint activities held by the two countries' writers' unions, and cultural weeks organized by the two embassies in Amman and Tunis, as well as ways to strengthen literary and intellectual ties for the two countries' writers and creative JWA President, Elaian Adwan, said this meeting marks the beginning of "constructive" cultural cooperation that contributes to strengthening Jordanian-Tunisian cultural and creative relations, which are rooted in shared Arab cultural history. Adwan highlighted the JWA's role in supporting the Kingdom's cultural movement, which was founded in 1987, features over 470 members who are writers and authors interested in the fields of short stories, novels, poetry, essays, literary criticism, and expert research.
Ammon
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Ammon
Tunisian envoy affirms keenness to boost cultural cooperation with Jordan
Ammon News - Tunisian Ambassador to Amman, Moufida Zribi, affirmed the "deep-rooted, strong and brotherly" Jordanian-Tunisian relations, praising the ongoing cooperation in various fields, especially in the cultural Zribi's visit Sunday to Jordanian Writers Association (JWA) Headquarters, she was briefed on the association's activities in organizing joint cultural expressed the embassy's aspiration to enhance cultural cooperation Jordanian and Tunisian writers and intellectuals, within the 39th Tunis International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from April 25 to May 4, added that this future collaboration can also be achieved under joint activities held by the two countries' writers' unions, and cultural weeks organized by the two embassies in Amman and Tunis, as well as ways to strengthen literary and intellectual ties for the two countries' writers and creative JWA President, Elaian Adwan, said this meeting marks the beginning of "constructive" cultural cooperation that contributes to strengthening Jordanian-Tunisian cultural and creative relations, which are rooted in shared Arab cultural history. Adwan highlighted the JWA's role in supporting the Kingdom's cultural movement, which was founded in 1987, features over 470 members who are writers and authors interested in the fields of short stories, novels, poetry, essays, literary criticism, and expert research.
