Latest news with #MikaSugiura
Japan Forward
21-07-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
Historic Crested Ibis Release Set for June 2026 in Ishikawa
このページを 日本語 で読む The city of Hakui, located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, has been selected as a release site for the crested ibis ( toki ). The toki is a Special Natural Monument designated by the Japanese government. On January 1, 2024, the Noto Peninsula was struck by a powerful earthquake that claimed 625 lives, including disaster-related deaths. Residents in the affected region have long awaited the return of these iconic birds to Noto's skies — a symbol of recovery and hope. On July 16, a council made up of four cities, five towns, and the prefectural government met in a conference room at Noto Airport in Wajima City. They decided to release the ibises in the Minamigata district of Hakui, a city near Kanazawa. This will be the first time crested ibises are released into the wild on Japan's mainland. Ishikawa was the last place on Honshu (Japan's main island) where wild ibises were seen. Once common throughout Japan, their population declined sharply due to pesticide use and environmental degradation. In 1981, the government captured the last five wild ibises in Ishikawa and moved them to Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture for breeding. In 2003, the final Japanese-born ibis died, rendering the species extinct in Japan. Since then, birds gifted from China have been bred in captivity and released into the wild. The population has since grown to about 580 individuals. To establish a self-sustaining population outside Sado, the national government began searching for new release sites. Ishikawa volunteered. With support from local farmers, the prefecture started building feeding habitats by increasing populations of loaches, pond snails, and other prey species. These efforts were recognized, and in February of this year, Noto was officially chosen as a new release site. A sign marking the crested ibis release model district, created by local high school students, in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Minamigata was selected for its expansive rice paddies — sufficient to support the planned release of 15 to 20 birds — and its rich biodiversity, comparable to that of Sado. One local farmer, Eiji Hamada, has been preparing by creating biotope feeding areas in Hakui. "Twenty years ago, I dreamed of seeing ibises return to Hakui," he said. "I even printed a toki design on the rice bags I use to store my harvest. I can't believe that dream is actually coming true. It's overwhelming." Eiji Hamada practices environmentally friendly rice farming to support the crested ibis. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) To provide a better environment for the birds, Hamada cut his use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers by half. He also placed ibis decoys in the biotope, hoping the real birds will recognize them and feel encouraged to stay. He hopes other farmers will follow his lead. "The first step is helping the birds settle," he said. "Eventually, I hope rice grown in these eco-friendly paddies will command higher prices. I also hope the ibises will attract tourism like on Sado." The bag Hamada uses for brown rice, featuring a crested ibis design he created 20 years ago. He added red as a wish for the bird's release to become a reality. — Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) "I'm so glad I've lived to see the day when ibises fly over their homeland again," said Yoshio Muramoto, a Hakui resident who turned 100 this April. He has spent more than 70 years involved in ibis conservation. Muramoto last saw a wild toki nearly 50 years ago. "At the time, I feared the ibis would disappear from Japan forever. It was heartbreaking," he said. Muramoto dreams of seeing crested ibises fly again over Hakui's skies. — Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) He has worked closely with China to protect the species and even built a museum dedicated to the ibis on his property to help educate local children. In recognition of his efforts, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visited the museum in 2025. "We also get visits from rare storks here in Hakui," Muramoto added. "Just imagining the day when ibises and storks fly side by side in the skies fills me with excitement." Muramoto built a private crested ibis museum for local children. Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) He also attended the first ibis release ceremony on Sado. "I want to live to see the release here in Hakui next year," he said. The people of Ishikawa are united in their hope that the crested ibis will take flight as a symbol of their recovery. Author: Mika Sugiura このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
NANBYO Day at Expo 2025: Taking On Rare Diseases Together, Joyfully and Inclusively!
このページを 日本語 で読む Let's all have fun thinking about it! Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, brought people together on May 23 in celebration of Japan's NANBYO Day and International Rare Disease Day (RDD Day). The event brought attention to the world's rare and intractable diseases. Supporters joined in the collaboration as patients performed songs and dances, sending out the message that "it's okay for each person to be different." Attending the event, her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Kiko joined in the singing. She also shared the words in her signature sign language, at which she excels. Afterward, she interacted with the patients and their families. Crown Princess Kiko exchanges comments with participants at NANBYO Rare Diseases Day on May 23 at Expo 2025, Osaka-Kansai. (©Sankei by Yasushi Kawamura) "For all of us, there are things we cannot do. But it's okay that we are all different," crooned singer-songwriter Ayako Ozawa from her wheelchair. She battles muscular dystrophy, an intractable disease that causes muscle weakness. Ayako Ozawa performing a song for NANBYO Day. (©Sankei by Yasushi Kawamura) Ozawa was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 20. At one time, she had given up on finding a job, getting married, and having children. However, with the encouragement of those around her, she was able to accomplish all three. She found a job, got married, and became a mother. "I can't raise my arms, and there are many things I can't do," Ozawa told the crowd. "But it means a lot to let people know that we are all the same human beings at this Expo." Soprano Mamiko Sakaida, who has been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), an autoimmune disease, also let her voice soar from her wheelchair. Mamiko Sakaida sings onstage from her wheelchair. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Singer-songwriter Ayako Ozawa, smiling. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) "As the disease developed, I became paralyzed from the waist down," she said. "Through rehabilitation, I have recovered to the point where I can sing, but it still hurts as if I am being stabbed. There are friends in this venue who are suffering from the same disease. I want people to learn about this while they're at the Expo." Rare and intractable diseases are defined by their low prevalence and complex pathophysiology. These features often result in delayed treatment and hinder drug development. Meanwhile, there are approximately 7,000 rare diseases in the world, with an estimated 350 million patients. Many patients participated with their families. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) In 2016, an NGO focused on rare diseases was established within the United Nations. Its task: create a patient community and raise social awareness. Later, in 2024, Rare Diseases International, a rare disease patient association, was approved as an official partner of the World Health Organization. Wanting a "rare day" to bring attention to the disease annually, February 29 in leap years immediately came to mind. Taking it as a cue, February 28, the day before, was designated World Rare Disease Day. During the last week of February, special events featuring rare diseases and their victims were held around the world. EURODIS, a nonprofit alliance of rare disease patient organizations, hosted the global Rare Disease Day Event on February 28, 2022, at the Dubai Expo (October 2021-March 2022). This time, however, Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai does not include the month of February. Japan, therefore, marked its international contribution by hosting NANBYO Day on May 23 to highlight rare diseases domestically. Patients and families participated together. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Yukiko Nishimura, president of the NPO ASrid, played a key role in organizing the event. "This is the first time that an intractable diseases day event has been held at an expo in Japan," she said. "'Everyone' is the key word. It is an opportunity for patients, families, and supporters to come together and appeal to visitors. We hope people will begin thinking about intractable diseases in a more positive light." Patients, families, and high school students also participated in the NANBYO Day activities. They performed a play of their own composition and expressed their frank opinions. Takashi Hudson Naito gives his presentation at NANBYO Day. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) A high school senior from Osaka Jogakuin High School confided, "Grave's disease changed my appearance. I was trapped because people around me did not understand. "But I transferred to my current school and underwent surgery, and am now able to communicate with others," she added. "I want a society where people can have confidence in themselves and not be ostracized." Takashi Hudson Naito, a junior at Osaka's Nada High School, described his research on brainwaves using AI to determine emotional ups and downs. Naito has a chronic illness himself. "I wear a scarf on my head because I have no hair or eyelashes due to alopecia, the cause of which is unknown," he explained. His dream is to deepen his research and put it to practical use for patients suffering from incurable diseases. Participating high school students. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) The Expo is an international event that reflects the future of society. For high school students and those with rare diseases, it has also provided an opportunity to interact with other patients and their families while introducing the problem to the broader public. They want to keep the focus on "tomorrow." Meanwhile, they are spreading their optimism for discovering new treatments and solutions for rare and intractable diseases. High school students participate in a panel discussion on rare and intractable diseases on May 23 at Expo in Osaka-Kansai. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) This report was first published on May 30, on J apan 2 Earth , a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's initiatives on the SDGs. Author: Mika Sugiura このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
08-05-2025
- Japan Forward
Rusutsu Resort Hotel in Hokkaido Recognized with International Design Award
Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention in Hokkaido's wellness floor was honored with the international 'iF DESIGN AWARD 2025' at an award ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on April 28. The tourist resort located in the village of Rusutsu is operated by Kamori Kanko Co Ltd, based in Sapporo City. As one of Hokkaido's leading tourist facilities, Rusutsu Resort offers skiing, hot springs, and an amusement park. Moreover, it is surrounded by Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The award's international panel of jurors highly evaluated the wellness spa for its design qualities in harmony with nature, incorporating a fusion of water, light, fire, sound, scent, digital, and natural elements based on the concept "fulfilled." Rusutsu Resort onsen baths are enhanced using projection mapping. (Provided by Kamori Kanko Co Ltd.) Views of the dry sauna at Rusutsu Resort. (provided by Kamori Kanko Co Ltd.) The iF DESIGN AWARD is a German international organization that promotes good design, with a history of more than 70 years. Annually, it selects outstanding designs from around 11,000 submissions from all over the world. It is one of the world's three most prestigious design awards, alongside the IDEA Award (USA) and the Red Dot Design Award (Germany). Rusutsu Resort President Hisatake Kamori commented on receiving the award. "To create the ultimate wellness space, we focused on community, living in harmony with nature, and immersing people in the experience. We offer a wide variety of wellness experiences that add color to a rich and creative lifestyle. It is our honor to be recognized for our design, which invites visitors on a journey to balance the mind and body." President Hisatake Kamori (right) at the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 award ceremony. Author: Mika Sugiura
Japan Forward
04-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
How Ajinomoto Thailand and MUFG Are Pioneering Well-Being Through Food and Finance
On January 28 in Bangkok, experts from two very different industries — food and finance — came together to explore the theme of well-being . Japan 2 Earth sat down with Ichiro Sakakura, President of Ajinomoto Thailand Co, Ltd and Ajinomoto SEA Regional Headquarters Co, Ltd, whose company plays a central role in promoting Thai food culture. Joining him was Yuji Kosugi, then Head of the Chemicals & Well-Being Division at MUFG Bank — a department dedicated to tackling social challenges through financial solutions. Their discussion centered on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Excerpts follow. Sakakura (Ajinomoto): We've shifted from fossil fuels to biomass and introduced biomass cogeneration using rice husks at our factories. Also, we've nearly achieved zero GHG emissions from our direct and indirect operations. Now, we're working on reducing emissions across the entire supply chain. In terms of packaging, we've transitioned 56% of all product packaging to recyclable materials. Sakakura passionately speaks about Ajinomoto's vision. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura (Ajinomoto): In Thailand, sugar is often used to deepen flavor and richness, not just to add sweetness. For example, at noodle shops, after choosing the noodles and soup, people often add vinegar, sugar, chili, and fish sauce, which can lead to excessive sugar and salt intake. Food culture varies by region, so standardization is difficult. However, ANPS categorizes Thai cuisine into 10 types and assigns scores. This year [2025], we hope to scientifically validate it in collaboration with Mahidol University, which has a strong reputation in nutrition. Nutrition education from a young age is also key. It's still at the idea stage, but we hope to introduce ANPS in schools in the future. Dishes classified into 10 categories using ANPS. (Courtesy of Ajinomoto) Kosugi (MUFG): I've heard that Ajinomoto developed ANPS as a contribution to society. The next important step is certification. We're actively involved in food rule-making, and we'd like to support these efforts by leveraging our neutral position as a financial institution. Kosugi speaks about "rule-making" for food. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura: Ajinomoto uses 20% of the 1 million tons of tapioca starch distributed domestically in Thailand, making us the largest starch user. Cassava farmers are therefore essential. However, climate change and the spread of cassava mosaic virus are reducing yields. To ensure a stable supply, we launched the "Thai Farmer Better Life Partner Project" in 2020. We hold workshops on plant diseases and use soil analysis to help prevent infections. The number of participating farms has grown from 180 to 1,500. I'm happy to report that their harvests have improved. We're also building a green resource cycle. We provide low-cost fertilizer made from amino acid-rich by-products of our production process. Additionally, we reuse rice husk ash from biomass power generation as a soil conditioner. Our next step is to establish traceability so that harvests from participating farmers can be directly used in our factories. Cassava farmers participating in the program. (Courtesy of Ajinomoto) Sakakura: Well-being is a broad concept, so we've been discussing internally what it means for Ajinomoto. It goes beyond the environment and includes three pillars: Customer, Employee, and Society. It represents our commitment to sustainability-centered management. MUFG Bank has renamed one of its divisions to include the word "well-being." Isn't this quite rare? Kosugi: Our thinking aligns closely with Ajinomoto's. Looking ten years ahead, we envisioned what our division should become. So, in October last year [2024], we renamed the "Sales Division 5" to the "Chemicals & Well-Being Division." I believe it's the only one of its kind in the world. Sakakura: We hold a 90% market share in umami seasonings in Thailand and have built three top brands, thanks to our predecessors. We also maintain a nationwide distribution network and stable operations across our seven factories. One of our key strengths is that all factory managers are Thai and deeply rooted in their communities. A major challenge, however, is the declining population — similar to Japan. In response, we're developing products for an aging society, such as amino acid-based supplements to help prevent muscle loss. Sakakura and Kosugi connecting over shared ideas. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura: When I worked in human resources in Japan, I met Masami Atarashi, the former president of Johnson & Johnson, who was a guest lecturer. I've always liked his phrase "Kotsu-Kotsu-Katsu-Kotsu" [steady effort leads to steady success] — a reminder to keep pushing forward without giving up. For more than 60 years, Ajinomoto Thailand has quietly and steadily focused on the work at hand, consistently delivering results. That mindset remains unchanged. This report is published in cooperation with Ajinomoto, a logo partner of the JAPAN Forward website Japan 2 Earth focused on initiatives to achieve the SDGs. It was first published on Japan 2 Earth . Author: Mika Sugiura
Japan Forward
22-04-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Taiwan Shines at Expo 2025 with TECH WORLD Pavilion
このページを 日本語 で読む The "TECH WORLD" pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is hosted by a Taiwanese private company. Despite not being part of the national exhibitions, it is attracting considerable attention for showcasing Taiwan's presence on the global stage. We joined a tour group of about 150 Taiwanese visitors to find out more. On April 14, the second day of the Expo, the skies cleared after a rainy opening day. The TECH WORLD pavilion stood out on the expo grounds under the sun with its striking design, inspired by Taiwan's majestic mountain ranges. Inside the "TECH WORLD" pavilion with moving screens. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Inside, visitors are greeted by 560 screens arranged like flowers moving in unison. A cylindrical display projects vivid imagery of Taiwan's diverse natural landscapes. These visuals, combined with forest scents and smoke effects, create a multisensory experience that blends advanced technology with the beauty of Taiwan's nature. Each visitor receives a wristband that tracks their heart rate throughout the experience. At the end of the tour, a QR code reveals more information on the exhibits that resonated most, based on their physiological response. Former Minister of Health Twu Shiing-jer commented, "I feel very proud. It's unfortunate that Taiwan couldn't participate as a country, but I'm very grateful to Japan. The pavilion does an excellent job of showcasing Taiwan's semiconductor technology as well." Taiwanese visitors watch a presentation. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Ruth Chang, Executive Director of the "TECH WORLD" pavilion, said approximately 3,000 visitors attended on the first day alone. "The very first visitors were Taiwanese. Some were moved to tears," she commented. "We want this to be a powerful opportunity to showcase Taiwan's strength in semiconductor technology." Because Taiwan is not a member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), it is participating under the name of a private company — Tamayama Digital Tech Co, Ltd. The pavilion is listed simply as "TECH WORLD" on venue maps, with no mention of Taiwan's name or flag. Kaohsiung City Councilor Tiunn Phok-iong with Expo 2025 souvenirs. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Justin Tseng, a Taiwan native living in Hong Kong, also attended. He had previously visited World Expos in Hanover (2000), Aichi (2005), and Shanghai (2010). "Expos are windows into the future, and I have high hopes for this one," he shared. "Although this is a private exhibit, I hope Taiwan will one day participate as an officially recognized country." Kaohsiung City Councilor Tiunn Phok-iong, after touring the pavilion, commented, "The Expo is a stage where countries showcase their national strength. It's unfortunate that Taiwan's name cannot be used, but this is still a valuable opportunity to show our presence." He also remarked, "It would have been nice to see more emphasis on Taiwan in the exhibits." In conjunction with the Expo's opening, a Taiwan festival was held on April 12 and 13 in Osaka's Umeda district. Organized by the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank (IPST), led by CEO Akio Yaita, the event aimed to highlight Taiwan as a unique and independent culture. Many of the Taiwanese tour participants also went to the festival. Taiwanese tour participants pose for a photo at the Taiwan festival. (©JAPAN Forward Mika Sugiura) Tuo Liu, Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, attended the festival's opening ceremony. He said, "Taiwan and Osaka have a close and supportive relationship. Taiwan is actively investing in Japan's IT industry — we complement each other. Taiwan fully supports the Expo." A girl poses for a photo at the Taiwan festival. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) The festival attracted not only Taiwanese visitors and residents but also many locals. They enjoyed live performances by Taiwanese artists and more. Although Taiwan could not officially participate as a nation, the Expo has undoubtedly deepened the connection between Taiwan and Japan. A Taiwanese artist performing at the festival. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Author: Mika Sugiura このページを 日本語 で読む
