Latest news with #YamanashiPrefecturalGovernment
The Mainichi
13-05-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Majority approve Mt. Fuji climbing restrictions, hope tolls used for conservation
FUJIYOSHIDA, Yamanashi -- About 80% of respondents to a survey of Mount Fuji climbers approved of entry restrictions on the Yoshida Trail implemented last year, and many also expressed a desire for the tolls collected to be used for environmental conservation efforts on the mountain. The Yamanashi Prefectural Government began collecting a toll of 2,000 yen (around $14) from hikers at the fifth station of the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of the mountain, and encouraged the voluntary payment of a 1,000-yen Mount Fuji conservation cooperation fee. It also closed the fifth station to hikers between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m., except for those staying at mountain lodges and those descending. The online survey was carried out by the Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail environmental conservation promotion council, a group comprising mountain lodge stakeholders among others, between August and October 2024. It targeted Japanese individuals aged 18 and over who stayed in mountain lodges, receiving 544 valid responses. Kiyotatsu Yamamoto, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo's graduate school and an adviser to the council, compiled and analyzed the data. According to the survey results, 38% of respondents rated the restrictions "highly," and another 44% "somewhat" positively. When asked how they would like the toll fees to be used, with multiple answers allowed, "environmental conservation of Mount Fuji" (477 respondents) and "waste and sewage management" (424 respondents) were the top choices. The least popular option was "staffing costs for collecting money" (60 respondents). Yamamoto noted, "Most climbers view the system positively and want the toll fees to be used for environmental conservation. The prefecture needs to collect the toll fees efficiently." The questionnaire also asked how much they would be willing to pay if the entry fee were increased, providing a series of randomized amounts. Statistical analysis indicated that raising the toll to 4,000 yen (some $27) would reduce the number of climbers by 23%, and a toll of 7,400 yen (around $50) would halve it. However, about 10% of respondents indicated they would pay even if the toll were raised to 18,000 yen (approx. $122). This season, the prefectural government will increase the toll on the Yoshida Trail to 4,000 yen. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the number of climbers. Regarding this, Yamamoto predicted, "Few travelers know the exact amount needed on-site, so the number of climbers is unlikely to decrease as much as theoretical figures suggest." (Japanese original by Tatsuki Noda, Kofu Bureau)
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Hydrogen Production Group Leads Major Japanese Project
The Yamanashi Prefectural Government in Japan and Washington, D.C.-headquartered SGH2 Energy have formalized an agreement to promote green hydrogen-related initiatives in the Fuji Five Lakes region. The area near Mount Fuji is a world-renowned tourist destination celebrated for its natural beauty. The companies on Feb. 13 said the collaboration "marks a pivotal step in the ambitious plan to transform the area into a sustainable 'green metropolis,' setting a benchmark for future urban development globally." SGH2 Energy, a multinational company focused on the gasification of waste into hydrogen, will develop and implement a state-of-the-art carbon-negative hydrogen (C-nH2) production facility. Using local biomass and biogenic waste feedstocks from Yamanashi, the facility will produce green hydrogen to power e-mobility fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) systems, replacing diesel-powered tourist buses, and supplying clean energy to meet the demands of local industries. The agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to advance innovative solutions in green energy and sustainability. The agreement, drafted in both English and Japanese, was signed by Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka, Chairperson of the Fuji Five Lakes Metropolis Forum; and Robert T. Do, CEO of SGH2 Energy Global Corp. Do said, "This partnership represents a groundbreaking step toward addressing the global climate crisis. By combining our expertise in carbon-negative hydrogen technologies with Yamanashi Prefecture's visionary leadership, we aim to establish the Fuji Five Lakes region as a global hub for innovation and sustainability. The integration of green hydrogen into local industries and transportation will serve as a model for the world." The companies said the partnership between Yamanashi Prefecture and SGH2 Energy is a milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Its utilization of local biomass and biogenic waste feedstocks to produce carbon-negative hydrogen could be a blueprint for green energy integration in transportation and industry. "Our collaboration with SGH2 Energy demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future," said Nagasaki. "The development of a carbon-negative hydrogen production facility is a significant milestone in our efforts to combat climate change, and it showcases the Fuji Five Lakes region as a pioneer in sustainable tourism and clean energy innovation." Nagasaki is a distinguished politician in Japan. He is a graduate of the University of Tokyo and Cornell Law School. His career includes significant roles in the Ministry of Finance and as a member of Japan's House of Representatives. Tasaka is a globally recognized philosopher, visionary, and author. He has a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering and an extensive career in academia, advisory roles, and thought leadership. His Fuji Five Lakes Green Metropolis Forum aims to establish a sustainable urban model in the Fuji Five Lakes area. The Forum's vision includes pioneering social experiments and fostering global collaborations through initiatives such as the Fuji Green Hydrogen Community Consortium, which combats climate change by advancing green hydrogen technologies. It also spearheads the Fuji Five Lakes Global Village Consortium and WISE Government Consortium, which drive innovative governance and community development practices. —POWER edited this content, which was contributed by SGH2 Energy's communications team.
