1.Fukushima Fisheries Revitalization Project
Hisashi KUROKURA, Nobuyuki YAGI
The purpose of this project is to provide innovative proposals to help revitalize Fukushima fishery. In Fukushima, significant damage has been caused by the large-scale release of radioactive substances from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. On 15 March 2011, fishers in Fukushima voluntarily stopped fishing operations in the waters inside of Fukushima Prefecture. From March 2011 to June 2012, all commercial fishing activities in Fukushima waters were suspended. During this period, various governmental institutes collected and analyzed samples of marine organisms and released information on levels of radioactive substances. In June 2012, the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations decided a limited resumption of fishing activities. But the challenge exists on weak consumer confidence following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The proposals to be discussed in this study must be reasonably practicable and address the issues of the weak consumer confidence. The proposal can be presented to Fukushima fishermen or other stakeholders hopefully to receive their feedbacks.
2.Revitalizing rural areas in Japan with wine-grape production on abandoned fields
Kazuhiko KOBAYASHI and Teiji TAKAHASHI
In recent years, Japanese wine has gained increased popularity among the consumers for its remarkably improved quality along with their special characters. Nevertheless, the share of Japanese wine stays at only about 6% of the total wine supply in Japan due to the constraint of declining production of wine grapes in Japan. Against this situation, both large and small wineries have started growing wine grapes on abandoned fields, whose area has been increasing due to the declining rural population. It has indeed been shown that good quality grapes can be harvested in the fields formerly planted to mulberries and apples. The wine grape production could therefore offer an opportunity for saving rural communities from further declines in economy and societal integrity. This project aims at revitalization of rural areas in Japan by increasing wine grape production on abandoned or idle fields. Participants will join field trips and conduct document surveys to first understand the current situations and critical issues of wine grape production in Japan. They will then attend discussion meetings and come up with a report proposing solutions to attain the goal along with necessary technological and institutional interventions.
3.Nature restoration project of Shinobazu pond
Takashi YAMAKAWA
Shinobazu pond is located in Ueno Park. This area still remains a lot of natural environment, and this is a place for relaxation and refreshment for people in Tokyo. However, it became an object of public concern by silting up, water quality deterioration, and increase of introduced species.
The purpose of this project is to provide a proposal to restore the natural environment of Shinobazu pond by field and bibliographic survey and group discussion.
（Japanese and English）
4.Heartful rural planning for Iitate Village 2014: a software to visit a grave from a remote place
Masaru MIZOGUCHI and Naoki HAYASHI
As for restoration of Iitate village, we focus on visiting a grave, which maintains a sense of belonging to one’s hometown. For evacuees of Iitate village, we will make a software to visit a grave from a remote place. In addition, we can use data (e.g., pictures and temperatures) from a field device for observation.（Japanese）
5.Thinking sustainable future
Tetsuya ARAKI
This group work requires your attendance at the seminar for young engineers which will be held by the Japan Society of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers on Oct 24 (Fri). Based on the team discussion results in the seminar, you will propose your ideas about sustainable future.
6.Attractiveness of local food oil "Jiabura" production
Kensuke OKADA
Edible oil is an essential component of human diet. It is known to be related to various contemporary adult diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. Thus, consuming high quality oil is a key to maintaining good health. The oil produced by major food processing company has several inherent problems. In fact, oil extraction and refining are the relatively simple processes. And introducing oil production into the rural communities are now drawing wide attention as a venture to connect various local actors leading to the vitalization of the local communities. The purpose of this group activity is to conduct a case study at a farmers’group in Namegata-city (80 km from Tokyo), which is playing the leading role of oil production in Kanto area, and to formulate a proposal to make the project more effective. Around two field visits, group discussion and finalization of the proposal are the key activities. All the activities are conducted in English.
Last Update 2015/2/3