Owner: Japanese Eco-friendly Ideas and Goods URL:http://www.eco-friendly-japan.com/ Join Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:18:18 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Hand made dictionary of Japanese eco-friendly ways of living, culture, philosophy, products and business ideas. A hint for your lifestyle and business. Powered by ECOTWAZA TIMES. Site statistics:Click here
Meet a Professional: Simon, the Butler of Kabukiza Theatre (3/4) 2008-07-29 19:40:21 Meeting the Most Dynamic Art in Japan The first person related to Kabuki Simon
met was Bando Tamasaburo, one of the most famous actors throughout the world. Actors and directors of Kabukiza were often staying at Hilton Nagoya for a performance tour, and during the one month stay Simon served them as Hilton Butler
. “I was just surprised of how thorough Tamasaburo was as an artist. Hotel butlers g
Meet a Professional: Simon, the Butler of Kabukiza Theatre (2/4) 2008-07-28 19:40:00 Not Only Luck; As a Hilton Butler
After graduating high school Simon
decides to start working instead of going on with education because he “didn’t have anything to expect from university.” He experiences various jobs from a construction worker to a hotel butler of Hilton Nagoya. The Hilton Butler is a staff specialized in hosting VIP customers. Simon was applying for a restaurant waiter, bu
Shakyo for Holiday 2008-07-28 00:35:10 I went to Kamakura for holiday with a friend to experience SHAKYO. What is Shakyo (写経)?To write a Buddhist Sutra using Japanese brush and ink. It helps you concentrate and become "MU", a state of complete concentration.This was the second time I experienced Shakyo. It is one of my favorite ways of spending holiday, time of inner-reflection. If you want to release stress from work, Shakyo is mu Read more:Holiday
Meet a Professional: Simon, the Butler of Kabukiza Theatre (1/4) 2008-07-28 00:09:19 Simon Yoshizumi is the operating manager of Kabukiza, the most traditional theatre in Japan. His hospitality plays a big role in customer satisfaction, and his understanding of Japanese culture makes him the face of Kabukiza theatre. Born between a Japanese father and English mother, Simon’s life in Japan wasn’t so easy. Through his story, we will uncover both the light and dark of Japanese cu Read more:Butler
, Simon
CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) 2008-07-26 19:31:31 What is CDM?It is one of the emission trading mechanisms within the Kyoto Protocol. It is difficult for developed countries to achieve their CO2 reduction goals on their own, and on the other hand, it is obvious that developing countries need to reduce their CO2 emission, even though they don't have obligation. So this mechanism enables developed and developing countries to cooperate for CO2 emiss Read more:Clean
, Development
Carbon offset 2008-07-25 03:53:04 MeaningsCarbon
emission offsetting can be used to offset the inevitable CO2 pollution after you have done your best to try to avoid the pollution in the first place. We must be sure to first make effort to reduce CO2 before paying money. When you offset, you will become "Carbon Neutral"...this term was the Oxford American Dictionary Word of the year 2006. Examples（Mr.Koizumi) Our manager gets sn
The Revenge of Gaia 2008-07-25 02:54:43 The reason why James Lovelock is supported by so many people is because of his deep and broad insight toward Earth, outside his profession as scientist. This book is my favorite because it gives us a great overview of global warming and the doing of human race. It is amazing how he looks at the future in terms of hundreds of years. (many books on environment nowadays only cast the next five to ten Read more:Revenge
No title 2008-07-25 02:30:00 Meanings"Eco" will be the first vocabulary you want to cover to start exploring Japanese eco-friendly way of thinking.Eco comes from "Ecology", or "Eco-friendly", as you might have guessed.You see, Japanese people like to make words shorter, so we started using "Eco" meaning eco-friendly. Nowdays, the meaning is expanding, and anything related to environment is expressed "Eco". It is now becoming
Interview with Simon Yoshizumi 2008-07-25 01:53:49 Interview with Simon
; articles coming up July 28→30If you ever have a chance of going to Kabuki-za Theatre, meet Simon Yoshizumi (35). As the operation manager of Shochiku, he is the concierge to Japanese traditional culture. Born between a Japanese father and English mother, life in Japan wasn’t so easy for Simon. His interview will illuminate both the light and dark of Japanese culture, and
Lunch with Ecotwaza Times 2008-07-23 19:51:33 You might want to sit alone for lunch once in a while. Take an Ecotwaza Times
with you... Read more:Lunch
Difference between generations 2008-07-22 07:55:54 It is interesting how many Japanese young people around 25 ~ 35 are very concerened about environmental issues. Maybe because of education. The way they think seem to be different from younger generations, who think of nature conservation as common sense, whereas over 25s have a stronger motivation to move the world. Possibly because we (i am 28 too) were old enough to understand the Rio Summit, K
Koan Inn 2008-07-22 07:04:39 If you are planning a trip to somewhere nice and cool in summer,Kawaguchi Lake is the place.It is a resort area at the foot of Mount Fuji. And if you are going to Kawaguchi Lake, Koan Inn, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Shimada, was one of the best petit hotels i've ever been to. They opened this hotel after retirement. Very nice people. The interior is mainly antique English furniture,but you can feel som
Japanese eco-friendly ideas 2008-07-19 06:54:26 hi my name is Reina, i am Japanese
, living in Tokyo.I grew up in NY till 10 years old, and since moving to Japan,i've always been surprised by the Japanese ways of thinking about nature.so i decided to share some ideas
and products that are eco-friendly in japan.well, i might write about myself or my business once in a while too...please leave comments so i can feel how people from other countries
Types of rain 2008-07-19 06:54:09 It is now the rainy season in Japan.The season lasts for about a month, depending on the area but from the end of June to late July in Tokyo.The rainy season is called "Tsuyu", and we write it "Plum rain season" in Chinese characters.Beautiful, isn't it?There are many names for each type of rain in Japan.Yuudachi (Late afternoon rain)Gouu (Very hard rain)Kirisame (Foggy rain)Hisame (Cold rain in w
How Many Gods Are There? 2008-07-19 06:53:53 This may be a strange question for some of you.Only one God?Well, that may be the truth for many people.But in Japan, traditionally there are said to be 8 million gods.Gods everywhere.There are Tree God, Stone God, even God of bathrooms and God of kitchen.We should respect God, and therefore we have to respect everything around us.RESPECT is a key concept for thinking about our relation with natur
Yukata (casual kimono) 2008-07-19 06:53:44 Have you ever heard of YUKATA?it is similar to kimono, but made of cotton whereas kimonos are made of silk.yukatas were casual wears in the past.nowadays, girls wear yukatas for summer festivals.(the dark purple thing i am wearing in my profile picture is a Yukata)Yukata used to be a very eco-friendly item.When you buy a new Yukata, you first use it as a casual wear.After a while, it becomes a nig
Mottainai 2008-07-19 06:53:26 Another basic vocabulary.This word suddenly became common worldwide, thanks to Dr. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Laureate from Kenya.It is a Japanese concept meaning "it is a pity to waste".hmm, difficult to translate its subtle meanings...It's not accusing, but rather a word that comes out with a sigh. We use it when we don't want to throw away something, or when we think that a thing or person
Summer garden 2008-08-13 20:09:40 This is a picture of our office garden. We have pine (MATSU), Japanese apricot (UME), persimmon (KAKI), hydrangea (AJISAI) and other plants. Many birds come singing. You can enjoy beautiful apricot blossoms in early spring. The garden cools down the heat with dark green leaves in summer. Now autumn is coming, and we are looking forward to the persimmon fruits. They were nice and tasty last year, w Read more:Summer
My HASHI (my chopsticks) 2008-08-13 20:07:16 HASHI, meaning chopsticks, is our common utensil. It is originally made of wood or plastic to be used many times, but many restaurants were serving "disposable chopsticks" to lessen their costs for washing. (Just like plastic forks and knives) Also the 24 hour stores gave out "disposable chopsticks" to increase customer satisfaction. Disposable chopsticks are called WARIBASHI, meaning "splitting H
Enjoy RYO 2008-08-13 20:07:03 RYO means "coolness" in Japanese.We use this word to express objects or happenings that bring coolness to our five senses.A cool breeze will be RYO, and the sound of glass wind chime will be RYO as well. The sight of girls in YUKATA around sunset, or the sound and sight of clear water stream could be RYO. Sharbets and cool tea is of course RYO. Telling eachother scary stories will be RYO too, beca
Interview with Gianfranco Scimone 2008-08-13 20:06:30 Vol.3 of Ecotwaza Times is coming up in September. We are honered to have Mr. Gianfranco Scimone grace our cover. Gian is a fashion designer, location planner and a professional model for many Japanese magazines. We had a significant interview on Sunday, talked about what we lost over the last century, and what we can do to make a better future. Gianfranco has been the observer of Japan for the pa
TOMBO 2008-08-09 19:00:01 TOMBO is the Japanese word for Dragonfly.Other names for TOMBO in Japanese will be AKIDU or KAGERO.AKIDU is an ancient word for TOMBO, and it is also the old way of expressing JAPAN. The reason is said to be that an ancient emperor looked at Japan from the height and said that it is a round country just like two mating dragonflys.蜻蛉 (sorry for those who aren't able to see Japanese characters)w
Vote Result 2008-08-09 03:05:54 Did you notice the voting board on the right side of this blog?The theme was;"Which country has the most eco-friendly policy?"The choices were USA, Germany, Holland and Japan.(taken between July 14 to July 31, 2008)10 people voted during the period, and 7 voted for Germany, 3 for Holland.Too bad for the US and Japan...Well, only 10 people, but this might be reflecting the global view. I have a fee Read more:Result
FUJIYAMA Scavenge 2008-08-09 00:47:11 Planning to visit Mt. Fuji?How about joining a scavenge tour at the foot of Fujiyama?The event is coordinated by a Japanese NPO, Good Day.The members are mostly under 30, a young and active organization.2008 will be their 7th Scavenge Tour.When?August 30th - 31stHow much?15000 yen/persontransportation, accomodation, 3 meals, carbon offset, and insurance included.(lunch for first day and alcohol no
SEKKA (Japanese pottery select shop) 2008-08-06 19:30:38 Looking for souvenir?Japanese
pottery of SEKKA can be an option.WASHOKU (Japanese cuisine) is said to be "good for tasting and for watching". The dishes play a big role in the whole eating process. It is fancy to enjoy different dishes and table settings according to the four seasons. Good dishes are made of natural material such as mud and stone, and repairable. SEKKA will be hosting a table coor
Natural Furniture Nishioka 2008-08-06 19:28:49 The biggest reason of modern environmental issues is mass consumption and mass disposal. Nishioka, as a furniture shop stands against this topic.Located at Asakusa, Mr. and Mrs. Nishioka have a strong opinion about furniture.Good furniture should be strong enough to be used for centuries, made of natural materials, and repairable. They supply furniture made of selected fine Japanese wood, painted Read more:Furniture
, Natural
Global Boiling 2008-08-06 08:50:08 Our office is an old Japanese house in the suburbs of Tokyo.NO AIR CONDITIONERS.The house didn't have an air conditioner, and we procrastinated to install one.And since summer came, we decided to experience global warming ourselves.Afterall, it is very difficult to seriously think about the issue when you are comfortably working in an air-conditioned office. (Sometimes even freezing in the middle Read more:Global
Uchimizu (Splashing water for coolness) 2008-08-05 17:57:00 UCHIMIZU is a Japanese custom reviving these days because of Global boiling. (remember, worse than "warming"!)UCHI means to hit or splash, and MIZU means water
.UCHIMIZU is to splash water on the street.Originally, people sprinkled water on the dirt street in front of their houses to calm down the dust. It also played a role in cooling down the heat in summer. Water removes heat from the street whe
How to Fight Back Mosquitos 2008-08-03 00:02:49 Mosquitos are the feature of Japanese summer.If you want to live a comfortable summer, combatting mosquitos is one big issue.So here are some Japanese tips so you don't have to use unhealthy insecticide.1.Don't let them come near youUse a KAYA. KAYA is a large net like a tent that you can put up in your room so that mosquitos don't come in. It is good when going to bed, or when your children are p Read more:Mosquitos
BOOK 246 2008-08-01 21:11:49 Book 246 is a select-shop type of bookstore in Aoyama.They sell english and japanese books related to "traveling", but cover a wide range from psychology to architecture. The shop itself is very stylish, but it could be interesting to meet the shop manager Yusuke. He sure knows alot about rare books. He studied Japanese NOH in university, in particular a famous and unique play of "Adachigahara". I
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