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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
New York, NY, United States, 11/18/2009 - Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama disclosed to the world his ambitious goal of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. He says taking an initiative in an effort to cut emissions could be good for the Japanese economy.
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Yukio Hatoyama aims to change Japan's economic structure into one that is less dependent on fossil fuels while boosting technological capacity and competitiveness of her economy. It would also bring drastic changes to Japan's economy and society as declared in the election campaign manifesto. The newly elected Democratic Party to govern Japan mentioned major goals to tackle global warming and to establish a low-carbon society.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is considering a mandatory shifts of certain power resources to be generated from renewable energy resources such as hybrid systems, wind/water power energies, solar panels and lithium iron batteries. And, late last month, Ministry of the Environment submitted a request to introduce next year a new tax on gasoline and carbon fuels. This could bring in about 22 billon dollars to state coffers.
The 25% emissions cut may provide companies with various business opportunities including ways to save energy inside office buildings and further uses of renewable energy. On the other hand, the businesses fear that this ambitious goal will force many manufacturers to shift their production overseas or weaken international competitiveness.
"A thoughtful consideration must be made, but I remember similar developments taken place during the oil crisis. Many domestic companies have had hard times in those days, however, the industry overcame its shock and Japan's economy became more competitive. Hatoyama referred the economic strength and capability to achieve technological revolution in his initial policy speech. The government intends to fully support such potentials. Comprehensive measures must be taken which everybody takes part and it will be consisting of these two dynamics; policy packages and public movement."
Environment Minister, Sakihito Ozawa
By striving to reduce the cost of cutting emissions as much as possible while retaining corporate strengths, can Japan's industrial structure be transformed into one growth potential? Specific measures to achieve this have yet to be seen.
"Today's Close-up" will feature the exclusive interview of the Environment Minister Ozawa, who is at the forefront of this issue.
"Japan Aims To Cut CO2 25%" will be presented in Television around the greater New York Metropolitan area, for both American and Japanese in English voice over, by USN (US-Nippon Communications Network, a division of IRM U.S.A. Inc.) on Saturday, November 21 from 5 PM on WNET (NYC-TV) Ch. 25. The program was produced by NHK, Japan’s Public Broadcasting. It can be seen in digital ground air wave as well as on various cables and satellite networks.
This documentary is one in a series entitled "Today's Close-Up" produced by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). It had its premier broadcast in Japan, November 4, 2009.
USN broadcasts to the greater NY Metropolitan Area every Saturday via NYC-TV Ch. 25 (5:00 - 6:00 pm.) The program includes "Visit to My Homeland" - a sightseeing tour of Japan's countryside; "Japan Video Topics" - what's on Japan, culture, cuisine, Matsuri (Festival) and other curious scenes from Japan. "USN Report" - community news of U.S. -Japan events in New York area; and "Wuta" - featuring clips from Japan's pop music scene.
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