We have 4 stories from Great Gear up so far：

☆ Automotive Engineering Exhibition 2012

☆ Taking Urban Solar Energy to the Next Level

☆ Environmental Exposition 2012

☆ Rethinking Hydroelectricity

We only upload stories that feature environmental issues but GREAT GEAR covers a broader spectrum of  issues.  So, please check it out.  For more details and recent stories, please follow this link:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/greatgear/index.html#Schedule


Thanks!  Have a great week!

Although it was very difficult to interview people who had been through so much hardship, I am always impressed and genuinely touched about how strong and positive the Japanese have been during this difficult time.  The spirit of “gambarou” or “perseverance” is definitely a reoccurring theme among many of the people I met in the last three months while shooting for Green Style Japan. And in terms of sustainability, it was interesting to hear so many young voices pushing toward a greener Japan.  While speaking with a group of freshman at Nihon University about an energy efficient LOHAS house, I was happy to hear one young man say, “Japan has been through hell, and there has been so much damage. So if we are going to start building something new, it’s a chance to do it sustainability.”  Now that’s what I like to hear.

Please stay tuned in February to watch our new season (4 episodes) of Green Style Japan.  One 30-minute program will air every Thursday at 8:30am Japan Standard Time and rebroadcast every 4 hours.



Green Style Japan On-Air Schedule:

Feb. 2 (Sustainable Recovery Post 3.11)
Episode 1 features microbubble technology used to revive oyster beds in areas that were destroyed by the March tsunami.  Take a look at how seawater is used to turn concrete debris into a new building material.

Feb. 9 (Raising Radiation Awareness)
Episode 2 shows how citizens and educators are stepping up radiation education in an aim to raise awareness and protect their children.

Feb.16 (Unique technology for CO2 reduction)
Episode 3 introduces recent efforts to reduce carbon dioxide pollution through methods such as carbon capturing.  Check out the LOHAS project (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability), which features a prototype home that is making the most of natural resources.

Feb.23 (Protecting Forests)
Episode 4 brings you into the forests of Japan where new trends such as volunteer forestry among young people is helping boost local industry.  Also a look at forest therapy takes you on a hike that will not only revive your senses but lower your stress level!

And our clip of the week is a preview of some of the topics to be discussed in the upcoming Green Style Japan series. This video titled “3.11 and Radioactive Contamination”,discusses radiation pollution and power shortages across Japan. 

“3.11 and Radioactive Contamination”

That’s all for me today. Have a great week and see you next time!

In a recent shoot for green lifestyle show, "Green Style Japan," we also covered the problem of forests in Japan. In Japan, it's not deforestation that's the problem, rather it's neglect.  Many forests are left untended, resulting in overgrown trees fighting for light and resources,  which eventually leads to dying, unhealthy forests.



One company we featured, Oak Village, has specialized in developing in manufacturing wooden furniture, interior goods and accessories based on the concept of making products that last 100 years using trees that took 100 years to grow.  What a concept!  Building things to last because resources are precious!!


The below photo is taken during our shoot, where I introduced some of the lovely scents from the firm's  line of aroma oils, such as the smell of "kuromoji," which some say smell like the Amazon rosewood tree which faces threat of extinction due to overharvesting and development.

This report on "Forests" will be part of a new series on the program, "Green Style Japan," which will be aired on Wednesday, February 9thth (23:00-0:00 UTC) on NHK World.


One of the challenges we have in preserving our forests is the dilemma many countries face in choosing between economic growth and preservation of their natural resources. 
Take a look this report  "Hot Spot Dilemma," which examines the affects of deforestation and development in tropical regions such as Indonesia and the need to set up conservation areas to prevent further loss of biodiversity.

The islanders who live here are gentle spirits with a very strong sense of community and deep pride for their culture.  Seafaring has long been a part of their culture, and the love of the ocean and the respect people give to the sea is apparent in daily life.

So now more about diving!  I am still relatively new to diving but I must say I've been absolutely spoiled by the biodiversity that exists in the sea here.  The first day out, the captain of the boat made a sudden stop to point out something in the water.  He slowed down the boat and soon enough groups of dolphins were making themselves seen coming out of the water as if to greet us. Now under the sea, that is a completely different world!  Giant clams, turtles, and sharks are common sights at 15 meters below sea level.

I can now say that I know why divers and scientists all over the world come to Palau to check out the amazing biodiversity that lives here. These days, more attention is focused on changing sea levels and the affect of rising waters on habitats of both land and sea creatures. See more on this issue in the clip, "Rising Water, Rising Concerns."

Jellyfish Lake was the highlight of my trip!  This ancient lake is one of a kind as it contains countless jellyfish that do not sting; therefore it's safe to swim with them.

It is said that thousands, perhaps even millions of years ago, jellyfish were trapped in this lake after a submerged reef rose from the sea when tectonic plates shifted.  This created a landlocked saltwater lake. Here the jellyfish have no natural predators and adapted to the new conditions by losing their stinging ability. Although the jellies do not sting, I did feel a bit itchy when I was in the water.

These "Golden Jellyfish" have eight eyes and algae that live within their bodies. These algae are what the jellyfish survive on. Twice daily, the jellies in swim from one side of the lake to the other to get sunlightso the algae in their bodies can grow. At night the jellyfish swim to a lower depth (the lake is about 30 meters deep) where the water is rich in nitrogen. Since I went there during the daytime, these interesting creatures could be found everywhere one swam.  If you ever come to Palau, I highly recommend swimming in Jellyfish Lake!

You can see more on how recycling waste can lead to some pretty innovative products in Japan.  Check out this clip on"Eco Ideas for a Symbiotic Society," to learn more how businesses are coming up with eco-ideas like reusing everyday items to help improve society.