The report, Renewables Global Futures Report 2013 (∗leaving NHK site) is the product of a collaboration between an international renewable energy policy network, REN21 (∗leaving NHK site), and a Japanese think tank, the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (ISEP) (∗leaving NHK site).

The program, Japan’s Energy Shift, that I introduced in my earlier blog will go on air on NHK World.  This was originally broadcast on NHK’s satellite 1 and was re-edited and went on air on NHK’s terrestrial channel 1 in Japanese.  Now, it will go on air on NHK World this weekend on Feb. 2, 2013.  So, this time it will all be in English!  For details of the program schedule, please go to http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/special/index2_1.html  Because the viewership is global, the program will go on air 6 times on that day.  So, hopefully, one of these times will fit your schedule.

Great Gear is weekly show which started in April. On it, we introduce Japanese technologies and products. Every week, one of our reporters visits an industry tradeshow and covers the latest trends. Are you into cars? Cameras? Or how about eco-friendly products? Well, there are tradeshows for all of them, and where there's a tradeshow, there's a Great Great reporter! On our other segments, we introduce products which exhibit distinctly Japanese qualities, such as attention to detail and quality workmanship, or represent a new approach to a traditional craft. So if a story on how a centuries-old handcrafting business in Kyoto has adapted itself and is thriving today sounds interesting to you, be sure to check the program out.

☆Ensure your home security while saving electricity this summer

Today, I want to introduce you a new program on NHK World that has been recently added to our Eco Channel collection.

Great Gear is a new program started this April on NHK World and on Digital Educational channel (only available in Japan).

Great Gear features the latest in Japanese innovations and technologies from a wide range of industries.  The program is for 28-minutes and full of interesting ideas and people.  It is pretty neat to see how good old Japanese traditions are applied to enhance our modern day living also.

The program is hosted by Yoshi Ogasawara .  
Born in the USA, he has been living in Japan for the past 8 years.  In addition to his work in television media, he is a professional visual artist.

The opening ceremony for the Olympics in London is just hours away!  I read in a newspaper  that the opening ceremony will feature rain-producing synthetic clouds.  Interesting stuff, isn’t it?  Oh, how I wish they could bring those synthetic clouds here in Tokyo so that I could bask in a cool rain shower in this sweltering summer heat in Tokyo!!! The sun beam is so strong that it actually hurts like so many needles stinging my skin!  

Anyways, today, I want to talk about towels.  My daughter now plays in a small pool at nursery school and I have more towels to wash everyday.  In Japan, many of us hang our clothes outside to dry, instead of using dryer.  The summer sun does the job.  However, there is an issue.  The washing, especially towels, becomes really coarse and tough on the surface.  When dried with an electrical dryer, the towels are soft and fluffy.
So, I was trying to find a way to make them fluffy and cuddly and found it right here on our eco channel site.  Those of you who can read Japanese, here’s the link.

【movie】Japan bracing for the heat of the summer