Author: Eric Margolis

Japan’s potential for offshore wind energy is vast, with the government aiming to boost the industry to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Despite facing delays and opposition, a new legislative amendment could open up Japan’s extensive marine territory for offshore wind farms, crucial for reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. The global offshore wind industry has seen significant growth, offering benefits like strong energy efficiency and mass installation capabilities. However, Japan still faces challenges due to high costs and limited infrastructure for turbine manufacturing. While the country has abundant wind resources in its exclusive economic zone, development has been…

Japan’s education ministry is celebrating recent survey results showing an improvement in English proficiency among students. Over 50% of third-year junior and senior high school students have achieved Grade 3 and Grade Pre-2 or higher on Eiken proficiency tests. The government set a target for this number to reach 60% by 2027. Despite Japan’s current ranking of 87th out of 113 non-English speaking countries for English proficiency, bilingual education is on the rise. Only 13% of Japanese speak multiple languages, compared to higher percentages in other countries like Thailand, France, Australia, Switzerland, and more. However, schools focusing on bilingual education…

Japan’s latest emissions data shows a 19.3% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from their peak in fiscal 2013, but the nation still has 1,085 megatons of emissions as it aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. Despite this target, experts believe Japan is far from being on track due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and slow progress in renewables. The green transformation law, criticized for being unambitious, reflects the challenge of balancing economic and environmental interests. While Japan received a “fossil” award from the Climate Action Network, there are some politicians driving climate action forward. However, factors such as…

Yukio Mishima, the infamous Japanese author, had already cemented his legacy before his controversial ritual suicide in 1970. His attempt to inspire a coup d’etat showed his extreme right-wing beliefs, contrasting with the brilliance of his writing. Despite the divisive nature of his politics, Mishima’s prose is widely acclaimed for its beauty. By the time of his death at 45, he had penned literary masterpieces like “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” and “The Sea of Fertility.” His exploration of beauty and madness in his characters creates an immersive and intense reading experience. Mishima’s works delve deep into the themes…