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6.3 Coexisting in Harmony with Beautiful Nature
6.3.1 A World that Is Comfortable for All Living Things
As mentioned earlier, Japan should aim at becoming a leading country in resolving
societal problems. I believe that Japan has the strength to do so. In actual fact, Japan
has overcome many difficulties in the past.
When industrialization was proceeding at a fast pace during Japan’s period of
high economic growth, the natural environment was being polluted at various places
throughout the country. Pollution-related diseases such as Minamata disease (from
mercury poisoning), Itai-itai disease (from cadmium poisoning), and Yokkaichi
asthma (from sulfur-oxide pollution) occurred. Whether it is the United States or
Russia or wherever, any areas close to industrial zones are liable to be polluted.
However, as Japan is limited in terms of space, houses are quite often located close
to factories and people have been directly affected. In light of this situation, the
industrial world developed technologies to eliminate toxic substances and thus
overcame pollution issues.
If a burden is placed on the natural environment, not only people but all living
things will be affected. If forests die and the natural environment falls into ruin, then
living things in that area lose their habitat. Many wild animals are in danger of
extinction and already some species endemic to Japan have disappeared.
Fig. 6.7 Efforts to revitalize forestry & timber industry in town of Shimokawa
6.3 Coexisting in Harmony with Beautiful Nature
6.3 Coexisting in Harmony with Beautiful Nature
6.3.1 A World that Is Comfortable for All Living Things
As mentioned earlier, Japan should aim at becoming a leading country in resolving
societal problems. I believe that Japan has the strength to do so. In actual fact, Japan
has overcome many difficulties in the past.
When industrialization was proceeding at a fast pace during Japan’s period of
high economic growth, the natural environment was being polluted at various places
throughout the country. Pollution-related diseases such as Minamata disease (from
mercury poisoning), Itai-itai disease (from cadmium poisoning), and Yokkaichi
asthma (from sulfur-oxide pollution) occurred. Whether it is the United States or
Russia or wherever, any areas close to industrial zones are liable to be polluted.
However, as Japan is limited in terms of space, houses are quite often located close
to factories and people have been directly affected. In light of this situation, the
industrial world developed technologies to eliminate toxic substances and thus
overcame pollution issues.
If a burden is placed on the natural environment, not only people but all living
things will be affected. If forests die and the natural environment falls into ruin, then
living things in that area lose their habitat. Many wild animals are in danger of
extinction and already some species endemic to Japan have disappeared.
Fig. 6.7 Efforts to revitalize forestry & timber industry in town of Shimokawa
6.3 Coexisting in Harmony with Beautiful Nature