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Upon seeing many good case studies and considering logical possibilities, I have
come to believe that the trilemma of the environment, stable provision of material
and energy, and economic growth can be overcome.
Macro-Level Viewpoint of Harmony with Nature
Japanese company Ito En has consolidated abandoned farmlands in order to produce tea leaves as raw materials for its products. The total consolidated land area is
close to 400 hectares, and abandoned farmlands have been restored into beautiful
tea plantations, as can be seen in the photograph (Fig. 19). For the company, ensuring the safe and stable supply of tea leaves has become possible by involving itself
directly in the production. In the regions in which Ito En operates, agriculture has
not only become a competitive industry but also revived employment. Its initiative
has thus simultaneously resolved both business-related and social issues.
Farmlands and forests occupy 80% of Japan’s land. Currently, about 7% of farmlands are abandoned, and 70% of forests are substantially left untended. It is thus
Fig. 18 The number of tourists has doubled since clear streams over which fireflies dance have
returned to the Genbe River in Mishima City. (Courtesy: Groundwork Mishima)
Preface: From “Vision 2050” to “New Vision 2050”
Upon seeing many good case studies and considering logical possibilities, I have
come to believe that the trilemma of the environment, stable provision of material
and energy, and economic growth can be overcome.
Macro-Level Viewpoint of Harmony with Nature
Japanese company Ito En has consolidated abandoned farmlands in order to produce tea leaves as raw materials for its products. The total consolidated land area is
close to 400 hectares, and abandoned farmlands have been restored into beautiful
tea plantations, as can be seen in the photograph (Fig. 19). For the company, ensuring the safe and stable supply of tea leaves has become possible by involving itself
directly in the production. In the regions in which Ito En operates, agriculture has
not only become a competitive industry but also revived employment. Its initiative
has thus simultaneously resolved both business-related and social issues.
Farmlands and forests occupy 80% of Japan’s land. Currently, about 7% of farmlands are abandoned, and 70% of forests are substantially left untended. It is thus
Fig. 18 The number of tourists has doubled since clear streams over which fireflies dance have
returned to the Genbe River in Mishima City. (Courtesy: Groundwork Mishima)
Preface: From “Vision 2050” to “New Vision 2050”