5th September 2005
Japan for Sustainability

The environmental NGO Japan for Sustainability (JFS) (Co-representatives, Junko Edahiro & Hiroyuki Tada), has chosen 20 headline indicators for sustainability based on an analysis of over 200 data sets in several sustainability-related categories. This is the first ever numerical evaluation / trial calculation of national sustainability for Japan. Results show a score of 33.5 points for 2005 in relation to a hypothetical perfect score of 100 projected for 2050. Japan’s score for 1990 was 41.3 points, meaning sustainability in Japan has declined about 19% since 1990.

Though these are still trial calculations, they delineate the gap between the ideal and the reality of sustainability in Japan. JFS’s aims are to point out the problem, evoke a wide-ranging discussion on how to build a sustainable society in Japan, and specifically, promote the adoption of a comprehensive national sustainability strategy.

1. Nature: 16.4 (1990)  24.0 (2005)
   Greater awareness still needs to be acted on.
   
   
2. Economy: 37.6 (1990)  18.2 (2005)
   Worst decline; massive debt threatens future generations
   
   
3. Society: 43.4(1990)  35.4 (2005)
   SRI, women’s participation up, traditional industry down.
   
   
4. Well-being: 67.6(1990)  56.4 (2005)
   Overall high figures tainted by high suicide rate.

For further information please contact the JFS office. Email: info@japanfs.org

JFS has launched their Kids' "Create Your Future" Website with an aim to encourage children worldwide to take interest in and gain an understanding of environmental issues, and to think and act independently in response.

Through this site, we emphasize the concept of taking a creative approach toward the realization of a more ecological future on our planet unrestrained by conventional ideas, and we aim to introduce innovative ways of thinking to support concrete methods for sustainable living.

While there are several Websites oriented toward children worldwide that provide current information about the environment in existence, our Kids' "Create Your Future" Website not only explains the current state and causes of environmental destruction, but also features proposals for revolutionizing our approach to creating a sustainable future.

- Twelve 'New Ideas for the Earth' are introduced on the Website's main page.

- We explain environmental issues under such familiar topics as water, trees and food in the section,'Today's Earth, Our Future'.

- We also include worksheets that can be downloaded and cartoons that depict an imaginary society of the future.

The source for the material for this site is from the book, Ima no Chikyu, Bokura no Mirai - Zutto Sumitai Hoshi Dakara ("Our Earth, Our Future - Let's Take Care of Our Only Home") written by JFS Co-Chief Executive Junko Edahiro, and was made available through the cooperation of the following.

- With consent from publisher, PHP Institute, to present the English version of this book to the public, translation work was carried out by JFS volunteers. New information is scheduled to appear each month after the launching of the site.

- Likewise, with approval from the illustrator of the book Sachiko Tenmyo, superb illustrations were also provided for the Kids' "Create Your Future" Website.

- Design production for this site was provided by the Service Grant team assembled through the corporate planning of Sotokoto monthly magazine and the Earthday Money Association.

We would be glad if our message for the children of the world to stay determined and challenge the deteriorating conditions of our planet reaches as many youth as possible. Please help us by introducing our site to children and educators worldwide.

Junko Edahiro, Project Manager
August 30, 2005
For inquiries send e-mail to <info@kidsforfuture.net>