Inspiration and perspiration
Ame ni mo makezu/ kaze ni mo makezu/ yuki ni mo natsu no atsusa ni mo makenu
Be not defeated by the rain, nor by the wind, nor snow, nor the heat of the summer
Kenji Miyazawa
European companies certainly aren’t yielding to the summer heat. As Rob Goss reports, they are working hard to meet government energy-use rules and help employees keep cool.
There’s more on inspired energy-saving in this issue with Alena Eckelmann’s report about Reme KK’s ingenious water-less urinals. A single Urimat system can save 212,000 litres a year, which equates to 157kg of CO2.
This month has a bit of a Scandinavian theme, with a special feature looking at why companies from Northern Europe have done so well in Japan. One of the most successful, Finnair, is profiled by Justin McCurry.
Our Chamber Voice this month is an interview with Swedish Chamber chairman, Fredrik Alatalo. Like other chambers, the SCCJ has been through a turbulent time since the earthquake, but things are getting back to normal.
The situation in north-eastern Japan, of course, will take much longer to return to any semblance of normality. In our Q&A Makoto Iokibe, chairman of the Japan Reconstruction Design Council, gives a candid account of the government’s plans for Tohoku.
Lastly, I’d just like to mention that a lively discussion took place on our Facebook page about the pros and cons of moving to Kansai. That discussion is still open – and others too – if you are interested. Two thought-provoking letters on the topic are printed below.
Until next month, keep cool.