 Kyoto: Solar generators and solar water heaters (photo) have been popping up on the roofs of private homes. The nuclear plant catastrophe made the people realize the importance of self-reliance and accelerated the trend forward even during the persistent economic recession. A nurse told me that she had spent ¥2,000,000 ($26k) and had installed a solar generator at her house. I asked her if electricity was very expensive in Japan. The monthly bill was under ¥10,000 ($130), but she added, "I did it in order to be kind to the Earth."  En-route by bullet train to the north, Mt. Fuji revealed its elegance. I was disturbed by the fact that snow was yet to be seen on top of the highest mountain of Japan. I felt as if the national symbol were advocating the nation to be much kinder to the Earth. Smoke from the tall chimneys appeared ironic.
2 Comments
miguel
10/17/2011 07:23:42 am
hi, yoko … when i posted my blog in guatemala it was nice to know there were a few people interested in reading and exchanging comments. maybe it'll be the same for you …
Yoko
10/17/2011 09:08:56 am
Miguel, yes, I will enjoy reading the comments, and thank you for yours. The modernization may take over the tradition especially on the surface, but certain aspects of tradition seems unchanged in the depth of the heart. In Japanese culture, they are endurance, perseverance, courtesy, etc. Those are the things I am looking forward to finding in this trip. Leave a Reply. |
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Copyright © Yoko "Tenyoh" Sugawara Email: tenyohcreations@gmail.com Phone: (605) 787 - 1099
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