Reflection on Day 4

Group Reflection
Today, we went to the water science museum to see how the Japanese treat their water to make it clean. We found that they treated their water through natural filtration that was eco-friendly.

After which, we went to a private school where we first went to interact with the university students. They presented a slide show about Japanese delicacy. They talked to us about Basashi (horse meat), the Japanese education system, and simple Japanese.

After which, Kieron, Zelia and Sarah presented about Singapore, giving them a rough idea of what our country was like. We interacted with some of the students there who, with their friendliness and warmth, chatted with us.

After getting their email addresses, we went to join a junior high school class where the students taught us how to write our names in Japanese. We took a tour around the school where we saw a chapel and artifacts of the school. Then, we went to interact with another junior high school class after doing another presentation. They offered us Ocha(green tea) Dodaryaki(Pancake with red bean) as well as took several pictures with us.

We were delighted with the new friends that we made and not only did this school visit enable us to make new friends, but we also feel enriched to be able to see how the education system of other countries differ from our own.

-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Seal of the Commission

Reflection on Day 3

Group Reflection
After leaving the Gokase village, we proceeded to the winery where we went to see how wine was made through grapes.

Next, we went to Mount Aso. At Mount Aso, we had to travel up using a gondola, holding a handkerchief to our mouths so as to prevent any inhalation of the choking sulphur dioxide gas. The temperature was about 3 degrees Celsius and r some were cold due to being inappropriately dressed. It was very foggy hence it was a challenge to be able to see the volcano itself.

After which we proceeded to the Volcano museum where we were able to see more of what Mount Aso really was. The view was spectacular.

After lunch, we went to the Kumamoto castle. There, we saw how the castle was designed to keep assassins from getting to the feudal lord and how it was designed carefully.


-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Seal of the Commission

Reflection on Day 2

Group reflection
First, we visited the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum. We saw what caused the Minamata disease. It was saddening to see that Chisso Corporation did not take into consideration the lives of the people and just dumped methyl mercury in the Minamata Bay. The Minamata disease was passed down from generation to generation. Till now, the disease has not totally subsided.

Next, we went to the Hotto House. When I saw the victims, we felt sad for them, as they were innocent and had nothing to do with what mistake the Chisso Corporation made. Even though they were disabled in our eyes, they feel like they are normal people in their own eyes. Personally we feel that they are mentally stronger than us despite their disabilities. In conclusion, we learned that we must come together as one and try to prevent such events from happening anytime. We think that we can learn both about the disease as well as how to be as positive as those people who stood before us.

Finally, we went to the Gokase Village for a farm stay experience. Although we were separated, the following sentences are a collaboration of our experiences.

The host families were hospitable and warm towards even though we were not part of their family. They treated us as family members and like we did not see each other for a long time. They stuffed us with a variety of mouthwatering delicious dishes that satisfied our taste buds. To be able to sleep in their houses for the first time was a new experience and was fun. Even though they lead simple lives, they also lead meaningful lives at the same time. Night turned to day in the blink of an eye and it was hard for all of us to bid goodbye. All of us felt a strong bond formed between the host families and us.

-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Seal of the Commission

Reflection on Day 1

Kieron - Executive Chairman of the Commission
After the experience at the Disaster Prevention Centre, it showed us how prepared we were for any natural disasters. For example, during the fire extinguishing simulation, some people did not manage to put out the fire. It also showed how fast a fire can spread and how much damage it can do if we are not ready and prepared for such an event. After that, we went to take a look at the robots at the Robosquare.

It showed the current technology of robots and it was amazing to see that the robots were used for therapy. Next, we went to The Atomic Bomb Museum. We saw the devastation that the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki caused. Many lives were lost, whether civilian or not. From there, we now know that if we do not manage any serious situations properly, it could cause a nuclear war to start and thus more lives be lost. The Atomic Bomb Museum serves as a reminder of the damage done. Next, we went to the to the Peace Park. It commemorates the fateful event of the atomic bombing.

Overall, I feel blessed to be in a peaceful nation that does not take part in any major wars that cause a huge loss in the number of innocent lives.


Sarah - Chief Executive Officer
Personally, I feel that I've learned and experienced more than what I've expected from the Robosquare. For instance, some of the robots were far more advanced in technology than I expected.

The Disaster Prevention Centre to me was one of the most exciting as we were able to experience some of the natural disasters. I feel that this was the most exciting and interesting activity of the day.

I felt a bit disturbed by what I saw in the Museum although I managed to learn more of the atomic bombing. I feel that some artifacts were a bit disturbing.


Zelia - Secretary of Opeations
Today, I learnt the steps required for us to remain safe if our country has an earthquake, typhoon or emergencies like fires.

Next, at the Robosquare, I learned the different uses of robots and how it will help us in our daily lives. Also, I learned from the Atomic Bomb Museum, the reasons why the USA dropped Atomic Bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima and their reasons of doing so. I also learned what effect the radiation and explosion of the bombs can be caused to us.


Qi An - Adviser to the Commission
As a country that is prone to natural disasters, Japan is prepared to face them anytime, as can be seen by the statistics provided by the disaster prevention centre. I think most Singaporeans may not be prepared for such disasters as it is protected by its neighboring countries due to its geographical position. Thus it was a great opportunity for us to experience something that we may never face in Singapore.

At the Robosquare, I discovered how the Japanese designed and programmed their robots to perform special tasks, like helping out with housework and accompanying the elderly, which young people nowadays are more reluctant to do.

Finally, at the atomic bomb museum, we learned how nuclear energy has been used to create weapons of mass destruction in WWII.

-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Seal of the Commission

Some places we will be visiting

Do enjoy the pictures!

Robosquare


Fukuoka Citizens' Disaster Prevention Center


Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum


Peace Park


Minamata Disease Municipal Museum


Kumamoto Castle


Aso Volcano Museum


Kumamoto Water Science Museum



-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Seal of the Commission

More on the Kitakyushu Eco Town

I guess y'all must have dreaded reading the previous post.. I have to admit that it was darn long.. Here are some pictures.

Before



After




Before



After





-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Seal of the Commission

More on the Kitakyushu Eco Town

In the 1960s, Japan achieved rapid economic progress, in which Kitakyushu developed into one of the four largest industrial zones in Japan. However, the air and water were polluted; Dokai Bay was highly contaminated by industrial and domestic waste water and was called the 'Sea of Death.'


Residents, enterprises, research institutes and governmental agencies were united in the task of overcoming the pollution.
In 1971, prior to establishment of the Environmental Agency by the national government, the city of Kitakyushu founded the Environmental Pollution Control Bureau (currently the Environmental Bureau). The City established 'The City of Kitakyushu Pollution Control Ordinance,' which was more stringent than the national laws - in addition to other regulations - and enforced a series of effective measures against major companies in the city, including the execution of agreements to prevent pollution. In addition, they drove forward a large-scale urban greening movement in accordance with the 'Green Kitakyushu Plan.'

These measures to prevent pollution and preserve the environment, together with residents' environmental protection efforts, yielded good results, considerably improving Kitakyushu's environment. It transformed from a "Gray City" to a "Green City".

-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Group reflection of the trip

In Japan, there are many things that can be learned that cannot be described. There are many questions that are still unanswered. When we travel to Japan, we hope to learn about the Japanese culture, to learn what makes Japan unique and different from the other countries. To learn how Japan recovered so quickly when they were devastated by the two atomic bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. To know how close the Japanese are bonded with one another. With the above questions answered, we will be able to know ways to protect and conserve our natural environment and ways to improve our own economy.

-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member

Questions and Answers regarding our trip

Kitakyushu Eco-Town

1. What is an eco-town and how does it help to preserve the environment?
An eco-town is a town that is environmentally friendly. They practice anti-polluting activities and try to recycle as much as they can so as to not damage the environment due to pollutants.

2. In Singapore, is there something like an eco-town or something related to help preserve the environment?
In Singapore, we do not have an eco-town but we have an eco-mall called City Square Mall. Examples of their eco-friendly ideas include eco-friendly drywall partition using USG fiberock, which saved of 300 m3 sand or 50 concrete truck loads of sand in construction, non-chemical anti-termite system and eco-friendly motorized fabric sunshade.

3. Does an eco-town face the same environmental issues as a normal town?
It depends on how the community plays a part in helping to preserve to environment. The success of Kitakyushu’s recovery from pollution has it all owed to the community. If the community continues to practice eco-friendly activities, then it will not face the same environmental issues as a normal town. However, if the eco-town does not maintain the standards, then it will face environmental issues.

4. Does an eco-town still contribute to pollution?
Again, it depends on the community’s contribution. If the community is co-operative and willing to help, the eco-town will not fully contribute to pollution. However, if the community is not co-operative, then it will still contribute to pollution. Also, there is no way to eliminate pollution. Even if we tried, pollution is still there.

5. Has the eco-town helped Japan’s environment?
After a period of high economic growth during the 1950s through the 1970s, heavy industries such as iron manufacturing in Kitakyushu declined due to intensive competition in the iron industry on the international market. However, the air and water were polluted. Dokai Bay was highly contaminated by industrial and domestic wastewater and was subsequently called ‘Sea of Death’. The miserable environmental pollution in the city has diminished over time through considerable effort in getting back the clear sky and the blue sea.

6. Are there certain rules and methods that the townspeople must follow to maintain the cleanliness of an eco-town?
Answer is pending.

7. What made Japan choose to create and eco-town?
It faced a lot of environmental issues and the environment became unsightly. The number tourists visiting the area fell and many businesses did not have the means to improve and globalize.

8. How would this change our perspective of conservation and what are the steps that you would follow to help conserve the natural environment?
From the past situation in Kitakyushu, we now know how fragile the natural environment is and how easily it can be damaged. If we want to keep the beauty of the natural environment, we would have to practice non-polluting activities. Steps to help preserve the environment include reducing, reusing and recycling. One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure and just a tin can may not mean much to us but to others may mean a lot. Also all problems start small and we have to eliminate them before we rectify the bigger problems.

9. Does an eco-town contribute to the economy of a country?
Yes. For example, if a company takes in recyclable materials such tin cans and reuse it, they would not need to buy new raw materials and would save the costs of raw materials and earn more revenue leading to the contribution to the economy.

Toyota Car Plant

1. What are the materials used in creating a car?
A variety of materials are used. Examples include metals like steel, copper and other examples include glass and rubber.

2. How is a car produced?
Answer is pending.

3. Is there an eco-friendly way of producing cars?
Yes, some car companies use the electricity generated from hydroelectric dams to run their machinery to produce the cars thereby reducing pollution.

4. Are the cars produced eco-friendly?
Yes, some of them are. They run on bio-fuels and hydrogen and give up less or no waste gases.

5. How has the recent Toyota car incidents affected the economy of Japan?
Because of the recent events, car buyers may not be convinced of the safety of the car and thus be dissuaded from buying Toyota cars and may thus in turn, affect the economy of Japan.


-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission

Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer

Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations

Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member