Fourth Japan-Vietnam Environmental Policy Dialogue in Tokyo (March 26, 2018)
Based on MoC signed in 2013, the dialogues have been held since 2014. This year's dialogue confirmed the progress of environmental cooperation. Both countries also had more detailed discussions on climate change, solid waste management, wastewater management, management of chemical substances, and Vietnam's revised Law on Environmental Protection.
State Minister Ito and Deputy Minister Võ Tuấn Nhân of MONRE (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment)
Statement by State Minister Ito
Statement by Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takebe
3rd Space Development Utilization Award Ceremony (March 20, 2018)
The Space Awards have been held every other year since 2014, to recognize best practices contributing to Japan's space development and utilization. 10 projects were awarded by different ministries and agencies, showing space technology's impact on every part of society. MOE Award was given for the work on preservation of seaweed and seagrass beds using high spatial resolution satellite images.
Joint Winners of the Environment Minister's Award: Sanyo Techno Marine (STM) and Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (Restec)
State Minister Tokashiki Presenting a Certificate of Award
Group Photo with Participants
Inspection Visit to the Pilot Project of Hydrogen Production from Cattle Manure and the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido (March 17-19, 2018)
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Sasagawa visited the town of Shikaoi, to inspect the pilot project to develop infrastructure to process excreta into fuel for cars by producing hydrogen from manure. He also attended "Kurumaza Furusato Talk" to exchange views on regional revitalization and inspected the implementation of "Project to Fully Enjoy National Parks" at the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
With Participants of “Kurumaza Furusato Talk” ("Kurumaza" means sitting in a circle, "Furusato" means home village in Japanese)
At the Hydrogen Refueling Station for Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV)
At the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Water Resources Development between "Hérault-Méditerranée" Urban Community and Ono City, Fukui Prefecture (March 15, 2018)
Ono is well-known for its abundant natural sources and has received many awards, including the Environment Minister's Award at the Japan Water Prize, not only because of its water quality but also its conservation activities. In partnership with Japanese Government and UNICEF, the city has also been supporting with water-supply facilities and improving the water-related environment overseas.
Mr. Gilles d'Ettore, President of Herault – Mediterranean Urban Community/Mayor of Agde, Mayor Takao Okada of Ono City, and State Minister Tokashiki
Also with French Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Laurent Pic (left)
Together with Delegates from French Ministry of Ecological and Solidary Transition and MOEJ
Official Visit by Mr. Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer of Unilever - SDGs' Talk (March 8, 2018)
Minister Nakagawa and State Minister Tokashiki welcomed Unilever CEO Mr. Polman, who is also one of SDG Advocates, and engaged in an exchange of views on the SDGs and business in practice. SDG Advocates are 17 eminent world figures appointed by the UN Secretary-General to advocate and mobilise for the Sustainable Development Goals.