SHIZUOKA CITY AND A HOLDINGS HAVE SIGNED A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS USING A SUBCRITICAL WATER INTEGRATED SYSTEM

^{Partnership for Solving PFAS Contamination Problems Domestically and Internationally (Photo: Business Wire)}


Solving PFAS contamination problems domestically and internationally, communicating from Shizuoka City to the world


SHIZUOKA, Japan, Aug 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, President and CEO: Hideaki Awai, hereinafter referred to as "the Company"), which aims for a zero environmental pollution society through next-generation water technology using subcritical water integrated system patent technology, has been working on a PFAS contamination removal demonstration experiment at Shizuoka City's "Miho Rainwater Pump Station" where high concentrations of PFAS were detected, together with Shizuoka City (Mayor: Takashi Namba). Based on the experimental results showing successful contamination removal of up to 88.7%, we are pleased to announce that the Company and Shizuoka City have signed a "Partnership Agreement for Promoting Efforts to Remove and Detoxify PFAS in the Environment and Implement the Subcritical Water Integrated System to Realize an Environmentally Advanced SDGs City" on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240826057237/en/

 

Background of the agreement

• In Shizuoka City, high concentrations of PFAS exceeding the national provisional guideline values have continued to be detected in waterways and well water around the factories that are the cause in Shimizu Ward. PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," had penetrated underground and flowed into the Miho Rainwater Pump Station as rainwater, generating high-concentration water exceeding 10,000 tons per day during rainfall.
• Upon hearing that Shizuoka City had set up a countermeasure team within the city hall and was exploring ways to deal with this problem, the Company proposed a demonstration experiment for PFAS contamination removal using its subcritical water integrated system.
• After laboratory verification, we installed a pressurised floating separation device using our special technology at the Miho Rainwater Pump Station in July this year and began a demonstration experiment for PFAS contamination removal. As a result of about a month of demonstration experiments, we were able to successfully remove up to 88.7% of PFAS contamination (*as of August 6, 2024).
• Based on these results, Shizuoka City and the Company will continue the demonstration experiments aimed at reducing contamination below the national provisional guideline values. And we have reached the agreement with the aims of promoting research and social implementation of PFAS contamination removal technology using subcritical water integrated system, realizing Shizuoka City as an environmentally advanced SDGs city through business development based in Shizuoka City, and solving environmental problems worldwide using the subcritical water integrated system.

Future prospects

• The subcritical water integrated system is capable of not only separating and removing PFAS from contaminated water but also decomposing PFAS to harmless molecular levels. It can also be applied to the removal of radioactive substances such as tritium and the reduction of CO2 and dioxin emissions in industrial waste treatment.
• Our company will establish a new corporation, with Shizuoka City participating in it, to promote research and development for utilizing the functions of this subcritical water integrated system in multiple ways. The new corporation will contribute to creating a wide-area SDGs model city, starting with the realization of Shizuoka City as an SDGs advanced city, in collaboration with Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture.

Outline of Comprehensive Partnership Agreement

1: Technology research and social implementation of the subcritical water integrated system

• Continued demonstration experiments at Miho Rainwater Pump Station to remove contamination below national provisional guideline values
• Promotion of PFAS removal and detoxification in the environment through social implementation of the subcritical water integrated system

2: Realization of an environmentally advanced SDGs city through business development based in Shizuoka City

• Resource conversion of waste (compost, hydrogen, etc.) through application of subcritical water integrated system technology
• Dissemination of solutions to all environmental problems from Shizuoka City through business development

3: Establish a new corporation to contribute to solving environmental problems worldwide

• Removal of radioactive substances
• Reduction of CO2 and dioxin in industrial waste treatment
• Decomposition of removed PFAS to molecular level

About the subcritical water integrated system

The subcritical water integrated system is the Company's proprietary next-generation device that applies the existing subcritical water treatment technology developed and researched by Water ARIN Tech Inc. in our group. This system consists of three devices: the "Subcritical Water Treatment Device," the "Pressurised Floating Separation Device" that achieves PFAS removal, and various "Fermentation Devices." We are advancing research towards social implementation for removing PFAS and radioactive substances such as tritium from contaminated water and soil, as well as CO2 and dioxin-free industrial waste treatment.

Mechanism of PFAS removal by pressurised floating separation device

Explanatory video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PfLFVQJH0I

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240826057237/en/

Contact

Customer Contact
Water ARIN Tech Inc.
E-Mail: info@arin-tech.co.jp
Press Contact
A Holdings Public Relations Office
TEL: +81-3-6261-7413 E-Mail: info@kmcpr.co.jp
Visual Kit DL URL: https://bit.ly/3X9pZc1

Source : A Holdings Co., Ltd.

FUN, DELICIOUS ADVENTURE IN WORLD OF JAPANESE FOOD EVEN CHILDREN CAN ENJOY; CAREFULLY SELECTED FOOD EXPERIENCES RECOMMENDED BY MALAYSIAN STAFF OF NO. 1 APARTMENT HOTEL, MIMARU

AsiaNet 0200337

TOKYO, Aug. 26, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --
 

Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., which operates Japan's No. 1 apartment hotel "MIMARU," will exhibit at the travel fair "MATTA Fair September 2024," to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024. Staying at MIMARU means enjoying a trip to the fullest. Since the company wants Malaysian families to experience an amazing trip, the Malaysian staff at MIMARU have put together a selection of recommended Japanese food based on three themes: "Experience Japanese food," "Masterclasses of Popular ramen," and "Enjoy with Children."

Staff members at MIMARU are always ready to recommend restaurants to guests that fit their interests perfectly. It only takes one bite to make them fall in love with the beauty and deliciousness of the world of Japanese food and make them curious for more. Family mealtime will be an adventurous and enjoyable occasion during the trip.
 
1. Experience Japanese food
The staple food in Japan is rice, and there are many rice dishes, including sushi. One of the company's recommendations is the "donburi" (rice bowl). There are many specialty restaurants, such as oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl), gyudon (beef bowl) with sweet and spicy beef and soup, and ebi-katsudon (deep-fried shrimp cutlet bowl). Recently, "onigiri" (rice balls) have become very popular around the world. They are made by stuffing rice with various ingredients and wrapping it in seaweed. At convenience stores, they are reasonably priced at around 4-6 MYR (130-200 JPY) a piece.
 
Photo 1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
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2. Popular ramen masterclasses
Ramen, which has been gaining attention from around the world, is particularly attractive to foodies for its regional variety. Hokkaido is famous for its miso flavor topped with butter and corn, while Kanto is famous for its traditional soy sauce flavor. Additionally, the hardness and thickness of the noodles also differ. Recently, there has been an increase in new varieties of ramen that use secret soup recipes, homemade noodles and ingredients. One popular example of such is yuzu salt ramen. Guests can enjoy an innovative bowl of ramen that highlights the craftsmanship of Japanese people. In Japan's major cities, ramen shops from all over the country can be found, and comparing the different varieties will become a fun part of the trip.
 
Photo 2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
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3. Enjoy with children
Two popular sweets that have been around in Japan for a long time are taiyaki and shaved ice. Fish-shaped taiyaki are filled with red bean paste or cream, and some traditional eateries even grill them one by one over charcoal. Shaved ice drenched in matcha is a visually stunning delicacy. If guests want to casually dine with their kids, the company recommends a conveyor belt sushi restaurant where they can choose sweets and a la carte dishes, or a more adventurous family restaurant with a wide menu and where food is delivered by a robot.
 
Photo 3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
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The company hopes visitors to Japan enjoy staying together with their family and friends at MIMARU, an apartment hotel that offers spacious guest rooms equipped with fully furnished kitchens, located in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. About 80% of visitors to Japan are families, and approximately 400,000 international guests stay at MIMARU each year (FY2023: Results for the period April to March).
 
Top 7 reasons why visitors choose MIMARU
- 27 properties in the three popular cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
- Spacious rooms (approximately 40 m2 to 100 m2). Enough space for family and friends.
- Rooms with a kitchen and a living/dining room. Laundry facilities in the common areas are available as well.
- Friendly service by English-speaking staff, from 35 countries or regions.
- Three MIMARU properties made Trip Advisor's "Top 20 Foreign Travelers' Best Hotels in Japan" list two years running (*).
- One million views on MIMARU's official Instagram content showcasing many ways to enjoy Japan.
- Convenient location. It takes about 7 hours by direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) and about 6 hours to Kansai Airport. It takes about 1 hour from the airport to any MIMARU location.
 
(*) Three MIMARU Tokyo locations were selected in the "Voted by Travel Lovers! Foreign Travelers' Best Hotels in Japan" list in 2019 and 2020.
 
Room Photos: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
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MIMARU Locations: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
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For each picture, please visit the link below:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202408225251?p=images  
 
About Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
- Head office: Minato Ward, Tokyo
- President: Hideki Fujioka
 
MIMARU Website: https://mimaruhotels.com/hotel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimaruhotels/
 

Source: Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd.

OUR SECURE FUTURE (OSF) RELEASES FINDINGS ON NEW POLL; CHAMPIONS A LEGISLATIVE BLUEPRINT FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN ASIA

WASHINGTON, Aug 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Our Secure Future has released its findings on a global poll about women’s perspectives on security. Conducted with the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership/International Civil Society Action Network, the poll found that 82% of the women surveyed said that security discussions in their country do not represent them, and 80% said they do not feel adequately represented among security actors.

In countries like South Korea, Japan, and China, women often face significant barriers to participating in peace and security efforts, despite their critical perspectives and contributions in the workplace, political spaces, and even at the home front. Achieving gender equality is laden with obstacles deeply rooted in cultural norms and systemic inequalities. However, across Asia, societies are paving the way for a more equitable future for everyone.

During the 31st ASEAN Summit in 2017, the Joint Statement on Promoting Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN recognized the important role women have to play in peace building, conflict prevention, resolution and recovery in Asia. In 2022, the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security was released to further advance women’s rights. Asian countries are also contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, on Women, Peace and Security. But women still face significant obstacles to full and equal participation.

One significant development is the growing number of Asian countries adopting National Action Plans (NAPs) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). As of 2023, at least 16 Asian nations, including Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea, have developed NAPs to integrate gender perspectives into their peace and security policies.

NAPs serve as crucial roadmaps for governments to address the unique challenges faced by women in conflict and post-conflict situations and to promote their meaningful participation in security and peacebuilding processes.

Advancing the WPS Agenda in Japan

Today, Japan has taken a leading role in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in Asia. The Japanese Diet has adopted several significant WPS initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to integrating gender perspectives into peace and security frameworks.

In 2023, the Honorable Yoko Kamikawa was appointed as Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. She has been pivotal in advancing national WPS initiatives. As the first female foreign minister in nearly two decades, Kamikawa brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including justice minister and minister of state for Gender Equality and Social Affairs.

In October 2022, during her time as a member of the Japanese Diet, Kamikawa launched the Diet Members' Network for Women, Peace and Security, a parliamentary caucus. Under her leadership, in January 2024, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also launched a dedicated task force on Women, Peace and Security. This cross-cutting task force aims to improve coordination on WPS efforts across various ministries and agencies, ensuring a cohesive, whole-of-government approach. Additionally, it seeks to integrate insights from external experts, including civil society organizations and international partners, to improve the effectiveness of Japan's WPS initiatives and policies.

Japan’s new WPS framework was inspired by the WPS Caucus model originated by the United States Congress. Recognizing the structural challenges in Congressional oversight, Our Secure Future (OSF) began engaging Congressional WPS leaders in 2019 to create a WPS Working Group on Capitol Hill. These efforts culminated in the formal launch of the Congressional Women, Peace and Security Caucus on March 9, 2020. This bipartisan group proves what can be achieved when members from both parties join forces.

Open to all members regardless of their committee assignments, the WPS Congressional Caucus serves as an effective interface for civil society with members of Congress. Civil society critically supports the Caucus's success by sharing public information and research, providing thematic expertise, and participating in Caucus events.

The "WPS Caucus Model" has also been adopted by other parliamentary bodies, such as the "All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women, Peace and Security” (APPG-WPS) in the U.K., demonstrating the growing recognition of the importance of cross-party parliamentary working groups in advancing the WPS agenda.

Adoption of a similar "WPS Caucus Model" across other national legislatures can ensure accountability in implementing WPS National Action Plans and policies.

Japan's proactive approach to the WPS agenda can inspire other Asian countries, particularly those in the ASEAN region. With their diverse cultural backgrounds and political systems, the ASEAN member states face unique challenges in implementing the WPS agenda.

Japan's experience provides important lessons for the ASEAN region. ASEAN countries can prioritize the appointment of women in key leadership positions within their governments, especially in ministries and agencies related to peace and security. This step promotes gender equality and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

ASEAN nations can also establish cross-ministerial task forces or working groups dedicated to the WPS agenda, similar to Japan's Taskforce on Women, Peace and Security. These entities can facilitate better coordination and collaboration among various government bodies, organizations, and external experts, leading to the implementation of more effective WPS policies and initiatives.

Moreover, establishing a regional WPS network within ASEAN could enhance collaboration and support sharing resources and expertise. This network would also serve as a platform for advocacy to raise awareness of the WPS agenda.

The world is grappling with complex conflicts and the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls. Legislatures and society must work together to prioritize implementing the WPS agenda for a more secure future for all.

The recent bipartisan action in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning conflict-related sexual violence serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that legislatures play in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Sahana Dharmapuri, Vice President of Our Secure Future remarked, "Establishing the bipartisan Congressional Women, Peace and Security Caucus and adopting similar models in other parliaments globally demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of collaboration and dialogue in promoting women's participation in peacebuilding efforts.”

Asia has a unique opportunity to become a champion in advancing the WPS agenda. As the region faces various security threats, from armed conflicts to climate change-related disasters, prioritizing women's participation and leadership in decision-making is more crucial than ever.

Those interested in making a difference are encouraged to reach out to their local representatives, get involved with civil society organizations, and work together to create a safer, more equitable world for all.

Contact Information
Name: Emma Boggess
Email: eboggess@oneearthfuture.org
Organization: Our Secure Future
Website: https://oursecurefuture.org/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79cb68a1-fba7-4fdc-9625-711b470197d3 

SOURCE : Our Secure Future: Women Make the Difference

Taiwan's Alishan Forest Railway Resumes Operations With New Tourist Charter Trains

 

The Alishan Forest Railway resumes service after 15 years, with new tourist charter trains joining the service. (Photo: Business Wire) 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Alishan Forest Railway in Taiwan has fully resumed operations after a 15-year hiatus and introduced two new tourist charter trains, the Formosensis and Vivid Express, offering unique tour packages designed to revitalise railway travel and attract visitors.

The Formosensis features large cypress wood panels, with its exterior boosting black window frames adorned with red trim and an interior ambiance that fills the air with distinctive aromas of Taiwan red cypress and cypress.

Meanwhile, converted from old carriages and inspired by the Alishan Forest Railway, the Vivid Express showcases a vibrant exterior with interwoven blue, orange, white and yellow colours.

In 1903, planning for the Alishan Forest Railway began under the Government-General of Taiwan, with construction from Chiayi to Zhuqi starting in 1906.

According to a statement, Typhoon Morakot severely damaged the railway, halting all services in 2009 and despite extensive repairs, Typhoon Dujuan in 2015 further delayed the reopening.

However, after overcoming numerous challenges, the new No. 42 tunnel was completed last month, allowing the railway to fully reopen and even after a 15-year hiatus, the century-old railway's charm remains undiminished.

The "Alishan Forest and Railway Cultural Landscape" has become Taiwan's first nationally significant cultural landscape.

The Alishan Forest Railway employs four railway track construction methods to overcome the challenging mountainous terrain such as spiral route, zigzag switchback, along with a specially designed hill-climbing locomotive, showcasing significant industrial and cultural value.

In recent years, Taiwan's railway tourism offerings have gained popularity, whereby the former sugar railways, once used for transporting sugarcane, have also been repurposed for tourism.

Additionally, the "Breezy Blue Train", a repurposed vintage blue train that typically runs on the South Link Line, has gained popularity since its launch in 2021, in which these vintage trains are gradually reshaping the landscape of Taiwan's railway tourism.

-- BERNAMA

SFD TO HOST GALA DINNER NEXT MONTH, CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GLOBAL IMPACT

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) will host a gala dinner on Sept 1, under the theme Celebrating 50 Years of Global Impact, commemorating five decades of driving sustainable global development and progress.

Through collaboration and partnership, the SFD's work reaches those most in need around the globe, and SFD is also committed to supporting the Least Developed Countries and Small Developing Island States, recognising their unique challenges and vulnerabilities.

SFD Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Al-Marshad said for 50 years, the SFD has worked hand-in-hand with communities and partners to drive transformative development change.

“Our programmes have touched nearly every aspect of society, from building essential social infrastructures like roads, hospitals, and schools to empowering communities through initiatives in education, healthcare, water and sanitation, renewable energy, agriculture, transportation and communication, industry and mining, and more.

“At this critical milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to spurring global collaboration and unity, building inclusive frameworks for social, economic, and human development, and fostering economic prosperity in developing countries worldwide,” he said in a statement.

The 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner will bring together global development partners and leaders, as well as government representatives, world experts, and academics, to celebrate the SFD and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's development legacy, as well as its future ambition to help build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Since its establishment in 1974, the SFD has been the main international development arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting sustainable development initiatives across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.

-- BERNAMA