Made from Leftover Leather

This company is making really cute stationary goods with left-over or sample leather. I bought this tissue case at Eco-Products Exhibition. Cheep and fashionable, and what I like most is the fact that there are only a few same products out in the market. All products are designed in a

【Biz Seed】CLIONE Adjuster Hook

SOKEN Inc.
A Small Curtain Hook, Your Big Hero for Temperature Adjustment



The mood and temperature of your room will both change dramatically according to the length of your curtain. This curtain hook allows you to change your curtain length easily between seasons from the following three aspects.

1.Energy Conservation with Curtains
The windows are a major surface where heat income and outcome, and curtains will play a big role in heat insulation. CLIONE Adjuster Hook enables you to adjust the curtain length according to season and temperature. Keeping the curtain at a proper length will lead to energy conservation.

2.Small Techniques to Keep Beautiful Shape
Curtains are important factors of interior. The small head of CLIONE Adjuster Hook is a secret technique to maintain the volume of curtain drapes. As is a small device, it will have a big effect on your interior as shown in the picture.

3.Small is Beautiful
Curtains play a significant role not only as an interior factor but to intercept heat, light and noise, bringing comfort to your indoor environment. By using this small resource-saving and functional curtain hook, get along with –as we say instead of “utilize” in Japanese”- your curtains.



【Seeking】
1. Foreign entrepreneurs interested in marketing CLIONE Adjuster Hooks in their home own country 2. Interior shop owners looking for new product lineups
In spring 2009, product will be placed in market in Japan. Expect foreign purchasers to start import CLIONE at same timing to their home market. Business terms and conditions shall be discussed. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.


TEL 03-3667-7431
FAX 03-3667-3814
URL http://www.marutaka-kk.co.jp/
Email headoffi ce@marutaka-kk.co.jp

【Biz Seed】UMEZUMI Crepe Paper

Sanyo Paper Co., Ltd.
Paper that Acts as Natural Deodorant and Humidity Regulator




Charcoal is known for its high effect on deodorizing and humidity conditioning. A paper company utilized local industrial waste for charcoal material and implemented the superior quality into the form of crepe paper from the following three aspects.


1.“Waste for Food” Charcoal Ingredients
UMEZUMI crepe paper is made entirely from pulp, water and charcoal. In order to obtain the charcoal, seeds of Japanese apricots grown in Wakayama Prefecture, previously disposed as industrial waste, undergo the process of carbonization in traditional Bincho charcoal production furnaces. Charcoal attains many favorable traits, which ultimately becomes UMEZUMI crepe paper’s unique characteristics.

2.High Quality Crepe Paper
The above diagram is a comparison of fractional concentration between containers with and without UMEZUMI.UMEZUMI crepe paper has distinctive performance whether in absorbing harmful substances, deodorizing, or controlling humidity. Moreover, being both formidably shock-absorbent and ready to cut like ordinary paper, UMEZUMI crepe paper can act as either deodorant, shoebox lining, food package and even as back fabric for curtains.

3.Concentrating the Technology of Sanyo Paper
Unlike mainstream paper manufacturing using starch or resin to stabilize the paper’s composition, Sanyo Paper employs a new technology that relies on virtually neither of them. This results in relatively higher residual rate of the raw materials according to the comparison conducted by Sanyo Paper, and enables production of paper maximizing the virtue of raw material.


【Seeking】
1. Overseas sales agent and marketing planner 2. Shops, companies and conferences interested in using UMEZUMI products as promoting goods or gift goods. Business terms and conditions to be discussed.

TEL 06-6357-7209
FAX 06-6357-7749
URL http://www.sanyo-paper.co.jp
Email crepe@sanyo-paper.co.jp

【Biz Seed】Eco-friendly Plaster Wall Material SUISHI

Paper Works Inc.
Soft Colored Plaster Wall Material, Born from Recycled Milk Cartons



SUISHI is made of recycled milk carton in partnership with people with disabilities. Reserve the forest and help disabilities be independent using this beautiful wall material from the following three aspects.

1.A Traditional Soft Color Variation
Developed by a former professional potter Mr. Matsuzaki, the coloring of SUISHI is done using natural ingredients such as traditional Bengara (red oxide) and soil. You can enjoy a full lineup of 14 color variations, with soft texture apparently different from synthetic pigment. Dark and light coloring can be selected (100kg, 5 boxes~).

2.No VOC, Strong Staying Power
SUISHI is 100% made of natural ingredients, containing no volatile organic compound which is the cause of sick house syndrome. It has high effect on moisture absorption and deodorization, creating a comfortable indoor atmosphere. Using methylcellulose as binder it is easy to apply, and using earth for coloring it has high durability against sunburn.

3.Reserve Forests by Using Recycled Pulp
SUISHI is using 100% recycled pulp taken from milk cartons by hand as ingredients, contributing to the reservation of forests and will ultimately prevent further environmental destruction. SUISHI wall plaster material will be strong to stay with minimum cracks due to the rich fiber of pulp.


【Seeking】
1. Entrepreneurs interested in starting up a similar social business model in own overseas community 2. Entrepreneurs interested in marketing SUISHI in your own country 　3. Architects who want to use SUISHI for buildings Business terms and conditions to be discussed, including a possibility for franchising. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.


TEL 0944-54-5446
FAX 0944-54-5446
URL http://www.e-paperworks.com/
Email paper-works@krb.biglobe.ne.jp

【Biz Seed】KEISO-KUN

One Will Co., ltd.
Create a Comfortable Indoor Environment with Breathing Walls



This diatom earth-based wall material will control humidity, absorb and discompose harmful substances in your room from the following three aspects.

1.A Breathing Wall
Diatom earth, the main component of KEISOKUN, is a traditional Japanese material very suitable for humidity and hazard absorption through its sponge-like holes. Instead of ordinary synthetic resin, lime paste is successfully used as starch without interrupting its spongy nature. Implementing diatom earth’s unique qualities, KEISO-KUN creates a wall that actually respires, acts as an air conditioner, and contributes to energy conservation.

2.Humidity Control Experiment
The above diagram shows humidity absorption and desorption rates of a wall furnished with KEISO-KUN and one with different wall paint. The experiment compares the two walls by repeating dry and humid conditions. You can see how KEISO-KUN absorbs approximately twice as much as others on market, and also desorb when atmosphere is dry. More effective humidity conditioning means better protection from condensation, mould and ticks.

3.Anti Sick House Syndrome
It would be pointless to let the hazards once absorbed be re-emitted. Thus, KEISO-KUN utilizes amide-imides, developed in cooperation with Kanagawa Industrial Technology Center, to decompose such particles as formaldehyde, which causes undesirable smell and sick house syndrome. This is why KEISO-KUN is widely adopted in private residence, hotels and medical and welfare institutions.


【Seeking】
1.　Foreign entrepreneurs interested in marketing KEISO-KUN in their home country 2. Construction and environment consultants who want to utilize KEISOKUN ʼs super power function in their design proposal Humidity control experiment data is available through inquiry. Business terms and conditions shall be discussed. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.

TEL 0467-43-1415
FAX 0467-48-5621
URL http://www.onewill.co.jp/
Email info@onewill.co.jp

【Biz Seed】EDO SENSU

EDO SENSU Workshop “MATSUI”
A Simple and Beautiful Way of Bringing Coolness



SENSU (foldable fan) was originated in Japan, now widely spread worldwide in various forms. Forget heat with the SENSU of craftsman Hiroshi Matsui from the following three aspects.

1.The Ultimate Style for Energy Conservation
SENSU is a Japanese fan that can be folded into a single bar. Compact and portable, fanning yourself with SENSU is the most basic way of forgetting heat in summer. Not only the wind it can create, the refreshing color and design will bring coolness both for men and women.

2.Simple and Beautiful
EDO SENSU is original to the Tokyo area, made of bamboo sticks and WASHI (Japanese paper). Compared to the gorgeous and aristocratic SENSU from Kyoto, EDO SENSU has developed into a simple and sturdy style during the Samurai-led culture in the EDO Shogun Period.

3.Made-to-order, Waste is Minimum
Being hand-made, all works have a warm taste, and minimum is wasted compared to mass marketing products. The patterns are usually painted by a nearby ESHI (traditional painter), and the whole process is done by Matsui- san, flexible and adaptable to small lots.



【Seeking】
1. Foreign entrepreneurs interested in marketing EDO SENSU in their home country, who are willing to learn Japanese culture
2. Those who want to learn EDO SENSU handicraft, or those who want to coordinate lessons for foreigners
Overseas Japanese goods shops and boutiques are expected customers. Straight purchase desired. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.


TEL 03-3679-6314
FAX 03-3679-6314
URL http://www.ei-net.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/dentou/index.htm

【Biz Seed】Ion Cleaner

Japan Ion Corp.
Mineral Ion for Water Sterilization　and Algal Removal



Use the sterilization power of Silver Ion Generator ION CLEANER and　reduce the amount of chemicals for water maintenance from the following three aspects.

1.Sterilization Tender for Human and Nature
Silver Ion sterilization has the following merit compared to other sterilization methods; 1. no skin irritating sensation 2. tasteless, odorless, 3. higher safety due to residual effect, 4 . unaffected by pH, 5. does not fluctuate redox potential, and 6. minimum negative effect on equipment.

2.High Safety Level of Silver Ion
Silver Ion is permitted as food additive, used in argent and for dental treatment. Silver will be expelled from the body at once leaving only 10 % absorbed. No regulation value is set within the drinking water quality standards of Japan, hence applied for drinking water sterilization.

3. 55 Years Experience in Mineral Ion Sterilization
Japan Ion is the pioneer of water management using silver and copper ion. With many implementation examples at domestic spas and aquariums, flexible proposal is possible according to different water quality and equipment. Silver ion and copper ion are both known for the high sterilizing power, but are separately used due to difference in the sterilizing system.




【Seeking】
1. Overseas partner with reasonable expertise in hygiene control based on the health code of the country. 2. Eco-conscious water maintenance administrators Please take due note that there are national and district regulation diff erences. Business terms and conditions shall be discussed. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.

TEL 03-3308-3911
FAX 03-3308-3981
URL http://www.japan-ion.com
Email info2@ion-net.co.jp

【Biz Seed】Near-infrared Sensor for CCA Contained Lumber,

Hywood Co., Ltd.
Sort Harmless and Recyclable Second-hand
Lumber with Optical Scanning Equipment



Recycle efficiently to save the forest. WOODSCAN will enable you to separate
harmful used lumber from re-usable good ones easier than ever from the following three aspects.

1.A More Efficient Way of Lumber Recycle
In order to effectively recycle used lumber,it is necessary to sort and separate those including hazardous materials. Previously all lumber were disposed or degraded including harmless ones due to lack of sorting methodology. WOODSCAN simplified the sorting process, enhancing effective reuse and recycle of non-hazardous secondhand lumber.

2.A New Technology Using Optical Sensor
The previous method for discriminating CCA(*) containd second-hand lumber was a paint filter test. WOODSCAN is a totally new optical discrimination system using near infrared rays, enabling us to sort out lumber containing hazardous material simply by holding the equipment over the object.(*) CCA is applied on wood to resist decay and termites.

3.Compact to Carry, Simple to Operate
Portable WOODSCAN is compact to carry and easy to operate. Whoever, wherever, sorting of CCA contained lumber will become a simpler job. This enables us to sort and separate second-hand lumber at the upstream of demolition work and chipping factories, assuring precise material separation for reutilization in the most economical manner.


【Seeking】
1. Foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a lumber recycling business using WOODSCAN.
2. Existing foreign scrap disposers looking for better technology to diff erentiate own business from others WOODSCAN will be your partner for starting up and strengthening your recycling business. Business terms and conditions shall be discussed. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.


TEL 023-633-2395
FAX 023-633-2175
URL http://www.japan-ion.com
Email info@hywood.co.jp

【Biz Seed】Washing detergent “UMIE…(to the ocean)”

Ganko Hompo Ltd.
Biodegradable Detergent
Born with a Mind of Appreciation



This functional and fashionable biodegradable detergent will be a long partner for your laundry from the following three aspects.

1. Laundry Detergent that Biodegrades Oil 100%
The “UMIE…” series is based on technology to render oil water-soluble at marine tanker accident sites. It does not only take off the stain from your clothes. It also biodegrades the oil content and returns it to the ecological cycle. This was realized by thorough concept work about “stain”, and appreciation to what was once a part of you.

2. Small Amount of Usage, Raw Ingredients and Water
The amount necessary for cleaning is very little, meaning they can leave more natural soap ingredients to share with others. One load of laundry will be done with merely 5cc of liquid, resulting in small bottles and less carbon footprint as a side effect. The small amount of bubble will also save rinsing water.

3. A Multi-purpose Detergent
One bottle of “UMIE…” will cover the functions of seven detergents and cleansers;
wool detergent, stain remover, fabric softener, antibacterial soap, washing tub cleaner, drainage pipe cleaner and ordinary detergent. This multi-purpose detergent will clear out your cupboard.


【Seeking】
1. Foreign entrepreneurs interested in marketing UMIE… in their home country
2. Boutique shop owners and entrepreneurs looking for eco-friendly product lineup
Business terms and conditions shall be discussed. Contact Ecotwaza for inquiry in English.

TEL 0467-84-5839
FAX 0467-84-5893
URL http://www.gankohompo.com
Email info@gankohompo.com

MUKUROJI (Soap Nut)

MUKUROJI is the name of a tree. Written "無患子", meaning "No illness for children", its fruit has been used for KAMPO (Chinese medicine). It is said to have tonic effect and soothe pain. The tree is deeply related to Buddhism, since monks wear 108 stringed MUKUROJI seeds and use them for meditation. Its seeds are also used for the ball of HANETSUKI, a traditional Japanese game similar to badminton, enjoyed around New Years season. Its English name is "Soap Nut", and in the old days, people used it for washing soap. MUKUROJI trees can be seen in temples. It is a common tree in India.

Econoix was another company we met at Eco-Products Exhibition, led by a young lady Ms. Muto. Soap Nut is commonly used by nature-oriented people in European countries. However the seeds are usually roughly cracked, and is difficult to use without damaging clothes or dishes. Well here comes the Japanese virtue of "making things small"... "Ecoarai" (Ecological Washing) is a new way of using Soap Nut, cracking the shells into powder so it is easy to use even for less nature-conscious people. The ingredient is 100% MUKUROJI shells, and can be used just like ordinary detergent or dish soap.

Econoix Website
http://ecoarai.com　

GANKO HOMPO

Today I visited our client, GANKO HOMPO in Chigasaki. GANKO HOMPO, led by Mr. Kimura (called "Kimuchin") is creating washing detergent, cleaning brush and other house keeping goods. They are exhibiting in Ecotwaza Times Vol.4.

We went on a walk at Chigasaki beach. The sea water was not that cold yet. The shop-office-workshop is in the first floor of an apartment, and the staff were all very friendly! I spent two hours in the shop and had a nice chat. If you are visiting Chigasaki, visit their workshop and enjoy the relaxing music and atmosphere.

You can see how they are making a new cream out of shea butter and pure oil. The man in the front is unstiffening a washing brush for a customer.
Special thanks to Kimuchin and Satochan for the nice visit!Picture with "Kimuchin" -Mr. Kimura, president

Kattobashi (Chopsticks made from Baseball bats)

Are you a baseball fan?
Well, baseball is a big thing in Japan, next to the United States. And the Japanese baseball level is pretty high. Since pitcher Hideo Nomo became the first Japanese player in US major league baseball in 1995, many players have followed. Ichiro, Matsui Godzilla... they are children's heroes both in Japan and the US.

"KATTOBASE!!" is a term familiar to baseball fans.
It means "Make a big hit", and fans call out to their favorite players from stands.

So what is "KATTOBASHI"?
KATTOBASHI is a joke name for a chopsticks product. (HASHI will be pronounced BASHI when put together with other words) The pair of chopsticks is made from used baseball bats. Many bats are broken during the league, and this chopsticks company gathered the broken bats and made them into hashi. I adore this naming sense.

This product, which I knew since three years ago when people were still making fun, is now a big hit in Japan. I had a chance of meeting some people from the company at Eco-Products this year, and they are really nice just like their sense of humor.

If you are in Japan and looking for a fancy eco-souvenier, try KATTOBASHI and KATTOBASE the dark clouds of financial downfalls...!

Hyoemon Website (only in Japanese but they have an EC site too)
http://www.hyozaemon.co.jp

French for Sunday lunch

Today I went for lunch with my friends to LE VENT DE VERT, an old French restaurant in Kunitachi. Located on the main street, it is about a 5 minutes walk from the station. The food and atmosphere is nice, the price is reasonable, and what I like especially is their made-to-order dish plates. It has a cute picture of the restaurant and previous Kunitachi station.
Kunitachi station was famous for its old station building with a triangle rooftop. The railway company decided to rebuild the station building and take off the rooftop despite the voices of nearby residents. It may be nostalgy, but for us who grew up seeing the triangle roof, it was a pity and the roof is still kept by volunteers who are negociating with the company. The plates of this restaurant represents the love toward local society, and after all, local attachment is the best spice for such small restaurants.


LE VENT DE VERT
042-576-1150
Walk straight on the main street from Kunitachi Station south exit. It is a house next to KFC, set back from the sidewalk.

99% Made of Water

OHSOJI, meaning "big cleanup", is almost a national event in Japan. Japanese people have a reputation for neatness, and at the end of the year, it is a very important family event to clean up every corner of the house.

Anyway, "WATER ONE" was an interesting product we found at the Eco-Products Exhibition. It is a cleaning liquid for kitchen and all other places in your house. 99% made of fine water and the remaining 1% sodium metasilicate, it can lift up grease easily. You won't have to wipe it off twice since the liquid doesn't include harmful chemicals. We got a sample bottle, and can't wait to use it for our office OHSOJI!

Eco Products Tradeshow

I'm pretty sure many of you reading this blog know about the Eco-Products Tradeshow at Tokyo Big Sight going on for the next three days.
I went to see some exhibiting clients, and also see other booths. There were so many good products, and I will write about some of them for those who won't be able to make it to the trade show the following few days. Eco Products and many other trade shows are just like a treasure hunt, you can meet so many interesting techs!

From Japan to China, back to Japan. CHINA BOQI (2/2)

China Boqi gained technology and in turn pays the basic education fee and also a royalty of a certain percentage of sales. Profit sharing can be one issue for technology transfer between developed and developing countries, but this could have been one of the better ways of realizing a win-win situation. And the impact on environment is huge. If China Boqi completes all of the 50 project in process, a total of 2,500,000 t of sulfer can be eliminated annually. Well this will be a big difference for not only the Chinese but also for Japan, since the air pollution of China is directly affecting the lives in Japan.
China Boqi is now broadening its domain to “Environment preservation” (desulfurization, trash-to-energy and water treatment) and “New energy” (using surplus energy and low-graded coal). The reason they went on market in Japan instead of China was “because we want to make partnership with more Japanese companies (Dr. Miyanaga), and our market is not limited to China”. Innovation is their KSF, with average age of 32 and 6 doctors, numerous master degree holders. Dr. Miyanaga says they are willing to feed back new technologies based on the Japanese tech to their teachers. China Boqi can be one example for companies to transfer older technologies from Japan, innovate, and create a circle of technology and business.


Ecotwaza Times will help you find fascinating technology and products in Japan.
Our new edition is coming out today... check it out in stores!

From Japan to China, back to Japan. CHINA BOQI (1/2)

China Boqi Environmental Technology Co., ltd. is the first Chinese company that went on market at the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. They started out as an affiliated company of a national electric company in 2001. A new regulation that required all power plants to take desulfurization by 2010 and to install a desulfurization system for all new-built plants was launched in China at the time. Feeling a large opportunity in this new market, the management conducted a MBO to become a new company specialized in desulfurization in 2003. However they didn’t have good enough technology at the time, so invited people from two Japanese companies with long term achievement in this field as supervisors. Japan has bitter experience of air pollution during the rapid economic growth period in the 1960s, resulting in high level technology accumulation for factories and power plants. Dr. Miyanaga, the IR manager in Japan says “The high level energy conservation was a big reason we asked the Japanese companies for technology transfer.”

Christmas Party

We had a big party at our Japanese-house-office on Saturday. 60 friends came, and we all had a great time meeting new people and chatting away. Some friends cooked, brought hand-made cheesecake, made us hot wine (with sugar flame performance!), played guitar, and all of us exchanged small gifts. Lots of fun. There are so many talented people, it always amazes me...
To be honest, throwing big parties means alot of preparation. Naomi and I have the same conversation every time before a party, that this will be the last time we are doing this, because it takes so much effort. But the parties are always so much fun, and everyone gives us so many good feedbacks, that we forget about the trouble and start planning for the next party the very next day :)
Well, now its Monday we are getting back to work mode...
Special thanks to Yukiko, Zico, Marilyn and Norider, who helped us prepare and carry out the party!

Illumination in Kunitachi

Christmas season is coming up, and the annual illumination light up started in Kunitachi. The main streat is now very pretty, and although the amount of light is not that much, you can enjoy gentle illumination since everything else is dark. If you have a chance of coming to the west part of Tokyo, please take some time and check it out. The lighting should be starting around 6pm every evening.
We are planning an early Christmas Party tonight at our Japanese-style-house-office. 60 people are coming, and we are looking forward to new encounters between our good friends. OK, time to start cooking...

Our Editorial Team

Ecotwaza is a company of only two people, but the editorial team is a big group of 19 people. Six are student internships, and the picture is our kick off NABE party with the internships. It is amazing how talented they are, and most are bilingual.

From the right,
Naomi Ogatsu (Gacchan) Art Director
Reina Otsuka (Reina) Editor in Chief
Koji Sugiyama (Zico) Editor
Mariko Oiwa (Marilyn) Editor
Charin Polpanumus (Charin) Editor
Noriko Osumi (Norider) Editor
Yuri Akimoto (Gagarin) Assistant
Makiko Onabe (Naberin) Assistant

This team will select the best Japanese technology / craftsmanship and communicate to you with Love, Passion and Respect!

See are editorial policy

Ikeuchi Towel

Ikeuchi Towel is known for its “Towels Weaved with Wind”. It is a small company in Imabari, Ehime Pref., with many fans from throughout Japan and the whole world. The Japanese towel industry is undergoing tough market because of cheaper products from China and other Asian countries, but Ikeuchi Towel has kept their strong policy to “Pursue high quality” since that was historically the strength of towels made in Imabari. Ikeuchi Towel started using organic cottons in the 1980s, and in effort of creating environment friendly products obtained ISO 14001 in 1999. Also in 2002 they started to weave all towels with Wind Power, using the new Green Electricity Certificate System. The subtle colors and soft touch of their towels, and on top their sincere company attitude, won first prize at the NY Home Textile Show 2002. Before then Ikeuchi Towel was domestically known only among fans who knew by words of mouth, but after becoming a popular brand in the US, the company was known throughout Japan.
“I recommend other small companies to join overseas exhibitions”, says Keiji Ikeuchi, CEO. “Not many do business as sincerely and honestly as Japanese companies. With just a little courage, small Japanese companies can succeed overseas!” May a good wind breeze for Mr. Ikeuchi and the 18 staffs of Ikeuchi Towel!

Awaji Island

Located in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island is a transit between Honshu (Main Island) and Shikoku.

According to the “Nihon-Shoki”, the Chronicles of Japan Creation, Awaji was one of the first islands created by the two gods, Izanagi and Izanami.

Awaji Island made a highly unusual but brief appearance on the world stage as the epicenter of the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 that claimed over 6000 lives. It was also the island where the English soccer team stayed during the World Cup
in 2002.

Now, populating 150 thousand people, the island attracts more than 2.7 million tourists during the summer season. The whirling waves of Naruto Strait are a sight worth seeing, and rich meals made from fresh ingredients produced around the island is also the reason of its popularity.

There are some sustainable ideas that you can learn from in Awaji.
One will be the usage of their rape blossoms and rape seed oil. Another will be their new wind power.
You can read more about Awaji Island in the next eco+waza vol.04, coming out on December 10th.
About eco+waza >> http://www.ecotwaza.com/service/media.htm

SHIWASU (December)

SHIWASU is December in the Japanese lunar calender. We write it 師走 in KANJI characters, meaning "teacher is running". There are many theories to explain the origin of this word, and it is commonly said that the sound was there first, and the KANJI letters were applyed afterwards. Afterwards meaning 8th century (Heian period), is quite old anyway. In this theory, it is said that "SHI" (monk teacher) has to "HASERU" (run around) to chant the Buddhist sutra everywhere during this season, so the "SHI-HASERU" became shorter to "SHIWASU".
Many Japanese companies become very very busy in December, although the fiscal year usually ends in March. It will be a polite joke to say "Well, it is SHIWASU we might as well be busy" when you are having a business talk.

eco+waza coming up

The next volume of eco+waza is coming up on December 10th.
Our office, with 6 in the editorial team including Naomi and me, was a bit chaotic for the past few days... but now all is set, we are waiting for the printing process to finish. Honestly speaking, the next volume is going to be so impactful, I can't wait to read it myself. (Should I be humble as all Japanese people are? :) )
It will be sold at major Maruzen stores, National Azabu, Ryusui Shobo Aoyama, Books 246 and nearby bookstores.
So here are the contents...

Cover Interview
No More Picking Up Trash? Start Reducing
An Interview with Ken Noguchi

Article
A Hint for Sustainability from Awaji Island

Virtual Showroom
1. Biodegradable Detergent
2. Near-infrared Sensor for CCA Contained Lumber
3. Mineral Ion for Water Sterilization and Algal Removal
4. Edo Sensu
5. A Breathing Wall
6. Wall Material Made of Recycled Milk Carton
7. Charcoal Crepe Paper
8. Curtain Hook

We will be posting a part of the above articles on this website too.

To subscribe magazine, email subscribe@ecotwaza.com your NAME and ADDRESS.
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