Latest news with #Nishida
The Star
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Charging up green knowledge among kids
The campaign involved 30,000 pupils from 20 Klang Valley schools and the collection of more than 100,000 batteries for safe recycling. A GREEN campaign at school has been recognised for collecting the largest number of batteries for recycling in a single event. Panasonic Energy For Green Future School Recycling Campaign 2.0 involved more than 30,000 pupils from 20 primary schools across the Klang Valley. Their feat of donating more than 100,000 used batteries for safe recycling was recognised by Malaysia Book of Records during the grand finale at SJK (C) Yuk Chai, Petaling Jaya in Selangor. In a press statement, Panasonic said throughout the campaign, pupils participated in fun and educational activities, including a battery exchange programme and interactive workshops highlighting battery safety, pollution prevention and proper waste management. Adding to the excitement was Leo, Panasonic Energy's lively mascot who helped bring the effort's green message to life. The initiative included Panasonic introducing eco-bins at the schools to promote safe battery recycling and environmental awareness. The company said over 972kg of toxic waste was kept out of landfills, and more than 50% of the materials would be reused to produce new batteries, fertiliser and industrial products. (From second left) Nishida and Yusaini contributing used batteries for recycling, with Leo (right) giving two thumbs up at the event in Petaling Jaya. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star Green heroes and responsible citizens of tomorrow. The campaign was made possible through a collaboration with partners like Jaring Metal Industries Sdn Bhd and Harvey Norman. Malaysia Book of Records chief operating officer Jwan Heah and Panasonic Malaysia managing director Keisuke Nishida were present at the grand finale. Nishida said, 'We are proud to align this effort with our global goal of cutting 300 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2050. 'Household batteries often contain toxic chemicals. If thrown away improperly, the chemicals can leak into the soil and water.' The collected batteries, he said, would be sent to local recycling facilities to be safely dismantled without burning or releasing pollutants. 'Through this campaign, we aim to raise long-term awareness about e-waste and responsible consumption,' he added. Green heroes and responsible citizens of tomorrow. Also present was Selangor Education Department student development sector deputy director Yusaini Salleh, who praised everyone involved in the initiative. 'This campaign teaches energy efficiency and encourages young Malaysians to be responsible and informed citizens,' he said. 'It is an important step forward in creating a recycling culture within our schools and beyond. 'I hope to see more schools involved in the coming years.'
The Mainichi
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Editorial: Never forget Okinawa's WWII history and the enormous civilian casualties
Okinawa on June 23 observed "Memorial Day," marking the day 80 years ago when organized combat between the then Imperial Japanese military and U.S. forces is said to have ended. We must never forget the history of forcing a tremendous sacrifice upon Okinawa residents due to the gruesome ground battle waged in the final phases of World War II. During the war, the Japanese military made Okinawa a "sacrificial stone" to buy time to prepare for decisive battles on mainland Japan. After the fall of its command headquarters in Shuri, present-day Naha, the Japanese military continued to resist while retreating to the south of Okinawa's main island, embroiling numerous residents in the fighting. Of the approximately 188,000 deaths on the Japanese side, half were residents. The Japanese military's attitude of prolonging the fighting without hesitating civilian sacrifices has left a lingering sense of distrust among Okinawa Prefecture residents. What is concerning is that there are moves to turn people's eyes away from this history. The past must never be distorted An epitome of such moves was the remarks made by Shoji Nishida, a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker of the House of Councillors, at a meeting held in Naha this May. Regarding an exhibit at the Himeyuri Cenotaph in Itoman, erected in memory of female students and their teachers who perished in the Battle of Okinawa after being mobilized as nurses into the Himeyuri Student Corps, Nishida unilaterally claimed that there were descriptions to the effect that, "The Japanese military rolled into the area, leaving the Himeyuri corps to die. Then the U.S. troops came in, setting Okinawa free." He criticized the exhibit as "rewriting history," and also stated, "Japan cannot become independent unless we create a history that we can be convinced of." Of the 136 Himeyuri corps members who died, more than 80% lost their lives after being thrown out into the battlefield following a Japanese military order for the corps to disband. Nishida's remarks do not reflect the realities of the Battle of Okinawa and are unacceptable. Fumiaki Nozoe, a professor at Okinawa International University who specializes in Japanese diplomatic history, pointed out, "Mr. Nishida's remarks distort the facts. Okinawa residents are harboring a feeling of alienation that the history of Okinawa has not been shared with mainland Japan, and are becoming increasingly concerned that wars could be repeated again." It is precisely because of these circumstances that the importance of passing down the experiences of the war is ever growing. With the war generation dwindling, young people's activities to convey wartime records and survivors' testimonies have come under the spotlight. Nitsuki Karimata, 27, launched Savira, a company providing peace studies program for school trips, with her peers. The program not only introduces the testimonies of survivors while guiding students at former battle sites, but also provides an opportunity for them to discuss themes such as "what is needed for building peace." Karimata started the firm after finding the peace education she received was insufficient. "Even when people who experienced the war shared their valuable stories, it was hard to understand without advance knowledge. I also wanted a clear explanation for why the war had started," she recalled. Through her activities, she has increasingly felt, "It is important to not ignore the past. We must pass on the lessons even 100 years, or 200 years after the war." Japan must take Okinawa's burden as its own affair Even after 80 years have passed since the end of the war, Okinawa's "postwar" period has not ended. The prefecture has continued to face "structural discrimination," being forced to host U.S. military bases in the name of maintaining security, inflicting burdens on residents. During the 27 years of U.S. military rule of Okinawa before its reversion to Japan, residents were deprived of their land through heavy-handed tactics for the construction of bases. Even today, about 70% of U.S. military-exclusive facilities in Japan are concentrated in Okinawa in terms of land area, including airfields and maneuver areas. In disregard of Okinawa residents' calls for reducing the burden of hosting the bases, the Japanese government has been pressing ahead with the planned relocation within Okinawa of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the Henoko district of Nago. In a 2019 prefectural referendum, 70% of voters opposed the land reclamation of areas off Henoko for the construction of the new base. There is also no end to sex crimes committed by U.S. servicemen in Okinawa. The Japanese government has nevertheless failed to tackle the revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, which has hindered prosecution of U.S. military personnel in the country. Cases also emerged where the Japanese government and Okinawa Prefectural Police did not inform the Okinawa Prefectural Government of those incidents. Such actions that ignore the victims' human rights are unacceptable. The U.S. military bases that were installed in mainland Japan in the wake of the country's defeat in the war have subsequently been consolidated and compacted, yet Okinawa continues to bear a heavy burden. Professor Nozoe urged, "More of the U.S. military training in Okinawa should be hosted by mainland Japan to help reduce Okinawa's burdens." As China steps up its maritime advancements, a number of new Japanese Self-Defense Forces bases have been established on Sakishima Islands in Okinawa. A plan to evacuate Sakishima residents to Kyushu and elsewhere in the event of contingencies in Taiwan was also announced. The government should listen to the backlash by local residents harboring concerns that Okinawa could once again be the target of military attacks. What is required now is to treat Okinawa's security burden not as a local issue but as Japan's own problem. Facing up to the history and realities of the Battle of Okinawa will be the starting point for these endeavors.
Asahi Shimbun
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Ishiba decries civilian deaths at Okinawa memorial for slain nurses
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba tours the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, guided by the museum's director, Chokei Futenma, on June 23. (Pool) ITOMAN, Okinawa Prefecture—In a rare move, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited the Himeyuri-no-to memorial here on June 23 as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa. He is the first sitting prime minister in 30 years to visit the memorial on the anniversary day since Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama did so in 1995. But Ishiba's visit follows another highly unusual move by ruling party lawmaker Shoji Nishida to denigrate the Himeyuri-no-to memorial, which commemorates 227 people, mainly student nurses, who were killed in the battle. Nishida said the memorial was 'terrible' and distorted history. Ishiba was asked by a reporter if he visited the facility because of Nishida's offensive remarks, but the prime minister did not mention the lawmaker by name. However, a source close to Ishiba said, 'After the issue with Nishida, (Ishiba) could not avoid visiting the Himeyuri-no-to memorial.' Ishiba stopped by at the site after attending a ceremony memorializing victims of the 1945 Battle of Okinawa. He placed flowers on the altar and held a silent prayer for about five seconds, bowing his head in respect. He also visited the adjacent Himeyuri Peace Museum, which exhibits video testimonies and photos to convey the realities of the Battle of Okinawa and the state of education that sent students to the battlefield. 'I really wanted to be here,' Ishiba told reporters. 'The desire that there should be no more wars and the tragedy of war … I have come here with the thought that I must engrave them on my heart once again.' The Himeyuri (star lily) Student Corps, consisting of girls from two schools in Okinawa Prefecture, were mobilized as nursing personnel for the bloodiest battle of the Pacific theater of World War II. Nishida, an Upper House member of the Liberal Democratic Party, made the disparaging remarks about the Himeyuri memorial at a symposium held in the Okinawa prefectural capital of Naha in May. Behind his remarks were his claims that education in Okinawa Prefecture has distorted history, such as portraying U.S. troops as liberators. Nishida was harshly criticized, especially by those who survived the battle, as 'not understanding the reality of the situation.' The Okinawa prefectural assembly passed a protest resolution demanding an apology and a retraction. Opposition parties and also members of the LDP joined in the criticism. Ishiba stated in the Diet that he and Nishida have different understandings about the battle. The prime minister also apologized as the head of the LDP to Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki. Nishida himself apologized and partially retracted his remarks about the Himeyuri memorial, but local anger has not abated. By visiting the site himself, Ishiba wanted to clearly demonstrate once again that he was not in agreement with Nishida's remarks, sources said. 'The lesson that civilians should never be placed on the battlefield must continue to be taught,' Ishiba said. More than 200,000 people from both the Japanese and U.S. sides, including tens of thousands of civilians, died in the Battle of Okinawa. The island prefecture today continues to host around 70 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan. Residents have long complained about the noise, accidents and crimes stemming from U.S. bases. The prefecture is demanding revisions of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, which critics say is 'unequal,' particularly concerning accidents and crimes involving U.S. military personnel. 'We have to seriously tackle this issue,' Ishiba said on June 23. 'I would like to compare and contrast (agreements) in other countries and promote discussions in the entire political arena.' Regarding the relocation of the U.S. Futenma Air Station in Ginowan in Okinawa Prefecture to the Henoko district in Nago, also in the prefecture, Ishiba has set up a forum for direct discussions with Ginowan city officials. By doing so, he has made clear he will push ahead with the relocation project without the prefecture, which opposes it. (This article was written by Kae Kawashima, Kazuyuki Ito and Kazuki Uechi.)
New Straits Times
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Panasonic sets record with youth-led battery recycling drive
PETALING JAYA: Panasonic Malaysia has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for collecting the 'Most Batteries Recycled in a Single Event', marking a significant milestone in environmental education and youth engagement. The feat was achieved through the 'Energy for Green Future – School Recycling Campaign 2.0', which saw more than 100,000 used batteries collected by over 30,000 students from 20 primary schools in the Klang Valley. The campaign's finale was held at SJK (C) Yuk Chai, Petaling Jaya, and attended by student development sector of Selangor state education department (JPN Selangor) deputy director Yusaini Salleh; Panasonic Malaysia managing director Keisuke Nishida; The Malaysia Book of Records chief operating officer Jwan Heah, Panasonic Energy Thailand dry battery manufacturing division director Visut Thobpak; Panasonic Energy Malaysia country head Lau Swee San; Jaring Metal Industries director Datuk Nigel Ng; and SJK (C) Yuk Chai headmaster Robin Tan. "It's not just a company achievement," said Nishida, lauding the joint efforts of teachers and students nationwide. "This campaign is more than just a recycling drive. It's about empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. We are proud to deliver a meaningful programme that combines education, action and impact. "The record we've set is a milestone, but the real achievement is instilling lifelong eco-conscious values in Malaysian students," said Nishida. Nishida said the improper disposal of household batteries can contaminate soil and water if not handled correctly. By addressing this issue, Panasonic aims to build lasting awareness around responsible e-waste management and foster sustainable habits early in life. DRIVING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Activities during the campaign included the Battery Exchange Programme, where students swapped used batteries for new ones, as well as workshops on battery safety and pollution prevention. Students also met Panasonic Energy's mascot, Leo, who helped bring environmental messages to life in an engaging way. "We will continue to work with schools and the government to grow our environmental efforts. Some of the activities we plan to do include new school recycling campaigns, educational workshops, and wider distribution of Panasonic Eco Bins to make recycling more accessible," he added. Panasonic Energy, the division behind the campaign, aims to raise awareness on battery recycling and foster sustainable habits, particularly among younger consumers. The initiative reflects Panasonic's corporate vision, "Create Today. Enrich Tomorrow," while aligning with the company's global Panasonic Green Impact framework, which promotes carbon neutrality and long-term environmental responsibility. "Panasonic remains committed to working hand-in-hand with eco-conscious organisations, educational institutions, the public sector and our own people to drive sustainable innovation and foster a culture of environmental responsibility both in Malaysia and across the region," concluded Nishida.
The Mainichi
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Okinawa marks 80 years since end of one of harshest WWII battles with pledge to share tragic history
TOKYO (AP) ---- Okinawa marked the 80th anniversary of the end of one of the harshest battles of World War II fought on the southern island. With global tensions escalating, its governor said on Monday it is the Okinawan "mission" to keep telling the tragic history and its impact today. The Battle of Okinawa killed a quarter of the island's population, leading to a 27-year U.S. occupation and a heavy American troop presence to date. Monday's memorial comes one day after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, adding to a sense of uncertainty on the island about the heavy American military presence and in its remote islands, already worried about getting embroiled in a potential conflict in Taiwan. Gov. Denny Tamaki, noting the escalating global conflicts and nuclear threats, made a resolve to contribute to global peace studies, disarmament and the preservation of war remains. "It is our mission, as those living in the present, to preserve and pass on the reality and lessons to future generations." Fierce battle and civilian deaths U.S. troops landed on the main Okinawa island on April 1, 1945, beginning a battle in their push toward mainland Japan. The Battle of Okinawa lasted nearly three months, killing some 200,000 people ---- about 12,000 Americans and more than 188,000 Japanese, half of them Okinawan civilians including students and victims forced into mass suicides by Japan's military. Okinawa was sacrificed by Japan's Imperial Army to defend the mainland, historians say. The island group remained under U.S. occupation until its reversion in 1972, two decades longer than most of Japan. Monday's memorial was held at the Mabuni Hill in Itoman City, where the remains of most of the war dead reside. Remembering the tragedy Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was in a hot seat when he attended Monday's ceremony. Weeks earlier, one of his ruling party lawmakers Shoji Nishida, known for whitewashing Japan's wartime atrocities, denounced an inscription on a famous cenotaph dedicated to students as "rewriting history" by portraying the Japanese army as having caused their deaths, while Americans liberated Okinawa. Nishida also called Okinawa's history education "a mess." His remark triggered an uproar in Okinawa, forcing Ishiba days later to apologize to the island's governor, who had criticized the remark as outrageous and distorting history. The Himeyuri Cenotaph commemorates student nurses who were abandoned near the end of the battle and killed, some in group suicides with teachers. Japan's wartime military told the people never to surrender to the enemy, or die. Nishida's remarks add to concerns about the whitewashing of Japan's embarrassing wartime past as memories of the tragedy fade and ignorance about the suffering grows. Ishiba, at Monday's memorial, said Japan's peace and prosperity is built on the sacrifices of Okinawa's history of hardship and that it is the government's responsibility to "devote ourselves to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Okinawa." Postwar years and growing fear Okinawa remained under U.S. occupation from 1945 until the 1972 reversion to Japan. The U.S. military maintains a heavy presence there due to Okinawa's strategic importance for security in the Pacific. Their presence serves not only to help defend Japan but also for missions elsewhere, including in the South China Sea and the Middle East. Private properties were confiscated to build U.S. bases, and the base-dependent economy has hampered the growth of local industry. Fear of a Taiwan conflict rekindles bitter memories of the Battle of Okinawa. Historians and many residents say Okinawa was used as a pawn to save mainland Japan. There are also ancient tensions between Okinawa and the Japanese mainland, which annexed the islands, formerly the independent kingdom of the Ryukus, in 1879. Burden of history Okinawa remains home to the majority of about 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan under a bilateral security pact. The island, which accounts for only 0.6% of Japanese land, hosts 70% of U.S. military facilities. Even 53 years after its reversion to Japan, Okinawa is burdened with the heavy U.S. presence and faces noise, pollution, aircraft accidents and crime related to American troops, the governor said. Nearly 2,000 tons of unexploded U.S. bombs remain in Okinawa, with some regularly dug up. A recent explosion at a storage site at a U.S. military base caused minor injuries to four Japanese soldiers. Remains of hundreds of war dead are still unrecovered on Okinawa, as the government's search and identification effort is slow to make progress.
