Measures to prevent global warming are part of the projects which I would like to proceed with. The survival of humanity is threatened by global warming, and this problem must be confronted around the world. From the little things that each person living on the Earth can do right now, from wearing light clothes so as not to necessitate raising the room temperature with air conditioners, to wearing heavy clothes so as not to necessitate lowering the room temperature at the time of heating. When shopping, bring your own shopping bag and refuse excessive packaging. When I move somewhere, I use public transportation or bicycles. More than anything else, I think that people must be strong. The biggest form of global environmental protection starts with our own health as human beings, as we continue to co-exist with nature. To stop global warming, not only is it important to have technological capabilities and new product development, but human use of such technology is more important. Using technology wisely, people will be more likely to stop wasting, which will lead to the prevention of global warming. The impact of each person practicing small things will lead to many people carrying out eco-action, and great effects can be expected for sure. What is important is that children, who are bearers of the future, live a fun, eco-friendly lifestyle. With adults as role models, children should choose an “eco-lifestyle”. It is important that I myself and human health become earth-friendly. By following through, each person also becomes aware of their trivial behavior, and realizes the power of people who live on the Earth. It is becoming a powerful force of influence.

I can proudly speak out that we have SPRING, SUMMER, AUTUMN and WINTER, four clearly distinguished, different seasons. In Japanese, we say “SHIKI” which combines 2 Chinese characters meaning FOUR and SEASONS. “SHIKI” has provided us Japanese with nature viewing, fresh air, and agricultural products for our lives. Not only that, we Japanese can read, see and touch very sensitive and pure minds through the writings and drawings behind our culture. We Japanese can enjoy a variety of foods and meals made possible by natural agricultural products for each season. Cooks, therefore, have taken on the challenge of preparing special Japanese foods completed in a very sensitive method, and I believe that “SHIKI” has instilled sensitivity and skills not only in those professionals but in each of us. I was born in SHIGA Prefecture which is located in HONSHU Island near the well-known cities of Kyoto and Nara. Do you know Lake BIWA (called BIWAKO), the largest lake in Japan? Near BIWAKO, I grew up in the so-called “SATOYAMA “which is comprised of a virgin forest and beautiful and wide reaching rice paddy fields near my hometown. SATOYAMA is a Japanese term applied to the border zone or area between mountain foothills and arable flatlands. Literally, SATO means arable and livable land or homeland, and YAMA means hill or mountain. BIWAKO and SATOYAMA have developed through centuries of small scale agricultural and forestry use. The migration of wild animals can occur between ponds, rice paddies, grasslands, forests, and also from one village to another. Ponds, reservoirs, and streams, in particular, play a significant role in the survival of water-dependent species such as dragonflies, fireflies, among other insects. It is extremely important for us to conserve Lake BIWA and the SATOYAMA continuously, so I join and work with local women’s organization and individuals to promote the use of soap powder instead of synthetic detergent in consideration of the possible water pollution in Lake Biwa (BIWAKO). I know I am very lucky to grow up in my hometown of SHIGA, surrounded by nature, food, culture and people. I hope many people around the world can visit my hometown of SHIGA to see and feel our beloved Lake Biwa (BIWAKO) and SATOYAMA, as well as experience and learn about our four beautiful seasons or “SHIKI”.

I was active, full of curiousity and a sports-loving girl and wanted to try anything related to sports. I have been swimming since I was a child. I used to participate in a lot of swim meets every year. Practice was very hard and I wanted to quit many times, but I was encouraged by my mother and friends who practiced together with me, and I was able to overcome my hardships. As a result, I was able to participate in the big tournaments. I have learned that I have been blessed with wonderful companions in various situations. It is important to appreciate the splendor of fellowship and the strength of the teamwork. Now, I love sports related to nature and the sea, because of related experiences.

What I learned was “Cherish all creatures” and “Do not waste food.” My parents and grandparents taught me this and is the basis for my opinions. There were a lot of animals at our home. When I found a cat or dog, my family and I looked for someone to take care of them. I learned not to give up until the end, and the importance of taking responsibility. I wrote an essay titled “I Want to Protect the Animals” for my graduation essay when I was in elementary school. That is my dream for the future. Now, as I think about being Miss Earth Japan, I realize that I have been involved in the environmental problems of the Earth, and that is because of the lessons learned in my childhood.

My most memorable moment is the Tohoku earthquake and TSUNAMI that occurred on March 11th, 2011. I was waiting for a train at Tokyo Station going to an audition at the moment that it happened. I had never experienced such a big earthquake before and was so afraid that I couldn’t do anything. What I could do at that moment was just return to my apartment and watch the terrible scenes of the earthquake and TSUNAMI on TV. After the earthquake, I was faced with the situation of not being able to find food at supermarkets, non-running trains and electrical power outages. I live in Tokyo by myself so I felt afraid and alone during this period but my neighbors took care of me a lot. The tragedy made me realize how ordinary days are important and full of happiness and how kind people can be. In addition, people all over the world showed their sympathy for us and came to Japan to rescue and support the victims of this difficult situation. I’ll never forget their kindness.

My environmental advocacy efforts include beach clean-ups. Beach clean-ups are easy for anyone to do. The team I’m a part of is organized by local surfers and they create communities and call for their participation. We have a simple policy, “We use the beach, so we protect the beach.” We meet up and clean the beach every week at the same day and time. But because we have been doing this activity for dozens of years, this is a wonderful environmental advocacy effort. I learn what “Practice makes perfect” means from this activity. I’m going to keep participating in this activity which makes my favorite beach so beautiful to walk barefoot on for hundreds of years.

I think that sustainable energy is water a
nd electrical power, both of which we take for granted. Energy is limited and it starts by realizing it. The population of the earth is increasing and the demand for energy grows in proportion to the rise in population. Because energy is limited, I think that we should use energy that doesn’t have a bad influence on the natural environment and social environment. This is not what we are forced to consider. This is what people all over the world must realize themselves. I would like to start by getting you to realize it. We are not experts, so let’s start by hearing your various opinions and discussing this with you.