It will doubtless be a hot summer in Japan- always is, as far as I can remember (20 years). However, due to the earthquake/tsunami combo and worries about nuclear power, even the nuclear power plants that weren't affected by the disaster are partially shut down for a double check/ quick update. Since most big cities get a large percentage of their power from these plants, the power companies are asking everyone to reduce power usage this summer by 15%. There's some controversy about this, but probably most companies and citizens will try to comply.
Yet this is Japan, and Japan was making a pretty good effort to conserve energy anyway. Through the eyes of an American, buildings are uncomfortably hot, trains uncomfortably crowded, and home-air-conditioning units woefully underused. This is already the land that invented "cool-biz," which means they won't turn the air conditioning on, so you don't have to wear a tie. It's also the land of mesh-backed shirts to reduce summer sweating.
How will they cut more corners? Well, I already noticed some effects: convenience stores, once oases of icy air, and regular temperature : ( . . . movie theaters are a little warm : (
I already bought a gel-pack freezer pillow for my head at night! In the picture, the talk-show host is discussing other alternatives, such as curry that tastes good without heating.
Oh, and time to start cutting back on the number of trains leaving Tokyo station! Train packers, get ready to push!
Oh lord, I remember how hot June in Japan was in 1996... I am truly hoping you, the boys, and all of Japan will be able to stay cool enough this summer!
ReplyDeleteWow, they are a resourceful and resource-conserving people. I am impressed, definitely. I also hope you are managing to stay cool enough over there!
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