Methane Hydrate, a chemical compound sometimes found in ice, has long been sought-after by many nations as a source of energy. On the 12th, Japan became the first nation to successfully find a viable way of doing so. Japan is especially rich with deposits, with some estimates claiming over 1.1 trillion cubic meters of methane hydrate in offshore deposits. "Government officials have said that they aim to establish methane hydrate production technologies for practical use within five years," says BBC.
These sorts of innovations are a bright mark for the future of Japan, in spite of its recent difficulties. On the 11th Japan mourned the second anniversary of the 3/11 quake and tsunami, and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear disaster, with more than 18,000 dead or still missing. Japan has deactivated nearly all of its nuclear reactors since then, and has not turned them back on (although one might remember from recent news that Abe plans to reactivate them to help bolster the economy).
Japanese Emperor Akihito made a public appearance, and spoke, in honor of those affected deeply by the disaster. Really, all of Japan rallied publicly in a show of nationalism after the disaster—that sentiment lasts today. Some groups, such as the Fukushima First Baptist Church, held private ceremonies in public areas, as their buildings still cannot be accessed. Such churches held services to honor the dead.
Sources
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Gay Marriage also a part of Abe's plan?
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe immediately came to be known for his aggressive policies and willingness to do 'whatever it takes' to revive Japan's stagnating economy. This includes the forced resignation of the previous governor of the Central Bank of Tokyo, so that Abe could appoint a new leader.
The new governor, a right-wing financial hawk, has also vowed to do whatever it takes to save Japan. He plans on first reversing deflation (so far, so good) and will move to lobbying for new policies to encourage foreign investment, in order to strengthen the Japanese economy.
In unrelated news (or is it a maneuver to make the liberals in Japan happy, in spite of Abe being in charge?) the first gay couple ever had a marriage ceremony in the Tokyo Disney Resort. The couple—a famous gay rights activist and actor, and her undisclosed partner—had a Christian-style wedding in the resort, followed by a romantic gondola ride. One Japanese gay porn star said on twitter: “Your wonderful wedding will bring inspiration and hope to many people who still hesitate to take the first step. I was also encouraged that Tokyo Disney Resort was so understanding.” This marks the first 'high-end' wedding package for a gay couple at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Sources
The new governor, a right-wing financial hawk, has also vowed to do whatever it takes to save Japan. He plans on first reversing deflation (so far, so good) and will move to lobbying for new policies to encourage foreign investment, in order to strengthen the Japanese economy.
In unrelated news (or is it a maneuver to make the liberals in Japan happy, in spite of Abe being in charge?) the first gay couple ever had a marriage ceremony in the Tokyo Disney Resort. The couple—a famous gay rights activist and actor, and her undisclosed partner—had a Christian-style wedding in the resort, followed by a romantic gondola ride. One Japanese gay porn star said on twitter: “Your wonderful wedding will bring inspiration and hope to many people who still hesitate to take the first step. I was also encouraged that Tokyo Disney Resort was so understanding.” This marks the first 'high-end' wedding package for a gay couple at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Sources
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