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What's Going On? TOPICS |
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July 2020page 1 |
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What's Going On? TOPICS |
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July 2020page 1 |
July 2020 page 1 TOPICS
5,000 yen Discount for Overnight Stay in Ehime
Ehime prefecture launched a new project for the recovery of local travel, which provides 5,000 yen per person for those living in Ehime to spend a night at an accommodation in Ehime. From July 1, the target market will be expanded to those living in Shikoku, Hiroshima and Oita to attract tourists outside of the prefecture. According to the prefecture, the 5,000 yen discount is offered when a reservation for an accommodation in Ehime more than 6,000 yen per person per night is made through either travel agencies in Ehime or Rakuten Travel and Jalan. This discount will be good up to the night of August 31 for those living in Ehime. For those outside Ehime, it will be up to the night of December 31 only through the booking sites. Further information can be found on the website of; Ehime Local Promotion Association (Japanese Only): https://iyonet.com/ The prefecture has prepared 84.65 million yen for this project, for an estimated 10,000 cases for local residents and 5,000 cases for non-Ehime residents. This project will be terminated when the budget is used up.(June 13, Ehime Shimbun Online)
Dried Fish from Ehime to Space
A seafood product developed by a company in Toon city, next to Matsuyama, was certified as a Japanese space food by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The idea is to develop space food Japanese astronauts will enjoy and to help reduce stress while staying in the International Space Station for an extended time. The Agency has certified the food according to such standards, as hygiene, nutrition, and preservation. So far 40 items such as curry, ramen, and grilled chicken, produced by 24 companies and groups have been certified. Astronauts can choose the food they like before going into space. The seafood, called "Space Marutto Horse Mackerel," is the first dried fish certified to be eaten in space. Even the bones can be eaten, so it is expected to provide calcium, of which there may be a deficiency in outer space. Five years ago, some high school students in the school broadcasting club happened to cover a seafood company. The students interviewed the company official, Mr. Kishimoto, about his future dream, and he told them he would like their products to be taken to space. One student who listened to Mr. Kishimoto's dream called JAXA and recommended the company's products. After that the Agency asked the company to develop space food. The company kept improving their product to meet the criteria set by JAXA. They also tried to restrain the smell of fish, with the hope that international astronauts would enjoy eating it. Their product was certified this March. (June 12, Ehime Shimbun)
New Athletic Facility Opens: Forest Adventure Saijo
A new athletic facility named Forest Adventure Saijo opened in Hontani Park (Kawanouchi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture) on June 6. In the park, people from inside and outside the city enjoyed participating in activities such as using ropes and boards to move between trees more than 10 meters tall. Forest Adventure originated in France and Saijo is the 34th such facility in Japan. It was originally scheduled to open in April, but it was postponed due to the Covid-19 infection. For the time being, a reservation system only for residents in Shikoku is being used, and wearing a mask is required. Staff showed the visitors how to use the safety devices before the activities. Some people struggled with unstable footing, but overall, they enjoyed 42 activities. There was also an activity called a zip line, where people slide down a wire. Further Information:Children under third grade must be accompanied by an adult. Entry: Adults 4,100 yen; high school students and younger 3,800 yen Visit the website below for details.Forest Adventure Saijo: https://foret-aventure.jp/eng/conditions/ (June 7, Ehime Shimbun Online)
New Material for Reducing Plastic Waste
Daio Paper Corporation (Shikoku Chuo City, Ehime Prefecture) announced a new product named "Eli-Pla+ (plus)", which is a water- and oil-resistant high-density cardboard used as an alternative to plastics. Eli-Pla+ was developed to help reduce plastic waste that contributes to marine pollution. The newly developed material is expected to be used in containers for such uses as take-out food, which have increasingly been used resulting from the new Covid-19 lifestyle. In May 2019, Daio developed "Eli-Pla Paper" for use in knives, toothpicks, hangers, etc. It was also used in some products from major confectionary companies and helped to expand the market for de-plasticized products. The problem with Eli-Pla Paper was its susceptibility to oil and water due to the characteristics of paper, but Eli-Pla+ overcame the problem with its coating, which enabled it to be more water and oil resistant than conventional products. Eli-Pla+ can be used as a take-out food container for food with a large amount of water and oil, such as fried foods and soups, and can also appeal to consumers who are concerned about increasing plastic waste. In addition, its stiffness lends itself easily to making paper plates, bowls, or spoons for outdoor use, and is microwave-safe. It is only available in white, but there are 6 thicknesses between 0.42 and 1.1 mm. Daio stated they would like to continue to strengthen their efforts in developing eco-friendly products to help protect the environment. (June 6, Ehime Shimbun Online)
Baby Lions after an Interval of Five Years
Ehime prefecture announced that baby lions were born at the Tobe Zoo on June 1 and 3. A female, one of the three, was born dead, but the other two seemed healthy. According to the zoo, their genders are not yet known. The father Neo, age 6, came from Hyogo prefecture last year, and the mother, Ririka, was born 5 years ago in a litter of 3 at the Tobe Zoo. The zoo staff is taking care so that the mother and cubs do not get sick from stress or heat. The number of the lions in the zoo is now ten, including the newborns. The zoo plans to keep a pride of lions for visitors to enjoy watching. (June 5, Ehime Shimbun)
Classes During Summer Break
The Ehime Board of Education ordered all the municipal elementary and jr. high schools to hold classes for 10 days in total during summer break to make up for school closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They will be make-up classes, therefore students will not be counted as absent even if they don't attend. According to the board, the classes will be held on the weekdays from July 27 to 31, and from August 24 to 28. School lunch will be provided in July, but not in August. The number of class is expected to be more than five in July, and less than four in August. The first term will end on July 20, and the second term will start on September 1 as usual. Although 28 school days were missed since the first term started in April, the board decided a 10-day extension would be sufficient to make up for the lost time in accordance with responses to a survey of principals. (June 2, Ehime Shimbun)
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Matsuyama International Center |