In my previous work, "Rokkasho Rhapsody" I interviewed people who live in the village of Rokkasho. These people are working in the forefront of the nuclear industry.
Currently we are being challenged what energy sources to choose.
We live in the age of the cross-border environmental damage of global warming, and face a dilemma that leads to environmental destruction of our own species.
I wonder if there is a way to solve this dilemma, so as not to continue the destruction. W e must fundamentally review the structure of environmental destruction, and create new energy. Many people are beginning to understand that there is no future if the system itself is not changed in all sectors of society.
What kind of energy is right for our society?
I looked to Sweden for a hint, where a nuclear power referendum decided to create a society independent of oil by 2020.
In fact, I saw that there are democracy, transparency of information, and high awareness of human rights behind the energy shift. The Swedish economy continues to grow while reducing CO2 and providing high-quality social welfare.
What is the difference between Japan and Sweden?
Currently, plans are underway to build a new nuclear power plant in Kaminoseki town, Yamaguchi Prefecture. This nuclear power plant will be built on a landfill in the beautiful bay at the entrance to the Seto Inland Sea. The people of Iwai Island located directly across from the planned site have been in opposition to the project for 26 years. Despite their wishes, the planning is going ahead in Kaminoseki. However, the Land Reclamation proposed for Tanoura Bay threatens a paradise of biodiversity and fresh water springs from the seabed. Iwai Island is the best fishing area for fishermen. If the people of Iwai Island aren't able to live sustainably, then we too will no longer be able to.
The term "sustainable" actually has various meanings.
I think the most important among them is "not to go against natural law."
What I want to tell and express in this work is the big power of natural cycles that we usually
overlook. Instead of an enemy, nature gives us a sense of living together.
In fact, our ancestors lived in sustainable communities and culture for some thousands of years.
We need to rediscover this way of life, and blend it with modern technology. I feel this could
be a safe, sustainable vision of our future. I hope to produce a film with such a vision. To do
this, I have looked at the desperate reality on the one hand, and the existing hopeful possibility
for the future on the other hand.
This film is a record from a travelling camera. Through this exploration of the lifestyles of unknown people living in remote areas I'm hoping that I can discover how we should live from now on. I want to be a medium for the birth of a human network and energy that will transform our society.
What is life and sustainable society? Where are we now going?
Sweden is 20 years ahead of Japan; 20 years ago it had a problem similar to Japan's. Sweden is
also on the journey towards a sustainable society. It has overcome various challenges, so I
wanted to investigate the people living in local areas.
the way people are brought up In harmony with nature in Iwai Island Yamaguchi, life has continued in the same way for 1000s of years, but now the sustainability of the culture is in danger of environmental degradation due to the nuclear power plant construction. I want to make clear what the obstacles are for people fighting the project in the field, and follow a variety of ongoing efforts to protect life in a loving community.
We each are real people struggling with the conflict to change society, to shift the energy in
the current situation. All we need is a paradigm shift from unsustainable culture. This could
be an upsetting change of values.
At first glance, individuals may seem powerless and helpless to do a great job, but working on
this as one person I hope to address this fundamental problem.
This movie is a journey.
Through my visits in Japan and Sweden, I want to connect the local people who seek new energy.
TOP