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November 2020

FEATURE : Online Ministerial Meeting for the Platform for Redesign 2020: Platform on Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19

CURRENT TOPICS : · International Symposium “Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction” · Japan's Policy on Exporting Coal-Fired Power Generation · Launch of the Japan Platform for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure (JPRSI) · Redesigning Work-Style amid and after the Pandemic

NATIONAL PARKS of JAPAN : Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park FEATURE Online Ministerial Meeting for the Platform for Redesign 2020: Platform on Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19 “Redesign” and the “Three Transitions”

On September 3, 2020, the Online Background COVID-19 stroke a massive Ministerial Meeting for the Platform The 26th Conference of blow to the global economy. Now is for Redesign 2020 was held. During the Parties to the United Nations the time for us to plan for a vigorous the meeting, participants from each Framework Convention on Climate recovery. Such recovery will be country shared their views and concrete Change (COP26) has been postponed triggered by a virtuous cycle of actions to tackle the COVID-19 crisis and to November 2021 due to the environment and growth. As part of measures to address climate change and COVID-19 crisis. While the pandemic our recovery from the pandemic, we environmental degradation. continues to affect the world’s socio- must move forward with tackling both economic systems, climate change climate change and environmental and environmental degradations have degradation. We have to take concrete not subsided, as extreme rainfalls and actions to raise the level of ambition tropical cyclones continue to cause and implement both mitigation and floods in many parts of the world, and adaptation measures. Furthermore, increased temperatures and droughts 2020 is an important year during cause wildfires. which the Paris Agreement enters into force, and parties communicate and

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by Dr. Andrew Steer, WRI President and CEO; and joined by Minister KOIZUMI; Ms. Mary Robinson, representative of The Elders and former President of Ireland; Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO of GEF and former Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy; Dr. Mark Carney, COP26 Finance Advisor and former Governor of the Bank of England; and Dr. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Opening video message from UN Secretary-General Guterres The effectiveness of the “Redesign” and the “Three Transitions” approach was update their NDCs, leading to long- Keywords: “Redesign” and the recognized. The need to develop new term emissions reduction strategies. “Three Transitions” initiatives focusing on sustainability To address these two crises, it is Using “Redesign” as a keyword, as part of our economic recovery, as essential for all countries to cooperate Minister KOIZUMI indicated well as to plan and implement policies and enhance inclusiveness. the need to implement the Three with the aim to redesign society Transitions in all countries that will as a whole, was noted. The Three Minister of the Environment form the basis for redesigning post- Transitions toward a decarbonized KOIZUMI Shinjiro, with full support COVID-19 societies. These are: the society, a circular economy, and a from the UNFCCC Secretariat, held transition to a decarbonized society, decentralized society will be the the Online Ministerial Meeting for the transition to a circular economy, cornerstone of this “Redesign.” the Platform for Redesign 2020 and the transition to a decentralized on September 3, 2020, to bring society. Minister KOIZUMI received Concerning the transition to together information from all supports and agreements from a decarbonized society, views were countries on their recovery from the many participating countries on his voiced on the need to recognize that COVID-19 pandemic and climate assertion that in order to transition while recovery from the pandemic and environmental measures. to more sustainable and resilient will be accompanied by a rise in The objective was to build global socio-economic systems, our task is global energy demand, we cannot momentum and make sure that not to return to the pre-COVID-19 fall back to the same rebound in climate action does not lag behind world, but rather to redesign our emissions that followed economic amid the pandemic. socio-economic systems to be more stimulus packages after the 2008 sustainable and resilient. financial crisis. Therefore, it is The meeting on post- critical to address the issues of COVID-19 climate measures Based on the joint recognition decarbonization of both energy garnered large-scale attendance of the need to bear in mind the sectors through the development of globally with a total of 96 countries virtuous cycle of environment and renewable energies and the social participating, and ministers and vice- growth in the context of recovery implementation of hydrogen, as well ministers from 46 countries sharing from COVID-19, opinions were as decarbonization in the process of their initiatives. The meeting was exchanged over three sessions. energy use in industrial sectors and chaired by Minister KOIZUMI, with households. full support of Ms. Patricia Espinosa, Session 1: Redesign of Socio- UNFCCC Executive Secretary. economy with the Three With regards to the transition Opening messages were provided Transitions to a circular economy, views by Mr. ABE Shinzo, (then) Prime Session 1 aimed to indicate a were shared on the importance of Minister of Japan, and Mr. António framework approach to respond to the promoting economic recovery policy Guterres, UN Secretary-General. two crises, COVID-19 and climate with climate and environmental change. The session was facilitated policies to create a virtuous cycle of

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environment and growth. Redesigning Implementing the Three Session 2: COVID-19 Recovery socio-economic systems for the Transitions will help prevent future and Climate / Environmental transition to a circular economy environmental risks, and can be Measures and Actions requires not only recycling and proper seen as a form of “vaccine” for our In Session 2, participating treatment of waste, but also the socio-economic system. The Three countries delivered statements on acceleration of initiatives in resource Transitions are a cost-effective way their various measures. The session circulation over entire supply chains to prepare for future crises. was facilitated by Mr. Selwin Hart, as a business strategy in the private Special Adviser of the UN Secretary- sector, and the sustainable use of Session 1 also highlighted three General on Climate Action. The natural resources. cross-cutting issues: policies based on content of discussions on different facts and science, the role of finance topics is indicated below. Concerning the transition to a and investment, and the importance decentralized society, discussions of international cooperation. In [Strengthening Climate Action] noted that the propagation of addition to facts and science- Various measures to enhance COVID-19 has highlighted the based policymaking and enhanced NDCs and commitments to net- limitations of a centralized society. international solidarity, going forward zero carbon emissions by 2050 were In addressing the pandemic, the we also require a just energy transition, introduced. Countries presented focus should continue to be on the re-investing in industrialization, examples of aligning their economic importance of rebuilding our socio- more sustainable technologies and recovery measures from the economic systems and creating services, and various measures to COVID-19 pandemic implemented decentralized societies with new ways secure (and distribute) funding toward in various sectors, with their long- of working such as tele-working, restructuring the finance sector. term strategies and national plans. lifestyle changes, digitalization, This included policies such as green introduction of decentralized energy jobs, restructuring supply chains, systems, and community engagement. efficient use of resources and waste management, and circular economy. The need for energy security was

The meeting was held online, with ministers and vice-ministers of participating countries presenting their measures

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also emphasized. Participants also recognized the need for technological innovations, including mixed combustion of ammonia produced by renewable energy, and the utilization of CCUS/carbon recycling, as well as integral changes in lifestyles.

[Energy/Digitalization] Most countries presented measures to promote the introduction of renewable energy. Numerous countries mentioned their hydrogen policies. Realizing a hydrogen society is a key to achieving global decarbonization. It was recognized that hydrogen has advanced to the social implementation stage by Minister KOIZUMI serving as Chair of the Online Ministerial Meeting countries’ efforts in conducting on- going pilot projects such as the production of hydrogen by renewable development of low-carbon/zero- as climate-resilient infrastructure energy and its use in the domestic carbon public transportation networks designs, as well as the mainstreaming sector, as well as fuel-cell vehicles and bicycle lanes. Research and of these adaptation measures in and buses. Several countries have development of related technologies various policy documents, strategies started formulating their hydrogen are also being promoted. Human and plans. strategies following the measures and mobility over national borders has strategies of these leading countries. been limited during the COVID-19 Session 3: Panel Discussion The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the aviation industry on Non-State Stakeholder pandemic have highlighted the need was severely impacted by the Interests for behavioral, economic, and societal mobility restrictions, some countries Session 3 focused on roles changes to increase energy efficiency. are imposing conditions on airline and expectations for non-state company bailouts involving stakeholders. This session was [Transportation] commitment to decarbonization. facilitated by Mr. Gonzalo Muñoz, While countries have taken High-Level Climate Champion measures to promote electric [Urban Planning, Building Sector, of Chile; and joined by Mr. Paul vehicles or electric scooters, some Decentralization] Polman, Co-founder and Chair, countries are accelerating their Some countries have IMAGINE and Honorary Chair support measures in the context of combined measures for reducing of International Chamber of the COVID-19 crisis, and specifically densely populated urban spaces Commerce (ICC); Ms. Kobie in support for EVs used to respond and promoting infectious disease Brand, Regional Director of ICLEI to the increase in delivery services. control in the building sector, such Africa; and Ms. Sharon Burrow, In this session, many countries as the introduction of high efficiency General Secretary of International introduced measures such as the ventilation equipment, together Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). with energy conservation measures. Video messages by representatives Countries presented various examples from a Japanese local government of designing smart cities and (Yokohama City) and youth building societies with empowered organizations were also presented. communities. The corporate world recognizes [Climate Change Adaptation: the necessity to align business Infrastructure, Water and models with the ESG framework to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)] achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 The importance of adaptation at the latest. Participants recognized Communicating Japan's domestic climate change measures to the world measures was highlighted, such that in contrast to past times when

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money was scarce and resources were abundant, we now live in a world where money is abundant and resources are scarce. The need for change in this current reality was highlighted, involving the concept of “regenerative economies” that generate new jobs or values through a circular economy. Regarding the roles of governments and non- state actors, participants underlined the need for national governments’ leadership in formulating long-term strategies and policies, coordinating with all stakeholders and relevant ministries, beyond those in charge of climate change and environment, and decarbonization policies and local governments’ actions directly linked to communities. Participants also recognized that the transition to a decentralized society aimed at building resilience from the community level could be supported by several dimensions of climate justice: the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, gender, intergenerational equity, different pathways for industrialization, and biodiversity and the natural environment.

Outcomes of the Meeting and Future Developments As the host country, Japan Countries’ environmental policies displayed on the website as of November 20, 2020 achieved its objectives to enhance international solidarity and raise the meeting, including the Chair’s recovery policies and environmental momentum for climate change Summary, will be disseminated at measures of various countries and measures at the Online Ministerial various international forums on share these results in the perspective Meeting for the Platform for Redesign climate change, and the platform to continuously contribute to 2020. The meeting contributed (website) will be utilized to international environmental policy- to strengthening international continuously collect and disseminate making. cooperation by sharing ideas and information, experiences, and actions concrete actions on responding to related to the recovery from the the two crises of the COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic and climate pandemic and climate change. change/environment. Moreover, Japan’s fundamental shift in its policy on export of coal-fired Results of analyses will be Platform for Redesign 2020 Website: power and Japan’s initiatives on posted on the website (https:// https://platform2020redesign.org/ decarbonization, such as zero carbon platform2020redesign.org). In cities, were presented to the world, anticipation of future international WAKASA Yuki representing a major step in restoring environmental conferences, both in- Officer Japan’s status as an environmentally person and online, Japan will analyze International Strategy Division Global Environmental Bureau advanced nation. The outcomes of best practices and information on the

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International Symposium “Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction”

The International Symposium on “Climate Panel discussion Joint message Action and Disaster Risk Reduction” was The invited panelists were In conjunction with the held online on 30 June 2020. representatives of the United Nations symposium, the “Strategy for Framework Convention on Climate Enhancing the Synergy between Overview of the Symposium Change (UNFCCC), the Republic of Climate Action and Disaster Risk At the symposium, Ms. Kiribati, and JICA, as well as experts Reduction in the Era of Climate MIZUTORI Mami, Special in DRR and finance. In the discussion, Crisis,” a joint message from Minister Representative of the United Nations facilitated by Dr. TAKEMOTO KOIZUMI and Minister TAKEDA, Secretary-General (SRSG) for Kazuhiko of the United Nations was released on the same day. Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of University, the panelists discussed The message conveyed the the United Nations Office for Disaster Japan’s potential contribution to concept of “Adaptive Recovery,” Risk Reduction (UNDRR), gave international cooperation to enhance whereby recovery after a disaster the keynote speech on international synergies between the three global strikes is not confined to the idea of trends in disaster risk reduction agendas (the Paris Agreement, the simply restoring the affected area (DRR). This was followed by a Sendai Framework for DRR, and the to the way it was before, but rather panel discussion with representatives SDGs). involves resilient measures, including of related ministries, international During the discussion, comments the control of land use, to advance organizations and experts. Then, were made on the importance of user- adaptation to climate change. there was an open dialogue on future friendly ways of providing Japan’s Going forward, based on this concrete initiatives, and international knowledge and technologies, such as message (strategy), the Disaster contributions by Japan, between Eco-DRR and scientific technology, in Management Bureau of the Cabinet Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, Minister international cooperation. Moreover, Office and the Ministry of the of the Environment, Mr. TAKEDA it was pointed out that even closer Environment will work together to Ryota, (then) Minister of State for cooperation among the Ministry of promote coordinated initiatives. Disaster Management, and Special the Environment, the Cabinet Office, Representative MIZUTORI. JICA, and the Japanese academia is crucial to facilitate contributions to Keynote speech achieving the SDGs through Japan’s Special Representative outstanding knowledge on climate MIZUTORI pointed out that action. responses to climate change, which wields major impacts on our world, Open dialogue Open Dialogue are not being carried out with the The open dialogue between same level of urgency as responses Special Representative MIZUTORI, to COVID-19. She asserted that if Minister KOIZUMI, and Minister International Symposium "Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction" we do not respond to and prepare TAKEDA was led by remarks from URL https://bousai2020.tokyo/ for climate change with a sense of the two ministers’ respective views YouTube (archive) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXbCMJ_ urgency based on lessons learned which were incorporated into the joint vHf0&feature=emb_title Strategy for Enhancing the Synergy between from COVID-19, all aspects of our message mentioned below. Opinions Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction in lives and livelihoods will no longer were then exchanged on how to the Era of Climate Crisis (PDF) https://bousai2020.tokyo/pdf/Joint_message_ be sustainable. She also stressed the advance DRR that factors in climate bousai2020_E.pdf importance of raising momentum change (the synergy between climate in Japan to simultaneously address action and DRR) while applying TAKAHASHI Kazuaki the three pillars of climate change lessons learned from the COVID-19 Director measures, DRR, and the realization pandemic. Climate Change Adaptation Office Global Environment Bureau of the SDGs.

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Japan's Policy on Exporting Coal-Fired Power Generation

In the outline of the new government with their development stages. In well as plants with co-combustion strategy for infrastructure exports order to lead the effort towards technologies or CCUS/carbon released in July, the government has global decarbonization, the basic recycling that emit CO2 per unit of undertaken a review and tightened the policy of the government will be to electricity generated at the same level policy on assisting exports of newly- promote the support of infrastructure as IGCC plants or lower), taking planned coal-fired power plants based on exports which will guide countries into account OECD rules, consistent Japan’s intention to take a responsible to further their energy transitions with the partner country’s energy and part in the global efforts towards effective towards decarbonization. Based on climate change policies, provided decarbonization. a deep understanding of the needs that the country will make efforts for of partner countries, Japan will offer behavioral change in accordance with New policy all available options for reducing its development stage with policy and The new policy is as follows. CO2 emissions including renewable project support from Japan. To achieve the goals set out energies such as wind, solar and in the Paris Agreement, it is crucial geothermal energy, hydrogen, Glossary to reduce global greenhouse gas energy management techniques and emissions in an effective manner. The CCUS/carbon recycling. Japan will CCUS: Carbon capture, utilization energy situation is changing rapidly support developing policies such as and storage technology to capture and drastically, such as energy a long-term strategy under the Paris and collect carbon dioxide from transition led by cost reduction of Agreement with a view to attaining thermal power plants’ exhaust gas, renewable energy. There is also the decarbonization. to be effectively utilized elsewhere reality that coal is the only economic or stored underground. and stable energy source for some Regarding newly-planned coal- countries. Due to this reason, these fired power generation projects, the USC: Ultra-supercritical power countries have selected coal-fired government will not, in principle, generation creates steam at a power generation as their electricity support the installation of the projects higher temperature and higher source. While there is a policy of in countries whose energy issues pressure than conventional boilers coal divestment, it seems essential to and decarbonization policies have to produce electricity more deeply engage with such countries not been deeply accounted for in the efficiently and with less CO2 in their energy and climate change bilateral context such as at energy emissions. policies and encourage behavioral and environmental policy dialogue change and commitment towards frameworks. On the other hand, as IGCC: Integrated gasification decarbonization by offering a feasible a special case in countries where combined cycle technology plan with a long-term perspective, coal-fired power is currently an converting coal into gas and as we seek the realistic and steady indispensable option due to energy generating power in a combined path towards global decarbonization, security and economic reasons, and cycle of both a gas turbine and instead of crippling opportunities for if the country requests Japan’s highly steam turbine. Power generation is these countries to enhance energy efficient coal-fired power generation more efficient than USC and CO2 access and eliminate power shortage for its transition to decarbonization, emissions are diminished. risks for the welfare of people and Japan will support the installation economic growth. of coal-fired power generation that is at or above USC with top- Therefore, Japan will make class environmental performance responsible inter-agency efforts which utilizes Japan’s cutting edge TADA Yuto Section Chief towards global decarbonization by technology (i.e. USC plants with Office of Director for International strengthening its engagement with the power generation efficiency Strategy on Climate Change Global Environmental Bureau partner countries, in accordance of 43% or higher, IGCC plants, as

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Launch of the Japan Platform for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure (JPRSI)

On 8 September 2020, the Japan Platform the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) construction 16%, trading companies, for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure financial support scheme and City- wholesalers 7%, infrastructure (JPRSI) was established together with 277 to-City Collaboration Programme industry 5%, local governments and Japanese groups and organizations. aimed at decarbonization. The related organizations 4%, others). dedicated website and seminars will A panel discussion was conducted Overview of the platform provide Japanese companies looking on environmental infrastructure JPRSI will support Japanese to develop projects overseas with technologies’ development abroad, companies and other relevant actors’ valuable information on environment- with representatives from the private initiatives aimed at developing high- related funding and good practices sector, local governments, and quality environmental infrastructures from past projects. financial institutions. overseas, along with adapting this infrastructure to partner countries’ As such, comprehensive Future developments environmental needs. The platform support will be provided throughout Going forward, JPRSI will will share information on local the development of these projects, encourage the development of needs, in parallel with disseminating from project formulation based on projects by providing information to information on Japanese technologies the needs of partner countries to its members and promoting business and initiatives, coordinating with infrastructure installation. matching via opportunities such as the parties involved, and offering business Japan Environment Week Workshop. matching opportunities. Inaugural ceremony All organizations involved in Additionally, the platform will technological cooperation with other communicate on the Ministry of countries in the field of environmental the Environment’s support for the infrastructure were invited in formulation of projects, applications the inaugural ceremony (service for financial support and on industry including consultants and recruitment information, as part of experts 36%, manufacturing 20%,

Group photo of the inaugural ceremony

Japan Platform for Redesign: Sustainable Infrastructure (JPRSI) URL: https://www.oecc.or.jp/jprsi/

SUGIMOTO Ryuzo Director International Cooperation and Sustainable Infrastructure Office Global Environmental Bureau Organizational structure of JPRSI

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Redesigning Work-Style amid and after the Pandemic

Minister Koizumi setting a workation example (Bandai-Asahi National Park)

By promoting “workation” and economic measures, the Ministry workation. Soon after, in September, demonstrating a new lifestyle combining established a subsidy scheme aiming ten employees went on workation. “business with leisure” in national parks, to adapt national parks to receive Out of the ten, 90% reported that their we aim to support regional economies teleworkers. A total of 270 initiatives “motivation to work was enhanced” and revitalize tourist sites by encouraging are receiving support to upgrade and that they “felt healthier both longer stays. their Wi-Fi access and to plan and mentally and physically.” Likewise, conduct nature tours and events for 70% of these employees reported that “Workation” is a newly teleworkers, implemented by local their “work efficiency improved.” coined portmanteau of “work” and businesses and relevant organizations. “vacation.” Workation combines Workation at national parks taking a holiday and working In order to promote workation, While national parks have remotely from a tourist destination. working conditions must be re- an important role to play in the examined. In July 2020, the preservation of our rich natural Initiatives from the Ministry of Ministry revised its “Telecommuting environment, in a pandemic and post- the Environment Guidelines,” allowing employees to pandemic age, they also provide a Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommute from locations other working environment avoiding the the Ministry of the Environment than their homes. Accordingly, Three Cs (Closed spaces with poor was quick to advocate the idea of “Workation Days” initiative was ventilation, Crowded spaces with workation in Japanese national parks. put forward by first-year ministry many people nearby, and Close- As part of this year’s emergency officials to actually experience contact settings), along with the

10 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.25 this figure has grown to 118 (as of October 8 2020.) Initiatives are progressing in many different regional communities and from various perspectives. In addition to revitalizing tourist sites, these initiatives lead to the creation of new businesses, benefit local communities, and attract more people to settle.

According to an opinion poll conducted by the JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. on “Changes in lifestyles and perceptions due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the return to travel,” approximately 75% of people hope to continue telecommuting by working online. The momentum for workation is building with peoples’ increased Promotion of Workation desire to stay healthy and work creatively in regional communities potential to contribute to regional communities. We believe workation including national parks, where they revitalization and the rediscovery of is well suited to becoming the “new can enjoy abundant nature with a low regional charms. normal” amid and after the pandemic. risk of infection.

Workation allows for working Many regions have already The environment must not be remotely at national parks or other shown considerable interest in left behind in efforts to restore the locations surrounded by lush nature. promoting workation. The Workation post-coronavirus economy, and it is Doing so not only has health benefits Alliance Japan was founded in essential to redesign our economy to by preventing infections, but also November 2019 to promote the be more sustainable and resilient. As involves other benefits for the nationwide expansion of workation. a part of our efforts to promote the working population, such as inspiring At the time of the organization’s charm of national parks, the Ministry new ideas. Likewise, long-term stays launch, 65 local governments had of the Environment views the at tourist sites are beneficial to local joined the alliance, but since then, sudden expansion of remote working due to the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to redesign current socio- economic systems. The Ministry will continue to pursue environment- related improvements that facilitate workation and contribute to regional economies.

MIYAKE Yusuke Deputy Director National Parks Division Natural Conservation Bureau INASAKI Taiki Staff Member National Parks Division Natural Conservation Bureau Workation facility near Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park

JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.25 11 NATIONAL PARKS OF JAPAN

Kirishima-Kinkowan

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park National Park A diverse array of volcanoes and natural bounty enveloped in magnificent history and myth

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, with its diverse array of volcanoes and natural bounty enveloped in magnificent history and myth, is comprised of three distinctive areas: the Kirishima area, the Sakurajima- Interior Kinkowan Bay area and the Ibusuki-Sata area.

Overview of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park resources connected to the feudal Satsuma Domain. Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park was In the Ibusuki-Sata area, visitors can see sub-tropical designated a national park in 1934 and was among the plants, along with expansive views from bluffs and a first national parks in Japan. Comprising a row of three diverse array of volcanic land formations. The Ibusuki- giant caldera volcanoes, the Kakuto-Kobayashi caldera, Sata area offers a variety of volcanic scenery resulting the Aira caldera, and the Ata caldera, this national park from the Ata caldera, including Lake Ikeda, Mt. Kaimon is one-of-a-kind in Japan. It consists of the Kirishima and Cape Nagasakibana, and is popular with tourists for area, made up of the compound volcanoes of Kirishima its therapeutic hot springs and scenic views. Massif, and the Kinkowan Bay area, boasting scenic views of Japan’s coastal calderas which are second Kirishima area to none. The Kinkowan Bay area is further divided into the Sakurajima-Interior Kinkowan Bay area and Sakurajima-Interior the Ibusuki-Sata area. The park in its entirety has a Kinkowan Bay area 1,700-meter difference in elevation from sea level to the highest summit. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array Ibusuki-Sata area of geographical features, landscapes and ecosystems.

Three areas of the park The Kirishima area is situated at the southern flank of the Kakuto-Kobayashi caldera, where over twenty volcanoes and numerous volcanic lakes converge in a volcanic mountain range like none other in Japan. Volcanic activity is still quite lively, with

Mt. Shinmoedake erupting in 2011 for the first time in Mt. Takachiho roughly 300 years, and Mt. Iouzan erupting in 2018 after a 250-year interval. The area is shrouded in myth and legend. At the summit of Mt. Takachiho stands “Amenosakahoko”, a spear said to have been thrust into the mountain by a god descended to Earth in the Legend of the Sun Goddess’ grandson. The Sakurajima-Interior Cape Sata Kinkowan Bay area contains the large depression of the Aira caldera, formed from a massive eruption. Volcanic Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park URL https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/kirishima/index.html activity is ongoing today, exemplified by the active Sakurajima volcano. The area offers distinctive views YOSHIZAWA Taisuke of the harmony between nature and human civilization, Director including not only dynamic land formations and Kyushu Regional Environment Office Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park Office bountiful hot springs, but also historical and cultural

Japan Environment Quarterly Vol.25 November 2020 web http://www.env.go.jp/en/ e-mail [email protected]

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