Here is a list of exciting ASAP21 activities. Join us and help make a difference!
In 1992, Earth Day Japan published the bestselling The Other Side of Wealth, which introduced the socio-economic relationship between Japan and the rest of Asia. This survey is intended to identify the changes that have taken place in the region throughout the past decade.
The first edition set forth the theory that Japanese prosperity, as represented by its distorted bubble economy, was based upon the intense labor of Asian workers. This paradigm has undergone drastic changes as the other Asian economies have also realized incredible economic growth.
This examination of regional developments
in order to sustain stable inter-Asian relationship
for the 21st century will be our primary
project. The revised edition is scheduled
for completion in early 2001.@@@@@
One obstacle to smooth communications between the ASAP21 member groups operating throughout Asia is the lack of a dependable, inexpensive, and real-time communications option. Traditional options such as mail, fax, or telephone meet none of the above requirements. For example, using the telephone often forces the parties to communicate in non-native languages such as English. In addition to the prohibitive cost of the telephone calls themselves, the use of such non-native languages may create misunderstandings and generally lower efficiency. Fax communications options share many of these logistic and cost concerns. Meanwhile, traditional postal services are simply too slow and unreliable, particularly in developing countries.
In response, we are working to establish
an Internet network among all Asian groups
that will address all of the above concerns.
This improved communications and information
infrastructure will promote greater information
sharing and collaborative efficiency, and
is expected to yield dramatic results in
our preparations for Rio plus 10 in 2002.
To work effectively on international projects with other Asian groups, it is obviously necessary to understand Asian languages other than Japanese. In an effort to promote more efficient cross-border communication, ASAP21 introduced this program of effective, practical language courses.
For the first step, we chose our neighbor
Korea, where we have already established
good working relationships through staff-member
exchange programs and activities, including
the simultaneous bicycle parade during Earth
Day 2000. ASAP21fs program consists
of seven lessons for beginners. The
goal is to read the Hangul alphabet and learn
the basic expressions and phrases that will
serve as the foundation for effective speaking
and comprehension. The lecturer is
Ms. Yi Shinmin, who also appears on NHKfs
popular Korean-language program gLetfs
Learn Korean Together!h
It is difficult for many Japanese citizens
to obtain timely access to the latest environmental
news throughout the Asia-Pacific Region,
since the mass mediafs environmental coverage
is usually limited to accidents and other
disasters. ASAP21fs solution to this
information shortage is NaturASIA (a modified
version of Earth Day Asia News), a newsletter
reporting on the latest environmental news
throughout Asia. Every issue will offer
cover one theme, such as gclimate changesh
or gwaste-disposal problems,h from the
perspective of several Asian countries.
The bi-monthly newsletter will be published
in both English and Japanese.
A picture is indeed worth a thousand words; the burgeoning information highway has merely reinforced the traditional belief that the best way to learn and absorb knowledge is to see it with your own eyes. With the help of NGO groups throughout Asia, ASAP21fs AsiaNow study tour applies this maxim by promoting cross-border exchanges and cooperation through tours that allow staff members and other participants to travel overseas and learn about other countries and cultures first-hand.
This first project will be a Study Tour to Korea, which will be held before 2001 in conjunction with KFEM, a Korean NGO. Please contact ASAP21 for additional information.