Mulday Mondays: Water Forums and Fukushima

JAPAN

“Fake it till you make it....
”

— The philosophy of Japan since the sun

…JAPAN WILL ALWAYS HAVE ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON EVERYTHING

The rest of the world sees this image if you say “Fukoshima Daiichi”

AP Photo

THREE YEARS AGO: THE PERCEPTION OF THE JAPANESE BUSINESS MAN

“Yes, Water from the same area......

I would like to try some. ”

— Buddha be a fence and filtration system on kidneys.

TODAY: GREENPEACE REPORT ON FUKUSHIMA

“ There are 16,280,000,000,000,000,000,000 Bq of potassium-40, rubidium-87 and many more radionuclides already in the world’s oceans and anything from Fukushima won’t affect these levels at all.”

— Scientist, James Conca

The plan is to slowly release the TREATED water into the pacific ocean. The pacific ocean has some other pressing issues and this will not be the reason for massive fish death or “disruption” to the ecosystem.
By the way, for massive fish deaths, just take a look at Australia. We have an interesting video below on the reasons behind these catastrophic deaths.

“Great Britain’s National Radiological Protection Board
(NRPB) predicts that there will be up to 1,000 additional
cancers over the next 70 years among the population of Western Europe exposed to fallout from the accident at Chernobyl. ”

— U.S EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

LET us PLAY the ADVOCATE for the DEVIL…

Increasingly, we notice that international organizations are becoming stronger non state actors in state affairs. However, there is a pick and choose attitude towards this “care for the environment and people”.

Where is the Greenpeace outrage on the United States Pacific Ocean States constantly recycling the pacific? As you filter the pacific, it gets saltier and can you guess the damage to the ecosystem?

The Mekong River and the South China Sea did not exactly blossom from the U.S administration’s use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War or “Conflict”

RESPONSE FROM JAPAN

WATER FORUMS IN AFRICA AND ASIA…

UGANDA

Kampala will host the 20th Congress of the African Water Association with over 2000 actors expected to discuss and provide solutions on WASH concerns from a scientific and technical lens.

KOREA INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK
Daegu, September 4-7

Just another example of South Korea displaying middle power behavior. The title is not just earned because a state is geographically in the middle of two different size states or on paper(economically speaking). The state must invest in forums and conferences that invite the world to deal with security matters such as water.

Korea International Water Week

Cape Verde-1st International Forum on Water Scarcity in Agriculture
Praia, March 19-22

This small island state is becoming more active in engagement through small state niche diplomacy. This forum will focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and West African States. The aim is to understand water scarcity in agriculture and capitalize on it for sustainable development, food and nutrition security, and tackling climate change. They will focus on six core areas: Water and Migration, Drought Preparedness, Mechanisms, Water and Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture Water Use and Saline Agriculture. 

South Africa- Transforming Sanitation in Africa
Capetown, February 18-22

The Regional power will be hosting a water related conference. AfricanSan5 and FSM5 are the organizations behind this event of looking at Sustainability, Policies,Funding, Practices of Sanitation.

SIDEBAR

The focus of this blog is always on Africa and Asia but every now and then we get alarming news from our neighboring continents.

Australia is experiencing a very bipolar version of mother nature and a combination of human stupidity. There are mass fish deaths in some rivers with reports of over 1 million in a few weeks. Another concern is the raising temperatures in Australia with temperatures ranging from 1130°C (113°F) to 50°C (122°F) .

See you next Mulday!

Mulday Mondays: Japan has 99 problems ......But

……. A WHALE AIN’T ONE…..

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE REGULATION OF WHALING(ICRW)

Our story starts here…

The convention created the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1946 with the aim to intervene in over-fishing of dolphins, whales and porpoises. This was for CONSERVATION purposes only, not for all countries to STOP whaling. This is so overlooked and minimized by non state actors that play a role in Maritime Affairs.

“Did you know even the Ocean has a Constitution? Sorta...
”

— UNCLOS

United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea III (UNCLOS III 1973-1982)

This version is considered the Constitution of the Sea. It took nine years and the participation of 160 countries to set up a framework that provided definitions on maritime zones.

• Territorial seas may not exceed 12 nautical miles;

•  Contiguous zone is defined as 24 nautical miles from the shore line for law enforcement including fiscal, immigration and sanitary laws

•  Exclusive Economic Zone is up to 200 nautical miles from the shoreline with purposes of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing of natural resources living or not living

UNCLOS III provides clear guidelines, definitions on protecting the maritime environment, freedom towards scientific research and exploitation of resources, navigational rights and ties in the private sector and government sector to the responsibilities and accountability of ocean laws.

It is very important to understand this part, so you can understand this move of Japan. By the way, Japan stopped commercial whaling 30 years ago.

“Know the Rules Well
So you can break them effectively”

— A Wise Man

Why did Japan leave the IWC?

Japan is withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission and will resume commercial whaling next year, a government spokesman has announced. The move on Wednesday came more than three months after the global body for the conservation of whales rejected a Tokyo-led proposal to lift a 32-year ban on the commercial hunting of the ocean mammals.

“JAPAN NEVER PLANNED OR AGREED TO STOP WHALING.
”

— Do you hear this energy with Iceland?

IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY

Japan is similar to many countries that capture whales for scientific purposes. What do ALL THESE COUNTRIES DO AFTER PLAYING SCIENTIST? They sell the meat. Some critics have argued that Japan uses “science and discovery” to cover up commercial whaling practices.

BUT……

JAPAN IS JUST PLAYING WITH THE new TOOLS OF DIPLOMACY

The current United States Administration has a made point to insult science and discovery by pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Japan pulling out of the IWC is no different from Trump.

“Abe needs the population that enjoys Whale meat because of ELECTIONS!!

Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement because of ELECTIONS!!

They are simply appealing to their base.

The Whale is part of Japan’s mythos and identity

Global Warming, Climate Change is LIBERAL
”

— YO! THIS IS NOT McDonald's? You don't get to order extra cheese but no onions...

We are talking about global concerns here not the latest struggle your state is dealing with at the moment. The state is old and unable to provide for some of the following:

• Climate Concerns

• Cybernetics

• Terrorism

• Even Health of the citizen

  
  SIDE BAR #1
  

“Have you thanked the Universe yet for Whale Poop?
This amazing poop keeps our ocean alive.
The ocean produces over 50 % of our oxygen. ”

— National Geographic

JAPAN PROMISES THAT…..

“Iceland left the IWC in 1992 and returned in 2002. They have always made it clear, they have no intention to stop whaling.
Iceland continues whaling.”

— Iceland will not apologize for enjoying whale meat.

1. Immediately stop hunting for whales in the Southern Ocean and the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

2. Japan will continue to abide by all UNCLOS laws

3. Japan will hunt for whale in their own Exclusive Economic Zone. It is the 8th largest in the world covering 200 nautical miles.

BUT WE MIGHT HAVE SOME “ISSUES” AND “CONCERNS”

• Are those whales in danger and what is the plan to make sure no over-whaling takes place?

• The following countries are part of the Exclusive Economic Zone: Russia, South Korea, Taiwan and China.

Yup!

Cbs News

I use to stay in Anchorage, Alaska. I was offered an opportunity to enjoy some whale meat. I am a pescetarian that also enjoys bugs and snails. Nothing like grasshoppers, crickets or snails. So this was my conversation with my father.

“Me: I was offered some Whale
Parent: So, you eat mammals now?
Me: Wait, whales are not fish? Haha just kidding
Parent: Oh really???
***I did not eat Whale or try Seal Oil”***”

— Vitamin D Struggles and When you go to Rome.....

The Alaskan native population survive and thrive because of seal oil and whale flesh. I was having issues like everyone of color with my Vitamin D. It could be so simple……

See you next Mulday!

Public Health Wednesdays (PHW): Africa & Asia Health Check

We will catch up more on Friday Ramblings. 

AFRICA

LIBERIA

Liberia and Central Africa Republic have issued health alerts on Monkey Pox outbreaks. Last year we discussed the zoonotic disease Monkey Pox, so if you need to catch up and learn more. 

PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE

Majority of African countries do a very poor job towards investments in health infrastructure. The consequences towards this lack of investment contributes to the exhausting inefficiency of countries providing overall public health services to the public.

There always seems to be an excuse for holding “leaders” accountable towards investing in their country’s public health.
International Non-Governmental Organizations that provide “aide” fuel this destructive attitude and ideology that African leaders ought not to be held accountable because of (Fill in the blank) towards their own public health. You often find such excuses come from those that hail from global north spaces that cannot even grasp the health security issues facing Africa.

It also comes from privileged people that hold roles in leadership within these African states that fear accountability. 

You cannot actively exploit “aide” that cripples your country while concurrently complain on former colonial masters exploiting your space.

At some point in time, African leaders must admit their failure towards building and investing towards their own public health.

COOL INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN 

Read here to understand the role of TICAD as a soft power tool from Japan towards Africa Public Health.

“Do you know by 2022, Africa will need $25billion-$30billion in healthcare investment? Hospitals, Clinics, HealthCare Assets, etc ”

SOUTH AFRICA: UPDATE ON LISTERIA

The cause of Listeria for our South African friends can blamed on bolony/polony.

Source of Listeria for our friends in South Africa

CHINA & BOTSWANA- PUBLIC HEALTH AS A SOFT POWER TOOL

Last year, we touched on Botswana as a country that had so much potential with branding and “soft tools” but the government chooses not to actively invest in such public diplomacy. 


Brush up on Botswana and those soft tools

We touched on 4 neglected pieces that could build a powerful brand for the country. It appears China will apply number 2 as a soft power tool.  

ASIA

JAPAN "Let's talk about Sex"

While Japan has no problem investing in the public health infrastructure of Africa, it is failing miserably in teaching the Japanese youth on sex education.

In discussing Sexual Health Education or (Reproductive Health Education), it is absolutely forbidden for teachers to mention the following: Intercourse, Birth Control and Abortion. 

Catch up more on the dilemma of talking about sex in Japan. 

THAILAND: SUPER GONORRHEA "THE CLAP"

“If you spread the Clap....is it called the applause?”

— Public Health Wednesdays bringing the humor in Sex

Public health officials say the world's first confirmed case of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea has been reported in the U.K. Health experts have expressed concern for some time about the rise of drug-resistant strains of the sexually transmitted infection (STI).

“Do you know that a person can contract Neisseria gonorrhoeae AKA gonorrhea outside of sexual contact (Vaginal, Oral, or Anal Intercourse)?

Skin to skin contact (with no sexual activity) can also pass the clap....”

Our Advice: Always use your umbrella no matter the enviroment. 

See you next PHW!

Public Health Wednesdays (PHW)- Africa & Asia Health Check

ASIA

JAPAN HAS A FUGU PROBLEM

This is the Fugu Fish, very few chefs can prepare this fish without killing you. It is also known as a Blowfish.

Food & Poison 

A grocer at Gamagori, Japan accidentally sold some of the poisonous parts and the city is now on high alert. Fugu is a winter delicacy and a very expensive one. A blow fish will take you back $100-$200. I have never tried but I must admit it is very tempting as I enjoy sushi. I never try it because... Well mortality is a blow.
 

AFRICA

What's new?

Chikungunya in Kenya

Cholera in Malawi and Zambia

Suspected Rift Valley fever in South Sudan (Viral Haemorrhagic Fever)

NAMIBIA-HEPATITIS E

DO YOU KNOW YOU ABC'S?

Namibia has reported over 200 cases of Hepatitis E and the numbers are at risk of increasing

 

UGANDA-CRIMEAN-CONGO FEVER

January 5th....

January 14th

Yesterday NTV reported that one person with symptoms of the deadly Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever had been placed under isolation at Kiwoko Hospital in Nakaseke District. Documents obtained from Kiwoko Hospital indeed showed that the young boy was exhibiting symptoms of the deadly disease.

FAKE MEDICINE IN AFRICA 

World Health Organization (WHO) report counterfeit medicine is responsible for about 100,000 deaths a year in Africa. A 2016 report from Sanofi pharmaceutical discovered that counterfeit medicines laboratories that target the African market are in China, Indonesia, Ukraine, and Poland. 

The need for such counterfeit medicine in global south spaces or developing countries in Africa, is a direct result of countries that do not reimbursed their governments for medical expenses. 

Accountability goes back to African countries that lack their definitions of just what counterfeit medicine is, more African actors are needed in the pharmaceutical industries not just as consumers but as manufacturers, better regulations, and enforceable policies on legal enforcement for the sellers and manufacturers. 

A Chinese policeman walks across a pile of fake medicines seized in Beijing. The rapid growth of Internet commerce has led to an explosion of counterfeit drugs sold around the world, with China believed to be the biggest source of fake medicines in the world.
Source: AFP/GETTY

“Substandard also called “out of specification”, these are authorized medical products that fail to meet either their quality standards or specifications, or both.

Unregistered/unlicensed medical products that have not undergone evaluation and/or approval by the National or Regional Regulatory Authority for the market in which they are marketed/distributed or used, subject to permitted conditions under national or regional regulation and legislation.

Falsified medical products that deliberately/fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition or source.””

— WHO (Substandard and falsified medical products)AKACounterfit Drugs

See you next PHW

Silk Road Thursdays: Soft Tools form Japan to Africa in the name of TICAD

“Discussion of Stability and Prosperity for Africa, 48 states attend but just 4 presidents attend.”

— TICAD I-1993

THE UNITED NATIONS SITUATION

UN SECURITY COUNCIL NEEDS A CHANGE-2012

Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary-General: It is indefensible today that India, Brazil, Africa and even Japan don't have permanent seats on the UN Security Council. This has to be changed or the Council will lose its influence and relevance.

“Poverty Reduction and the incoporation of Africa into the global economy, includes 51 countries and 8 presidents ”

— TICAD II -1998

SIDEBAR #1

As more funding was poured in from Japan towards Africa Development it was reported by some African heads of states that Japan was using TICAD as a tool to get a seat into the UN Permanent Security Council. This would also cause some tension between Japan and China since China is still working on building better ties with Africa. For a country to get a seat on the Permanent Security Council, the country needs 2/3 of the U.N member states and all P5 members to approve. You can also imagine that China would NEVER EVER ALLOW Japan on the security council. There are ongoing discussions on reforming the UN Permanent Security Council.

.....Even in Japan, It is understood why this will never happen.......

While at the UN General Assembly, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a speech saying that his country will seek to become a permanent member of the Security Council. In order to achieve the goal, Shinzo Abe called for a reform of the international body.

UN PERMANENT SECURITY COUNCIL P-5

This group has not changed since 1945(WWII). They are the “final say” in matters of decisions concerning International Crisis. They have an incredible amount of HARD POWER. They are the largest arms exporters, highest military budgets, largest militaries and are all nuclear weapon states.

U.S, UK, China, Russia and France

CURRENT U.N COUNCIL MEMBER STATES ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL

The post below is a bitter pill to swallow. However, it is usually said because the person is in a space that is not always welcoming...

“A review of the past and a look at the journey so far included 53 Countries, African Union and 1000 delegates attend.”

— TICAD-III, 2003

ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly (with end of term date)

Japan has had a seat here before, but these 10 members are here for the sake of every very version of political correctness you can think of at the moment. 

United Nations General Assembly elects Kuwait, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Poland and Peru as non-permanent members of the Security Council for the term of 2018-2019

Bolivia (2018)

Côte d’Ivoire (2019)

Equatorial Guinea (2019)

Ethiopia (2018)

Kazakhstan (2018)

Kuwait (2019)

Netherlands (2018)

Peru (2019)

Poland (2019)

Sweden (2018)

AFRICAN COUNTRIES THAT HAVE NEVER SAT ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL

Central African Republic, Eritrea, Malawi, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, South Sudan, Swaziland. You better bet, Japan has a great relationship with all these countries and has offered quite the assistance for the sake of development.

COUNTRIES THAT HAVE NEVER SAT ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL-60

More than likely, they might never seat on security council. These countries more than likely understand that piece of tolerance and accpetance but a majority of these 60 countries have a "great" relationship with Japan. 

http://www.un.org/en/sc/members/notelected.asp

“Mobilizing resources of the International Community on: Economic Growth, Human Security, including achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, Environment/Climate Change issues.
2,500 participants, 51 African Countries, 40 African Presidents and representatives from 70 international organizations.
”

— TICAD IV, 2008

THE GOOD FOR JAPAN USING TICAD AS SOFT POWER?

THE PATH TO SOFT INFLUENCE IS VERY HARD

Japan and Africa have no colonial legacy, and to quote Abe about the Japan and Africa relationship "we have "Co- Manager" relationship. You gotta love the guy, he is really selling TICAD or Nippon-African Affairs by way of Soft influence. However, the beginning of TICAD came from under pressure not for the sake of more South to South corporation. 

The Official Development Assistance by Japan historically was targeted towards Asia as compensation for Japan's role in the war. In the 80's as the world fell under the spell of Cool Japan, the economy blossomed TREMENDOUSLY. Japan was accused for not caring but you must appreciate why Japan for not wanting to be involved in anything not Japan.
Anyway, all that pressure for not caring about poor countries came in time as the West was not feeling as generous with development assistance towards Africa. Japan saw opportunity from the international pressure and this created TICAD 25 years ago. 

TICAD allows Africa an added choice outside from the west. TICAD is an opportunity for Japan to flex soft power in a "neutral" space. It shows the global stage that Japan has learned lessons from war and is a fully rehabilitated state. Japan is also now key a player in South to South corporation.

The West and SOME neighbors of Japan have argued that TICAD is nothing more but the Japanization of Africa.

“ Japanization
The process in which Japanese culture dominates, assimilates, or influences other cultures....

Similarly

The Europeanization or Westernization in narratives and ideologies of spaces below the equator… Let us use that in a sentence…

The Europeanization in former colonial spaces has altered the definition of beauty, such as an Afro is unprofessional but straighter hair is professional.

….
The Westernization in societies will be that former colonial spaces speak dialects and Western nations (Former Colonial Masters) speak languages.

Yet the very definition of a language is “A system of conventional spoken, manual, or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves.”.


”

— Water & Cassava

But in soft power, you must have attraction and appeal. Japan is very attractive with TICAD as a tool of "Diplomacy of Resources" from Japan towards Africa.

“Japan pledged $32 billion from 2013-2018 to Africa”

— TICAD-V, 2013

How do you show of your appeal if you are Japan in Africa?? Appeal is desperately needed if you are going to execute soft power. We touched on just how states gain soft power and influence, but Japan is a bit complicated.

So, if you are Japan, you need appeal in your policies. Money is great, but your policies must be attractive. The attractive policies from Japan to Africa come with investment in Development within the sectors of: Agriculture, Infrastructure, Water Resources(Waterplomacy), Education, Health, Technology, and more Market Access. 

Lastly, this part is very important in selling your soft power. You must make your new friends believe you are on the same level.  Prime Minister Abe described Japan and Africa as "Co-Manager". Now, this is exactly how uninterrupted seduction takes place, so when you say S&*T, it sounds like Sugar, Honey, Ice, Tea.  

Sugar Honey Ice Tea #1

Japan has promised to fight for Africa to have a seat on the security council, this is something that none of the other Asia powerhouses have advocated for loudly. Well unless if you count the time, that India felt empowered to tell Namibia to relax on nuclear ambitions.
Can you imagine Bangladesh telling India to relax on ambitions to self-protect as neighboring Pakistan works on nuclear capabilities??? In the words from our Californian sisters known as
En Vogue

MAINTENANT, TU ES FOUTOU -(JAPAN TO CHINA)

That is French for "Fine, but you are screwed". This checkmate move from Japan towards China is a well thought out plan. You see Japan knowns that Africa states have no access and WILL NEVER HAVE to hard power or a chance to seat on the permanent security council.

Anyway, this move of advocacy from Japan towards African states puts China in a bind. I mean China says “No” to any Africa state fighting for a seat, Japan would suddenly become a friend to Africa like this...

Anytime You Need A Friend

This is petty from our Japanese friends but brilliant! In the event that you cannot deal directly with your enemy, by all means create a situation to make their policies and image weak. A Prussian General once said, War is the continuation of politics by other means and China is appreciating this on the behalf of Japan’s efforts towards Africa.

“Prime Minister Abe stated “The enormous continent of Africa has given no permanent member to the United Nations Security Council. Agenda 2063 states clearly that by 2023, it will rectify this situation,”
Referring to a vision document by the African Union that was launched in 2013 in Addis Ababa to help develop Africa by 2063.”

— TICAD-VI Nairobi, 2016

Read the documents below to see just how Africa states decided to screw themselves over and properly. They can sign such documents for peace but cannot come together for W.A.S.H related solutions that are permanent.

HARD POWER IS NOT AN OPTION FOR AFRICA

“The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Japan of “attempting to impose its wills on African countries to gain selfish interests and drive a wedge between China and African countries.”

— Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on August 29, 2016

CURRENT HARDPOWER PLAYERS

“Checkmate”

— Japan

.......BUT TICAD HAS SOME KINKS

“First to be held in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya). 32 Presidents, Prime Minister of Japan, of State and Government from Africa, the Prime Minister of Japan, 22,000 participants from Africa and Japan, 2000 Business representatives from Japan and Africa. The Theme was ‘Advancing Africa’s sustainable Development agenda: TICAD Partnership for Shared Prosperity. Japan promises to invest from 2016-2018 an additional $30billion to more public private partnerships. ”

— TICAD VI, 2016

 We can start and ending with avoiding all the issues stated in this article.

This is the second part to the Soft Power issues of  Japan in Africa. To catch up on the first part