The Shibuya Incineration Plant

During our field trip last week, we had the opportunity to visit an incineration plant located right in the heart of lively Shibuya. It was definitely an eye-opener as we toured the facilities to gain a better understanding of the processes of garbage incineration in Japan.

The Clean Association of TOKYO 23 is a special local government that was established in 2000 to jointly collaborate efforts in waste processing operations in each of these 23 cities. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is in charge of managing landfill disposal sites.

This is the platform whereby garbage trucks first enter and are weighed on an automated scale before being dumped into the bunker.

This waste bunker can retain waste for up to 4 days.

The waste crane automatically mixes up the rubbish to allow for an even load for burning. It is then released into the waste hopper, which enters the fluidized bed incinerator.

***

Processes aside, what impresses me the most is Japan's sincere effort in creating a sustainable society. They deeply recognize how their actions affect the environment around them and are willing to invest in the technology, time and effort to better their waste incineration methods. The staff there were proud to inform us that combustible waste can be shrunk to about 1/20 in volume, heat from incineration can be recycled and incombustible waste can be pulverized before landfill etc.

It seems to me that the entire cycle is complete. From the point where garbage is first produced by us consumers, Japanese will be expected to categorize their rubbish according to combustibles, incombustibles and pet bottles. It was a bit awkward for me at first to follow this 'rule', but gradually it's becoming a habit to think of whether I just threw paper or plastic away in the bin.

***

On another note, I have been jointly nominated to be the Student & Public Relations Head of the International Student Council of GRIPS with another Thailand guy Wong. It was my first time running for elections yesterday... ;)

It is going to be an active year ahead!

I will wait for Autumn

My wonderful friend Yoshi

All my sunshine

If there was anything more beautiful than these roses.

~ Kyu Furukawa Gardens, Rose Festival 2008 ~

If there was anything more beautiful than these roses,

it would be this woman's heart.

I stood behind them for a full five minutes, watched how the caring wife describe the rose to her beloved husband, who has been denied the gift of sight.

She then helped him adjust the handphone to take a photo.

At that moment, I was touched and ashamed at once.

There is so much more to learn.

Remembering the beautiful things

It's been a long time since I have set eyes on such beautiful things.

Standing in a sea of brilliant orange & lush pink,

I suddenly realized that if I could live a life as colorful as these flowers,

I would have lived with the hope & faith in tomorrow's sunshine.

(p.s this garden is less than a 5 minute walk from where i stay.

for those tootsies who would be visiting me, this is the first stop!!!)

Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi) ~ 13th October 08

Something interesting happened to me last week. While I was playing badminton with my fellow friends from GRIPS at TIEC on Sunday, a Chinese lady approached me and asked if I would like to represent her team at the 'Overseas Students' Autumn Sports Fair 2008' as she was lacking a female player.

Considering that I have not played badminton for ages, I was initially hesitant. But finally, I decided that it would be a great experience and that I should just try!! Even after not playing for a long time, I realized that I still like this sport very much. I have decided to play weekly from now onwards.

The squeaky clean sports hall at Hatsumacho was impressive! To keep the courts clean, sports players had to bring a separate pair of sports shoes that can only be worn in the courts. Other bystanders had to wear slippers. Very thoughtful indeed.

Address by the Sports Master.

Us in action!

That was me before I played Singles with a player from Malaysia. Hoohoo.. And the story goes, I tried my best but was simply no match for her awesome drop-shots and smashes. Plus she would make a loud victory cry after every smash, which unnerved me quite a bit. In any case, it was a good fight and may the best man win!

Anyway in the following match, Xiao ling (to my right ) and I won the Doubles against Vietnam! I had officially warmed up and was ready to 'kill'. Haha.. Love the adrenaline rush!
Post-match relieved smiles.
***

The sports culture here is strong and most Japanese engage in one sport or the other. At TIEC, there are the Odaiba runners who jog along the wonderful coast of Tokyo Bay. Others prefer to cycle. If I were going to stay for a longer time, I would definitely buy a mountain bike.

Meanwhile, badminton will do fine! And also, when I return, I would definitely make it a point to play regularly with my father! Right pa! (* Pa, you've gotta transfer your skills to me! )

p.s sis, i was wearing your Raffles shirt. ;) heh, and some Japanese asked me if I worked for Raffles Hotel.. *oops* No worries, I quickly told her it was my sister's school, Raffles Junior College. haha

Living in ODAIBA

Look at those apples!

Living in Odaiba, Tokyo Bay is a good break from the citylife in downtown Tokyo. I look forward to returning home to a peaceful & calm district everyday.

My new favorite grapes.

Just opposite TIEC, there is another park where people frequent just to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon or have a picnic.

Such a comfortable & carefree place sometimes makes adults behave like children all over again. ;)