Roger OngThe coronavirus outbreak has been a bane for many outdoor activities, and the same has been true of Fridays for Future organizations in Japan. However, they are continuing their climate strikes online despite a new obstacle to rally support, because they understand that coronavirus is not the only crisis Japan is facing.
And that is the blind spot right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has occupied citizens’ minds about the dangers of the coronavirus. Authorities are scrambling to get the spread under control. Most media outlets’ headlines are filled with news on the situation. It is thus difficult to recall that there are other issues at hand, like how vulnerable children in poverty are facing support difficulties, how mental health is a rising threat due to self-quarantine, and of course, how climate change continues as a threat to nature and humanity.
26%: Japan aims low, falling short on commitment
Japan’s Climate Strike Online occurred last Friday, 24 April with one theme: to demonstrate against Japan’s low commitment against greenhouse gas emission reduction. This is in repsonse to Japan’s announcement in March that it will be targeting a 26% reduction.
However, that is not enough. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, if we want to keep temperatures from raising beyond 1.5 degrees by 2030, countries must commit to a 45% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030. Japan’s commitment pales when compared to, for example, England’s and Germany’s target of 57% and 55% reduction respectively.
Therefore, Fridays for Future Japan has garnered support from NGOs, businesses and investors to appeal for a bigger commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Of course, more support was sought with the rally call for the online strike.
A rally call beyond just posting on social media
In true Global Climate Strike fashion, participants were encouraged to write messages on placards or boards, take a photo of themselves and post it to their favorite social media platforms at a coordinated timing. The result was more than 7,000 posts under the hashtag #気候も危機 (meaning “the climate is also in crisis”). It also trended on Twitter in Japan with the same hashtag.
Fridays for Future Japan used the online platform to the fullest, breaking into 17 different events and rallies to cater to different regions in Japan. These include open meetings, one-day-only release of a nature documentary, guest talks and media briefings.
Over 300 viewers also participated in Fridays for Future live streams around Japan. Though this number seems small in contrast to their physical events, this is arguably the strongest point of Japan’s Fridays for Future online events.
Because how often have we seen the climate strikes on television and in news article? Yet when was the last time we talked to each youth?
Listening to each voice of our future
The Climate Strike Online has drawn out a very unique aspect for online meetings, on how viewers can connect with Fridays for Future members directly. It is a much involved process, and all the viewers were able to get to know who are active in their own regions. This is something large, physical events have difficulties overcoming.
For example, having participated in the Kyushu live stream, we were inspired by the youth leaders, convinced by their determination and comforted by their energy. They were able to respond to the viewers’ questions, and chat comfortably with everyone.
We learnt about how responsible brands Patagonia and LUSH have joined in Fukuoka’s climate strikes, and hope more companies will join in their strikes. Fridays for Future Kagoshima also enthusiastically shared how they would like to collaborate with eco-conscious celebrities like Kiko Mizuhara.
View this post on Instagram
In fact, we had a realization when Fridays for Future Nagasaki shared how the youth looked at the organization. Instead of being perceived as a serious or conscious organization, they wanted to change it into one of enjoyment and of impact. Indeed, no one ever said that being eco-friendly is not enjoyable, yet a strange stereotype has clasped itself to the movement.
In addition, Yoshihiro Fujii, a member of the Itoshima City Council, was invited to talk about how Itoshima City is tackling environmental issues. It provided insight for viewers to understand the issues in Japan, and lessons for Fridays for Future members to share.
The online platform has offered us an in-depth look at the activities of Fridays for Future, through transparency, friendliness and a low-barrier for participation. Multiple small live streams, rather than just one national live stream, served to close the distance with viewers and built better relevance.
What can we expect from Fridays for Future Japan in the future?
Even if the coronavirus crisis comes ends to an end, the world will still not be back to normal. Our problems existed before the outbreak, and they will need even more attention after.
Despite the self-isolation throughout Japan, we can expect Fridays for Future Japan’s continued growth. Their first strike in May 2019 involved only 15 participants; the numbers reached 5,000 by September. Awareness for the need for climate justice is doubtlessly present, and no pandemic will stop Japan’s youths from fighting for the planet’s future.
In fact, they are turning the outbreak into an opportunity. They are forming stronger bonds with like-minded friends, something most of us are sorely missing now, but not know how to maintain. Rin from Fridays for Future Kagoshima shared, “Meeting online has been surprisingly easy, especially across distances. We look forward to using more online tools to maximize the potential of online events.”
Their step towards “creating connections” between one another will continue to be one of Fridays for Future Japan’s strength.
[Website] Global Climate Strike Japan[Reference] Fridays for Future Press Release
[Reference] Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
