Climate Solidarity: You’re with friends from Fridays For Future Japan

1.5 (degrees increase in global warming) is the horror barrier we want to avoid, but this self-destructive truck we’re riding on just crashed through the 1.0C wall effortlessly. There seem to be no signs of it slowing down. At the back of the truck, you hear someone despairing, “What’s the point? It’s too late.”

The self-destructive truck is, of course, the metaphorical structure that society is built upon, driven by big money, big oil and greed. And the last outcry is the occasional comment we’ll see from a forum resulting from the many negative news about the climate crisis.

But to let despair or eco-anxiety take over now is too soon. One, because it’s time to convert the worry into climate action. Two, you need inspiration by joining Fridays For Future’s activities and events.

Fridays For Future Japan and the Global Climate Strike

Last week was Fridays For Future’s Global Climate Strike, organized by youths from various parts of the world. In Japan, we saw numerous activities held across the nation featuring a wide range of activities, from online study sessions to protests in front of coal power plants to the classic climate marches.

 

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And even though the weight of a dim future rests heavily on their shoulders, the members of FFF Japan keep their spirits high while staying determined in their cause. Even though the climate clock keeps running down, they remain obstinate in their path and message while having fun in climate strikes. That’s the galvanized shade of Fridays For Future Japan, and frankly, it’s inspiring.

Nakama and the uniting power of solidarity

And in observing last week’s events, there was a powerful theme of community running through FFF Japan’s activities. Each event drew a good number of participants, as more and more people are joining with those who share similar thoughts and wishes for the planet.

There is a Japanese word, “nakama.” While there are several meanings in English depending on the context, it represents a camaraderie among a group of friends who respect and trust each other.

Nakama in Japan: sustainable activities as platforms for camaraderie

In a joint event by FFF Okinawa, FFF Yamanashi, and FFF Sapporo, they invited youths to learn about the climate solutions from various parts of Japan. Guest speakers included Protect Our Winter Japan and Yamanashi Prefecture’s participation in the “4 per 1000” initiative. And one commonality between them is how they started with a community that bonded over shared interests, be it the love for skiing or taking local produce to the next level.

MANATII demonstrates this camaraderie too, as guest speaker Kinjo Yukino shared. MANATII is an innovative activity where visitors to Okinawa can rent a bag for beach clean-up for 500 yen at many partner shops. Initially, it sounds strange on paper, but the expansion of MANATII proves its popularity. Of course, we see the benefits of the activity, like environmental clean-up and providing an experience for sustainable tourism. The biggest revelation for the participants was how they connected with different people from various parts of Japan and the partner shop owners, joined by their common love for the ocean and planet.

Nakama across borders: a call for climate justice and reparation

We must not forget the climate fight is a global one. The same camaraderie is shared across country boundaries. It can be other climate activists who face similar obstacles. It can also be MAPA (Most Affected People and Areas) individuals who are already combating the effects of global warming.

FFF Japan took the opportunity to invite Muhyadin Yusuf from Somaliland. Somaliland is currently suffering the severe effects of climate changes, including droughts, famine, and malnutrition. Muhyadin is part of the BadBaado Shacab Initiative, which fights droughts, famine, and displacement caused mainly by the climate crisis. He reminded us that even though Somaliland barely contributes to global carbon emissions (barely 0.0002%!), it is suffering the worst effects of global warming. He is currently crowdfunding to raise funds for basic necessities such as food and water for those affected.

We were also reminded of our allies in Bangladesh: the youths continue fighting for Matarbari in Bangladesh. We revisited the #StopSumitomo campaign launched late January, aiming to stop Japan financing coal power in Matarbari. While the joint efforts of FFF Bangladesh, FFF Japan Climate Justice for the Minorities, and various youth groups have succeeded in halting the expansion plans of the coal power plant, Sumitomo still continues with the current constructions. It will threaten lives, expecting the threats of river pollution and toxic gas emissions (that would be unacceptable even in Japan).

FFF reminds us once again of the importance of climate reparation and justice. Developed countries in the global north cannot close their eyes to the global south’s struggle against climate change. We are responsible, so it’s time to take responsibility for the consequences. Our fellow human beings are already fighting for their lives and livelihoods, and we should use our privilege to give voice to them. There are also supporters worldwide who care about the same as we do. They are our nakama too.

What can you do about climate change?

Action for the youths (under 30!)

If you are looking for nakama, Fridays For Future Japan is one of the best places to start looking. They are welcoming, motivated, and they ensure it is fun (which is arguably an essential element of sustainability).

There are currently 34 Fridays For Future cells in Japan listed on the website with their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook account links (if available). Even if you do not find a local group, you are most welcome to join other groups! As shared, there is no rule you can’t join from another region, though the manner of activity might be different. The list of FFF Japan cells in Japan is on the lower half of the page (link here).

And it is normal to feel unsure of what we can contribute, too. Very often, that realization comes later, when we have spent some time with the group and start seeing the gaps that we can fill. So don’t let it stop you from reaching out.

FFF Japan introduced an interesting prospect in their closing event: calling businesses to interview their stand on climate change. Representatives from Made In Earth shared their non-judgemental interview process to interact with interviewee companies. This action might seem daunting at first but is highly rewarding, especially if youths are seeking assurance in the brands they are supporting. It creates awareness within the companies too.

Action for the adults

Multi-talented performer KOM_I was also a guest at Fridays For Future Japan’s closing event. She reminded participants that we must voice out against the climate crisis and injustice so that others’ suffering and their loss of place of belonging can be avoided. And that is what we should do.

Furthermore, just because Fridays For Future events are organized by youths, it doesn’t mean that we can’t join in the fun! With the COVID situation stablizing and cautious optimism returning, Fridays For Future events are making it easier for us to stand out and say “no” to a dirty future.

First thing to do, however? Follow them on their social network accounts for the latest news, activities and events! Here, start with FFF Japan’s Instagram account.

Action for everyone

Reflecting on the goals of Fridays For Future Japan shared, here is a guideline for what Japan needs to be done to tackle this global climate crisis.

• To end financing coal in and out of Japan by 2030 and shift to 100% renewables;
• To raise Japan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to at least 62% so Japan will commit more and drive urgent change;
• Insist on a just transition to decarbonize our economy and create a sustainable society;
• Stop greenwashing by companies looking to cash in on an eco-trend; and
• To listen to MAPAs and not to invade their rights. Amplify their voices against climate injustice!

Reiterating this, but if you are interested in assisting Muhyadin in alleviating Somaliland’s climate plight, here is the GoFundMe crowdfunding page.

The petition to stop Sumitomo and JICA continues, dictating the seriousness of how life-threatening their coal-fired power plants are to the local communities. Do consider signing the petition to make your voices heard. You can find out more from FFF Japan Climate Justice for the Minorities, too.

For cafes and restaurants, start introducing a reuse system! Halt the use of disposables, and think about partnering with reusable services, like Re&Go and their reusable take-out containers. Zero waste cafes like Veg Out in Kyoto can be our role model too. (For consumers, we can support such F&B establishments!)

For the media, we need to bring more attention, urgency, and knowledge surrounding climate issues. It is one of Zenbird Media’s pushes to share solutions to tackle climate change and lead sustainable lifestyles, too, so follow us or search our climate-related articles.

You have friends to walk with and act together on this climate path

In our previous interview with climate campaigner Kimiko Hirata, we were enlightened to the fact that it may no longer be enough to lead a sustainable lifestyle, but also to take part in activism. In addition, it doesn’t need to be rebellious or violent, which is often the image protests have in Japan. Japan’s style of change can be described as “Not bold, Not loud, but Not silent,” and you will have your personal way of taking part.

And the best thing is you don’t have to do it alone. There is solidarity, and you have nakama willing to take climate action with you.