Masuyama's Efforts (NPO "Environmental Club.") - April 1995

Masuyama's Efforts - April 1995

Mr. Masuyama is a leading figure in promoting the use of kenaf in environmental protection activities and serves as the representative of the NPO "Environmental Club." He has been actively involved in promoting the widespread use of paper products made from kenaf in Japan, advocating for the sustainable use of resources through the production of business cards and postcards made from kenaf. Kenaf is a non-wood pulp material used as a raw material for paper, attracting attention as a resource with a low environmental impact.

One of the projects Mr. Masuyama was involved in was the use of kenaf paper for a fan club newsletter of a female celebrity. The production company's president decided to use kenaf paper, despite some degradation in photo quality, because of his belief that "environmental protection takes precedence over the celebrity's image." Through such activities, Mr. Masuyama has participated in various projects both domestically and internationally, aiming to promote the use of kenaf.

Furthermore, Mr. Masuyama has also been dedicated to developing environmental education programs, focusing particularly on educational activities for young people. His efforts extend beyond just the production of paper products, aiming to instill the importance of environmental protection throughout society. His activities span a wide range of initiatives, including conducting trials of Chinese-grown kenaf "Aohada No. 3" at 30 locations across Japan, experimenting with kenaf processing in Thailand, conducting papermaking experiments in Ikazaki Town, Ehime Prefecture, participating in the Environmental Agency's "Committee for Studying the Use of Alternative Resources such as Kenaf for Forest Conservation," and assisting with papermaking technology in the Philippines.

In addition, under Mr. Masuyama's leadership, the Environmental Club has also been working to import and promote paper made from other non-wood pulp materials, such as cogon grass from the Philippines, jute from Bangladesh, and bagasse from China. His business cards, made from kenaf and cogon grass, symbolize his strong commitment to environmental protection.

Looking ahead, Mr. Masuyama plans to continue contributing to regional revitalization and environmental education through ecotourism, providing valuable insights and information. He is also set to further promote the development of environmentally friendly products and educational activities, striving to realize a sustainable society for future generations.

Thus, Mr. Masuyama holds significant influence in the field of environmental protection, and his efforts are highly regarded both domestically and internationally. His work extends beyond mere environmental protection, contributing to a broader societal shift in consciousness, and his future endeavors are highly anticipated.