Japan’s Lessons on the Economy and the Environment

Today, we are seeing that Japan is one of the most prosperous countries in the Asia and even in the whole world. In fact, according to statistics, it is the 3^rd largest in the world on nominal gross domestic product, the 4^th largest by purchasing power parity, 3^rd largest in automobile manufacturing country, and the 2^nd largest developed economy in the world. And we all know that Japan is known for its high-tech products like computers, phones, tablets and many more that are exported worldwide.

But before they reached this level, they have first earned the status of being a worryingly polluted country. The countrymen had experienced diseases that are produced by heavy industrial developments.

Back in 1908, Minamata City had been illed by Minamata disease. The people there suffered with neurological syndrome that is characterized by unresponsiveness of hands and feet, damage in hearing and speaking, paralysis, comatose, uncontrollable shaking of the body, and extreme physical disabilities. This disease is acquired from sea foods that are contaminated with organic mercury that comes from the factory.

Meanwhile in 1912, another city had caught Itai Itai disease (Ouch Ouch disease). The mining company had been emitting sulfuric acid which is a poisonous chemical. This sulfuric acid that is ejected from the mining zone flows onto the river where the rice grains get nutrition. And the people who eat this rice often would get this disease.

Another big pollution disease had startle in the city of Yokkaichi. People there did not know why they have difficulties breathing especially in the night. And later on, they have developed a disease that they have called Yokkaichi asthma. This bronchial disease is attained from sulfur oxide that is emitted by petrochemical processing facilities and refineries.

Being a very fast developing and progressive country is not bad, but it has always an equivalent bad consequences. Although they have concurred the problem in the late 20^th century, the damage that have been done to thousands of lives and to the environment would never be replaced. But truly, the Japanese people have learned from their mistakes in the past, that is why Japan is now an admirable country.