Global East Asia

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Global East Asia
Question One
Mottainai has been popular in Japan since the late 2000s due to historical, cultural, and religious factors. Historically, Japan has long been aware of the need to conserve resources and has a long tradition of reusing and recycling resources. This idea is evidenced by the reuse of wooden buildings in the Edo period, as well as the reuse of paper, metal, and textiles (Siniawer 243). However, during the post-war period, the nation underwent rapid economic development and consumerism, dramatically increasing waste production. This situation was seen as a sign of affluence and was embraced by many people in Japan. In response, the Japanese government launched a campaign in the 1990s to raise awareness of the need to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Question Two
One example of the connection between waste trouble and nostalgic feelings is how the Japanese public responded to the increased waste problem in the post-war era. In the 1950s, the rapid growth of consumerism and industrialization led to a surge of trash and pollution in Japan (Maclachlan 1008). This accumulation of waste was seen as a sign of economic prosperity. Still, at the same time, it was a reminder of the simpler and more sustainable lifestyle of the pre-war era. Another example of the connection between waste trouble ...