We chat to Dausuke Kondo, musician, social entrepreneur and green politician..
What do you do to tackle environmental problems in Japan?
Lots of things. I’ve been cleaning up rivers for more than a decade. Parents participate with their children to share the experience. Children need to spend more time in nature, they cannot imagine the beauty of the ocean and natural world without sensing a connection to it. They can’t protect it without experiencing it. I opened a beach house called ‘Blue Moon’ – it’s made entirely of sustainable materials and it’s solar powered. I wanted somewhere where people could gather, listen to great music, eat organic and Fair Trade food and enjoy the beautiful beach. We organise beach clean ups, rock pool fishing and snorkeling for children and events to promote awareness. I’m campaigning on global warming and climate change too – it’s changing the lives of the poor and developing countries and the natural environment. It’s come to Hayama beach too!
Do you buy Fair Trade products?
I buy organic cotton and Fair Trade T-shirts every year! I love the values and ethics of People Tree. I love the feel and fit of their T-shirts too! It makes me smile when I wear it. I say to people around me “this is a Fair Trade, organic T-shirt. Can’t you tell, I’m so pleased to be wearing it!” (laugh)
What do people feel about environmental and social issues?
There is a complete polarization. Some people are making really remarkable initiatives and some do not pay attention at all. I think there is an extreme gap. In order to raise young people’s interest, you need to establish an image of caring, ‘being cool’ as it is key to young people’s behaviour. Social contribution and environmental activities can sometimes appear old fashioned or difficult to do, so we have to show young people that actually it’s easy!
How is People Tree making a difference in Japan and around the world?
You’re doing a wonderful job but you ought to speak about your principles in an even louder voice! There are too many ‘invisible’ problems in Japan and a lot of things remain unknown until we are informed. It is People Tree that makes them visible one by one. Fair Trade is a tool for change. We need to change politics to help change people’s minds too. Big business and government has to adopt Fair Trade and sustainable values too.
What is your ideal society?
A society where all living things, including human beings, live in harmony – the co-existence of the natural world and people. A society where people know they can challenge unjust things.
