Tokyo Foundation Submits Policy Proposal "A 13 Trillion Yen Treasure Trove" to METI Minister Akazawa
NQ Score
50/100
AI Summary (NQ-processed)
Tokyo Foundation proposes to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) a transition to a resource-circulating society through the utilization of urban mines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the purpose of the Tokyo Foundation's policy proposal to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry?
- A: The purpose is to propose a "Domestic Resource Strategy" based on a circular economy that utilizes domestic waste (urban mines) as a "treasure trove," thereby preventing the outflow of national wealth and creating a new growth base for a strong economy.
- Q: What does the "13 Trillion Yen Treasure Trove" specifically refer to?
- A: It refers to approximately 13 trillion yen of national wealth that flowed out of the country in 2024 through imports of mineral resource-related raw materials and manufactured products. The aim is to bring this wealth back into the country by utilizing domestic resources such as urban mines.
- Q: What are the specific measures proposed?
- A: The three proposed measures are: enacting a "Basic Law for the Utilization of Domestic Resources" to prioritize the use of Japanese domestic resources, establishing a Japanese-style Mega-Recycler, and introducing carbon pricing to provide economic rationality to the circular economy.
- Q: Why is the enactment of a "Basic Law for the Utilization of Domestic Resources" necessary?
- A: Current laws do not necessarily prioritize the use of recycled resources and are limited to waste, not promoting the utilization of other domestic resources. Therefore, a higher-level law is needed, the "Basic Law for the Utilization of Domestic Resources," which clearly stipulates the priority utilization of domestic resources, including waste.
- Q: What does the "38 Trillion Yen Treasure Trove" refer to?
- A: It refers to the approximately 38 trillion yen of national wealth that flowed out in 2024 due to dependence on overseas resources, including not only mineral resources but also fossil fuel imports. It highlights the necessity of a society that circulates all domestic resources, such as urban mines, marine resources, renewable energy, and technological resources.