[Grandpa Saw It!] Part 2: Yoichi Takahashi - Yoichi Takahashi, known for his "ripple" comment, is hugely popular with Gen Z

It might be easier to understand the story if you read Part 1 first.This discussion is based on the bold statements regarding climate change made by Yoichi Takahashi, who resigned as a Cabinet Secretariat advisor following his "ripple" comment.

Yoichi Takahashi, whom I've taken the liberty of nicknaming the "Showa Era King of Debating," seems to have chosen the path of freedom of speech by quickly resigning as a Cabinet Secretariat advisor in response to public slander.

✅ He's saying good things, though, isn't he!?

The video below is a continuation of Part 1. 👇

Some may find the first half a bit unpleasant, but I would be happy if you could bear with it, let it slide, and take an interest in the discussion in the second half.

Even in the parts of the first half you might want to let slide, there are points where you'll want to nod and say, "I see."

・Research budgets are only granted for studies that "identify carbon dioxide emissions as the cause of global warming."
・Research by UN agencies like the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) becomes political, involving issues between developed and emerging (developing) countries.

✅ Let's turn global warming into business!?

For those who don't have time to watch the video, here is a summary of Mr. Takahashi's argument: 1) No matter what anyone says, this trend (reducing carbon dioxide emissions) cannot be stopped, so

it is better to recognize it as a business competition based on global warming.

2) Since it's pointless if the electricity used to charge EVs (electric vehicles) comes from burning fossil fuels, soin short, it is a matter of the country's power generation mix.

3) If that's the case, every country will end up doing the same thing: maximize renewable energy, and the rest will be thermal power with carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCUS) and nuclear power.

4) As for nuclear power, SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology capable of room-temperature cooling has become practical, so Japan should use it too.

There may be emotional arguments, but if you look at the fact that the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy isdisseminating information related to SMRsanddisseminating information on the decommissioning of the Fukushima nuclear plant,it is clear that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has expectations for nuclear power, but the world of politics is different.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to regain the trust of the public once it has been lost, so no politician will bring up nuclear power, which does not win votes.

If you set aside emotional arguments regarding Mr. Takahashi's expressions (his unique way of speaking, like the "ripple" comment), he is actually saying quite sensible things.

"I believe that the causal relationship is reversed—that carbon dioxide concentrations are rising because the Earth is warming, rather than the Earth warming because carbon dioxide concentrations are rising—but there is no point in making such an argument. It's a decarbonization business competition, so we can't lose. Japan has no choice but to pursue renewables, thermal power with CCS, and nuclear power."

Unlike media reports that only cut out gaffes and incite criticism and condemnation, social media allows you to hear the whole story, so it is better than TV.

If you listen properly, I think many of the things said by Yoichi Takahashi, whom I nicknamed the Showa Era King of Debating, are things you can agree with.

That doesn't mean I think "everything Yoichi Takahashi says is right," but when a country considers its strategy, it should definitely keep diverse opinions in mind.

As proof, the YouTube comment section is filled with surprisingly positive opinions about Mr. Takahashi, likely from members of Gen Z.

On the other hand, viewers watching clipped TV reports are likely only seeing critical comments saying 'Yoichi Takahashi is outrageous,' aren't they? 😅😅

✅ Is Japan suffering from the social costs of nuclear power!?

I would also like to introduce the comments (summarized) regarding nuclear power from Mr. Kawabata (President and Representative Director of Gakkyusha), who was a guest alongside Mr. Takahashi.

★☆★☆★☆★☆
Personally, I believe that nuclear power can be made safe, but because it is viewed with hostility, there would be enormous social costs if we were to introduce it.

It means that it's not just the cost of the nuclear facilities themselves, but extra costs will be incurred in various ways, such as compensating residents and providing explanations.

Is nuclear power profitable even when those costs are included? I think we should reconsider that.
★☆★☆★☆★☆

While what Mr. Kawabata says is true, Japan, with 68% of its land covered in forests and steep terrain, has the highest solar power costs in the world, and wind power costs also vary between summer and winter, making Japan the country with the highest costs in the world.

Furthermore, is it really okay that we cannot build new plants or replace old ones not only because nuclear power has the highest costs, but also because it is viewed with hostility?

By choosing a future where we become the country with the highest electricity costs in the world,will Japan really be okay?

What would the 'King of Debunking' of the Heisei era (Hiroyuki-san) say?

I have introduced Yoichi Takahashi's arguments regarding climate change issues in two parts, but what did you think?

Didn't you get a different impression than the clipped reports that only focused on the 'ripple' comment? Well then, until next time.

Thank you for reading until the end.

If you'd like, please click the 'Like' 🤍 button. 😊😊

If you could leave a comment, I would be jumping for joy. 😂😂😂