[iichie Memo] October 5 - October 11, 2025
Living in the Modern Age: Questioning the Dignity of 'Life' and Responsibility for the Future through the Latest Trends in Environment, Agriculture, and Life Sciences
Hello everyone. This is Ichigo Ichie.
In this 'iichie Memo,' I use my research notes to deepen my reflections on 'life,' 'agriculture,' and the 'environment' as seen through daily news and cutting-edge science and technology. The foundation of this exploration is the insight into the 'dignity of life' and 'responsibility for creation' nurtured by Christian thought.
As technology evolves at an astonishing speed, threatening to drastically change the way society functions and even our own values, the question, 'What kind of future are we creating, and what will we pass on to the next generation?' carries more weight than ever before.
1. Environment: European Environmental Assessment and Recommendations from International Conferences
Our planet continues to face the major challenge of climate change. This past week, a comprehensive environmental assessment from Europe and specific recommendations from international conferences were reported.
Europe's Strict Environmental Assessment and Challenges for Adaptation
On October 10, the European Environment Agency (EEA) released a comprehensive report on the environment, climate, and sustainability over the past five years. It pointed out that despite policies based on the European Green Deal, environmental sustainability has not improved, with a worsening trend particularly in biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and climate change adaptation [1]. Concerns include the lack of progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector, the impact of extreme weather on food production, and the over-exploitation of soil and marine resources [1]. Europe is one of the regions where global warming is progressing most rapidly, and it is reported that the average annual economic loss associated with extreme weather from 2020 to 2023 has surged to 2.5 times that of the 2010s [1].
International Conferences and Corporate Environmental Contributions
At the 'IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025,' the world's largest international conference on nature conservation currently being held in the United Arab Emirates, strategies and new tools for achieving 'nature positive' to halt and reverse biodiversity loss are scheduled to be announced [2]. Meanwhile, in Japan, 7-Eleven has opened a new environmentally friendly store called 'GREEN LOOPS.' Here, specific corporate environmental initiatives are being advanced, such as the introduction of shopping bags made from recycled plastic and the installation of electric vehicle chargers [3]. Additionally, a charity auction featuring surfboards used by Olympians began on October 11, with proceeds going toward coastal cleanup, environmental education, and marine conservation awareness activities nationwide [4].
◆ To pass on the rich 'life' of the Earth given by God to the next generation in a healthy state. This is the core of the 'responsibility for creation' taught by Christian thought. The stern report from the European Environment Agency reminds us once again of the weight of the responsibility we bear for the Earth's ecosystems. However, the discussions on biodiversity recovery at the IUCN international conference, the environmentally friendly stores of corporations, and the marine conservation activities by athletes are concrete actions that light a beacon of hope for the future. We must now focus our attention on environmental issues that are often overlooked, and actions rooted in deep respect and consideration for all 'life' on Earth are what is needed now.
2. Agriculture: Frequent Extreme Weather and Vulnerability of Food Supply
Food is the source that nurtures our 'life,' and agriculture builds its foundation. This past week, the impact of extreme weather on food production and concerns regarding food security were reported.
Extreme Weather Hits Food Production
Xinhua News Agency reported that in various parts of China, prolonged rain since mid-to-late September has made autumn harvesting work difficult and poses risks to autumn sowing [5]. In Henan, average precipitation since September has reached 2.7 times the normal level, and excessive soil moisture and flooded farmland are hindering the introduction of agricultural machinery [5]. Harvesting work is being carried out at a rapid pace in various places, such as by introducing crawler-type harvesters and 24-hour operating dryers, making the improvement of agricultural disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief capabilities an urgent issue [5].
The Importance of Strengthening Food Security and Rural Development
Concerns regarding Japan's food security are also rising. Toyo Keizai Online has reported that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is in a situation where there is no prospect of achieving its food self-sufficiency ratio targets [6], and the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly, concerned about the destabilization of agriculture due to abnormal weather and disruptions in transportation networks, has passed a written opinion strongly requesting that the national government ensure a stable supply of rice and strengthen food security [7]. Regarding the policy direction for a stable supply of rice, Mitsubishi Research Institute states that it will continue to provide recommendations based on comprehensive, scientific, and objective data analysis integrated with insights from agricultural production sites, thereby contributing to the realization of a "rich dining table" [5]. In the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas, "rural development" is cited as a key pillar, and it is stated that efforts will be promoted to improve income and create jobs that contribute to the development and conservation of agricultural production infrastructure, the preservation of farmland, and an increase in the number of people involved with rural areas [8].
◆ Gratitude for the blessings from the earth that nurture "life," and supporting their production, is the practice of the joy of creation and neighborly love taught by Christian thought. The crisis in harvests due to long rains in China and the difficulty in achieving Japan's food self-sufficiency targets speak to the profound impact climate change has on food security. It is now strongly required that we view food not merely as a commodity, but as "all life being irreplaceable and given by God," and take responsibility for its stable supply and fair distribution. The harmony of technology and ethics, and the revitalization of the entire local community through rural development, will be the key to building a sustainable future for food.
3. Life Sciences: Advances in Genome Research and the Ethics of AI Utilization
Advances in life sciences are deepening our understanding of human "life" and opening up new possibilities to enhance its quality. This past week, attention was focused on new discoveries in genome research, the innovation brought about by AI, and the ethical aspects of its utilization.
New Horizons in Genome Research
A research team at Tokyo Institute of Science announced that it has succeeded in decoding the giant genome of the Iberian ribbed newt, which is about seven times larger than that of humans. This achievement will provide important information to unravel the mysteries of various life phenomena such as the genome enlargement, development, and regeneration of newts, and it is expected to make a major contribution to the field of regenerative medicine by accelerating research on regenerative capacity using the Iberian ribbed newt, which has particularly high genome editing efficiency [9]. In addition, Superworm Co., Ltd. announced that it has succeeded in increasing the lipid accumulation of mealworms through genome editing. This is an achievement as a deep-tech company advancing research and development of sustainable fuel (SAF/BDF) production technology utilizing insects, and it suggests new possibilities for the bioeconomy [10].
The Intersection of AI and Life, and the Emperor's Message
While visiting Kyoto, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended an international conference to discuss AI and other topics, where the Emperor stated in English, "AI technology is bringing innovation to every aspect of our society, including the fields of medicine, education, industry, transportation, and even art and culture." At the same time, he pointed out that there are "many issues that need to be carefully considered" regarding AI, and his statement that "I hope that efforts will continue to explore ways to make the best use of science and technology" suggests a deep consideration for the ethical aspects of AI [8]. At the Chanel Nexus Hall in Ginza, Tokyo, an exhibition titled "Synthetic Natures: The Entangled World: AI and the Current State of Life," which fuses AI and ecology, is being held, and through fictional life forms created by generative AI, an attempt is being made to rethink the complex interactions between humans and non-humans and "how humans wish to see nature" [11].
◆ The Christian thought that "humans were created in the image of God" teaches us that every single "life" has irreplaceable dignity. The decoding of the newt's giant genome and the functional improvement of insects through genome editing show the power of science to deeply explore the mysteries of life. However, like the Emperor's words on AI and the art exhibition questioning the boundary between AI and life, the progress of technology always poses the fundamental question to us of what "humanity" is. While enjoying the benefits of science to the fullest, how can we cultivate and protect the empathy and ethics unique to humans? Deep contemplation is required of us who live in this era.
To the Next Step
This week, too, we looked at the progress of technology and the questions they pose to our "lives" from the forefront of the environment, agriculture, and life sciences. In this rapidly changing modern world, what path should we take with a firm compass of "dignity of life" and "responsibility for a sustainable future" in our hearts? I hope that this "iichie Memo" will serve as an opportunity for you to deepen more essential questions while encountering daily information, and help you find hope for the future. I look forward to seeing you again next week with new perspectives.
#iichieMemo #FuturePrediction #Life #Agriculture #Environment #Technology #ChristianThought #DignityOfLife #Sustainability #ResponsibilityToNextGeneration #LetsTalkAboutTheFutureOnNote
Notes on Information Sources:
European Environment Agency points out stagnation and deterioration trends in the environment and sustainability fields where regulatory simplification is progressing (EU) - JETRO (October 9, 2025)
Seven-Eleven Japan opens new environment-friendly store "GREEN LOOPS" - PR TIMES (October 7, 2025)
[Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture] Up to 1 million yen support for the introduction of smart agricultural equipment, Next-Generation Agriculture Strengthening Support Project (September 30, 2025)
Superworm Co., Ltd. succeeds in increasing lipid accumulation in mealworms through genome editing - PR TIMES (October 10, 2025)
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attend international forum on science and technology, Emperor's remarks on AI: "It is bringing innovation to every aspect of society" - FNN Prime Online (October 5, 2025)
Decoding a genome 7 times larger than a human's | Science Tokyo - Institute of Science Tokyo (October 6, 2025)
[Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide] Responding to changes in Japan's four seasons due to climate change: Proposing attractive experiences to fully enjoy the seasons, naming the phenomenon of winter arriving suddenly after a short autumn 'Tanshu Kyuto' (Short Autumn, Sudden Winter) - PR TIMES (October 11, 2025)
Rush! Racing against time to save autumn grain amid continuous rain in many regions - Xinhua Net (October 11, 2025)
[Proposal] Policy direction for stable rice supply - PR TIMES (October 9, 2025)
Shin-Tonbo (163) - Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas (5) - October 11, 2025 - The Agriculture News (October 11, 2025)
Amid growing concerns over food security, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sees no prospect of achieving food self-sufficiency targets = Kyodo News - Toyo Keizai Online (October 4, 2025)
September 2025 Regular Session Opinion Paper (Approved October 9, 2025) - Shizuoka Prefecture (October 9, 2025)
'IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025' Opens | Press Release from Hitoshizuku Inc. (October 11, 2025)
Boards from 4 Olympians are up for auction! Environmental support charity auction held. Surfboards that competed on the world stage turn into power to protect the ocean and local communities! | SURFMEDIA (October 10, 2025)
'Synthetic Natures: Entangled Worlds - The Current State of AI and Life' opens at Chanel Nexus Hall - Tokyo Art Beat (October 5, 2025)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government to hold 'TIME TO ACT Forum 2025' on 10/7, aiming to accelerate climate change adaptation measures - PR TIMES (October 4, 2025)