We were eager to hear the opinions of Professor Sakamoto, who has been seriously engaged with environmental issues for a long time.
"While I believe it's wonderful to be considerate of 'ethics,' 'environment,' and 'humanity,' it has now become fashionable to express such consideration. Seeing scenes reeking of vanity, like customers lining up to buy a brand's eco-bag while being served champagne, or celebrities in ostentatious, expensive attire gathering at charity parties, strikes me as odd, even comical."

Furthermore, it has even led to harsh public criticism of brands that lack environmental or ethical consideration. I even feel a sense of dread akin to 'environmental fascism' in this trend (which is hardly 'humane'!).
In fact, one can't help but feel a sense of relief at the emergence of a new trend called 'eco fatigue'.
Should we consider it acceptable if, despite this unsettling and contradictory trend, the environment ultimately benefits? Professor, please share your thoughts.

Kaori Nakano

Differing Perceptions of Crisis and the Current Situation

Hmm. I think it's fine for people to have various opinions.

While perceptions of the severity of global warming vary individually, what can be said for certain is that the time available to respond to this crisis is shrinking.

This is not merely my personal opinion; the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), an assembly of scientists, also issues warnings in its reports, stating that the level of crisis is escalating with each publication.

In its reports from a few years ago, the IPCC predicted figures that were quite lenient. However, observing the actual rise in CO2 concentrations and temperatures, they were forced to revise these figures, and now they indicate that we are heading towards a dire situation in the near future.

Just as an asteroid impact caused the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago, the 'asteroid' of global warming is now surely heading towards Earth. There's no time for dithering; we must act now, or we will perish... That is my understanding of the current situation.

The Fashionization of Ecology Is Not a Bad Thing

It's natural for perceptions of the current situation to differ among individuals, but I believe it's a positive development that ecology is discussed casually in fashion and everyday life.

Of course, it would be problematic if it were to end as a mere passing fad, but the fact that it's being discussed even at a fashion level, becoming so popular, is not a bad thing.

For example, it's fine if being eco-conscious makes one more attractive. In fact, young women are more conscious of environmental issues than older men. Aren't the attitudes of older men lagging behind?

It's perfectly fine if the motivation is to be attractive!

After all, that's the highest form of motivation, isn't it?

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Styling by Masayuki Sakurai
Grooming by Mayumi Fujita (Vitamins)
Wardrobe courtesy of Lanvin Japan (Tel. 03-3289-2782). Knit jacket ¥215,250, polo shirt ¥128,100, tie ¥45,150, trousers ¥217,350.
Location courtesy of TIME & STYLE EXISTENCE (Tel. 03-5464-3205). VALLE high chair ¥39,000.

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