Silver Penguin+ Members: Video Podcast and Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)

単語 (Vocabulary)

観光と社会問題

混雑 (こんざつ) - Congestion
渋滞 (じゅうたい) - Traffic jam
騒音 (そうおん) - Noise, Noise pollution
迷惑をかける (めいわくをかける) - To cause trouble
度が過ぎる (どがすぎる) - To go too far, To exceed limits
資本主義(しほんしゅぎ) - Capitalism
お金を落とす (おかねをおとす) - To spend money (in a place)

環境と保護

環境(かんきょう) - Environment
保護(ほご) - Protection
清潔(せいけつ) - Cleanliness
自然破壊 (しぜんはかい) - Environmental destruction
救急車 (きゅうきゅうしゃ) - Ambulance
被害 (ひがい) - Damage, Harm
規制(きせい) - Regulation
盗る (とる) - To steal

建築と宗教

建築家 (けんちくか) - Architect
建築物 (けんちくぶつ) - Building, Structure
礼拝 (れいはい) - Worship
信者 (しんじゃ) - Believer, Follower
信仰 (しんこう) - Faith, Religion
一般公開 (いっぱんこうかい) - Public opening
講演会 (こうえんかい) - Lecture

会話の話題 (Conversation Topics)

京都(きょうと)での観光客(かんこうきゃく)制限(せいげん)についてどう(かん)じますか?
How do you feel about the restrictions on tourists in Kyoto?

騒音(そうおん)問題(もんだい)について、(かんが)えたことがありますか?
Have you ever thought about the noise pollution problem?

自然破壊(しぜんはかい)(ふせ)ぐためにどんな規制(きせい)必要(ひつよう)だと(おも)いますか?
What kind of regulations do you think are necessary to prevent environmental destruction?

富士山(ふじさん)での()準備(じゅんび)登山(とざん)についてどう(おも)いますか?
What do you think about unprepared climbing on Mt. Fuji?

観光地(かんこうち)入場(にゅうじょう)(りょう)徴収(ちょうしゅう)することについて、どのような場所(ばしょ)賛成(さんせい)ですか?反対(はんたい)ですか?
In what kind of places do you support or oppose charging admission fees for tourist sites?

あなたの(くに)ではオーバーツーリズムに(たい)する対策(たいさく)はどのように(おこな)われていますか?
What measures are being taken in your country to address overtourism?

観光(かんこう)公害(こうがい)()らすためのアイデアや(てい)(あん)があれば(おし)えてください。
Please share any ideas or suggestions you have to reduce tourism pollution.

Ibaraki Kasugaoka Church (Church of the Light) · 4 Chome-3-50 Kitakasugaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0048, Japan
★★★★☆ · Protestantse kerk
「怖い怖い」急斜面で動けず…富士山に“軽装登山”の外国人 あとを絶たず…登山家「冬山経験ないなら近づかないこと」|FNNプライムオンライン
「怖くて立てない」…外国人からSOS。軽装で富士山に。なぜ軽装での外国人登山客は減らないのか。富士山で撮影された、1枚の写真。雪の積もる斜面に座り込んでいる外国人登山客は、別の登山客から声をかけられ、こう助けを求めた。「怖くて、立てない」この時、声をかけた登山家の松本歩美さんは…登山家・松本歩美さん:「大丈夫か?」と話しかけたら、「怖い怖い」と言っていて。このままだと、この人、降りられないのかなと。この写真が撮影されたのは、11日の午後4時すぎ。山頂から150メートルほどの場所で、背景に富士山…
Vlog: Mt. Daisen Adventure in Tottori: Nature’s Beauty & Lessons Learned
鳥取県の大山に登ってきました。From nature’s unpredictable challenges to heartwarming interactions with locals, discover the multifaceted beauty of Japan’s hidden gems.

English Summary

View the English summary of this episode

Addressing Overtourism and Tourist Pollution in Japan

We delved into the pressing issues of "Overtourism" and "Tourist Pollution." Japan is currently experiencing a tourism boom, with a surge in both international visitors and domestic travelers enjoying the freedom to explore after years of restrictions. While this is undoubtedly positive, it has also given rise to concerns about overtourism and its impact on local communities and the environment.

Overtourism and its Consequences

Overtourism occurs when the influx of tourists exceeds the capacity of a destination, leading to various negative effects. One prominent example is in Kyoto, where some narrow streets have been closed to tourists to mitigate the impact. This is indicative of broader measures that may become necessary to manage the increasing tourist numbers.

Key Issues

  1. Congestion: Increased tourist numbers lead to overcrowding on roads, buses, and trains, exacerbating traffic jams and putting a strain on public transport systems. This is particularly evident in Kyoto, where the bus system struggles to cope with the high demand.
  2. Noise Pollution: The gathering of large crowds results in excessive noise, disrupting the peaceful lives of local residents. The constant chatter and movement of tourists can significantly alter the quietude of neighborhoods.
  3. Littering: Despite Japan's reputation for cleanliness, tourist hotspots often suffer from littering. The lack of public trash bins and differing habits regarding waste disposal among international visitors contribute to this problem.
  4. Environmental Degradation: Unregulated access to natural areas poses a threat to the environment. Unlike other countries with strict regulations and guided tours in protected areas, Japan often lacks such measures, risking damage to its natural landscapes.

Case Study: Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji reopened last summer, attracting many climbers, including unprepared foreign tourists. Reports of climbers attempting the ascent in inappropriate attire, such as beach sandals, and requiring rescue services highlight the need for better education and regulation to ensure the safety and preservation of the mountain.

Impact on Cultural Sites

An example of overtourism's impact on cultural sites is the Church of the Light in Osaka, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. The church, known for its striking architecture, has faced issues with theft and inappropriate behavior from visitors, leading to its closure to the general public except during specific events like concerts. This shift reflects the broader challenge of balancing accessibility with the preservation of cultural and community integrity.

Seeking Solutions

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Charging admission fees is one solution, but it must be balanced with respect for community values and the preservation of public spaces. Implementing stricter regulations, educating tourists, and enhancing infrastructure are essential steps toward sustainable tourism.

Your Input Matters

We invite listeners to share their thoughts and experiences regarding overtourism in their own countries. What measures have been effective? Are there alternatives to monetary solutions? Your insights are valuable in finding a balanced approach to managing tourism.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. We look forward to continuing this important conversation. Until next time, goodbye!

By discussing these critical issues, we hope to raise awareness and encourage responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Video Podcast and Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)

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