Normally, removal of illegal outdoor advertisement goods is carried out on a day-to-day basis by each ward and city of greater Tokyo. Once a year, however, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government spearheads a special effort with collaboration from relevant authorities, companies, organizations of citizens and so on. This year, the All Japan Neon-sign Association was invited to participate in the activity as well. The Kanto Koshinetsu branch thus cooperated and 16 people from 5 different member companies participated in the effort in the campaign period from October 1 to 31. 10 wards and 18 cities in Metropolitan Tokyo took part in this general campaign. The results are currently being summarized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and a follow-up report will be made as soon as results are known.

Since its inauguration in 1999, the Outdoor Advertising Research Forum (chairman: Professor Koichi Shimizu, Graduate School of Josai University) has been continuing its hard work. On November 7, it reported its activity plan, which was approved at the general assembly held on May 16 (Wed.), at the extended administrative company meeting at Ginza Blossom. This extended administrative company meeting was well attended, with representatives from all 18 member companies, and opinions and information were actively exchanged at the meeting.

A brief overview of the activity plan for 2007 is as follows:
(1) Research on advertising effect indexes aiming for standardization in the outdoor advertisement industry
    • Activities to diffuse DEC
    • Research on advertising effect indexes other than DEC
(2) Creation of Metropolitan Expressway outdoor advertising maps
(3) Examination of making the Outdoor Advertising Research Forum a corporation

A prototype illumination system powered by a miniature hydroelectric power generator based on the same technology as found in bicycle light generators, drawing energy from rainwater falling from an elevation of 10 meters, has just appeared. The breakthrough method to design illumination signs with parallel 1 lux-LED light sources using optical waveguides was fabricated by Hidaka Neon in the Kanto-Koshinetsu branch of our association. On October 5, the prototype was tested at the Kunitachi factory in Tokyo and the results were posted on the internet site (search term: “green necklace large moving image”).

Mr. Matsuo Nakamura of Hidaka Neon (left) and Mr. Tetsuhiko Kuroiwa, architect

The project, entitled “Urban Development with 100W,” gathered engineering knowledge in the entire town before the general design principle was decided upon. The design models were presented in business model competitions held by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as a “Science Fair” held at the local university campus. Many interested people contributed with ideas and inspiration, and actual models were gradually developed and refined.

The fabrication was handled by “NPO Green Necklace.” The “Musashino Kara” editorial office, which subcontracts editing of NEOS' publicity material, acted as secretariat for the project. Taking the opportunity of construction of an elevated railroad section along the JR Chuo Line (between Mitaka and Tachikawa Stations), Green Necklace has proposed to make the concrete elevated railroad section extending over 13.1 km part of a landscape design for urban development befitting the 21st century. This model project has been chosen to receive the Urban Renaissance Model Grant by the Cabinet Office. It features the rainwater power generation using the rainwater guttering of the elevated bridge. The idea is to light up dark areas under the elevated railroad by color-shifting illumination.