Towards a solution to the north-south problem

One of the most important issues in avoiding a global water crisis is to solve the confrontation between developed and developing countries. As Japan in the 20th century has experienced the shift from a developing country to a developed country, it should candidly share its precious historical experience, both its merits and demerits, with people throughout Monsoon Asia. Two practical proposals to economize water demand are as follows: to economize toilet water in a way that meets the conditions of each region; and to develop the effective utilization of water for irrigated rice paddies, not only in the Monsoon Asia but throughout the world. In short, new life-styles are necessary if the global water crisis is to be averted.