On January 31st, FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting Corp. announced in the documentary program “Witness f” (last Sunday at 1:25 pm) “Continued Saga’s father’s challenge! -Going to the huge market Africa-” (midnight 1:35) ) On air.
This time, the sequel to “Sagan Oyaji no Gabai Challenge! -Nigeria Solar Power Project-” broadcast on January 29, 2017. Last time, I introduced Mr. Nobuhiro Kawaguchi, the president of a small roof construction company in Tosu City, Saga Prefecture, who continues to light up non-electrified villages in Africa using thin solar panels.
The “leading role” is an ultra-thin “film-like solar panel.” Although it is difficult to generate enough electricity to support a life full of electrical appliances like Japan, it produces enough electricity to turn on the lights. It can be rolled up like a scroll and is easy to carry. Mr. Kawaguchi, who thought that it would be useful in places where there is no electricity yet, started activities with a small light in Nigeria, and a store was opened under that light to revitalize the town. Furthermore, it was found that the local life will be significantly changed, such as the reduction of crime.
Interview is given below:
Continuing from four years ago, we spoke with FBS announcer Masaki Hamazaki, who was in charge of the direction this time as well.
――Please tell us the reason for making this program.
“Four years ago, it was broadcast nationwide on” Witness f “(FBS local) and then on” NNN Document. ” I had already started the next idea, so I continued to cover it. In “Mentai Wide” (Monday-Friday 3:48 pm), I will report every time there is a movement. , The summary ”, which led to this 30-minute program.”
――You were chasing Mr. Kawaguchi even after the broadcast four years ago.
“When I meet Mr. Kawaguchi, I feel better, so I interviewed him every time. Then, the story gets bigger and bigger. In the country, from Nigeria, this time with Benin and Burkina Faso. To be honest, I felt like “Where? That country”. Furthermore, “I’m going to meet Minister Mogi next time” was a series of surprises. ”
――It seems that you didn’t travel to Japan last time, but wasn’t it difficult to cover overseas because of the Corona disaster this time as well? Are there any other difficulties in shooting?
“Because it was a corona disaster … I have never been to Africa this time (laughs). Before Mr. Kawaguchi traveled,” What kind of video do you want? ” We had a detailed discussion about the question, etc., and took pictures as much as possible. When Mr. Kawaguchi eventually became unable to travel, he asked the local people to take pictures through his acquaintance. I also use a lot of the footage I received. Also, I went to Tokyo with a Digicam in one hand and took a picture of the interview scene between Foreign Minister Mogi and Mr. Kawaguchi. I was shooting while scratching. I’m glad it was before the emergency declaration was issued in Tokyo. ”
――What kind of place is Benin?
“It’s a country in West Africa. According to Mr. Kawaguchi, if you apply the African Continent to a map of Kyushu, it’s around Kitakawasoemachi, Saga City (laughs). A country of agriculture where 40% of the working population is engaged in the primary industry. There is a one-cut aerial image of a drone, but there is a floating city. This is “a town created by Africans who fled to the sea to avoid becoming slaves.” It tells a dark history. Also, maybe because of the influence of Mr. Zomahon of the former Takeshi army, it is a country of pro-Japan. Some people study at a Japanese language school, and some of them are thinking of studying abroad in Japan. It seems that there are many people. The electrification rate is about 40%, and it is less than 20% when going to rural areas. It is also a young country where 40% of the population is under 15 years old (13% in Japan and 30% over 60 years old). That is why creating an educational environment for children through lights will help raise the level of national power. ”
――So what is Burkina Faso like?
“This is also a country in West Africa, northwest of Benin. If you look at the map of Kyushu, it corresponds to Takeo, Taku, and Ogi (laughs). It seems that it is progressing. This time, I electrified an elementary school in Takuen Dasli City, but in fact, there was already a light. If you look closely at the video, you may notice that it is different from the light that Mr. Kawaguchi turned on. , Fluorescent light on the blackboard, fan on the ceiling. It was installed by a Chinese company, but it stopped working immediately and it was left unattended because there was no one who could maintain it. It seems that it can be said for the whole of West Africa. However, China and other countries have already begun to develop infrastructure including electricity. However, because they did not leave a “maintenance system”, it seems that solar street lights are not operating and are becoming monuments. It seems that African countries are expecting Japan to do this. ”
–Will it be introduced after Nigeria?
“This time there is no after Nigeria. By the way, Samuel (a man from the same country) who became the quasi-leader last time has lived in Fukuoka and continues to spread the light to Nigeria. Is playing a central role in the construction. ”
――What are the highlights of this time, including the differences from four years ago?
“Four years ago, we focused only on’lighting Africa’, but this time we titled it as’~ Going to the huge market Africa ~’. The future of African countries and Japan. I thought that Mr. Kawaguchi’s activities had hints on how to get along with each other. Instead of “giving” with a Japanese subsidy, “promoting independence”. Not only that, I drew Mr. Kawaguchi as a businessman. I’d be happy if even one person who thought “Let’s do business with Africa” appeared through this broadcast, and I’m disappointed by this corona disaster. I hope people will be energized by Mr. Kawaguchi. In addition, I also have a “hidden ball” that I couldn’t draw in this program. Please look forward to the third installment. “