“Where Global Warming is Headed”

The Hokkaido Jichiro Kaikan is a building in Sapporo, Japan, that serves as the headquarters for the Hokkaido branch of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) and its influential public sector union predecessor, Jichiro. It was historically a central hub for labor movement activities and negotiations in Hokkaido, particularly during the post-war period of rapid economic growth and industrial development in the region.

Niigata University is a national university in Japan, founded in 1949 through the merger of several older institutions, including Niigata Medical College (established 1922) and Niigata Higher School. It is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in medicine and dentistry, contributing significantly to education and research in the Hokuriku region of Japan.

The NPO Hokkaido Integrated Geological Research Center is a non-profit organization in Japan dedicated to the study and public education of Hokkaido’s unique geology, including its volcanoes, fossils, and seismic activity. It was established to consolidate geological research and promote awareness of the region’s natural history and geological hazards. Through its museum, guided field tours, and research activities, the center helps to document and explain the island’s dynamic geological formation over millions of years.

The Hokkaido Labor Culture Association is a non-profit organization based in Sapporo, Japan, dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of labor movements and the working-class culture in Hokkaido. It was established to document the struggles and contributions of workers, particularly in the region’s key industries like coal mining, forestry, and railways, which shaped Hokkaido’s development from the Meiji era onward. Through its archives, exhibitions, and educational programs, the association serves as a vital resource for understanding the social and industrial history of northern Japan.