THE SECRET IS OUT!!

　Rusutsu has always been famous as a winter getaway, but our secret couldn`t last forever. In less than two weeks 4,000 reporters from all over the world will arrive to cover the G-8 Environmental Summit, and everyone will know about our mountain paradise. Last year Prime Minister Abe lobbied hard to have the summit held in Hokkaido in order to show it`s natural beauty off to the world.

　So with the last of the winter snow sparkling on Mt. Yotei and the hillsides covered in Birch and Pine, Rusutsu Resort will be turned into the International Press Center. Temporary work space has been built including offices and satelite broadcasting studios. The government will also use the temporary hall to showcase exhibits on Japan`s latest eco-friendly technology. The building itself is built with mostly recycled lumber. The solar power system includes the latest see-through panels in the windows. And the air conditioning system uses snow gathered during the winter to cool the building.

　For the last several years the trend has been to hold the summits in retreat settings far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, so that the leaders and diplomats can relax and concentrate on thier work. I can`t think of many locations that fit the bill better.

　All spring reporters from Tokyo have been stopping by to get background information for thier stories. Most say they can`t wait to come back to enjoy the golf course, try out the hot springs, or go hiking through the hillsides. A German diplomat arranging things for the foreign press told me the views driving up the new highway through the mountains reminded him of his childhood in Bavaria. Let`s just hope they can all keep our secret a little longer.

SKK Ltd