-- Certification as an area where biodiversity is being conserved toward the achievement of the “30 by 30” target --
the property of its Saitama Factory Automobile Plant (“Yorii Plant” located in Yorii-machi
has been certified as an OECM (Other effective area-based conservation measures*1) biodiversity conservation area designated by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
Honda has been participating in the “30 by 30 Alliance for Biodiversity” led by the MOE since April 2022
and Yorii Plant became the second property owned by Honda to be certified as an OECM
following the Mobility Resort Motegi (in Tochigi
Yorii Plant is the first factory property to receive the certification
The 30 by 30 are international targets to conserve at least 30% of the Earth’s land
freshwater and oceans as a healthy ecosystem globally by 2030
This target was adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in December 2022
The 30 by 30 Alliance for Biodiversity was established in Japan under the leadership of the MOE to establish structures and systems which will contribute to the attainment of the 30 by 30 targets in Japan
and it has been working on the certification of OECMs in Japan
The MOE certifies the “areas where biodiversity is conserved through various efforts such as initiatives by private sector companies and organizations” as OECMs
and certified areas will be registered in the World Database on OECMs
The Yorii Plant began operations in 2013 as the lead plant for Honda automobile production operations around the world
In order to reduce the impact of its production facility operation on the local ecosystem
Yorii Plant not only preserves nearly 30% of the property as biodiversity-conscious green space but also manages the area as Satoyama (traditional Japanese natural landscape) as a corporate initiative
Honda is striving to contribute to both the local economy and the conservation of biodiversity
in collaboration with local governments and other organizations
Honda utilizes the green space within its premises
as a site for environmental education where Honda associates and local residents can enhance their understanding about biodiversity
the 27.2 hectares of the total 95.1-hectare Yorii Plant property was certified as an OECM
*1 “Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM)” are areas where conservation is achieved by the efforts of the private sector and areas where management for a purpose other than conservation is resulting in the contribution to the protection of the natural environment
*2 A habitat for plants and animals restored/created within the rice paddy field
various initiatives are being taken to maintain the Satoyama environment
which is important for the preservation of the local ecosystem
and managing the organic material on the floor of jolcham and sawtooth oak forests
and moho bamboo forests that existed prior to construction
Yorii Plant is also implementing various measures
including the rice paddy management (field preparation and plowing
cutting the grass and dredging*3 waterways
reservoirs and retention ponds to ensure the recharging of the groundwater*4
supplying of water to rice paddies located downstream
and conserving natural functions to suppress rainwater outflow
Other environmentally-responsible measures taken in the OECM-certified area of Yorii Plant include extermination of invasive alien species
Procambarus clarkia (red swamp crayfish) are captured using automatic trapping devices
The OECM-certified area of Yorii Plant is adjacent to a greenery area and serving as a forest area to protect plants and animals from the impact of human activities and human-made objects such as railways and roads
and Japanese deer have been observed in the forest area located at the south end of the OECM-certified area and the biotope on the west end of the area
which indicates that the area is assuming an important function as an animal migration route to the adjacent greenery area
Yorii Plant hosts events for Honda associates and local residents using the rice paddy biotope and bamboo grove to share information and enhance communication with the local community about 1) functions and purposes of the biotope and 2) policies for the conservation and management of diverse plants and animals
Yorii Plant is contributing to the enhancement of public awareness toward gaining more focus on biodiversity
*3 The removal of sediment and debris from the bottom of ports
rivers and other water bodies to increase the water depth
*4 Rainwater infiltrates into the soil and is stored as groundwater in the water-bearing strata of the land
Honda is striving to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities that Honda is involved in by 2050
Honda is working toward its global goal of achieving zero environmental impact through not only its products
but throughout the entire product lifecycle including all corporate activities
with three focus areas -- carbon neutrality
With a goal to achieve carbon neutrality of its operations before the end of fiscal year ending March 31
Yorii Plant is implementing measures to reduce environmental impact while taking various approaches
including 1) the partial electrification and introduction of innovative technologies to its painting equipment which currently emits a large amount of CO2 and 2) the utilization of renewable energy by installing solar power generation and storage battery facilities within its premises
Recognizing the possibility that its corporate activities could affect biodiversity
Honda began putting significant efforts into activities that lead to the conservation of biodiversity
including afforestation activities and the recycling and reuse of industrial water at its factories
Honda began a program to create a “hometown forest” composed of native tree species that preserves the ecosystem and biodiversity unique to each location
Honda established the “Honda Biodiversity Guidelines” which set forth the basic approach to work toward the harmonization of biodiversity initiatives and corporate activities
Honda has been engaged in various environmental conservation activities around the world
Striving to create a dream-inspiring future society where people can enjoy a rich natural environment
a future where our children realize their dreams with no restrictions and greater comfort in life for everyone
Honda will continue its proactive commitment to the activities which will ensure Honda’s vision for the Joys for the next generation
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2024 - ORIX Environmental Resources Management Corporation (“OERM”) announced that it will commence construction of a new recycling facility operated by the company within the premises of Sainokuni Resource Circulation Plant in Yorii-machi
The new facility will be constructed within the grounds of the existing Yorii Plant
and OERM aims to commence commercial operations in April 2027
The existing facility will continue to accept waste during the construction period
The new plant will be constructed to replace the existing
The new facility will introduce the Direct Melting System (“DMS”) from NIPPON STEEL ENGINEERING CO.
Approximately 50 units of the DMSs are already being operated by local governments around Japan
and they provide safe and stable waste processing with a strong track record of operations and accumulated data
the adoption of such a DMS in privately owned facilities is quite limited
and so this marks an industry-leading initiative
it will ensure a daily processing capacity of 450 tons*1
making it one of the largest private-sector facilities in Japan
The DMS is a sophisticated recycling unit that gasifies and melts general waste at a high temperature of approximately 1,800°C to detoxify and enable recycling while at the same time allowing the recovery of heat energy.Going forward
Yorii Plant will expand the types of waste accepted - including specified hazardous industrial waste and disaster waste currently not accepted by the existing facility
as well as dug-up waste and other waste that are difficult to process - while using the melted matter (metal
the recovered heat energy will be used for high-efficiency power generation totaling approximately 86,940 MWh annually*2
This electricity will be consumed within the premises
and excess electricity will be sold to the grid
it will be able to continue to operate as an energy-independent facility
Yorii Plant started operations as a private finance initiative (PFI) project*3 of Saitama Prefecture
the facility is currently contracted to process general waste from more than 80 municipalities in the Kanto and neighboring areas
OERM will continue to use the expertise it has accumulated to carry out sustainable waste processing that considers the environment and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society
*1 Processing capacity stated on the permit for establishment of waste facility*2 Equivalent to the annual energy consumption of approximately 28,000 general households; calculated based on an annual consumption of approximately 3,120 kWh per household (source: “Electricity Rate of the Average Model” from Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings
Incorporated)*3 The PFI project has reached its contract term of 20 years and concluded in March 2024
Contact Information: Investor Relations and Sustainability Department ORIX Corporation Tel: +81-3-3435-3121
Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements:These documents may contain forward-looking statements about expected future events and financial results that involve risks and uncertainties
Such statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results that differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements
Factors that could cause such a difference include
those described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and under “(4) Risk Factors” of the “1
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results” of the “Consolidated Financial Results April 1
2024 News Releases List
The Honda Civic Type R has long been one of the industry’s very finest hot hatches and with the new FL5-generation model
the Japanese car manufacturer has produced a truly great performance car
Each and every Civic Type R is brought to life at the car manufacturer’s Yorii plant in Japan
not every component of the Civic Type R is built here
is actually produced at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio while the six-speed manual transmission is from Honda’s Suzuka factory
Honda then ships these components to the Ogawa Plant where they are brought together and delivered to Yorii
Read: 2023 Honda Civic Type R Gets More Power But Sticks With FWD And Manual
The Yorii plant handles the rest of the manufacturing process. This starts with the shell of the Civic Type R that is sprayed with a polyurethane top coat while robots are used to ensure that the doors
When the Civic Type R reaches the end of the production line
it undergoes a comprehensive quality inspection that includes a complete alignment of the suspension
The latest generation uses an improved version of Honda’s K20C1 turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is good for 315 hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm in U.S
Small performance gains were achieved over the original version of this engine thanks to alterations made to the size
and number of turbine blades of the turbocharger
Honda has also increased air intake flow and fitted a more efficient exhaust
Japan — Honda is making a big push with its new Fit subcompact to get out of being the perennial also-ran of hybrid cars to Japanese rival Toyota
It’s a challenge hinged on making the technology affordable
Hybrids deliver fuel efficiency by switching between a gasoline engine and an electric motor
which opened this year in Saitama prefecture just north of Tokyo
Honda makes the Fit with faster stamping time
making for lower costs and greener production
gave reporters a tour of the Yorii plant this week
a biannual exhibition of vehicles including the new Fit
It runs for the public from Saturday through Dec
Honda President and Chief Executive Takanobu Ito said the key to hybrid success is to sell in numbers
but he stressed that green models must increasingly be tailored to regional needs
you can reach fuel-efficiency levels that are impossible with the internal-combustion engine,” he said
but hybrids are going to win great acceptance
but the hybrid Fit is just for the Japanese market for now
Honda is selling bigger hybrid models in the U.S.
such as the hybrid Accord and hybrid Acura
The Yorii plant will serve as a model for Honda production around the world
“The Yorii factory is the first step for Honda in making the Fit more of a global hit
especially in emerging markets — and doing that while maintaining profit,” said Issei Takahashi
auto analyst at Credit Suisse Securities in Tokyo
employs 2,200 workers and has an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles
It’s the first Honda plant to open in Japan since 1990
Its opening was postponed a few years ago because of the financial crisis
Japanese automakers have been moving production abroad where auto demand is growing
That makes the new Yorii plant a victory of sorts for Honda in Japan
where scoring big with the hybrid Fit is critical for Honda
Yorii also is aiming to be a model ecological plant
and it has solar panels on its roof and nurtures flowers and trees on its site
which allows Honda to sell the hybrid Fit at a competitive price
The hybrid Fit offers 85.6 miles per gallon
The comparable Aqua hybrid from Toyota Motor Corp
sells for $16,900 and offers 83.3 miles per gallon
is the top seller of hybrid models and has sold 5.8 million hybrids around the world
News Release
today hosted the premiere open house at its Yorii Plant of the Saitama Factory (in Yorii-machi
The open house was attended by many dignitaries
representatives from the local governments
Designed under the concept of "producing the world's cleanest products at the world's cleanest plant," the people-friendly and environmentally-responsible Yorii Plant strives to become the world's top class energy saving plant through the adoption of Honda's most advanced production technologies and establishment of a highly efficient production system
which features innovative technologies and will lead Honda plants around the world
Honda will further increase the efficiency of its production system through centralized production of the Global Compact Series including the all-new Fit as well as small-sized SUV and sedan which will be introduced to the market in the future
Honda will continue delivering products which fulfill the needs of customers in each region
affordability and low CO2 emissions by evolving technologies and know-how cultivated at Yorii Plant to other new Honda plants which will soon begin operation in countries such as Mexico
Welding process at Yorii Plant/Saitama Factory
Assembly line of Yorii Plant/Saitama Factory
According to Nikkei
Honda will go on to build its Civic model at a plant in Yorii
and Japan are looking to drop tariffs on cars all the way down to zero by the year 2026
The current tariff on vehicles coming into the EU from Japan is 7.5%
that figure would rise to 10% if nobody does anything
Read Also: Japanese Officials Wanted Honda And Nissan To Merge But Neither Brand Liked The Idea
Last year, a total of 11% of the Swindon’s plant output reached the UK market
Nearly 70% was of course destined for the United States
The reason why the Yorii plant was chosen was not only because of the potential for zero tariffs
but also for the goal of raising the factory’s utilization rate
With the UK being Europe’s second largest market after Germany, it’s important to point out that cars made by Japanese brands account for nearly 20% of the British market
Honda sold roughly 40,000 cars in the UK last year
representing 1/3 of its total sales for Europe
This move by Honda somewhat mirrors what Nissan did in 2019 when instead of building its next-gen X-Trail crossover in the United Kingdom
they decided to make it at their Kyushu factory in Japan
today began production at its Saitama Factory's Yorii Plant
a newly constructed automobile production plant located in Yorii-machi
Designed under the concept of "producing the world's eco-friendliest products at the world's friendliest plant," this people-friendly and environmentally-responsible Yorii Plant becomes the world's top class energy saving plant through the adoption of Honda's most advanced production technologies and establishment of a highly efficient production system
The plant features an advanced and highly efficient production line
including a painting process shortened through the adoption of highly functional painting technology
Production at the Yorii Plant will include the Freed minivan and the all-new Fit that is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this September
The planned annual production capacity of the plant is 250,000 units
With the start of production at Yorii Plant today
all three production plants of Honda's Saitama Factory are now in operation
including Ogawa Plant for engine production and Sayama Plant capable for production of a broad mix of models with small lot sizes
Yorii Plant will be responsible for leading Honda's automobile production around the world
while Honda continues to take on new challenges to provide good products to its customers with speed
2021 - ORIX Environmental Resources Management Corporation (“OERM”) announced today that it has completed construction of Yorii Biogas Plant in Yorii-machi
Yorii Biogas Plant is a dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facility with a capacity of 1.6 MW
making it one of the largest facilities to use general waste for fuel in Japan*1; it is the first dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facility to be constructed in the Kanto region
Trial operations will begin in June this year
with commercial operations set to commence in January 2022
Yorii Biogas Plant is a renewable energy power generation facility
where general waste such as food and paper waste (biomass) is fermented using methanogens to generate biogas; this biogas is then used to fuel power generation
Wet methane fermentation technologies are now widely used in biogas power generation facilities in Japan
but they are suited to processing organic matter with high moisture content
such as livestock excrement and food leftovers
Yorii Biogas Plant will use dry methane fermentation technologies
which are capable of extracting biogas in a highly efficient manner from organic matter with low moisture content—which had previously been difficult to process
Dry biogas power generation facilities make it possible for food retailers and restaurants
which generate waste containing foreign matter such as paper and plastic
to recycle food and non-food waste without having to separate them
Yorii Biogas Plant will enable what was previously categorized as combustible waste to be used as energy
in the form of both electricity and warm water; this will lead to reductions in the volume of waste that is incinerated
and so contribute to reductions in CO2 emitted during waste incineration processes
OERM and Saitama Prefecture have jointly operated a zero-emission*2 advanced waste processing facility at the Sainokuni Resource Circulation Plant in Yorii-machi
which is run as a Private Finance Initiative (PFI)
uses cutting-edge thermal decomposition and gasification and reforming methods
It is capable of processing 450 tons of waste per day
making it one of the largest private-sector facilities of its kind in Japan
OERM intends to use the knowhow and networks it has cultivated via the operation of waste processing facilities to operate both the zero-emission advanced waste processing facility and Yorii Biogas Plant in an integrated manner
OERM will continue to leverage the expertise it has accumulated to reduce environmental load through the construction of circular societies
and to contribute to stable local communities through its sustainable waste processing business
*2 A facility that achieves 100% recycling by recycling melted solids
metals and other generated matter such that it does not rely on final disposal sites
Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements: These documents May contain forward-looking statements about expected future events and financial results that involve risks and uncertainties
2021 News Releases List
The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most sought-after hot hatches in the market
with owners waiting in line for deliveries
Honda treats their anticipation with an 11-minute-long video from the Yorii Automobile Plant in Saitama
The video takes us through every step of the production process
the assembly of mechanical components including the engine
the Type R’s production is streamlined with the help of technology
although the human aspect also appears to be crucial
See Also: Honda Prices Civic Type R’s Accessories In Japan, Including That Wing
It is interesting to see so many examples of the Civic Type R one in front of the other in the production line. Despite sharing the main structure with the Civic hatchback
the Type R features many uniquely designed panels making it easily distinguishable from an early stage of assembly
The Civic Type R also gets a special color palette including Championship White
with all of them appearing in different parts of the video
Another highlight is the exhaust system featuring triple tailpipes
with two workers required to put it on the car
we get to see the fitment of the red carpet
which is why we can see some examples in the background
Power is transmitted to the front axle through a six-speed manual gearbox with the help of a limited-slip differential
The hot hatch also gets a more aggressive chassis setup with version-specific suspension tuning and larger brakes
Hayashi has been in charge of maintaining production equipment for about 10 years with the desire to improve product quality through equipment maintenance
he is utilizing the knowledge and experience he has gained through maintenance work to reduce energy consumption in parts manufacturing equipment at the Honda Yorii Plant
“I don't want to leave any homework for the future” about his thoughts on achieving carbon neutrality
Engaged in maintenance and energy reduction work for bumper and instrument panel production equipment
What kind of work is the maintenance specifically
Maintenance work involves maintaining factory equipment and responding to the voices of people in the field “We prefer to do this in this way ”
such as improving production efficiency and reducing defective products
the quality of the products can be improved as a result
I think it is an important job that plays a part in manufacturing
You are currently working at Honda's Yorii Automobile Plant
You have also been selected as a member of the “Yorii Carbon Neutral Project”
which aims to build production technology that reduces environmental impact and strengthens the production structure
Could you tell us about your motivation and thoughts on this project
what do you think are Honda's strengths and appeal
The presence of your boss is very important
My boss has helped me a lot during my first five years at Honda
it did not matter whether I was there or not at that time
when I was on a business trip to China almost every week
we won't be able to move forward with our work.” At that time
“I've finally become someone that people need” and I was so happy
Is there anything you would like to do to achieve your vision
Waste has a significant impact on the global environment
The majority of waste processing facilities in Japan incinerate waste; however
as the focus on sustainability grows even more around the world
a new trend of reusing combustible waste as energy is emerging
ORIX Environmental Resources Management is involved in the use of biomass to generate renewable energy
What can we learn about the future of waste processing from the company’s Yorii Biogas Plant in Saitama
ORIX Environmental Resources Management is a waste processing business
it has operated one of Japan’s largest private incineration and melting waste processing facilities at Sainokuni Resource Circulation Plant in Yorii
The facility processes industrial waste produced by plants and general waste produced by households
ORIX completed construction of Yorii Biogas Plant
a next-generation renewable energy power generation facility fueled by biomass; it is one of the largest dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facilities to use general waste in Japan
General waste such as food and paper waste is fermented using bacteria to generate biogas
which is then used to fuel power generation; thus
helping to reduce CO2 emissions.There are two types of methane fermentation technologies: “wet” and “dry.” Wet methane fermentation is suited to processing liquid or semi-liquid biomass
such as sewage sludge and livestock excrement; however
dry methane fermentation is capable of fermenting organic matter with low moisture content
and therefore expands the scope of what can be recycled as biomass
It can even ferment food waste that contains non-fermentable waste such as plastics and
it eliminates the effort and costs required for waste separation
are the differences between “wet” and “dry” methane fermentation
semi-liquid livestock excrement is fermented inside a fermentation tank to create methane gas; energy is generated through incineration
Since methane gas can be combusted to create both electricity and heat
Yorii Biogas Plant uses dry methane fermentation
This method is capable of fermenting organic matter with low moisture content
and so increases the scope of what can be recycled
dry methane fermentation has the added advantage of producing almost no digestive fluids
Some regions have been unable to adopt wet methane fermentation technologies as they lack the ability to discharge treated water; dry methane fermentation makes it possible for such regions to effectively use biomass while still maintaining the quality of nearby water
There are approximately 2,000 waste processing facilities in Japan but
General Manager of ORIX Environmental Resources Management’s Biogas Business Department tells us
only a handful utilize methane fermentation
there are about 30 methane fermentation facilities designed to use household waste—but there are only two private dry methane fermentation facilities in operation
Yorii Biogas Plant is the first dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facility to be built in the Kanto region in Eastern Japan
The plant is expected to generate approximately 9.8 million kWh of electricity per year
which is roughly equivalent to the annual power consumption of 3,140 households
the methane fermentation biogas business is helping to extract value from waste as a resource.”
ORIX was established in 1964 as a leasing company
the generated waste must be properly processed
Although ORIX initially outsourced the proper processing of waste from its properties
it came to recognize the necessity of processing waste itself
President of ORIX Environmental Resources Management
dioxins were under the spotlight; awareness of global warming had also increased over the previous few years
we entered into discussions with Saitama Prefecture regarding new processing methods that might benefit society
We agreed to commence a biogas power generation business that used dry methane fermentation on unused Prefecture-owned land.”
Before the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011
the prevailing view was that waste should be burned
and the idea of using renewable energies began to take hold; this led to demand for processing methods other than combustion
Yet numerous hurdles had to be overcome before Yorii Biogas Plant came into existence
“there were no privately-operated dry methane fermentation processing facilities anywhere in Japan
we set ourselves the twin goals of doing things that had not yet been done by other companies
We faced great difficulties with laws and regulations
and eliciting understanding from local residents
over the last 10 to 20 years—in part due to our past performance in the region and constructive communication with local communities—we have somehow managed to advance the project.”
Renewable energy generated using biomass serves to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming
more and more companies are engaging in decarbonization and seeking to achieve carbon neutrality
But why does ORIX Environmental Resources Management choose to involve itself in this business
“Biomass power generation contributes to the decarbonization of society,” explains Kameoka
it also helps realize a recycling-oriented society
Waste processing is an indispensable part of human life—and I find making this process greener to be extremely rewarding
ORIX operates various different businesses
and its workforce is full of employees who wish to contribute to society through the company’s activities
Yorii Biogas Plant is scheduled to commence operating in April 2022
What vision does ORIX Environmental Resources Management have for its future
“If manufacturers think about what happens to their waste
it will lead to advances in waste sorting,” said Hanai
“But no matter what future developments are made in the field of recycling and reusing
there will always be a need for combustion
Turning waste into energy as biogas is a way of trying to use everything that can be used
and we want to push these technologies as far as we can.”
waste processing facilities—whether they use combustion or methane fermentation—will have to be located and used according to the characteristics of the waste in question
we hope that our dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facilities will increase the choice of waste processing facilities available.”
waste processing facilities are now ageing across Japan; when trying to rebuild these facilities
an increasing number of municipalities are facing difficulties both from a locational and financial perspective
While waste power generation facilities—such as the ORIX-run Yorii Biogas Plant—are increasing in number in Japan
there are few examples of dry methane fermentation facilities
wet methane fermentation was almost the only option available
the adoption of wet methane fermentation technologies has been limited—this is in part due to the difficulty of sorting and collecting only kitchen waste that is not suitable for incineration power generation
Dry methane fermentation has the potential to help overcome these challenges; and
for ORIX Environmental Resources Management
its existing large-scale recycling facilities can function as back-ups
“We are currently aiming to increase the quantities we receive of kitchen waste and other burnable waste that people might not know how to sort,” noted Kameoka
“I have a strong desire for our industry to further improve its waste processing activities through the use of dry methane fermentation
By replacing deteriorating waste processing facilities with dry methane fermentation facilities
we will be able to improve our entire approach to waste processing—and being able to contribute to this progress makes me very happy.”
ORIX recognized early-on it had a duty not only to finance but also to properly process the waste generated by its properties
the company established ORIX Environmental Resources Management
ORIX’s initial processing of waste and its subsequent full-scale entry into the waste processing business was underpinned by a desire to make use of waste as a resource; this
led to the establishment of its dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facility
ORIX is seeking to further expand the possibilities of waste processing as part of its vision to help enable sustainable growth through innovative solutions
*Departments and positions are correct as of the time of writing*ORIX employees are pictured without face masks for artistic reasons
Contributing to Society through Our Business Activities
ORIX IN ACTION
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Two local officials who visited Japan in September as part of a Columbus 2020 delegation said the trip offered much more than a chance to attend the annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference
"We were building a lot of bridges that weren't there before," said Eric Phillips
CEO and executive director of the Union County Economic Development Partnership
He and Marysville Mayor John Gore met with representatives of companies already doing business in Union County and with other potential employers
visited the city of Yorii and took steps to establish a sister-city relationship between Yorii and Marysville
Gore and Phillips said they were impressed with the enthusiastic and warm welcome they received on their trip
They hope to return the favor when a 10-member delegation from Yorii visits Marysville Dec
"My hopes are we will be able to finalize the sister city agreement and sign it when they come," Gore said
they will make a presentation about the trip at Marysville City Council's Oct
As part of the visit's business-retention and expansion mission
Gore and Phillips met with the president and CEO of Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.
which has a facility on Square Drive in Marysville
"The president said this is the first time a mayor (of Marysville) has visited
included meetings with school and city officials as well as representatives from Honda
we spoke at an elementary school," Gore said
"I told them we hoped to develop a relationship and we hoped to be sending some of our students to their school system and that their district would be sending some to ours
"I asked how many of them wanted to come to Marysville and every hand went up."
Gore said one of the main things he learned from the trip is that Marysville and Union County need to do more to make the Japanese companies in the area feel more comfortable
He said the school district can play a big part in that effort
"I am surprised the Japanese companies we have in Union County continue to invest in Union County when there is so little we do for their employees they actually send over here," he said
Honda of America began producing the Accord in Marysville in 1982
Union County is now home to 17 Japanese companies that provide 6,600 jobs in the county -- 2,300 of those just with Honda of America
who was then principal at Marysville High School
and current Marysville City Councilwoman Deborah Groat
attended a meeting in Columbus with local representatives and Honda officials
"The blunt part is they wanted Saturday school," Pleasant said of the Honda employees
"That was important to them to continue their education
We came back here and the school board chose not to participate
"Worthington is the one that ended up having Saturday school ..
students from both Dublin and Marysville ended up going there."
"I don't think anyone in the community as a whole thought there was a need."
Gore has asked Groat to serve as the city's representative in working with the schools to develop something that will meet the needs of employees who come to the United States
He wants to encourage them to live in Marysville instead of other communities
"The school board said they weren't going to do it in 1982
it's not solely the school's responsibility
"If that conversation were to take place today
the county and the schools would sit down and figure out exactly what we can offer and what we need to do
We need to make visitors feel more welcome."
Gore said this is not criticism of past elected officials
"This is just one of the things I have tried to do in promoting our city," he said
"We have to make things happen and not wait for things to happen."
today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of its new automobile plant in Yorii
Ohio — As the visiting foreign dignitaries made their way down Main Street
suspended side by side from the ladder of a firetruck
The flags were a public sign that something special was happening last week
Nearly 20 Japanese-owned companies employ more than 6,000 people in Union County
accounting for 25 percent of all the jobs there
the company and the suppliers that followed have invested almost $5 billion in the county
Local leaders decided it was time to take the next step
Marysville Mayor John Gore and Union County Economic Development Director Eric Phillips visited Japan in September as part of the Columbus 2020 contingent that attended the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference
Logan County and Honda also sent representatives on the trade mission
a town northwest of Tokyo where Honda recently opened its newest plant
Mayor Makoto Shimada of Yorii and eight other officials visited here Dec
The Union County contingent was the first from Marysville to make the trade mission
Gore and Phillips called on the Japanese executives of existing Union County companies and visited potential contacts
Phillips stayed four days longer than the mayor because he was there representing the central Ohio region
His trip was about $8,000 and was funded by the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange
Columbus 2020 and the Union County Economic Development Partnership
the Marysville and Yorii leaders signed a “friendship declaration” and became “sister cities.” But Shimada said the relationship is more than signatures on a piece of paper
“My belief is that we shouldn’t rely on the relationships of our capitals
to build international relations,” Shimada said through a translator
mayor to mayor and council to council are much more powerful.”
the Japanese visitors got a private tour of the Statehouse from state Rep
They toured several Union County businesses
a few suppliers and some non-Honda-related companies
They visited local attractions and flipped the switch at the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree at the Union County Courthouse
They also met with school leaders and planned a cultural exchange for students for this summer
and they learned of the district’s plans to add Japanese language to the curriculum for middle- and high-school students next fall
That’s a big step for a community that has long embraced its business and economic ties to the Japanese who visit and work here but has never made the leap to being welcoming as a home for them
Dublin has always done a better job with that
the Japanese population in Dublin is 1,071 (2.6 percent) while Union County is home to 122
Dublin and some other suburban schools were quick to offer Saturday school
Dublin rapidly built a strong cultural support system
When he asked Japanese officials why they don’t live in Marysville
Gore said he doesn’t necessarily see Union County becoming a residential hub as well as a business home for the population
but it certainly is going to work harder on connections
A new Partners Park planned for downtown Marysville will include a Japanese garden as a nod to the sister city
and Mayor Shimada said he will send something to be installed there
“We are working very hard to build person-to-person relationships so that Mayor Shimada and others know we appreciate the Japanese businesses here
but that we value the friendships on a personal level as well,” Gore said
Shimada seemed almost smitten with the quaintness of Marysville
which is about half the size of his hometown
“People here put a great emphasis on their lives together and family and community,” he said
This is my first time in the United States
and I feel this is helping to build an international bridge of importance.”
hzachariah@dispatch.com
@hollyzachariah
announced that it has newly developed the "Honda Smart Ecological Paint (Honda S.E
a highly-functional painting technology that eliminates a middle coating process from a commonly used 4-coat/3-bake auto body painting process to realize a 3-coat/2-bake water-based painting process
Honda will introduce this new painting technology at its Yorii Plant at Saitama Factory in Japan that is scheduled to become operational in July 2013
eliminating the middle coating process would have restricted the paint colors that can be used; however
Honda overcame this challenge by developing a highly-functional material for the color base coat used in the final coating process
This material used for the color base coat makes it possible to use any exterior paint color
which is an automobile industry first for a 3-coat/2-bake process*
Honda also will introduce a wall-mounted paint robot system with a built-in quick load / quick wash paint tank
This will lead to a significant improvement in painting efficiency
reduction of the amount of paint materials and a 40% reduction in the number of processes compared to a conventional painting process
the amount of CO2 emitted during the painting process will be reduced by 40%
the Yorii Plant will employ a number of innovative technologies and begin production as a world-leading energy saving plant
In the face of a global trend toward consumer preference for smaller vehicles as well as increasing environmental awareness
Honda has reviewed the increasingly important role to be played by its production plants in Japan and determined three areas of focus
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The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is almost here
and to keep up the suspense and momentum the Japanese marque has revealed how it makes its formidable hot sedan
we know that the 2023 Type R comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s good for 315 HP
and an expected 0-60 MPH time of around 5.5 seconds thanks to this car coming with a six-speed manual gearbox complete with rev-matching
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National Report
Yuma Banba would ride on the back of his father’s Honda CBX400F motorcycle on a road trip
“Are you OK?” The little boy would nod in return
Yuma would hold his father’s big back tight
The red-and-white motorcycle would pick up speed
cutting through the wind with roaring exhaust sounds
was a member of a local motorcycle gang when he was young
He kept his CBX even after he landed a job at a lumber shop and started a family
He appeared to be particularly taken with the shape of its curvy body and sound of the engine
noticed that the motorcycle was missing from the garden
When he asked his father what happened to the bike
he gave his son a new baseball glove and bat
Hiroshi told his son to give it his all if he were to play baseball
Growing up in a single-parent family with limited means
But his only wish was to play baseball in junior high school
Yuma realized his father had sold off his beloved motorcycle to raise money for his baseball equipment
Yuma enjoyed playing baseball until he finished high school
Hiroshi prepared a bento lunch for Yuma every morning
made a practice area in a farm field in front of their home and escorted his son to and from baseball games
Yuma thought his father looked less robust than he remembered when he found him watching TV on weekends instead of taking a road trip on his motorcycle
Yuma started working at a local automobile plant
He worked hard until his hands were smeared black every day
saving a little from his paycheck every month to repay the sacrifice his father made
Yuma asked Hiroshi to come to a motorcycle maintenance shop
there was a deep bass exhaust sound that was all too familiar coming from outside before a red-and-white motorcycle was brought in
looking nostalgically at the bike with a smile
He just kept stroking the seat of the bike
Yuma had asked his father’s acquaintance who runs the shop to find the same model of Honda motorcycle
He was told to choose a different type because the CBX400F
which was manufactured for only several years in the 1980s
But Yuma was determined to give the same model to his father no matter the cost
three motorcycles were seen heading to the foot of Mount Fuji
The CBX was followed by two bikes ridden by Yuma and his sister
who recently obtained their motorcycle licenses
The family now takes a road trip together on weekends
Yuma thinks his father looks as robust as he remembered and turns the throttle to keep up with him
Enthusiasts risk life and limb to ride prewar motorcycles
Artisan hogs limelight by lacquer coating prized Harley
Son’s question leads to search for family’s lost A-bomb history
Husband of woman slain in Fukuoka tries to help others
Sports betting proving to be a winning ticket on the smartphone
recalls how rugby got him through World War II
Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions
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A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry
Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors
chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life
A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II
In-house News and Messages
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Participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 5th Eastern Economic Forum Discussed in Moscow
Get exposure for your startup at RISE 2020
CreditEase’s Tang Ning: China’s Wealth Management Market is Undergoing Five Major Shifts
Meet 5 of the best startups selected to represent China at the largest technology event in Asia
2021 - ORIX Environmental Resources Management Corporation (“OERM”) announced today that it has signed an agreement with the Ogawa Area Waste Management Authority (Ogawa-machi
Saitama Prefecture; Manager: Tsuneo Matsumoto) to undertake the processing of combustible waste
In what is an unusual move in the industry
the Authority—which comprises several local governments—will close its garbage incineration facilities and outsource the processing of combustible waste to private businesses over the long term
The Ogawa Area Waste Management Authority is made up of five local governments situated near OERM’s Yorii Plant in Saitama Prefecture: Ogawa-machi
as well as Higashichichibu-mura in Chichibu
for a period of 10 years beginning in April 2022
OERM will process all household and business combustible waste produced within these four towns and one village
primarily at the dry methane fermentation biogas power generation facility*1 it is scheduled to operate
The Ogawa Area Waste Management Authority owns and operates a garbage incineration facility in Ogawa-machi
the Authority made the decision to outsource its waste incineration to private businesses and
in March 2021 it offered the waste incineration contract to OERM
At OERM’s biogas renewable energy power generation facility
food and other combustible waste is fermented using methanogens to generate biogas
which is then used to fuel power generation; using combustible waste as a source of energy
OERM will use the advanced waste processing facility it operates at Yorii Plant and also work together with third-party general waste processing facilities to provide support for the biogas power generation facility
thereby guaranteeing stable and continuous waste processing operations over the long term
OERM has operated a zero-emission*2 advanced waste processing facility at the Sainokuni Resource Circulation Plant in Yorii-machi
the facility uses cutting-edge thermal decomposition and gasification and reforming methods
OERM intends to use the expertise it has accumulated to reduce its environmental burden
and so contribute to the stability of local communities
*1 For further information, please refer to the news release: “ORIX Environmental Resources Management to Construct Japan’s Largest Dry Biogas Power Generation Facility” (September 19
2019)*2 A facility that achieves 100% recycling by recycling melted solids
*3 Calculation based on consumption of 3,120 kWh per year per household; Source: Electricity Rate of the Average Model
showing the biogas power generation facility under construction
A curious tour from Brazil to Japan took place this autumn
Although the tour package was 15 nights long
the schedule did not include trips to major tourist spots such as Tokyo Tower
It was a tokusatsu tour planned by Ricardo Cruz
not only does singer activities as a quasi-regular member of Japanese anime song unit JAM Project
but also has been working as a writer and an editor on Japan’s tokusatsu productions in Brazil and has recently published a book on the subject.Tokusatsu TV shows from Japan started being repeatedly broadcast in Brazil during the late 1980s
The shows included “Choshinsei Flashman” and “Dengeki Sentai Changeman,” both popular productions from the Super Sentai series
as well as “Kyoju Tokuso Juspion” from the Metal Hero series
There are many avid fans of these works in Brazil.Instead of going to famous sightseeing spots
the group charted a bus and went to: Hatonosu gorge in Tokyo; a quarry in Yorii
Iwafune and Oya History Museum in Tochigi Prefecture; Nusuttogari rocky cliff and shore in Kanagawa Prefecture; and Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Kyoto
Some of you may wonder what those places are
They are all locations frequently used by tokusatsu superhero shows
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By Mishio Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior Specialist
but also has been working as a writer and an editor on Japan’s tokusatsu productions in Brazil and has recently published a book on the subject
Tokusatsu TV shows from Japan started being repeatedly broadcast in Brazil during the late 1980s
as well as “Kyoju Tokuso Juspion” from the Metal Hero series
There are many avid fans of these works in Brazil
Instead of going to famous sightseeing spots
Iwafune are “sacred places” for tokusatsu fans in Japan as filming locations for explosion scenes with enemy monsters
Yorii was often used during the late Showa era (1926-1989) while Mt
Iwafune is a popular choice in recent years
capes and a suspension bridge featured in tokusatsu shows
“Hatonosu is a place often used in tokusatsu works in the 1970s
like ‘[Jinzoningen] Kikaider,’ while Nusuttogari is the place for the final battle between Red Flash [in ‘Choshinsei Flashman’] and his enemy
which was used for the duel between Juspion and his archrival
Since most of the places the tour visited were not well-maintained tourist spots
there were many places they could not reach unless they crossed a stream and hiked over rocky ground after they got off the bus
“[Even] that was a fun adventure,” Cruz said
Part of the tour was joined by actor Hiroshi Watari
the human persona of superhero Sharivan in “Uchu Keiji Sharivan.” His participation greatly excited the group
The tour visited some standard tourist spots as well
but viewed them as the locations of superhero shows
Owakudani is the place called “the land of death” in “Uchu Keiji Sharivan,” and the high-rise-filled Shinjuku is the “holy place of tokusatsu” where Sharivan and two other space sheriffs gathered and posed together
“We went to four Mandarake shops [which sell anime and tokusatsu merchandise],” Cruz said
which demonstrates the tour was truly focused on tokusatsu
If you are curious about how much the tour cost
some participants were sobbing on the bus back to Narita Airport
“I had never thought I’d be able to go to locations of the tokusatsu shows I used to watch as a child.”
Cruz is planning to hold another tour like this next year
“I’d like to celebrate the 40th anniversaries of Juspion and Changeman [together in Japan],” he said emphatically
the tokusatsu superhero TV shows produced in Japan during the late Showa era have stirred the hearts of Brazilian people on the other side of the globe
As someone always maintaining that tokusatsu is a cultural asset Japan can boast to the world
I was extremely happy and proud to receive Cruz’s report
Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting
© 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun
A ceremony was held in December at Honda's plant in Saitama Prefecture to mark the end of production of finished cars at the facility
TOKYO -- Honda Motor is getting ready to switch off its engines
As part of a radical restructuring leading to an all-electric future
Honda has cut its domestic auto production capacity to slightly over 800,000 vehicles a year
Honda will open the doors of its first new Japanese factory in 49 years when its new Yorii plant becomes operational in July
+ 3 Photos
Located in Saitama prefecture, Honda says the new plant – to be among the world's leading energy-saving factories – will lead the Japanese manufacturer’s global production operations
Utilising a number of innovative new production technologies and with an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles, the Yorii plant is aimed at establishing a highly efficient production system that will be responsible for manufacturing small-sized vehicles, like the all-new Honda Fit (Honda Jazz in Australia)
+ 3 Photos
Industry journal Automotive News reports that the last Japanese-based Honda production facility to open was in 1964
Plans for the new plant were unveiled in 2010, when Honda Motor Co. president and CEO Takanobu Ito credited increasing demand for Honda’s low-emission and mini vehicles as the catalyst for the expansion.
The Yorii plant is built on 980,000 square metres of land and will employ 700 people.
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Top>People>Living as a country lawyer
Shinjiro Yorii
Imabari City is the largest city in Shikoku
and has a local industry based on the production of towels and shipbuilding
Although having left my hometown to study at Chuo University
I returned to Imabari in 1999 to open a law office after passing the bar examination in 1996
I opened my law office independently almost immediately after registering as a lawyer
I am part of the Imabari community as the director of Shimanami Law Office
Kurushima Channel Bridge as seen from Itoyama (in Imabari City)
1999 was the same year that the Shimanami Kaido Expressway was fully opened
Since I had the good fortune to open my law office in that auspicious year
I was filled with strong aspirations of my office becoming a beautiful bridge for law in the local community
just like the majestic bridge of the expressway
Those aspirations were the basis for the name of Shimanami Law Office
Since the majority of law offices are named after their founders
I am often told the unique name of my office
my office got off to a successful start thanks to support from the Ehime Bar Association
View of Shimanami Kaido Expressway in spring together with cherry blossoms
there were only about four acting attorneys in the Imabari Branch (there are 16 today)
I was constantly involved in around five cases as a court-appointed legal counsel
I also received recommendations from the Ehime Bar Association and from senior lawyers such as Minoru Takai
who graduated from Chuo University before me
my office was profitable from the first year of business
I was also able to hold a party to commemorate the opening of Shimanami Law Office thanks to cooperation from the Imabari Hakumon Society
who had just been elected as mayor of Imabari City
I was able to participate in a variety of projects for the city
including serving on various administrative committees
I realize how senior lawyers and community leaders taught me how important networking was for operating a business and living in Imabari
You have to make your own good fortune in life
I had the opportunity to take on projects from a non-life insurance company that was the other party in my client’s case
I was appointed to take the case of a victim
The accident which took place in the case was what was called a traffic signal dispute (a case in which both parties claim that they had a green traffic signal)
It was a very difficult and time-consuming case
my client’s account of the accident was accepted almost completely
and my client was very satisfied with the results of the case
Shortly after the judgment became final and payment had been completed
my office was visited by a director from the non-life insurance company which had been the other party in the case
The director requested that I represent the insurance company in future cases
I gladly accepted the new work as an opportunity to supplement my experience and knowledge
I have worked with the non-life insurance company for more than fifteen years
there was an increasing number of what were known as overpayment cases
my law office enjoyed a sudden increase in profits due to this overpayment bubble
Although I realized that this overpayment bubble was only a temporary phenomenon
I got caught up in the trends of that time
Assuming that the favorable economic conditions would continue
I even thought about opening a branch office
My general rule was that overpayment cases were resolved through litigation
the amount of lawsuits which I handled increased several times more than before
I had never experienced such profits; indeed
it seemed like I was operating a successful venture corporation
The reason why these cases were generally resolved through litigation was because I was committed to seeking 100% collection of overpayment
Litigation requires a great amount of time
although negotiation results in smaller monetary amounts
I received a complaint from someone who wanted collection as quickly as possible
and didn’t mind if the case was resolved through negotiation
the client must decide which method to use
This case taught me that I must never go against the wishes of the client
even if my preferred methods would produce better results
I was working together with another lawyer
coinciding with the collapse of a major consumer finance company in around 2010
there was a sudden decrease in the number of overpayment cases referred to my law office
earnings associated with these cases decreased significantly each year
I decided not to open multiple branches and relinquished the idea of actively expanding my office
this prudent approach has led to the continued success of my office today
A program for senior citizens is filmed at the law office by a local commercial broadcasting corporation
Program emcee Hiroto Masugata (Director of the theater group P.S
Although the internet existed at the time when I opened my office
there was nowhere near the amount of information available as today
my only option was to acquire knowledge from written materials
The current proliferation of the internet and SNS has not changed my stance towards acquiring knowledge through reading books
I am now busy with a greater amount of work and I don’t have enough time for reading
acquiring information through written materials is a form of essential procurement for lawyers
Therefore, in order to force myself to read written materials, I started the blog Court Diary of a Country Lawyer from 2005
I wrote articles on subjects such as trips that I had gone on
due to influence of my work such as serving on advisory committees
I gradually began to write articles mainly concerned with topics including corporate law
In rural cities, lawyers must be well-versed in a wide range of legal areas. Consequently, I subscribed to a periodical, the Monthly Bulletin on Family Courts (currently the Family Court Journal), in order to gain knowledge regarding divorce and succession proceedings, and I started to introduce cases which I found interesting on my blog Court Diary of a Family Law Lawyer
the internet has become an intrinsic part of daily life
Although I first started the blogs for my own personal study
I have continued to update them for more than ten years
I am often asked “Oh—you are the country lawyer
my blogs have led to many new relationships
this is case of making my own good fortune by continuing to share information and make my voice heard
I periodically give lectures at the Ehime Marriage Support Center
there is extremely fierce competition among law offices
the population of lawyers in Imabari City has increased four-fold in the last 17 years
I am devising new ways to ensure that my Shimanami Law Office maintains its standing as the top law office in the region
My professional network has led to my appointment as an outside director at Fuji Co.
(listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange
annual business of 300 billion yen) and Takubo Industrial Co.
I am also involved in other work which is unusual for a regional lawyer; for example
I have installed a telephone hotline at my office to function as an external point of contact for internal reporting systems
My work also expands into a broad range of other areas including serving as an advisor at the Ehime Marriage Support Center
I strongly feel that the opportunity to be involved with such a wide range of work is due to the good fortune which I created
The time I spent away from Imabari to attend Chuo University
and serve my legal apprenticeship taught me many new things
The Seto Inland Sea sparkles like a diamond and the Shimanami Kaido Expressway rivals the beauty of any highway in the world
As a country lawyer working and living near such breathtaking scenery
I bring people together while valuing the relationships which connect us all
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Nifty new delivery boasts an interior you can adapt to many purposes
On TV One at the moment is the series One Born Every Minute
but after visiting Honda's new manufacturing plant at Yorii I reckon the Japanese company could make its own version of the programme
Birth place of the Fit hatchback -- known in New Zealand as the Jazz -- Yorii isn't quite producing a car a minute but is getting closer to a fast turnaround with Honda Motors producing 250,000 units a year at the nearly one-million-square-metre facility
While One Born Every Minute features midwives
at Yorii it is robots in charge of the "delivery suites" and human interaction is minimal
with us visiting motoring writers only seeing a few white lab coat-wearing workers
The only interaction with us was from the stroppy translator and her too jovial security guard whose job was to stop us taking photos of the robots at work -- unlike One Born Every Minute where cameras are encouraged
Having seen Honda's hatchback being "born" in Japan
I was excited to attend the recent New Zealand launch of Yorii-built Jazz
Honda NZ is bringing in four models (see right) while the hybrid is on the horizon
and hopes to take on the segment-busting Suzuki Swift and second-placed Toyota Yaris in the small car category
The third generation Jazz has a revised interior and exterior styling
increased aerodynamic performance and a redesigned suspension system
The Jazz has increased in length by 55mm to 3955mm
with a height of 1525mm and width of 1695mm but has lost 55kg over the previous model due to the use of high tensile strength steel
But it's the exterior look of the Jazz that is the most notable -- the company has pushed for a sporty feel with an extremely angled look around the front and rear lights and sculptured panels
Inside the car gets a technological makeover with a touch screen infotainment unit that includes a reversing camera screen
The standard features in the Jazz are impressive
Driven tested the RS Sport CVT that Honda used to shows sporty side
The CVT has been designed to reduce excessive revving and felt its most comfortable in top gear
This week Honda NZ gave Driven the first drive of the six-speed manual version in the attention-seeking Attract Yellow Pearl hue
The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 97kW over the previous model's 88kW and 155Nm
But it's the six-speed manual transmission that won me over
Gen-two had a five-speed manual transmission
but the new Jazz had sixth gear added -- that works well at motorway speeds
fourth and fifth gear has been shortened to improve accelerating
and the strokes feel smooth and precise with an ease that I hadn't expected
making even motorway rush hour driving simple
The interior space is impressive thanks to the magic seats (see above) though my adult front passenger said that his seat didn't move back far enough for him and his legs felt cramped
I'm still adjusting to the car's angular appearance
Maybe it has a "face" that only a mother could love
The Honda Jazz has "magic seats" that can be configured to hold an object up to 2.5m long
Honda NZ is launching seven models of the Jazz when the hatchback goes on sale on July 7
The entry level version is the perky Jazz S ($23,700) that comes with a 1.3-litre engine and only as an auto while the RS is powered by the 1.5-litre engine and is available with a six-speed manual ($25,500) or auto ($26,900)
Things then get sporty for the Jazz - with four variants powered by the 1.5l engine and taking inspiration from Honda's motorsports heritage
The RS Sport is priced at $27,000 and comes in a manual (as reviewed by Driven) or add $1400 for an auto
These two versions get Sport front and rear bumpers and side skirts plus badging to make it stand out
Then there are the two Mugen designed Jazz models that Honda NZ is hoping will attract younger buyers
They feature 16in alloys plus more dynamic front and rear bumpers and side skirts
The RS Mugen manual is priced at $29,500 with the auto at $30,900
Honda NZ is offering a five-year warranty and roadside assist with the Jazz or you can pay $1500 more for a five-year service plan
Honda is also keen to promote the Jazz's "magic seats" that can fold into four configurations: utility mode (the rear seats folded flat to carry large objects); long mode (fold down the rear and front passenger seat to give 2.5m room to carry a surfboard); tall mode (the seat base folds back to allow up to 1280mm-high objects); and refresh mode (remove the headrests
tilt and the seats back and you have a bed)
DRIVEN Car Guide is the first stop for any Kiwi looking to buy their next car
and ask an expert - drivencarguide.co.nz has all you need to know to buy your next car.