I flew to Singapore in the last week of June. It was very convenient for me to fly out from Haneda because I live in Yokohama where it takes half an hour by bus from my home. A Boeing 787 seemed to be the brand new one. It was a surprise to see “ Wash-let” we call, in the toilet of Boeing 787, which is a device washing the buttock by warm-water. I was deeply moved with the time to come that “Wash-let” is used in an airplane. It was only Japanese airlines to apply to “Wash-let” with a Boeing 787 for the first time. However, there were a few small buttons but no appeal to users what they were without illustrations. I asked one cabin attendant but she didn’t know “Wash-let” in the toilet because she might be not Japanese.
Japanese enterprises have contributed to share 35% of the Boeing 787 production. The body of Boeing 787 is consisted of the carbon fiber which is excellent corrosion resistance. As a result there is no need to make the cabin cool too much. Therefore, Boeing 787 on round trip to Singapore was quite comfortable. The cabin windows are wider and it could change the brightness of Sun light by electronic device instead of the plate of the sunshade. LED lighting used. No wonder for “Wash-let” to be applied. Boeing 787 has been introduced in the world since 2011. I just didn’t take a chance till now.
The penetration of “Wash-let” has already been 70% in Japan. It has been equipped with almost all the new building such as Department stores, Public facilities, Offices, Hotels. It is welcome as a “Wash-let” lover. It has been used at home for close to 30 years. It had never got out of order for nearly 30 years. It is proof that Japanese products have been in good quality. 20 years ago an American friend of mine was surprised at comfort in using it at my home and he bought it in Japan for his home in USA. However, we replaced it with the latest model this year because of an energy-saving and many new functions added like the lid of “Wash-let” is automatically opened when I get in the toilet. A toilet seat is also lifted by the button for a man. Needless to say, temperature and pressure of water is changeable. A seat is instantly getting warm if you sit on. It is the latest model of an energy-saving. It is very useful in winter. It automatically flushes a few seconds after standing up. It might be quite sanitary without touching a toilet seat. In a hotel I found that “Wash-let” device replacing the vinyl seat cover with new one if you push the button. It is an idea to think about the other person to comfortably use it. However, I felt that it seemed to be excessive service.
Meantime, you could not stop using “Wash-let” once you use it. You must feel refreshed after it. Thus, I would like to recommend it to people in the world. The products of carbon fiber and “Wash-let” which Japanese makers have an advantage must have broad market in the world. “Wash-let” in the airplane must be a best demonstration place to get actually people, especially the foreigners to use it with understandable illustration of how to use it is.
According to the US statistics on employment for June the raise in the number employed in non-agricultural work would be 288,000 which is more than expected and the unemployment rate was steadily improved to 6.1%.
Japan Maritime Center reports April cargo movement from Asia to North America increased by 6.8% to 1,193,515 teu compared to the same month of the previous year. The accumulated amount from January to April increased by 5.2% to 4,510,264 teu compared to the same month of the previous year. April cargo movement from Asia to Europe increased by 5.2% to 1,230,674 teu compared to the same month of the previous year. The accumulated amount from January to April increased by 5.8% to 4,767,896 teu compared to the same month of the previous year.
According to that new container leasing demand is active from shipping lines these days. New container stock in factories in China seems to be reduced to 310,000 teu. Production could not catch up the order. New container price seem to be maintained $2,100 per 20f.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has continued to negotiate the extension of the contract after expired on the end of June. However possibility of strikes could not be denied any time. Therefore, shipping lines should arrange the minimum quantity in need in advance for any strikes.
The news that P3 Network was not approved by Chinese government unexpectedly surprised many people. However, in a sense it would be worthy attention to China government who took a resolute attitude for the alliance shares over 40% of the market.
Nikkei, economics newspaper introduced on July 9 (Wed) that MOL will start in 2018 the new liner service between Asia and Europe across the Arctic Ocean to carry liquefied natural gas. It will shorten 10 days in transit and will cut the operation cost by 30~40%. Japan is geographically the nearest to North America and Europe. Japan could offer the hub port then. We may see the time Japan port could act as the hub port in Transpacific and Europe service.