Japanese saving energy
Very true on the Japanese energy savers! I live in Fukaya, Japan and we see the same thing everywhere. People are crazy about saving energy here. The walls of houses are often poorly insulated. My last appartment had gaping holes in the sandblast-walls and wooden window frames! When the temperature gets to 0 degrees celcius, it's pretty nasty.
We only used an oil heater a few times last year and that mostly because we have two young kids. But with 18 litres of heating oil at 1550 yen, the savings add up quick. Of course, we NEVER touch the AC despite 35-39 degree temperatures.
Glad to say that we now have a properly insulated house! Yay!
If you want a great homebuilder in Japan try kenmin-kyousai (県民共済). They're a publicly traded company but don't have any ADR's. Sorry. This is probably the ONLY Japanese stock, except maybe toyota that I'd ever recommend.
Miguel
