MISSION TRANSCRIPT: MIKA CHIPPER
Expedition: JP-2026: From planet UK to planet JP
Duration: 90 days
Translation Equivalents: In {curly brackets} for Earth terrestrials
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Log 0 – Pre-launch Checks
[Mission Control (MC)] : Confirm mission briefing.
[Mika] : Ah, hey Tim, good to hear your voice. Thanks for asking how I’m doing: it’s just about as comfy as you could imagine a rocket {aeroplane} to be {using economy class}! This will still be an expensive ride though {3.479 CO2e}. Well, it’s good we’ve got these sustainability measures to mitigate the expense then. Right, I’ll confirm the briefings for you though.
[Mika] : Okay, I’ve got them here. There’s the Mission Statement for our study work on the planet JP and I’ve also got the Sustainability Context and Objectives we made considering the 17 SDGs from the United Celestials (UC) {United Nations}.
[MC] : Good. Read out the latter’s main points please.
[Mika] : Of course, goals are to perform a sustainability knowledge exchange between the UK and JP planets. JP status: 3 Voluntary National Reviews published [1]; strengths: world-leading rail transport [2] and detailed recycling systems [2]; challenges: single-use plastics [2] and intense use of AC [2]. Do you need more?
[MC] : No, that’s all. Launch in 3..2..1.. blast off!
Log 1 – Pre-arrival Preparations
[MC] : Equipment check.
[Mika] : Hey Tim, what do you want first?
[MC] : Sustainability equipment please.
[Mika] : Alright, I’m just happy you say please. Here’s the reusable stuff I’m carrying with me: cutlery, water bottle, carrier bag.
[MC] : Confirmed. Reminder for you, remember to get second-hand clothes when you’re there. Travel plans?
[Mika] : Arriving direct to the capital – avoiding additional expensive rocket launches and landings – then taking the Shinkansen train over 600 miles East to Kitakyushu. I hope the ride is smooth!
[MC] : What about local?
[Mika] : Keeping those expenses down by living close to campus and walking. Otherwise using bike hires and then trains for out-of-town travel. The student halls also help keep the total expenses down with their shared spaces.
[MC] : Confirmed.
Log 2 – Local Integration
[MC] : Check-in for your local integration considering sustainability goals. Anything to report?
[Mika] : Of course! Turns out switching to local, seasonal food was easier than I thought! Less transport, less waste and a better way to experience local culture. There’s a great site I found too which I’ve used to visit local areas in my free time, instead of long-distance trips [3].
[MC] : Confirmed. Final report?
[Mika] : Yeah, mission still ongoing, but planet JP taught me that sustainability isn’t one grand gesture, it’s hundreds of small routines – I intend to bring those home. I hope you become more chatty, and say thank you too, Tim.
[MC] : It’s just protocol…
References:
[1] https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/277
[2] https://www.kanpai-japan.com/japan-travel-guide/sustainable-travel-in-japan
[3] https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/fukuoka/
