The issue of the insulation of private homes, mentioned by Helmut Kostreba, is an interesting one. I have never noticed any literature on this topic (not that I have searched for it), nor have I seen the topic raised in the media. In the UK (where the insulation of private homes also leaves a lot to be desired) it is a major topic of awareness, and the subject of government incentives, even if a lot more might be done. I wonder what the situation in Japan is, and if list members happen to know of any studies on the topic (this is just casual interest, not serious research on my part, I should say).

Peter Cave
Lecturer in Japanese Studies
SLLC, University of Manchester
Samuel Alexander Building
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
United Kingdom
www.manchester.ac.uk/research/peter.cave/=