[1] The Ryukyu Current System (RCS) is a northeastward current southeast of the Ryukyu Islands. The variation of current structure in the RCS region was investigated on the basis of the absolute geostrophic velocity estimated by inverse calculation using hydrographic data. Three realizations of the RCS are examined from cruises in May, September, and October 2002. It was found that the current structure in the RCS region is divided into upper and lower layers by an isopycnal surface of 26 s q . The currents in both layers proceed northeastward along the eastern slope, east of the Ryukyu Islands. The current in the upper layer merges with the inflow from the interior region, resulting in larger northeastward volume transport southeast of Amami-Oshima Island than southeast of Okinawa Island. The volume transport from the east reaches more than 40% of that southeast of Amami-Oshima Island. On the other hand, the current in the lower layer is not affected by inflow from the east. It is also found that the upper RCS gains heat mainly through the advection of warm water from the east, resulting in an increase in the downstream temperature by about 0.5°C on average.

For 35 years, Kyoto City has conducted detailed household waste composition surveys under the guidance of Kyoto University by dividing household waste into approximately 400 categories. In addition, the city has conducted detailed composition surveys of commercial waste generated by businesses. These surveys show that food loss accounts for approximately 40% of total waste, of which leftovers and untouched food account for about 40% in both households and business facilities. Consequently, the annual generation of household and commercial food loss is estimated at about 30,000 tons. Various efforts have been made to reduce waste, including food loss, but further reduction in environmental burden is needed. Thus, Kyoto City revised the ordinance for waste reduction, and in March 2015, formulated a new municipal waste management plan. The plan not only includes the 2Rs (reduce, reuse), but also, for the first time in Japan, sets quantitative targets for reducing food loss. Kyoto City must ensure that the necessary waste reduction measures are clearly explained to the residents and business operators. To ensure that this plan is successful, it is important to clarify concrete actions that residents and business operators should implement, along with their effects.

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