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Fatal accidents caused by electric shock have been occurring since electricity was first introduced. Overall, the number of fatal accidents is decreasing. However, the decrease in the number of fatalities has slowed in recent years. A statistical study is needed to reconsider the preventive measures against these accidents. In this paper, the trend of fatalities by accident type and industry in Japan is studied statistically. These results show that the electric fatality rates differ by industry. The fatalities in the construction and the electrical-construction industries make up approximately 60% of the total fatalities. In addition, the accident type is most frequently contact with electrical lines by either the human body or a tool. In these industries, the elimination of fatal accidents from shocks is an important subject. These results will be helpful in preventing fatal accidents by electric shock. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rivers have become an important focus of environmental activity in Japan today. In particular, they are a rallying point for a large but disparate number of civil society groups. Faced with a continuing reliance on construction in concrete from many operating within the state and from the construction industry, various key groups have been fighting to win acceptance for a more eco-friendly approach to river relandscaping. In this paper, I use these groups as a prism for a discussion about the nature of civil society in Japan and in particular its relationship to the state. I take issue with conventional interpretations that see civil society as being locked into a close (but sometimes antagonistic relationship) with the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]