This workshop was held to celebrate the publication of a book, “30 ways to change the world”, and invited NGO activists and researchers to discuss the issues related to money used in everyday life along the book.
 In the first part of the workshop titled “Money Problem”, it was discussed what impact the money used in everyday life has on our society through the global economy. First, it talked about how the money we deposit in “Mega” banks end up being utilized to indirectly support the military industry, and war itself. It also introduced and emphasized the alternative way of using money with grass-root activities enhancing social finance. Second, it revealed the way Japanese government financial support of so-called “developing countries” by its ODA (Official Development Assistance) ironically aggravates the poverty and degrades the quality of life in those countries. Finally, it strongly encouraged the audience to reflect upon our own way of life and thinking.
 In the second part, it was discussed what we can do to change this vicious circle of money. First, it talked about the importance of local markets associated with the idea of local production for local consumption and community currency. It also introduced NPO banks, civil managed credit associations, which could satisfy the financial needs of ordinary people. Finally, it envisioned a future way of life liberated from any kind of cost to run housing utilities introducing some environmentally friendly housing and heaters.
Many ways to “change the world with money” are to be engaged in our everyday life and the solutions to the globalized issues by the local level activities were introduced in this workshop. All the ideas sound ideal and very appealing. However, we should also not forget to realize that these ideas are also brought about from a specific cultural context promoting today’s global economy.
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