HOKKAIDO, Japan, June 30 /PRNewswire/ --

- G8 local news clips available with English subtitles at www.hbc.jp/g8/eng/

Hokkaido Broadcasting Company ("HBC") launched its English website to provide G8 Summit related news videos and archives that have been produced since spring 2007 when the town of Toyako was elected as the official venue. Currently, the site contains over 70 news videos with English subtitles.

"Eco" is one of the keywords being used to connect the Summit to the local community. The community has built a crop storage house out of snow and has organized an event called "Gaia Night" in which people spend the night with candles in lieu of electricity.

The Japanese congress recently passed a bill that recognizes that Ainu, an ethnic group that lives in Hokkaido and promotes a harmonious lifestyle in balance with nature, is an indigenous group of Japan. With the passing of the legislature, people are viewing Ainu's peaceful coexistence with nature as a role model for "Eco" life.

In addition to local news, HBC provides archives that include scenes of local resort areas, images and videos of nature, lives of unusual animals as well as an explosion of the nearby volcano Mt. Usu, which erupted in 1910, 1943, 1977 and 2000. The website also utilizes a 24-hour live camera that captures activity around Lake Toyako, local weather and sightseeing information.

"Having the G8 Summit allows the people of Hokkaido to be more aware of global environmental issues. It also provides people with the chance to engage in activities and gatherings," said Osamu Naganuma, president of HBC. "HBC will continue to focus on local society news and the summit influences."

Hokkaido Broadcasting is offering news video and footage to foreign media upon request [Contact: toyako2008@hbc.co.jp].

About HBC

Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. is one of the oldest TV stations in Japan with 56 years of experience in the broadcasting industry. HBC provides service to 2,580,577 households in Hokkaido. For more information, visit http://www.hbc.jp/g8/eng .

About Toyako

Toyako (Lake Toyako) is a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in the northern island Hokkaido and is one of the most popular resorts in Japan. The splendor of its lake scenery along with a volcano attracts 5 million visitors every year.

Web site: http://www.hbc.jp/g8/eng

Mr. Masato Tanaka of Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd., +81-11-232-5820, g8@hbc.co.jp