Annual

Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

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Table of Contents

1

A Multifaceted Approach of Decarbonization,
Circular Economy, Decentralization andHarmony with Nature
1 FY 2030 targets
2 Approach from the perspective of decarbonization
3 Approach from the perspective of circular economy
4 Approach from the perspective of decentralization and harmony with nature2

Local Communities and Lifestyles
which We Can Make Sustainable
1 Further development of the Circular and Ecological Economy
2 Lifestyle change for the realization of a green society
3 Efforts to protect public health, which is the foundation of a sustainable society

3

Efforts for Reconstruction and Revitalization
After the Great East Japan Earthquake andthe Nuclear Power Plant Accident
1 Status of environmental restoration from radioactive contamination
2 Initiatives for restoring the environment in the affected areas
3 Promotion of risk communication related to radiation health effects

- 03

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- 10
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- 15
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Additional materials- GHG Emissions in Japan- 26- Biodiversity- 28- Sound material-cycle society- 30- Atmospheric and water environments- 32- Environmental risks of chemicals- 34This report is an English-language digest of parts of Japan’s Annual Report on the Environment,
the Sound Material-Cycle Society and Biodiversity, which was approved by the cabinet on June 7, 2022.

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

A Multifaceted
Approach of
Decarbonization,
Circular Economy,
Decentralizationand Harmony
with Nature
As well as declaring its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zeroby 2050, Japan declared that it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by
46% in FY 2030 from its FY2013 levels, furthermore, it will continue strenuous
efforts in its challenge to meet the lofty goal of cutting its emissions by 50%.
Taking on this challenge requires more than merely an extension of what has
already been done thus far; it is necessary to provide further support for theefforts of all entities and implement lifestyle changes in order to bring about atransformation in the behavior of each citizen and society as
a whole. Furthermore, by utilizing digital transformation(DX) and other initiatives, we will continue to work on the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with amultifaceted approach of decarbonization, circular
economy, and decentralization and harmony with nature,with the aim of creating a green society in which we andfuture generations can live with peace of mind.

1

03

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04

A Multifaceted Approach of Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Decentralization and Harmony with Nature

1 FY 2030 targets
Changing our Local Communities
and Lifestyles for the Realizationof a Green Society
As Japan works toward reducing its greenhouse gas
emissions to net-zero by 2050, it aims to reduce its
greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in FY 2030 from its
FY2013 levels, furthermore, it will continue strenuous
efforts in its challenge to meet the lofty goal of cutting
its emissions by 50%, and thus, the 10-year periodleading up to 2030 is regarded as the “critical decade.”
Japan has also set goals for 2030 for activities suchas biodiversity conservation and resource recycling,which are closely related to climate change. Now is thetime for government, businesses, and each and every
citizen to confirm and share these goals for 2030, andto work toward achieving them by taking collective
action that goes beyond the mere extension of what wehave done so far.

Decarbonization46%

reduction

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by 46% from FY 2013 level, andcontinue strenuous efforts in
its challenge to meet the lofty goal of
cutting its emissions by 50%
Exemplary action

Create at least 100
decarbonization leading areas

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

Harmony with nature

30 30
by

Resource recycling
At
least

80

trillionyenConserve at least 30%of land and sea

Aim for a market size of
80 trillion yen or
more for businesses related
to circular economy

Exemplary action

Exemplary action

Expand protected areas such as
national parks and improve
quality of management

Halve the amount of food loss
and waste compared to FY 2000

Certify at least 100 sites where
biodiversity conservation is being
promoted through private-sector
initiatives by the end of 2023

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A Multifaceted Approach of Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Decentralization and Harmony with Nature

2 Approach from the perspective of decarbonization
Acceleration of Policies
Japan has already taken various measures toward decarbonization. In light of the recent major movement
toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions around the world, Japan has now declared that it will aim to reducegreenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 and has raised its goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by2030. In order to realize these goals, further acceleration of measures is essential. Japan has been accelerating
its efforts. In FY2021, Japan amended the Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures (Act No.
117 of 1998) and formulated Regional Decarbonization Roadmap.
Alteration of laws, strategies, plans, etc. related to climate change and decarbonization

Carbon neutrality
2050
46% reduction target for FY 2030 and effort
to reach the higher goal of 50% reduction
Publication of
the Working Group III
contribution to the IPCC AR6

2030
April

“Climate Change 2022: Mitigationof Climate Change” published.

Publication of
the Working Group II
contribution to the IPCC AR6“Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation
and Vulnerability” published

COP26
October 31, 2021 to November 13,
2021 [UK time]
Based on the latest scientific knowledge, Parties werecalled on to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
by the middle of this century and to implement
ambitious mitigation and adaptation measures as weapproach the transitional point of 2030.

Publication of the Working Group I
contribution to the IPCC AR6“Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis”
published. It was clearly stated, for the first time, that
“It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed theatmosphere, ocean and land.”Announcement of new reduction
targets to reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions by 46% in FY 2030 from its
FY2013 levels, furthermore, it willcontinue strenuous efforts in its
challenge to meet the lofty goal of
cutting its emissions by 50%

2050
Carbon Neutral Declaration
Source : Ministry of the Environment

Bill submitted to the 208th sessionof the Japanese Diet to partiallyamend the Act on Promotion of
Global Warming Countermeasures.
Along with building a legal foundation to provide
financial support for attracting private sector
funding of decarbonization projects through aninvestment system, provisions on financial
measures for local governments by the national
government were put into law.

Revision of the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures
The plan was revised in order to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in
FY 2030 from its FY2013 levels, furthermore, it will continue strenuous efforts in
its challenge to meet the lofty goal of cutting its emissions by 50%.

Formulation of the 6th Basic Energy Plan
February

2022

Based on the two major perspectives of responding to climate change issues
and overcoming challenges facing Japan’s energy supply and demand
structure, the Basic Energy Plan was formulated according to the long-term
outlook for realization of net-zero by 2050, as well as the policy responses
working toward 2030 based on that, thereby laying out a roadmap for futureenergy policies.

November

Revision of Japan’s Long-term Strategy under
the Paris Agreement

October

Revision of Climate Change Adaptation Plan

The basic approach, vision, etc. for net-zero by 2050 were presented. Global
warming countermeasures are expected to greatly transform the economy andsociety, encourage investment, improve productivity, and be the key to a majortransformation of the industrial structure and strong growth.
It is aimed for climate change adaptation to be incorporated into every relevant policy.

Revision of Green Growth Strategy
AugustJune

Based on this strategy, the intent is to fully mobilize policies, including
budgetary, tax, financial, regulatory reform/standardization, and international
cooperation policies, make bold investments, and encourage companies totake on forward-looking challenges such as implementing innovations, andthereby achieve transformation of industrial structure, economy and society.

Formulation of the Regional Decarbonization Roadmap

In five years, it is intended to fully mobilize policies and provide active support
for human resources, technology, information and funding. By FY 2030, atleast 100 “decarbonization leading areas” are to be created and priority
countermeasures are to be implemented.

April

Promulgation of the Revised Act on Promotion of
Global Warming Countermeasures

2021

The goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 was stipulated in thelaw as a basic principle. A planning and certification system to promote theintroduction of renewable energy projects that coexists with and contributes
to local communities was established. Steps were taken to promote thedigitization and open data of corporate emissions information.

December

Formulation of Green Growth Strategy

October

2020

From the perspectives of both industrial policy and energy policy, an action
plan was formulated for 14 important areas where growth is expected,
ambitious national goals were set for Japan, a concrete outlook waspresented. Going forward, the intent is to fully mobilize policies in order toencourage companies to take on forward-looking challenges.

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions
Japan’s total greenhouse gas emissions in FY 2020 (final figures) were 1,150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent (Mt CO2 eq.), and the amount has been decreasing for seven consecutive years since FY 2014.
Factors behind this include a decrease in energy consumption (energy efficiency, etc.) and a shift to
low-carbon electricity (expansion of renewable energy, restarting of nuclear power plants), etc. Moreover,compared to the total emissions of the previous fiscal year (1,212 Mt CO2 eq.), the amount decreased by 5.1%
(62 Mt CO2 eq.), and a possible reason for this is the decrease in energy consumption due to the COVID-19
pandemic. The amount of CO2 absorbed by forests and other carbon sinks in FY 2020 was approximately
44.5 Mt CO2 eq. Excluding this amount, the amount of CO2 emissions was 1,106 Mt CO2 eq., which is a
21.5% reduction compared to the total emissions for FY 2013 (1,409 Mt CO2 eq.).
Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions, which have been declining for 7 years straight(1) + (2)(Unit: million tonnes of CO2 equivalent)(1) Total emissions(2) Removals by forests and other carbon
sink measures

1,600
1,400

Emissions/Removals

1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
-200
2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

(FY)

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Simultaneous realization of renewable energy as a main power sourceand decarbonization of transportation
Because electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) [1] can simultaneously achieve decarbonization of
the transportation sector and establishment of renewable energy as a main power source while acting as
mobile storage batteries, [2] have batteries that can be reused, and [3] can supply electricity in the event of adisaster and act as components of decentralized and self-reliant energy systems, these vehicles are a key topromoting decarbonization, circular economy, and decentralization in an integrated manner.
In addition, Japan is supporting the construction of a decarbonized regional transportation model
designed to meet new lifestyles by utilizing EV sharing services, and providing support for building
decentralized and self-reliant energy systems with the aim of simultaneously realizing renewable energy as amain power source and strengthening system resilience through the combination of local renewable energy
and use of EVs as mobile storage batteries.

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A Multifaceted Approach of Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Decentralization and Harmony with Nature

Promotion of green innovation
In order to promote green innovation, it is important to support startups that are making pioneering efforts
in new environmental business (hereinafter referred to as “environmental startups”) and support thetechnological development of entrepreneurial candidates. Such support is expected to contribute to thecreation of new environmental businesses in the post-COVID era and to an increase in employment. The
Ministry of the Environment will continue to support the research, development, and commercialization
activities of environmental startups for the creation of green innovation by providing support for specialized
R&D for environmental startups, creating business opportunities through pitch events and awards, andgranting credit based on performance verification of environmental technologies.

ExamplesGreen Innovation
Through observations by the Greenhouse gases
Observing SATellite (GOSAT) series, the Ministry of
the Environment has clarified the situation of global
CO2 and CH4 concentrations increasing year by year.
The successor model satellite GOSAT-GW, currently
under development, will carry on and expand upon
the mission of its predecessor, aiming to improve theability to identify large-scale emission sources andthe accuracy of emissions estimations.

GOSAT-2(FY2018–)

Electric vehicles utilizing GaN technology(All GaN Vehicle)
Source: Ministry of the Environment

GOSAT-GW(Plan for FY 2023)

From point observation to area observation
Source: JAXA, Ministry of the Environment

The AC/DC converters used for power conversion
in home appliances, EVs, and power plants, etc.
normally utilize silicon (Si) power devices; however,switching to gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors
can greatly reduce energy loss. In order to reduce
CO2 emissions, as well as accelerate digital society
and strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, theMinistry of the Environment is carrying out
development and demonstration of elements for thecommercialization of ultra-energy-saving productsthat utilize GaN power devices from the manufactureof high-quality GaN substrates, and is also
developing technology to achieve cost reduction.

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26)
At COP26 held in Glasgow, UK from October toNovember 2021, a World Leaders Summit washeld. This was the first summit-level meeting to beheld at a COP session since COP21 in 2015, when
the Paris Agreement was adopted. The Prime
Minister of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, attended
the summit and delivered a speech.
The Prime Minister stated that the period up to2030 as the “critical decade” and called on allparties to take ambitious climate change measures.
He also announced Japan’s efforts in the area ofclimate change, including the new 2030 greenhousegas reduction target, the preparation of up to 10
billion dollars in additional support for developing
countries over the next five years, the commitment
to doubling support for adaptation to climatechange, and the promotion of green innovation.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivering a speechat the COP26 World Leaders Summit
Source: Prime Minister’s official residence website

Towards expanded implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement(Market Mechanism)
As Japan has implemented the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) ahead of the rest of the world, theMinistry of the Environment will undertake three actions based on the conclusion of the Rulebook for
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The first of these is to expand JCM partner countries and strengthen project development andimplementation in collaboration with international organizations such as the AsianDevelopment Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO).
The second is to scale up the JCM by mobilizing further private finance.
The third is to contribute to the global operationalization of market mechanisms.
In relation to this, in February and March
2022, Japan hosted the “International Conference
for Implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement”
to promote understanding and capacity building
for the implementation of the market mechanisms
under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Tsuyoshi
Yamaguchi, the then Minister of the Environment,
participated online, and together withapproximately 1,000 participants from more than
100 countries, engaged in discussions based on the
sharing of experiences of the JCM and other

Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, the then Minister of theEnvironment, giving opening remarks at the 1st
International Conference for Implementing Article 6of the Paris Agreement
Source: Ministry of the Environment

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A Multifaceted Approach of Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Decentralization and Harmony with Natureexisting initiatives and advanced efforts related to the use of market mechanisms, in order to promote thedevelopment of specific institutional and governance frameworks and capacity building among government
officials and related business sectors of each country. Based on the results of these discussions, Japan will offer
support in the forms of capacity building for governments and business sectors in the Asian-Pacific region
and training including Corresponding Adjustments for the Article 6 report.

3 Approach from the perspective of circular economy
2nd inspection of the 4th Fundamental Plan for Establishing a Sound
Material-Cycle Society and formulation of a circular economy roadmap
As one of the initiatives for waste disposal among the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the“Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures,” it was decided to conduct a detailed investigation into theformulation of a roadmap for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. As part of the efforts in
response to this, the evaluation and inspection results of the “4th Fundamental Plan for Establishing a Sound
Material-Cycle Society” (approved by the Cabinet in June 2018) scheduled for FY 2022 will be compiled as a
circular economy roadmap, with the aim of promoting decarbonization initiatives based on whole-life-cycle
resource recycling.

Circular economy partnerships
In March 2021, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ippan
Shadan Hojin Nippon Keizai Dantai Rengokai KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation) launched the
Circular Economy Partnership (Japan Partnership for Circular Economy, J4CE), a public-private partnership
aimed at promoting circular economy initiatives. J4CE compiled 131 examples of advanced circular economy
initiatives by Japanese companies and published them on its website in September. Additionally, J4CE has
also published a collection of 28 case studies that are particularly noteworthy from various perspectives,
including proven technologies and business models and R&D and collaborative efforts for the future.

Japan Partnership for Circular Economy
and featured cases
Source: Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry, Ippan Shadan Hojin Nippon Keizai Dantai Rengokai
KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation)“Japan Partnership for Circular Economy (J4CE) Featured Cases”

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

The Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics
The Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics (Act No. 60 of 2021) was enacted at the 204th
session of the Japanese Diet and came into effect on April 1, 2022. This law aims to promote plastic resource
circulation by all entities in accordance with the principle of the 3R +Renewable throughout the life cycle,
from product design to waste disposal of plastic products. Specifically, it includes the following measures.
[1] At the “design and manufacturing” stage, formulating design guidelines for plastic products (e.g.,
reduction of plastic usage, reuse of parts, use of recycled plastic) and establishing scheme in which
designs that comply with those guidelines are certified by the government.
[2] At the “sales and supply” stage, establishing criteria regarding measures to be taken by suppliers ofspecified plastic products, and reducing plastic waste by rationally using of specified plastic products.
[3] At the “discharge” stage, promoting efforts such as sorted collection and recycling by municipalities,
voluntary collection and recycling by manufacturers, and waste reduction and recycling by waste generators.
Image design for the specially made website for “Plastic Resource Circulation”

Selection, reduction andrecycling of plastics

The Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics starts from April 1, 2022!
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of the Environment

Decarbonization in the waste and resource circulation sector
In the waste and resource circulation sector also, it is essential to expedite investigations into emission reduction
measures to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Therefore, in August 2021, the Committee on
Sound Material-cycle Society of the Central Environment Council presented the “Medium- to long-term scenario
for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the waste and resource recycling sector by 2050 (draft).”
Going forward, while working to collaborate and coordinate with efforts toward decarbonization in othersectors such as the materials industry and manufacturing industry, and with consideration of the progress oftechnological development in waste treatment, the Committee will continue deepening and refining investigations
into measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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A Multifaceted Approach of Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Decentralization and Harmony with Nature

4 Approach from the perspective of decentralizationand harmony with nature
30by30 roadmap
At the G7 Cornwall Summit in June 2021, the “G7 2030 Nature Compact” was adopted, which states thatG7 leaders commit to the global mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. This agreement
stipulates that the G7 nations will lead by example, conserving or protecting at least 30% of their land andcoastal and marine areas by 2030 (30by30), according to their national circumstances and approaches.
In Japan, about 20.5% of the land and 13.3% of the sea is currently designated as protected areas such as
national parks. In order to meet the 30by30, establishing Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures(OECMs) is as important as expanding such protected areas. Hence in 2022, the Ministry of the Environment
plans to trial a scheme in which the national government certifies sites where biodiversity conservation is being
promoted through private-sector initiatives as OECMs. One of the quantitative indicators is to certify at least
100 sites by the end of 2023. To promote the further expansion of protected areas and establishment of
OECMs in this way, the “30by30 Roadmap” was published in April 2022 as a roadmap for ensuring andrestoring a healthy ecosystem which is fundamental for everyday life and socioeconomic prosperity.

Approaching global trends in biodiversity andthe next National Biodiversity Strategy
International negotiations are currently underway withthe aim of adopting the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity
Framework, a set of new global biodiversity goals, at
COP15 Part 2 scheduled to be held in Montreal, Canada
in 2022. After the adoption of the Post-2020 Global
Biodiversity Framework, in order to promote its prompt
implementation in Japan, the National Biodiversity
Strategy Subcommittee was established within theCommittee on Natural Environment of the Central
Environment Council from August 2021, ahead of the
COP15, and the Subcommittee has begun consideration of
the next National Biodiversity Strategy. The next National
Biodiversity Strategy will be the domestic strategy andaction plan for achieving the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity
Framework. Its aim will be to realize a society in harmony
with nature by 2050 and it will incorporate goals to beachieved and measures to be taken by 2030. The next
National Biodiversity Strategy will focus on Nature-based
Solutions (NbS) to various social issues, including
countermeasures against climate change and the loss of
biodiversity, which is an important global issue along withclimate change, and will also present proposals for themainstreaming of biodiversity in socioeconomic activities.
In addition, the goals and indicators to promote theparticipation of various entities will be set, and thestructure of the overall strategy will be reviewed.

Conceptual diagram of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
Source: IUCN (2021). Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions.
A user-friendly framework for the verification, design and scaling up of NbS.
First edition. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN

AnnualAnnual Report
Reportonon thethe Environment
Environment
in Japan 2022
2021

Countermeasures against invasive species
In order to deal with the threat of alien species,
based on the Act on the Prevention of Adverse
Ecological Impacts Caused by Designated Invasive
Alien Species (Act No. 78 of 2004; hereinafterreferred to as the “Invasive Alien Species Act”),
invasive alien species that may cause damage toJapan's ecosystems are designated as “designatedinvasive alien species,” and their import and raising
are regulated. As more than five years have passed
since the Revised Invasive Alien Species Act cameinto effect in 2014, in January 2022, the Central
Environment Council issued a report on measures
to be taken in the future based on the status ofenforcement of the Invasive Alien Species Act.
Based on this, in March 2022, the Cabinet decided
the Bill for Partial Amendment of the Act on thePrevention of Adverse Ecological Impacts Caused
by Designated Invasive Alien Species, andsubmitted it to the 208th session of the JapaneseDiet. The reform bill covers various matters related

Red swamp crayfish(alien species)
Source: Ministry of the Environment

to strengthening pest control systems, such as
strengthening measures against alien species thatare unintentionally introduced to Japan, such as
fire ants, improving control methods for alien
species that are not currently regulated but are
widely bred, such as red swamp crayfish, andclarifying the sharing of pest-control roles witheach entity, such as local governments. When
implementing countermeasures against alien
species, it is also important to respond to changes
in the possible areas of their distribution due toclimate change.

The virtuous cycle of protecting and utilizing national parks
There are 34 national parks that have been designated as representative of Japan’s natural environments. Due
to Japan’s widely varied topography shaped by volcanic activity, the long north-south stretch of the land, andthe wide variety of climatic zones, it is possible to observe diverse landscapes, flora and fauna, as well as
experience the lifestyles and culture of people living in harmony with nature.
From 2021 onwards, as new developments of the Project to Fully Enjoy National Parks, the aim is for therealization and branding of high-quality tourism that allows visitors to fully enjoy nature, as well as therecovery of park use by domestic and overseas visitors to levels before the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic. To these ends, efforts are being expanded to all national parks, with work being carried out toachieve sustainable tourism by promoting various measures such as strengthening domestic tourism
attraction, providing new utility value of national parks such as workcations, registering zero-carbon parks
with the aim of promoting decarbonization initiatives in national parks, and decarbonization of park
facilities. The achievements made thus far will be further extended and refined, leading to the revitalizationof local economies and the conservation of the natural environment.
Furthermore, in 2021, the Natural Parks Act (Act No. 161 of 1957) was revised with the aim of expanding theoutcome of the Project to Fully Enjoy National Parks nationwide. In this revision, in order to realize a “virtuous
cycle of protection and utilization” by strengthening measures for park utilization in addition to environmental
protection, and to also contribute to regional revitalization, the following main measures are implemented.
[1] Establish a nature experience activity promotion planning system to promote high-quality natureexperience activities that make use of local natural environments.
[2] Establish a visitor facilities maintenance and improvement planning system to improve the quality ofnational parks and other visitor facilities.
[3] Establish new regulations on feeding wild animals such as brown bears and increase penalties forviolations in Special Zone.

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Local Communities
and Lifestyles
which We Can
Make Sustainable2Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

1 Further development of the Circularand Ecological Economy
The Circular and Ecological Economy is a concept of “self-reliant and decentralized society” that involves
continuing creation of businesses that utilize local resources to improve the environment, economy, andsociety in an integrated manner, and also involves utilizing the individual characteristics of each region, suchas cities and farming villages, to form a network of mutual support between regions. This concept can also becalled local Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), because it aims to comprehensively solve the various
issues local communities facing through partnerships, starting with the environmental viewpoint.
Since 2019, the Ministry of the Environment has been implementing the “Platform for the Creation of a
Circular and Ecological Economy to Revitalize Local Communities from Environmental Aspect” project,and is engaged in “environmental improvement” that supports the organization of stakeholders and“commercialization support” that supports the creation of project plans.
Conceptual Illustration of Circular and Ecological Economy

Natural resources/ecosystem services+ Food, water, timber + Natural energy+ Water purification, prevention of natural disasters

The countryside

Forests

Mountainous,
agricultural andfishing villages

Self-reliant anddecentralized society

CitiesCirculation of local resources(natural, material, human, financial)

Local production for local consumption,
introduction of renewable energy

Provision of funds and human resource+ Participation in nature conservation activities such as eco-tourism+ Consumption of local products + Support through socio-economic systems+ Investment in local funds

Rivers
The sea
Source : Ministry of the Environment

Considering recent global circumstances, it is expected that production of renewable energy in particularin local communities will contribute to energy security, and also contribute to the environmental aspect
which means decarbonization and the economic aspect which means money flow in local communities, andwill thereby help to build self-reliant communities.

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Local Communities and Lifestyles which We Can Make SustainableBest
practice

Introduction of rooftop solar power generation, which is not harmful to nature and realizationof energy circulation by using green-tech (i GRID SOLUTIONS)
By introducing decentralized solar power plants
utilizing the rooftops of existing facilities such ascommercial and logistics facilities, i GRIDSOLUTIONS has realized the use of renewableenergy without placing a burden on the naturalenvironment. By building an energy management
system via its own AI and a platform that enables
cyclical use of electric power, and supplying surplus
power to other users, the company is making
efficient use of renewable energy.
Commercial facility with solar power generation system
Source: i GRID SOLUTIONSBestpractice

Realization of the Smart City Saitama model with Urawa Misono District 3 as its core
(Saitama City, Looop, Chuo Jutaku, Takasago Kensetsu, AQURAHOME)
In Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, in order torealize the Smart City Saitama model that will lead toachieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
since 2015 various measures are being carried out
within the “Urawa Misono E-Forest” in the Misono
district of the city, such as the creation of sharedspaces, the implementation of high insulation inhouses, and the introduction of a next-generationelectric power community and other advanced

development that fosters a virtuous circle for the
future. Within this “Urawa Misono E-Forest,” District
3 has been jointly developed by Saitama City, Looop,
Chuo Jutaku, Takasago Kensetsu, and AQURAHOME.
This is a 51-unit subdivision that has been open foroccupancy since December 2021. More than 60% of theyearly electrical energy needs of District 3 is coveredby renewable energy generated within the district, andthe shortfall is covered by non-fossil fuel certified

technologies, in an effort to connect nature, towns,
and people in various ways and promote urban

sources, which means the district effectively achieves a
100% renewable energy supply.

District 3: Energy System Overview
Commercial system

Incoming cubicle

Hybrid water heater

EVs (40 kWh x 2)
Storage battery (125 kWh)

Incoming panel

Charging area

Un

der
gro

und

cab
les

EV charger/dischargers (10 kW)
PCS

s
ble
r ca
nes
e
n li
Pow
sio
s
i
nsm
Tra
Source: Looop

Solar panels (4.485 kW)

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

Bestpractice

Using renewable energy as content for promoting regional tourism (Genki Up Tsuchiyu)
Genki Up Tsuchiyu is a company engaged in theinto promotion utilizing the hot springs as a local

urban development of the Tsuchiyu Onsen hot spring
resort town, which is located about 30 minutes by
car from Fukushima City. It was established in 2012
through the investments of the Tsuchiyu Onsen
Tourism Association and the Yuyu Tsuchiyu Onsen

resource, a binary geothermal power plant was put
into operation in 2015, and the revenue from the saleof electricity is being used to pay for commuter bus
passes for residents to commute to Fukushima Cityand to subsidize the use of vacant stores. The binary

Cooperative Association in order to overcome thegeothermal power plant also serves as an industrial

drastic decrease in tourism caused by the Great East
Japan Earthquake in 2011. As a result of considerations

tourism resource, helping to boost tourism andcreate jobs.

Binary geothermal power plant

Raising shrimp with cooling waterused during power generation

Source: Genki Up Tsuchiyu

Source: Genki Up Tsuchiyu

Deepening of the Circular and Ecological Economy
The year 2022 has been dubbed “The first year of regional decarbonization.” In order to promote regional
decarbonization, it is important that decarbonization projects bring benefits to local communities, namely,that they contribute to the regional economy, solve regional issues, and support regional revitalization. Suchprojects are made possible through the cooperation and voluntary involvement of people from various fields
within the region, and the connections and mutual support of people outside the region.
Realizing decarbonization also means achieving resource circulation and harmony with nature at thesame time. It also means shifting away from the conventional mass-production, mass-consumption, andmass-disposal economic society centered on the utilization of underground resources, toward a new economic
society centered on the utilization of terrestrial resources such as renewable energy and natural capital.
These ideas mean the creation of a circular and ecological economy centered on decarbonization. In
conjunction with the creation of a circular and ecological economy, it is necessary to promote a shift inlifestyles. The reason being that by shifting to lifestyles based on the purpose and perspective of passing on
the natural environment on which human economic society is based and the natural state of all living things
to future generations and making them sustainable, the synergistic effect with the creation of a circular andecological economy will bring about a truly cyclical and ecologically harmonious society in a new age inwhich the environment, life and living are the most important and fundamental values and in which people
live healthy and fulfilling lives (i.e., a civilized society that values the environment and life). Major keys torealize such a society are transforming people’s sense of values, developing and securing human resources
through promotion of environmental education, and digital transformation, which can achieve things that
could not be done before by utilizing the digital technology that is evolving at an exponential speed.

17

2
18

Local Communities and Lifestyles which We Can Make Sustainable

2 Lifestyle change for the realization ofa green society
Japan has declared that by 2050 it will realize carbon
neutrality; that is, when the amount of removals byforests and other carbon sinks measures is subtracted
from the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, thetotal amount of greenhouse gases will be net-zero. Inorder to realize net-zero, not only the national andlocal governments, companies, and other constituent
units, but also all ordinary citizens need to change
their familiar lifestyles. Looking at Japan’s greenhousegas emissions on a consumption basis, it has beenreported that approximately 60% of the total is due tohousehold economy, the need for which is obvious.
It is said that the conventional “mass-production,
mass-consumption, mass-disposal” type of lifestyleis deteriorating “ecosystem services,” which are thevarious blessings that nature provides to support us
with food, clothing, and shelter. In order to realize
a green society, from the aspects of “food”,“housing”, “fashion”, and “travel”, we need tochange our lifestyles with a view to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, andplacing value on resource recycling and natural
resources through the 3Rs +Renewable.

Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Japanon a consumption basis
Other
Fixed capitalformation(private)

Fixed capitalformation(public)

Housing

4%

18%

20%

Householdconsumption
6%

11%

Travel

About

60%
11%

11%

Government
consumption

5%

6%

Food

8%

Consumer goods

Service
LeisureSource: Estimated by National Institute for Environmental Studies and Institute for Global
Environmental Strategies (IGES) based on: Keisuke Nansai, “Embodied Energy and Emission
Intensity Data for Japan Using Input-Output Tables (3EID)” (National Institute forEnvironmental Studies, 2019); Nansai et al. Resources, Conservation & Recycling 152 104525(2020); and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, “Input-output Table 2015”*Each item represents the calculated total amount of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon
footprint) throughout the life cycle (i.e., resource extraction, material processing, productmanufacturing, distribution, retail, use, disposal) of each consumption/fixed capitalformation product or service in Japan (numbers do not match direct emissions based on
domestic production).

Food
Organic agriculture, which promotes the reduction of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers, can beconsidered useful for maintaining the sustainability of so-called “natural capital” such as the land, water, andbiological resources used in agriculture. The “Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems, MeaDRI” formulated by
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, states that the Ministry aims to “increase the ratio oforganic agriculture to 25% (1 million ha) of cultivated land, while expanding the organic market, by 2050,”
and efforts are being carried out in keeping with this goal.

Organic JAS markThe organic JAS mark represents food produced by thepower of nature based on the principle of not relying on
the environmental risks of chemical substances suchas pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and is placed on
agricultural products, processed foods, animal feed,
livestock products and algae products.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Additionally, while most Sika deer and wild boars captured
in efforts for damage prevention, etc. are currently buried orincinerated, and are thus underutilized except for cases of
personal consumption, making effective use of these as gibier(game meat) is expected to lead to an increase in income forrural villages and a reduction in damage to crops and the living
environment due to increased motivation to capture thoseanimals. Moreover, as the meat continues to be used in various
areas such as restaurants, retail, farm stays, tourism, school
lunches, and even pet food, it is expected to not only revitalize
local communities but also provide a means of utilizing
resources that would otherwise have been discarded.

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

Bestpractice

Popularization of gibier (game meat) products (MUJI)
MUJI has been earnest in promoting initiatives toSince March 2020, MUJI has been selling gibierexpand the use of game meat, with the hope that it
will lead to the conservation of agricultural land andthe resource circulation of community-based forest
areas, and that it will create an opportunity forpeople to learn about current circumstances in hilly

curry using wild boar meat at its Café & Meal MUJI
restaurants around Japan, and in October 2021, it
commercialized packeted gibier curry and beganselling it from MUJI stores nationwide and online,
increasing opportunities for people to easily

and mountainous areas.

purchase the product and contributing to an increasein the consumption of game meat.

“Gibier (Wild Game) Curry that makes the most of ingredients: Venison & Mushroom Curry” and “Gibier (Wild Game) Currythat makes the most of ingredients: Three-Bean Curry with Wild Boar Meat”
Source: Ryohin Keikaku

Housing
From April to August 2021, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of the Environment jointly held the “Study Group on
Energy Efficiency Measures, etc. in Housing and Buildings toward a Decarbonized Society” to discuss thevision for housing and construction that should be pursued to realize carbon neutrality by 2050. In order toachieve the vision for 2050 (securing energy-saving performance at the level of ZEH/ZEB standards in thestock average, and popularization of the introduction of renewable energy such as solar power generationequipment in houses and buildings where it is reasonable) and the vision for 2030 (securing energy-saving
performance at the level of ZEH/ZEB standards for new houses and buildings, and installation of solar
power generation equipment in 60% of new detached houses), the study group compiled instructions on“How to proceed with efforts,” including such things as making compliance with energy-saving standards
mandatory for all buildings, including houses, and raising the energy-saving standards.

TravelModes of transport that are an essential part of our daily lives tend to become habitual and fixed.
In particular, it is important to consider the degree of CO2 emissions when using vehicles. The Ministry of
the Environment has named driving that utilizes renewable power and electric vehicles (EV), etc. as “ZeroCarbon Drive” and is supporting efforts to utilize Zero Carbon Drive among households, communities andcompanies.

19

2
20

Sustainable Communities and Lifestyles for which We Can Make Changes

FashionApproximately 98% of Japan’s clothing is imported, so most of the environmental burden is generated
overseas. Our clothing is also indirectly related to overseas labor issues. According to a survey conducted by
the Ministry of the Environment in FY 2020, approximately 96% of the clothing newly supplied to Japan in
one year is given up after use, and about 62% is discarded without being reused or recycled. In order tochange the current situation, there is a need to promote sustainable fashion, and efforts in this regard havebegun, both by the industry (establishment of Japan Sustainable Fashion Alliance [JSFA]) and by thegovernment (holding of the “Consortium of relevant ministries for the promotion of sustainable fashion”).

Image of Sustainable Fashion

Recycling

Advanced recycling
technologies

COMPANY

A mechanism for
local circulation

Not owning, instead services
for long-term use

Eco-friendly
designLong life
Recycling
Eco-friendly materials

Accessible collection
mechanism

DesignTransparency
Identiﬁcation andestimation ofenvironmental impact
Carbon footprint
Water consumption,
etc.

Adequate production
and supply
Mass customization
Made to Order
Domestic production

Repair and upcycle

Long-term warranty

Subscription/rental

Second-hand clothing
and ﬂea markets

Selection of
eco-friendly products

Purchasing inmoderation

Sale

Labeling ofenvironmental
burdenSource : Ministry of the Environment

Labeling ofrecycled
materials

CONSUMER

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

3 Efforts to protect public health,which is the foundation of a sustainable society
Fundamental efforts to protect human life and the environment are the starting point and mission of
the Ministry of the Environment, which was born as an organization dealing with nature and environmental
conservation from regulations related to pollution. With that starting point remaining unchanged,
the Ministry of the Environment is working on policies that respond to people's lifestyles, social changes,
and changes in the times.

Heat illness countermeasures
In light of the progression of climate change, the government promotes comprehensive measures to prevent
heat illness at a local level and aims to ensure that the whole society works on heat illness countermeasures.
The national death toll due to heat illness has remained high, and according to data for the 23 wards ofTokyo in the summer of 2021, approximately 80% of those who died of heat illness were elderly citizens aged
65 or older, and of those who died of heat illness indoors, approximately 90% did not have or use air
conditioners. As a measure to prevent heat illness in elderly households that do not have air conditioners
installed, promoting the spread of air conditioners is urgent. Thus, in 2022, a model project that utilizes
subscription method with no initial cost (flat-rate service) is being implemented.
Furthermore, based on the “Heat Illness Action Plan” (revised in April 2022), the government willcontinue to implement the “Heat Stroke Alert”, which has been in operation nationwide since April 2021.
In 2021, Heat Stroke Alerts were announced in 53 areas for a total of 75 days, and the total number of alerts
nationwide was 613.
Nationwide awareness of the Heat Stroke Alert in FY 2021 was approximately 80%, showing a certain
level of awareness. On the other hand, for example, the proportion of people who refrained from going out or
engaging in outdoor activities upon the announcement of an alert was less than 40%. This is still not highenough, and so the government aims to further establish the practices to prevent heat illness.
Yearly change of death toll from Heat Illness(person)（％）

Yearly death toll has exceeded 1,000
for 3 consecutive years from 2018 to 2020

2,000

Percentage of 65 or older

100

1,800

90

Number of Deaths

78.1

750

621

635

*Figures for 2021 are preliminary.
Source: Ministry of the Environment, based on Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Vital Statistics”

10

236

201
2005

30

20

393

328

432

2000

310

404
207

185

1994

145

152

0

206

318

200

529

569

579
400

50

40

727

600

60

968

948

800

1,077

50.2

56.3

1,000

70

1,224

1,200

80

81.7

1,528

77.3

75.6

1,581

1,731

63.4

904

Number of Deaths (person)

1,400

79.2
80.7

86.1

81.5

2010

2015

2020

0
(year)

Percentage of deaths aged 65 or older (%)

79.5

79.3

1,600

80.9

21

22

Efforts for
Reconstruction andRevitalization Afterthe Great East Japan
Earthquake andthe Nuclear Power Plant
Accident

3

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0
earthquake struck off the coast of Japan.
It was the most powerful earthquake everrecorded around Japan. It generated atsunami that caused massive damage
across a wide swath of northeasternJapan, particularly along the Pacificcoast. At the same time, the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company(TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station released a large volumeof radioactive materials into the environment, forcing many residents toevacuate to other areas.
The following sections present the efforts being made toward thereconstruction and revitalization of the disaster areas.

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

1 Status of environmental restorationfrom radioactive contamination
Airborne monitoring within the 80-km zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station has
shown that the average air dose rate of radioactivity at a height of 1 meter above the ground, as of October
2021, has declined by about 80% compared with the rate in November 2011. In addition, according tomonitoring in Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas conducted by the Ministry of the Environment,
radioactive cesium has not been detected in rivers, coastal area water quality, or groundwater in recent years,
and in lakes, radioactive cesium has been detected in only 2 out of 163 spots in 2020.
Distribution of air dose rates of radiation within 80 km radius of TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Apr. 2011

Oct. 2011

Sep. 2013

Oct. 2021

LegendAir dose rate (µSV/h)
at a height of 1 m
above the ground

Fukushima
DaiichiNuclear
Power
Plant

Fukushima
DaiichiNuclear
Power
Plant

Fukushima
DaiichiNuclear
Power
Plant

Fukushima
DaiichiNuclear
Power
Plant

19.0 <
9.5 – 19.0
3.8 – 9.5
1.9 – 3.8
1.0 – 1.9
0.5 – 1.0
0.2 – 0.5
0.1 – 0.2
≦ 0.1
Area where
measurement
results have notbeen obtained

Note: The April 2011 chart was mapped using a different method than is used now.

Source: Nuclear Regulation Agency*These maps include
air dose rates fromnatural radionuclides.

2 Initiatives for restoring the environment
in the affected areas
Decontamination measures for soil contaminated by radioactive materials
By the end of March 2018, whole area decontamination of 100 cities, towns, and villages in eight prefectures
was completed, excluding “Restricted area”. In addition, decontamination work and demolition of houses andother buildings in Specified Reconstruction and Revitalization Bases (SRRBs) have been progressing since
December 2017. As of the end of February 2022, in SRRBs, the progress rate for decontamination is over
90%, and the progress rate for demolition (in relation to the number of applications received) is about 83%.
In Katsurao Village, Okuma Town, and Futaba Town, preparatory overnight stays (allowing evacuatedresidents to return and stay overnight in their homes or neighborhoods) in the SRRBs began on November
30, 2021, December 3, 2021, and January 20, 2022, respectively. The aim is to lift evacuation orders for the
SRRBs of these three municipalities from the spring of 2022. Additionally, in Namie Town, Tomioka Town,
and Iitate Village, decontamination and other projects are underway with the aim of lifting evacuation orders
for SRRBs in the spring of 2023.
Furthermore, in areas outside the SRRBs, according to the “Consideration on the Lifting of Evacuation
Orders to Facilitate Return to and Residence in Areas Outside Specified Reconstruction and Revitalization
Bases” that was decided in August 2021, care is being taken to carry out decontamination of areas necessary
for facilitating residents’ return, based on thorough understanding of the intentions of individual residents
regarding their return.

23

3
24

Efforts for Reconstruction and Revitalization After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Efforts toward final disposal of removed soil andwaste within Fukushima Prefecture
Regarding removed soil and waste generated by decontamination work within Fukushima Prefecture,necessary measures are to be taken to complete the final disposal outside Fukushima Prefecture within 30
years from the start of transfer to the Interim Storage Facility.
In order to achieve final disposal outside the prefecture, it is important to reduce the amount of final
disposal. To this end, removed soil has been converted into recycled soil, demonstration projects have been
conducted to confirm its safety, and technology has been developed to facilitate volume reduction and recycling.
From FY 2021, there has been a fundamental strengthening of activities to foster understanding
throughout Japan toward soil recycling and final disposal outside the prefecture, and various initiatives arebeing carried out, such as holding discussion forums around the country on the necessity and safety ofvolume reduction and recycling of soil, conducting field tours of demonstration projects for the generalpublic, and presenting lectures on environmental restoration projects for university students.

Future-oriented initiatives for a new stage of reconstruction
In response to the needs within Fukushima Prefecture, the Ministry of the Environment is promoting the“Fukushima Regeneration/Future-oriented Project” to create and rediscover regional strengths fromenvironmental perspectives such as decarbonization, resource recycling, and harmony with nature. Based on
the “Cooperation Agreement on Promotion of Future-oriented Environmental Measures for the
Reconstruction of Fukushima” concluded with Fukushima Prefecture in August 2020, the Ministry of theEnvironment is working with Fukushima Prefecture and relevant local governments to carry out measuresfrom the three perspectives of decarbonization, countermeasures against rumors, and countermeasuresagainst weathering.

Sea area monitoring and countermeasures against harmful rumors
relating to ALPS treated water
At the Inter-Ministerial Council for Contaminated Water, Treated Water and Decommissioning Issues heldin April 2021, in regard to the handling of water treated by Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) andother methods, it was decided as a basic policy to aim for discharge of ALPS treated water into the ocean
after a two-year period, on the provision of strict compliance with domestic regulatory standards.
Based on this basic policy, the national government's “Comprehensive Radiation Monitoring Plan” wasrevised in March 2022 and the Ministry of the Environment commenced sea area monitoring from FY 2022
before discharge of ALPS treated water.
In addition, as a countermeasure against rumors about ALPS treated water, the Task Force forCountermeasures Against the Effects of the Nuclear Disaster, Including Harmful Rumors (Reconstruction
Agency Secretariat), has compiled a “Package of Measures for Disseminating Information to Foster
Understanding of ALPS treated Water,” and the national government is working in a united effort to promotethese initiatives. Furthermore, explanations about ALPS treated water are being provided at publicround-table discussions and seminars both inside and outside of Fukushima Prefecture.

Annual Reporton the Environment
in Japan 2022

3 Promotion of risk communication related
to radiation health effects
As a countermeasure against anxieties regarding radiation in Fukushima Prefecture, technical support isbeing provided to counselors and local government staff to help them respond to consultations from residents,
including provision of training and dispatching of experts. Additionally, for residents who have returned orare considering returning, risk communication is being carried out through roundtable discussions and so on,
regarding on concerns and questions about radiation that may arise in life after returning. Workshops andseminars are also being carried out in response to requests from local governments and educational
institutions outside of Fukushima Prefecture.
Regarding the health effects of the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, theassessment of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) isthat “No adverse health effects among Fukushima residents have been documented that are directly
attributable to radiation exposure from the FDNPS (Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station) accident.”
In addition, the assessment of the Prefectural Oversight Committee for the Fukushima Health Management
Survey is that “As of this time, no correlation can be found between thyroid cancer cases detected throughthe Full-Scale Survey (second-round survey) and radiation exposure.” (In principle, the Thyroid UltrasoundExamination (TUE）program is conducted for each subject once every two years, and the first FFS(Full-Scale Surveys) (the second-round survey) was conducted from FY 2014 to FY 2015.)
The public ignorance of accurate scientific knowledge about the health effects of radiation may emerge
anxiety and rumors, which in turn may lead to discrimination and prejudice. For this reason, the “GuGuRu
Project” was launched in July 2021 to help people develop sound judgment and not be misled by rumors, andthe project is promoting efforts to disseminate accurate information on the health effects of radiation
throughout the country in an easy-to-understand manner.
ExamplesCommencement of preparatory overnight stays within Specified Reconstruction andRevitalization Bases (SRRBs)
In three municipalities that aim to lift evacuation
orders in SRRBs from the spring of 2022,
preparatory overnight stays have commenced.
Evacuees wishing to return and stay overnight attheir own homes or neighborhoods have been able to
do so since November 30, 2021 in Katsurao Village,
since December 3, 2021 in Okuma Town, and since
January 20, 2022 in Futaba Town. This became
possible with the prospect of the lifting of evacuation
orders as a result of the implementation of

decontamination and other measures. With priority
on advancing development of infrastructure, etc.,
steady progress toward recovery is being made stepby step, with the aim of enabling full-scale return ofevacuees to their homes, starting with preparatory
overnight stays. In addition, for “Restricted area”
outside of the SRRBs, the policy is to carry out
decontamination work so that people who wish to
return to those areas can do so within this decade.

Decontamination work
at Ono Kindergarten in Okuma Town

Decontamination work in Futaba Town
(aerial view)Source: Ministry of the Environment

Source: Ministry of the Environment25Additional
materials

26

fromthe annual reporton the enviromentin Japan 2022

Breakdown of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Japan (FY2020)
Globally, fossil fuel combustion produces massive amountsof anthropogenic greenhouse gases, particularly CO2,
which accounts for approximately 91% of Japan’s total
greenhouse gas emissions in FY 2020.

CO2
Total greenhouse gas
emissions (FY2020):

90.8%

1,150 million tonnes

NF3 0.03%
SF6 0.2%
PFCs 0.3%
HFCs 4.5%
N2O 1.7%
CH4 2.5%

CO2 equivalent

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Japan
Japan’s total greenhouse gas emissions in FY 2020 were equivalent to approximately 1,150 million tonnes of CO2, a
5.1% drop from the previous year. A possible cause of the decrease in emissions is the decrease in energy consumption due
to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NF3
SF6
PFCs
HFCs
N2O
CH4
CO2

1500 (mil. t-CO2 equivalent)Greenhouse gas emissions

1400

1300

1200

1100

1000

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020
(FY)

Source: Ministry of the Environment

27

GHG Emissions in Japan
Additional materials provide more details about the GHG Emissions in Japan.

Breakdown of CO2 Emissions by Sector
The sector with the largest CO2 emissions in indirect emissions in FY 2020 was industries sector, accounting for
approximately 34.0% of Japan’s total.
Commercial and other sectors(Commerce, Services and Offices etc.)

Energy Conversion sector

Industries sector

Transport sector

40.4%

24.3%

17.0%

(Power Plant etc.)

DirectemissionsIndirect
emissions

7.5%(Plant, etc.)

34.0%(Automobiles etc.)

17.7%

1,044 million tonnes
Total CO2 Emissions FY2020

17.4%

5.5%

5.3% 4.1% 3.0% 0.3%

15.9%

4.1% 3.0% 0.3%

Residential sector
Industrial Processes and Product Use(Consumption of limestone etc.)

Waste(Incineration of plastic and waste oil etc.)

Others(Leakage from fuel etc.)
Source: Ministry of the Environment

Energy-related CO2 Emissions by Sector (Indirect Emissions)
Plotting energy-related CO2 emissions by sector reveals that emissions in every sector decreased from FY 2013.
Figures in parentheses
show change {%} fromFY 2013(mil. t-CO2)
600

Industries sector(Plant etc.)
464 356{23.3% decrease}

CO2 emissions amount

500

400

Transport sector(Automobiles etc.)
224 185 {17.6% decrease}

300

Commercial and other sectors(Commerce, Services and Offices etc.)
237 182 {23.2% decrease}

200

100

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

Residential sector
208* Excluding statistical discrepancy from power and heat allocation.
Source: Ministry of the Environment

166 {19.8% decrease}

2015

Energy Conversion sector(Power Plant etc.)
106 82 {22.7% decrease}*

2020
(FY)

Additional
materials

fromthe annual reporton the enviromentin Japan 2022

Threatened Species in Japan
With an increasing number of species being put on the Red List, which publicizes threatened species, it is clear thatthe circumstances of wild fauna and flora in Japan continue to be severe.

(Reported in March 2020)

Threatened Species

Taxon

SpeciesTargetedfor
Evaluation

Extinct

EX

Extinct
inthe Wild

Class IAClass IB

EW

CR

EN

160
(160)

7
(7)

0
(0)

Birds

Approx. 700(Approx. 700)

15
(15)

0
(0)

Reptiles

100
(100)

0
(0)

0
(0)

Amphibians

91
(76)

0
(0)

0
(0)

Approx. 400(Approx. 400)

3
(3)

1
(1)

Insects

Approx. 32,000(Approx. 32,000)

4
(4)

0
(0)

Shellfish

Approx. 3,200(Approx. 3,200)

19
(19)

0
(0)

Approx. 5,300(Approx. 5,300)

1
(0)

0
(0)

49
(48)

1
(1)

Fauna

Mammals

Brackish water andfreshwater fish

Other invertebrates

Subtotal of Fauna

Flora

28

Vascular plants

Approx. 7,000(Approx. 7,000)

28
(28)

11
(11)

Bryophytes

Approx. 1,800(Approx. 1,800)

0
(0)

0
(0)

Algae

Approx. 3,000(Approx. 3,000)

4
(4)

1
(1)

Lichens

Approx. 1,600(Approx. 1,600)

4
(4)

0
(0)

Fungi

Approx. 3,000(Approx. 3,000)

25
(26)

1
(1)

Subtotal of Flora

61
(62)

Total of thirteen taxonomic groups

110
(110)

Endangered Class I

34(33)
25(24)
12(12)
13(12)
98(98)
55(55)
24(24)
31(31)
37(37)
14(14)5(5)9(9)
47(29)
25(17)
5(4)
20(13)
169(169)
125(125)71(71)54(54)
367(363)
182(177)
75(71)
107(106)
629(616)301(288)
39(33)

28(16)
65(65)
22(22)0(0)2(2)
1446(1410)
749(722)

1790(1786)
1049(1045)
529(525)520(520)240(241)

Data
Near
Endangered Threatened DeficientClass II

Total oflistedspeciesEndangered
Local
Population

VU

NT

DD

LP

9(9)

17
(18)

5
(5)

63
(63)

26
(23)

43(43)

22
(21)

17
(17)

152
(151)

2
(2)

23(23)

17
(17)

3
(4)

57
(58)

5
(5)

22(12)

19
(22)

1
(1)

67
(52)

0
(0)

44(44)

35
(35)

37
(37)

245
(245)

15
(15)

185(186)

351
(350)

153
(153)

875
(870)

2
(2)

328(328)

440
(445)

89
(89)

1177
(1169)

13(13)

43(43)

42
(42)

44
(44)

152
(151)

0
(0)

697(688)

943
(950)

349
(350)

2787
(2759)

63(60)

741(741)

297
(297)

37
(37)

2163
(2159)0(0)103(103)

21
(21)

21
(21)

282
(283)

0
(0)

21(21)

41
(41)

40
(40)

202
(202)

0
(0)

20(20)

41
(41)

46
(46)

154
(152)

0
(0)

24(23)

21
(21)

51
(50)

159
(160)

0
(0)

13
(13)

137(138)
116(116)
95(95)
63(61)
43(41)
61(62)
37(39)
2270(2266)
1361(1358)

909(908)

421
(421)

195
(194)

2961
(2956)

0
(0)

14
(14)

3716(3676)
2110(2080)

1606(1596)

1364(1371)

544
(544)

5748
(5715)

63(60)* Numerals within parentheses indicate the respective numbers of species (including subspecies, variety (only for flora) and form (only for algae and fungi)) from the Red List 2019.
The numbers in the LP column are the numbers of local population. ** The number of species excluding those that cannot be evaluated by the naked eye.
The categories are considered as follows:
Extinct [EX]: Species that are likely to already be extinct / Extinct in the Wild [EW]: Species that exist only in captivity or as a naturalized population outside its natural habitat /Endangered Class I (Critically Endangered + Endangered) [CR+EN]: Species that are threatened to extinction / Endangered Class I A (Critically Endangered) [CR]: Species that are facing
an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future / Endangered Class I B (Endangered) [EN]: Species that are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future/ Endangered Class II (Vulnerable) [VU]: Species with and increasing risk of extinction / Near Threatened [NT]: Species that are not currently endangered, but may possibly qualify for“endangered” status with changes in their habitat conditions / Data Deficient [DD]: Species with data insufficient for adequate evaluation / Endangered Local Population [LP]: Species
with a population isolated regionally, and face a high risk of extinction
Source: Red List 2020 by the Ministry of the Environment

29

Biodiversity
Additional materials provide more details about biodiversity in Japan.

Expanding Distribution of Sika Deer
While certain flora and fauna are endangered, there arealso issues with other species, such as Sika deer and wildboar, that are rapidly expanding their range of habitat andgrowing their populations. Such species are causing
increasing damage, resulting in an increasingly serious
situation for the agricultural, forestry, and fisheryindustries. For example, the distribution of Sika deer
expanded approx. 2.7 fold from 1978 to 2018.

Population distribution of Sika deer
Confirmed habitats as of a 1978 survey
New confirmed habitats as of a 2003 survey
New confirmed habitats as of a 2011 survey
New confirmed habitats as of a 2014 survey
New confirmed habitats as of a 2020 survey
Source: Ministry of the Environment

Estimated Number of Sika Deer in Japan (excluding Hokkaido prefecture*)
By implementation of various approaches, the number of capturing of sika deer increases,
and the estimated number of individuals tends to decrease.
3.5
50% confidence interval
90% confidence interval

Approximately

3

2.92 million

Median(Upper limit of 90% confidence interval)

Population（million）

2.5
Approximately

2.18 million (Median)
2
Approximately

1.73 million(Lower limit of 90% confidence level)

1.5

Approximately

548 thousand1(Number culled in FY2020)

0.5

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

*: In FY 2020, estimated number in Hokkaido was approx. 670,000, and number culled was approx. 107,000 (Hokkaido data).
Source: Ministry of the Environment

2020
(FY)

Additional
materials

30

fromthe annual reporton the enviromentin Japan 2022

Material Flow in Japan
In order to establish a sound material-cycle society, it is necessary to comprehend material flows (or substance flows)
to understand the extent of material extraction, consumption, and disposal in Japan. Japan uses material flows todetermine targets for the four indicators of resource productivity, cyclical use rate(resource base), cyclical use rate
(waste base), and final disposal amount.

FY2000 (for reference)
Imported products (48)
Export (120)
Importedresources(748)

Import(796)

Net additions to stock(1,071)
Total material input(2,134)

Input ofnatural resources(1,921)

Energy consumption andindustrial process emissions(535)

Domestic
resources(1,125)Compost(16)

Food consumption (97)Natural return (85)

Water content etc. *1(299)

Waste generation(595)
Reduction (241)Final disposal(56)

Recycled amount (213)(mil. tonnes)

Total Volume of Waste Generation and Waste Volume Per Person Per Day
Total generated waste and waste generated per person per day are declining year by year.
(g/person-day)

6,000

1,400

5,000

1,200

4,167
1,000

4,000

901
Total volume of waste generated
Volume of waste generated per person per day
800

3,000
1987

1990

Source: Ministry of the Environment

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020
(FY)

Volume of waste generated per person per day

Total volume of waste generated(ten thousand tons/year)31Sound material-cycle society
Additional materials provide more information about current efforts to form a sound material-cycle society.

*1 Water content: water contents of wastes (sludge, livestock waste, night soil, waste acid, waste alkali) and sediments dumped in association with the process of economic activities(sludge in mining, construction and in waterworks as well as slag)

FY2019

Imported products (63)
Export (179)
Imported Importresources (738)(675)

Net additions to stock(454)

Total material input(1,498)Energy consumption andindustrial process emissions(477)

Input of
Domestic
natural resources
resources(1,263)(525)

Food consumption (86)Natural return (76)

Water content etc. *1(262)

Compost(17)

Waste generation(546)
Reduction (222)

Final disposal(13)

Recycled amount (235)(mil. tonnes)
Source: Ministry of the Environment

Final Disposal Amount and Final Disposal Amount Per Person
Final disposal amount of waste and final disposal amount per person per day are trending downwards.
(ten thousand tons)(g/person-day)

800

120

The final disposal volume per person per day

90

Final disposal amount

600

482

465

79
454

430

417

400

398

386

384

380

364

200

60

37

327

0
2011

2012

Source: Ministry of the Environment

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

(FY)

30

0

Final disposal amount per person per day

Direct final disposal amountFinal disposal amount after intermediate treatment

Additional
materials

32

fromthe annual reporton the enviromentin Japan 2022

Fine particulate matter
In FY2020, the rate of compliance with ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) was 98.3%
for ambient air pollution monitoring stations and 98.3% for roadside air pollution monitoring stations throughout
Japan. The annual average was 9.5 µg/m³ for ambient air pollution monitoring stations and 10.0 µg/m³ for roadside
air pollution monitoring stations. By region, the rate of compliance with environmental standards remains lower inmainly urban areas of the Kanto and Kansai regions, in parts of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions that face theInland Sea, and in Kyushu.

Fiscal year

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

No. of vaild stations
Ambient

765

785

814

818

835

844

Roadside

219

223

224

232

238

237

No. of vaild stations compliant with ambient air quality standards

570

696

732

765

824

830

74.5%

88.7%

89.9%

93.5%

98.7%

98.3%

128

197

193

216

234

233

58.4%

88.3%

86.2%

93.1%

98.3%

98.3%

Ambient

Roadside

Failed ST/LT Standards
Failed LT Standard only
Failed ST Standard only
Met Environmental Standard

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Ambient air monitoring
Roadside air monitoring
Source: Ministry of the Environment

Photochemical oxidants
Photochemical oxidant densities (the highest value within a region of the 3-year average of the 99th percentile valuesof highest 8-hour daily values) had been tending to decline since around FY2006 to FY2008, but in recent years
they have tended to be almost flat.
(ppb)
140

Kanto region
Hanshin region
Fukuoka / Yamaguchi region
Tokai region

Oxidant density

120

100

94.7
94.7
86.7
86.7

80

60

1990 - 1992

1994 - 1996

Source: Ministry of the Environment

1998 - 2000

2002 - 2004

2006 - 20082010 - 20122014 - 20162018 - 2020
(FY)

33

Atmospheric and water environments
Additional materials provide more details about biodiversity in Japan.

Achievement of Environmental Standards (BOD or COD)
An overall level of 88.8% has been achieved for the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen
demand (COD) environmental standards relating to the maintenance of living environments. BOD and COD areleading indicators of water quality in respect of organic pollution.
(%)
100

93.5
88.8
80.7

90
80

Achievement rate

70
60

49.7

50
40

Total
30

RiversSea areas

20

Lakes
10
0

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020
(FY)

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Coverage of Population Served by Wastewater Treatment System
The population coverage of wastewater treatment systems in Japan is 92.1%. Wastewater treatment facilities arebeing installed to cover the population not yet served by the wastewater treatment systems.
(%)
100
90

92.1

80

80.1

70
60

Total
50

Sewerage system
40

Johkasou30

Agricultural drainage facilities, etc.
20

9.3
2.5

10
0

2001
Source: Ministry of the Environment

2005

2010

2015

2020
(FY)

34

Additional
materials

fromthe annual reporton the enviromentin Japan 2022

Breakdown of Reported Releases by Industry andEstimated Releases of Chemical Substances in FY 2020

Reported Releases
by industry

39%

From industries not
subject to reporting21%

Top 10 Chemicals with High-volume ofReported Releases and Estimated Releases

Reported Releases
by industry

The Total Amount ofReported Releases andEstimated Releases
From mobile
sources

39%

318,000 t/year

17%(FY 2020)
42

Toluene21

XyleneFromhouseholds

11%

From
industries
subject toreporting

12%

18

61%

18

6.0 15

8.3 1.6 9.9
8.3

D-D

Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
and Ministry of the Environment

27

0.09
8.8

Dichloromethane (DCM)
Methylene chloride

Notes: The reported releases are from the business entities
categorized as subjected to reporting. Releases are
estimated for businesses that do not meet the reporting
requirements, such as number of employees, annual
handling quantity, etc., and are exempted from reporting.

78

55

34
13

14

Ethylbenzene
Polyoxyethylene
alkyl ether
n-hexane

Estimated Releases

37

8.3
0.004

Chloropicrin

6.7 6.7

Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonicacid and its salts

6.6 6.6

Dichloro Benzene

6.4 6.5

0.002

Reported releases
Estimated releases

0.008
0.10

0

50

100

(thousand tonnes/year)
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of the Environment

In March 2022, the government compiled data reported from businesses concerned on release and transfer of chemical
substances complying with the Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in theEnvironment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof (PRTR Law). Releases that were not subject
to reporting were estimated.

Ogasawara National Park
Ogasawara National Park consists of subtropical islands located about 1,000 km south of the Japanesearchipelago. These islands are oceanic islands that have never been connected to the mainland and thus
uniquely evolved flora, fauna, and ecosystems can be found on the islands. Thanks to these advantages,
Ogasawara National Park was registered as a World Heritage site in June 2011. In October 2022, theOgasawara National Park celebrated the 50th anniversary of its designation as a national park.
The landscape includes unique coastal landforms such as pillow lava and submerged karst landforms
that are rare in Japan, and the sea around the islands is home to an array of wildlife including marine
mammals, green sea turtles, and many other creatures, forming a diverse underwater environment.
The photo shows a coral reef and tropical fish off the Miyanohama Beach of Chichijima Island, which isdesignated as a marine park area. In June, when this photo was taken, many young fish can be seen
swimming around the coral reef.

35

Environmental risks of chemicals
The following data provides information on action regarding chemical substance emissions
into the environment and initiatives for children’s environmental health.

The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), a large-scale, long-term national birth cohort study involving
100,000 mother-child pairs, was launched in FY 2010. The Sub-cohort study, which includes home visits for environmental measurements, medical examinations and children’s bio-specimen collection, began in November 2014,
involving 5,000 participants selected from the Main Study.
JECS is a large-scale, long-term prospective cohort study to examine the impact of the exposure
to chemical substances during pregnancy and childhood on children’s health.

Recruitment(3 years)

Study protocols
Follow-up
andAnalysis

FY 2010: Establishment of national and regional organizations and formulation of research protocols
January 2011: Start of recruitment period (100,000 pregnant women)
March 2014: Completion of the recruitment

Pregnancy- Questionnaire- Collection of maternal blood, urine, and hair samples
as well as paternal blood samples

At birth- Health check of the babies- Collection of cord blood samples

One month oldChildhood- Physician’s examination and questionnaire- Collection of breast milk and babies’ hair samples

Chemical analysis on bio-specimens
Long-term storage of bio-specimens
Multivariate analysis of the environmental
factors on children’s health including
hereditary, lifestyle, and social factors
Identification of the impact ofenvironmental factors on children’s health- Physician’s examination and questionnaire- Collection of children’s bio-specimens

Ministry of the Environment (MOE)Considers environmental policies incorporating results of the study, andconducts coordination with other ministries as well as on an international level.
Programme Office

Organization(15 universities and institutes)
Recruit participants and conduct follow-up study(in cooperation with local health care providers)

Medical Support Center

Accreditation from the MOE (April 2010)[1] Hokkaido [2] Miyagi [3] Fukushima [4] Chiba [5] Kanagawa[6] Koshin [7] Toyama [8] Aichi [9] Kyoto [10] Osaka [11] Hyogo[12] Tottori [13] Kochi [14] Fukuoka [15] South-Kyushu / Okinawa(National Centre for Child Health and Development)
Provides medical expertise

Expectedoutcomes

Regional Centers(National Institute for Environmental Studies)
Leads the study, manages the collected data and bio-specimens,
and conducts exposure analysis- Policy development to provide parents with the safe and secure child-raising environment- Development of better strategies for chemical risk assessment and management that considers children’s vulnerability

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Annual Report on the Environment,
the Sound Material-Cycle Society and Biodiversity
in Japan 2022
Published by Ministry of the Environment
General Policy Division
Minister’s Secretariat

hakusho@env.go.jp
www.env.go.jp/en/
Published in November 2022
Copyright©2022 Ministry of the Environment, Japan. All rights reserved.

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