Index

1. The EIA System in Japan

1. The EIA System in Japan

2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Act

Environmental Impact Assessment Law
2.(1)TheObjective(1)(2) Objective
Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act(2)
the Environmental
Impact Assessment Law(3) Revision
Projects ofsubject
to EIA(3)
subject to
EIA(4) Projects
Who implements
EIA?
(5) Who
Procedureof EIA(excluding for power plants, etc.)(4)
implements
EIA?
(6) Procedure
Primary Environmental
Impact Consideration(5)of EIA(7) Primary
Judgmentof Class-2 projects(Screening)(6)
Environmental
Impact Consideration(8) Preparing the Procedural Document(7)
Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(9) Implementation of EIA(8)Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(11) Procedure for the EIS(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(12)
the assessment results in the project scheme(14) Reflecting
Special cases(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14)
Specialcases
3. EIA
Systembased on the ordinances of local governments(1) Current state of the system of local governments
betweenthe Environmental Impact Assessment Act and the local ordinances
3.(2)EIARelationshipsystem of local
governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1) Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2) Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasset up through a Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment of
theirowna ordinancesand system
guidelines
on EIA.
Later,
review of thebeganwhen promotion of EIA was stipulated in the "Basic Environment
Law"enactedin 1993.
a result,
corresponding
to the offrameworkof the newpolicy as Law
well “Later,
a reviewof theAssystembeganwhen promotion
EIA was stipulated
inenvironmental
the “Basic Environment
asreferring
to EIA
in other countries,"Environmental
ImpactAssessment
Act"aswas
inenactedin 1993.
Assystemsa result, corresponding
to thetheframeworkof the newenvironmental
policywellenacted
as referring
June
Sinceinthe
enactment,in theaccordancewith theImpact
EIA Act,Assessmenta total of 142Law”
projects
the sectorof road,power
to EIA1997.
systemsothercountries,“Environmental
was inenactedin June
1997.
Since
plant
and
other
field
projects
have
beencompletedtheEIA
procedures
sofar.
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andAs 10 years had passed since the complete enforcement of the EIA Act in 1999, reviews were carried
others have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
out with a view to revising the law. In April 2011, the Revised EIA Act was enacted in which an EIA
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primaryprocedure at the planning stage (Primary Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure forEnvironmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forreporting and announcing results of the measures for protecting the environment (Impact Mitigation
protecting theenvironment(Impact
Reporting)were incorporated.
Reporting)were
incorporated.
ThisMitigation
was completely
enforcedin April 2013.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

1972

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures
Relating to Public Works" by the Cabinet

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theDiet (void in 1983)

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Introduction of EIA system for public works

EIA for public works

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan（as of 31st March 2023）
Waste

Landfill

Land

Waste
7
disposal site1

Landfilland 203
reclamation 15Land
22
readju2stmentdisposal
andreadjustImplementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan(as reclamationof 31st March
2012）
site
ment

Road

River

13

1

96

11

72

Railway
19

Airport
16
4

2

9

Power
659
plant
420

11

183

6

Total

850
446

15

326

15 2
20 5
1
1
0
On-going
12
2
4
12
2
4
2
1
84
10
16
678
1
4
17
17
Completed
56
5
10
41
4
9
14
7
Aborted9
1 of landfill
2 and reclamations
1
6
2 the category4of other.
- classified in*：Totalnumber excludes
the number
implemented
in projects

20378

Total

Opinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

77 11

56

8

5

15

16 2

11

9

7

59 56

41

6

-

-

14

37
827
142
24
134

Index
1.ItsTheEIA System in Japan
objective is to ensure that projects give adequate consideration to environmental conservation
by establishing a procedure for the EIA of large-scale projects that may have significant impact on theenvironment,
and reflecting
assessmentLaw
results in the contents of the projects.
Impactthe
Assessment
2. The Environmental(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14)
Special cases• Obligation
for the publication of the documents prepared by the project proponents (environmental
impact assessment documents) via internet

3. EIA system of local governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments• Enabling direct submission of opinion from the designated cities to the project proponent as(2)
Relationshipthe Environmental
Assessment
LawAssessment
and the localAct
ordinancesprescribedby thebetween
Enforcement
Order of theImpact
Environmental
Impact4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.

・・・・・・・・・・

After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasset up through a Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment of
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
Later, a review of the system began when promotion of EIA was stipulated in the “Basic Environment Law “enacted in 1993. As a result, corresponding to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andothers have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting) were incorporated.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

1972

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures
Relating to Public Works" by the Cabinet

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact
Assessment Bill” to the
EIA required
Diet (void in 1983)

EIA not required

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

EIA for public works

13 types of projects in total (corresponding to one of theLegalfollowing
categories:
recognitionof EIA a project
to be approved or licensed, a project provided with a subsidy or a grant, a project
Legislation on EIA

conducted by a special organization, or a project conducted by the national
government)

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）

Total
On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

Road

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Waste
disposal siteLandfillandreclamation

Land
readjustment

Total

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

Index
1. The EIA System in Japan

4 lanes or more, 7.5km or more and less than 10km
width: 6.5m or wider, 15km or more and less than 20km

2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact output:30,000kW
Consideration or over

(7)
(8)
(9)

output:150,000kW or over
Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)
output:10,000kW or overall
Procedure for the draft of the output:40,000kW
assessment method
or over(Scoping)
output:50,000kW or over

Implementation of EIA(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases

reservoir area: 75ha or more and less than 100ha
area of land alteration: 75ha or more and less than 100ha

length:7.5km or more and less than 10km
runway:1,875m or more and less than 2,500m
output:22,500kW or more and less than 30,000kW
output:112,500kW or more and less than 150,000kW
output:7,500kW or more and less than 10,000kWー
output:30,000kW or more and less than 40,000kW
output:37,500kW or more and less than 50,000kW
area:25ha or more and less than 30ha
area:40 ha or more and 50ha or lessarea:75ha or more and less than 100ha
area:75ha or more and less than 100ha
area:75ha or more and less than 100ha
area:75ha or more and less than 100ha

3. EIA system of local governments

area:75ha or more and less than 100ha(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and area:75ha
the localorordinances
more and less than 100ha

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

Procedure of EIA (excluding for power plants, etc.)
1. The EIA
System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
Relevant Minister
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental
Impact Assessment “was* Consideration matters in the planning stage for Case-2 projects will be
set up througha Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment ofconducted voluntarily.
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
Later, a review of the system began when promotion of EIA was stipulated in the “Basic Environment Law “enacted in 1993. As a result, corresponding to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andothers have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting)(Procedural
were incorporated.
Document)（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures* When the extent of the impact by the project is restricted to the area of one city which is speciﬁed

Enforcement Order, an opinion is directly submitted from the city to the project proponent.
1972by EIA Act Relating
to Public Works" by the Cabinet

EIA for public works

Relevant Minister

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theDiet (void in 1983)

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting* When the extent of the impact by the project is restricted to the area of one city which is speciﬁedby EIA Act Enforcement Order, an opinion is directly submitted from the city to the project proponent.

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）

Total
On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

Road

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Waste
disposal siteLandfillandreclamation

Land
readjustment

Total

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

Index
1. The EIA System in Japan
2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law

Project proponents should reflect the results of the Primary Environmental Impact Consideration in the(1) Objective
Procedural
Document and subsequent procedures. Each proponent of Class-2 projects can voluntarily(2) Revision
the Environmental
Impact Assessment Law
implement
the ofprocedures
noted above.
(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)

Obligation
to(9)
Implementationof EIA
make efforts(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases
3. EIA system of local governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances

Relevant Minister etc.

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

Act amendment of 2011 gave the Minister of the Environment additional opportunities to give opinions
to the project proponent at the stages of Primary Environmental Impact Consideration, Procedural
Document and Impact Mitigation Report.

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
Beforetheamendment
of
the
EIA
Act,
the
frameworkoftheproject(location,etc.) was determined
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants
and scale,the Shinkansen(super-express
prior
to
the
EIA
stage
thus
it
was
difficult
to
deal
with
alternative
plans
in
some
cases.
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasset up through a Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment of
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
Later, a review of the system began when promotion of EIA was stipulated in the “Basic Environment Law “enacted in 1993. As a result, corresponding to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andothers have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting) were incorporated.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

1972

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures
Relating to Public Works" by the Cabinet

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theDiet (void in 1983)

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

EIA for public works

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）

Total
On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

Road

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Waste
disposal siteLandfillandreclamation

Land
readjustment

Total

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

Index
1. The EIA System in Japan
2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases
3. EIA system of local governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

Preparing the Procedural Document

1. The EIA System in Japan

With regard to road construction projects, for example, the issues to be dealt with in environmental impact
In
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
assessment will have differences between road projects proposed in a nature rich mountainous region and
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
other ones proposed in an intensively developed and air-polluted urban region.
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need forWith this view, environmental impact assessment shall be implemented in accordance with local
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill wascircumstances and context. Therefore, opportunities to hear opinions from the citizens and local governments
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
are organized before deciding the assessment method. By collecting the opinions at the earlier stage of the
project, those opinions are able to be considered in selecting the evaluation items, and as a result the project
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wascan be assessed in a more site-oriented way.
setSpecifically,up througheacha Cabinet
decisionin 1984.
Furthermore,
localDocument
governments
promoted
the establishmentofproject
proponent
preparesa Procedural
thatalso
describes
the assessment
methodtheir own
ordinancesand guidelines
on EIA.
(survey,
forecast
and evaluation),sends
it to relevant prefectural governor and the municipal mayors, publicly
Later,areviewofthesystembegan
when
promotion
EIA wasin the“Basic Environment
notifies the document (public notification) andallows ofanyoneto stipulated
see it at local
government
offices, atLaw
the“enacted in 1993.
As aandresult,corresponding
the framework
the new
environmental
policy as well as referring
proponent's
offices
on websites(publictocomment)
for a ofperiodof onemonth.
to In
EIAaddition,systems eachin othercountries,
the “Environmental
wastheenactedin June1997.inSince
project
proponent
shall organizeImpact
public Assessment
meetings toLaw”
explaincontents
writtenthethe
enactment,inaccordance
with
the
EIA
Law,
a
total
of
142
projects
inthesectors
of
road,
power
plant
Procedural Document. Anyone who has opinions about the Procedural Document from the standpointand
ofothershave
beencompletedtheEIA
procedures
sofar.
environmental conservation can express his /her opinions. The proponent sends the summaries of those
In Aprilto
2011,
the Revised
EIA governors
Law was enacted
in whichmayors.
an EIA procedure
at the planning
stage(Primary
opinions
relevant
prefecturaland municipal
Later, the prefectural
governor
expresses
Environmental
Impactandhearing
a procedure
for reportingannouncing
resultsof theforhis/her
opinions
to theConsideration)
proponent after
opinionsfrom theandmunicipal
mayors,while
alsomeasures
taking into
protecting
environment(Impact
Mitigationaccount
thetheopinionsfrom thegeneralpublic. Reporting) were incorporated.
The project proponent decides the assessment method giving due consideration to these opinions.
Takinginto accountthe opinionsfrom prefectural
governors, theproject
proponentLaw
can, if necessary, seek
Processof establishing
the Environmental
ImpactAssessment（Year）
technical advice
on items
consideredConservationand methods
to be employed in EIA from a Relevant Minister.
Approvalof "On tothebe
Environmental
Measures
EIA for public works
1972
Relating
toPublicWorks"
bythe
CabinetThe Relevant Minister has to hear opinions of the Minister of the Environment before giving technical advice
Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theto theproponent.
1981
Diet (void in 1983)
The project
proponent decides on the assessment method givingInstitutionalizationdue consideration
to these opinions.
of the system byDecision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
1984
administrative guidance instead of law
Assessment” by the Cabinet

1993

a Proceduralent
Legal recognition of EIA
Enactment of the “Basic EnvironmentPreparing
Law”

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA
Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）

Total
On-going
Completed
Aborted

Road

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Waste
disposal siteLandfillandreclamation

Land
readjustment

Total

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

*1 : The mayor of each city specified by the Enforcement Order of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act can directly submit his/her
Opinions
opinions
the extent of the environmental impact is restricted within the area of the city.
of the Ministerof if 56
5
7 Impact Assessment
41 Act: Sapporo,
14
134: Cities specified
by the Enforcement
Order of11
the Environmental
Sendai, Saitama,
Chiba, Yokohama,
Kawasaki,
the *1
Environment
Sagamihara, Niigata, Shizuoka,Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Sakai, Suita, Kobe, Amagasaki, Hiroshima, Kitakyusyu and Fukuoka

After preparing the Procedural Document, the project proponent implements survey, forecast andevaluation of the environmental impacts in accordance with the evaluation items and methods decided
through the Procedural Document, considers the measures necessary to protect the environment, andIndexcomprehensively evaluates the environmental impacts when such measures are taken.
addition,the proponent
1.In TheEIA System
in Japan carries out EIA referring to related laws and regulations, basic guidelines for all
types of projects, and ordinances or guidelines which the Relevant Ministers stipulate for individual projects.

2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA

The project proponent forecasts quantitatively the amount of impact on the(10) Procedure forenvironment
the Draft EISor change in the state of the environment during the construction and(11) Procedure foroperational
the EIS phases. It is conducted by the numerical calculation by numerical calculation
based
on prediction
and involves(12) Reflecting theassessment
resultsformulain the projectschemethe citation and analysis of existing cases.

(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases
3. EIA system of local governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasset up through a Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment of
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
Later, a review of the system began when promotion of EIA was stipulated in the “Basic Environment Law “enacted in 1993. As a result, corresponding to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andothers have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting) were incorporated.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

1972

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures
Relating to Public Works" by the Cabinet

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theDiet (void in 1983)

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

EIA for public works

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）
Road

Waste
Landfill Land
Total
disposandreadju*1 : The mayor of each city specified by the Enforcement Order of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act can directly submit his/al sitereclama stment
her opinions if the extent of the environmental impact is restricted within the area of the city.
*1 : Cities specified by the Enforcement Order of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act: Sapporo,tion
Sendai, Saitama, Chiba,
Total

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Yokohama, Kawasaki, Sagamihara, Niigata, Shizuoka,Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Sakai, Suita, Kobe, Amagasaki, Hiroshima,
77 and Fukuoka
8
16
59
6
15
20
203
9
Kitakyusyu

On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

Index
1. The EIA System in Japan
2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

mayors,Procedure
foretc.
the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA

Prefectural(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases
3. EIA system of local governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
In granting licenses or subsidies, etc. for a project based on the project-related laws (such as the Road Act
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasand the Railway Business Act), the screening process may not necessarily include a review of whether or not theset up through a Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment ofproject gives due consideration to environmental protection.
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
Later, a review of the system began when promotion of EIA was stipulated in the “Basic Environment Law “enacted in 1993. As a result, corresponding to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andothers have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting) were incorporated.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

1972

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures
Relating to Public Works" by the Cabinet

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theDiet (void in 1983)

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

EIA for public works

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”
1999
In order to utilize the widespread information on the environment, it is important for projectPrimary Environmental Impact Consideration ,2011
Revisionof the “Environmental
Impact Assessment
Law”and collectproponents
to announce
project details
thoughtfully
environmental
information from
ImpactMitigation Reporting
relevant citizens
andothers, namely"information sharing".
Completeenforcementof the Revised
2013“Environmental
ImpactLaw” Impact Assessment Act, explanation on the contents of
Before therevision oftheAssessment
Environmental
EIA Documents was obligatory only at the stage of the Draft EIS. Taking account the voluminous andspecialized contents of the document, however, a brief session (explanatory meeting) at the stage of the
Implementation
Status of theLegal
EIA Proceduresin Japanof 31st March
2012）
Procedural
Document has additionallybeenobligatedby the RevisedAct.(asAccordingly,
anyonewho hasRoad
River
Railway
AirportPower
Waste
LandfillLand
opinions from the standpoint of environmental conservation can receive the explanation by the Total
project
disposandreadjuplant
proponent before they implement survey, forecast and evaluation.
al sitereclama stment

tion
Total
On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

Index
1. The EIA System in Japan
2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases
3. EIA system of local governments(1)

Current state of the system of local governments(2)

Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasPort planning
through a isCabinetdecisionin project,1984. Furthermore,
localplanning,governments
promoted-set
Theupassessment
made notfor thebut for the port
and isalso
carriedout bythe
portestablishment
managementof
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
bodies.
Later, aEnvironmental
review of the Impact
system Consideration,
began when promotion
EIA was stipulated
in the“Basic Environment- Primary
Screening,ofPreparing
the Procedural
Documentand ImpactLaw “enacted inReporting
1993. As aare
result,Mitigation
notcorresponding
carried out. to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment,in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant and
Power
plant
have been
completedthe EIA ofprocedures
far. and Industry) presents his/her opinion in the Procedural-others
The national
government(Minister
Economy,so
Trade
In April 2011,
theDraft
RevisedDocument
and the
EIS. EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
ImpactConsideration)a procedure
forof
reportingand announcing-Environmental
Impact Mitigation
Reportingis limitedandto thepublication
Impact Mitigation
Report.results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting) were incorporated.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

1972

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures
Relating to Public Works" by the Cabinet

1981

Submission of “Environmental Impact Assessment Bill” to theDiet (void in 1983)

1984

Decision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
Assessment” by the Cabinet

Institutionalization of the system byadministrative guidance instead of law

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

EIA for public works

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）

Total
On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

Road

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Waste
disposal siteLandfillandreclamation

Land
readjustment

Total

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

EIA System based on the ordinances of local governments

All of the prefectures and cities prescribed by the Enforcement Order of the Environmental Impact
Index
Assessment
haveinestablished
an EIA system by local ordinances.
1. The EIA Act
SystemJapan
Compared with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, the ordinances of local governments arecharacterized by the following points

2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law(1)

Objective(2)

Revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law(3)

Projects subject to EIA(4)

Who implements EIA?

(5)

Procedure of EIA(6)Primary Environmental Impact Consideration(7)

Judgment of Class-2 projects (Screening)(8)

Procedure for the draft of the assessment method (Scoping)(9)

Implementation of EIA(10) Procedure for the Draft EIS(11) Procedure for the EIS(12) Reflecting the assessment results in the project scheme(13) Impact Mitigation Reporting(14) Special cases
3.Although
EIA systemgovernments
the of
EIAlocal
systems
introduced by local governments have a very important role in protecting theenvironment,
procedures
underofthe
Environmental(1) Currentthe
stateof the system
local
governments Impact Assessment Act and those under the ordinancesof local governments overlap. Requiring both procedures would often be extremely burdensome.
(2) Relationship between the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and the local ordinances
Therefore, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act contains provisions related to the EIA systems of local
governments to prevent overlap of procedures based on the Environmental Impact Assessment Act.

4. Further information on the EIA system in Japan(1)

Environmental Impact Assessment Network(2)

Access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

1. The EIA System in JapanIn
I Japan,Ja systemt
on EIA (Environmental(E it l Impact
It Assessment)A
was ﬁrst introduced in 1972 for public works.
The systems relating to port and harbor planning, reclamation, power plants and the Shinkansen (super-express
train) were established later around 1980. In the course of implementing EIA under these systems, the need for
an integrated system/standardized rule was recognized. Therefore the environmental impact assessment bill was
proposed to the Diet in 1981 but failed to pass in 1983.
After the bill became void, a standardized rule of “Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment “wasset up through a Cabinet decision in 1984. Furthermore, local governments also promoted the establishment of
their own ordinances and guidelines on EIA.
Later, a review of the system began when promotion of EIA was stipulated in the “Basic Environment Law “enacted in 1993. As a result, corresponding to the framework of the new environmental policy as well as referring
to EIA systems in other countries, the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law” was enacted in June 1997. Since
the enactment, in accordance with the EIA Law, a total of 142 projects in the sectors of road, power plant andothers have been completed the EIA procedures so far.
In April 2011, the Revised EIA Law was enacted in which an EIA procedure at the planning stage (Primary
Environmental Impact Consideration) and a procedure for reporting and announcing results of the measures forprotecting the environment (Impact Mitigation Reporting) were incorporated.

（Year）

Process of establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment Law

Approval of "On the Environmental Conservation Measures

public works
Duringpublictoinspection,
documentsonfor
websitesof the project proponent etc.
1972 theRelating
Public Works"theby theCabinet of EIA are availableEIA
which are introduced
the EIA networkof theMinistry
oftotheSubmission inof “Environmental
ImpactAssessment
Bill”
theEnvironment (MOE). After the public inspection,
1981
Diet
(void
in
1983)
some documents of the project are available on website or at the EIA network of MOE.
Institutionalization of the system byDecision on the “Implementation of Environmental Impact
1984
administrative guidance instead of law
Assessment” by the Cabinet

1993

Enactment of the “Basic Environment Law”

Legal recognition of EIA

1997

Enactment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

Legislation on EIA

1999

Enforcement of “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2011

Revision of the “Environmental Impact Assessment Law”

2013

Complete enforcement of the Revised“Environmental
Assessment
Law”(Please note thatImpact
we are unable
to answer
questions on the environmental impact assessment of specific projects.)

Primary Environmental Impact Consideration ,Impact Mitigation Reporting

Implementation Status of the Legal EIA Procedures in Japan (as of 31st March 2012）

Total
On-going
Completed
AbortedOpinionsof the Minister ofthe Environment

Road

River

Railway

Airport

Power
plant

Waste
disposal siteLandfillandreclamation

Land
readjustment

Total

77

8

16

9

59

6

15

20

203

12
56
9

2
5
1

4
10
2

1
7
1

12
41
6

2
4
-

4
9
2

2
14
4

37
142
24

56

5

11

7

41

-

-

14

134

6

2023