Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
Figure3-3-17 Dissemination Status of Population Served by Wastewater Treatment Facilities by Regional Scale (end of FY2007)

Note 1: The total number of municipalities, 1,794, is comprised of cities 784, towns 815, and villages 195 (Tokyo metropolitan wards are included in cities) (as of March 31, 2008)

2: The values of total population and population served by wastewater treatment facilities were rounded to the nearest ten thousand people.

3: The total value and breakdown may not match, since the values less than 0.5% of the dissemination status of each wastewater treatment facility by regional scale are not listed.

Figure3-3-18 The Concept of Zoning Combined Treatment and Individual Treatment

with a total of population of 20 million people are unserved by such facilities, and urgent development of municipal wastewater treatment facilities is desirable.

In enclosed water areas such as rivers and lakes which are essential for water quality conservation, focusing promotion of dissemination of wastewater treatment facilities, as well as the introduction of advanced treatment are necessary, in order to remove nitrogen and phosphorus, which are the cause of red tide and blue tide, due to eutrophication.

Regarding the development of municipal wastewater treatment facilities, johkasoh—an per household treatment—is economic in sparse population distribution areas. Combined treatment, such as sewage system and rural community sewerage systems, becomes economic as the population
Figure3-3-22 Number of Visitors to the Toyooka Municipal Museum of the Oriental White Storks

Source : Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment from the data of Toyooka city

Photo3-3-5 Oriental White Stork Pecking Food in a Rice Field

Source : Toyooka city

FY2007, about 12,000 of Yezo sika deer were slaughtered. In Misato town, Shimane prefecture, the recycling of wild boar meat has been promoted since 2000 with the town's leadership. They have established a community brand,

Figure3-3-23 Changes of the Number of Deer and Wild Boars Captured Nationwide

Source : Ministry of the Environment

“Oochiyamakujira”—meat produced from captured wild boars—and are selling foods, such as processed foods and pet foods, by establishing a processing system from capturing to meatpacking. As for the efficient use of alien species, efforts to control largemouth bass and blue gills are conducted in each region. In some regions, where the controlled amount is huge, several hundred tons of culled alien species are disposed of annually in landfills. Usage of such as fertilizers and feeds will reduce the amount of fertilizers and feeds from outside the region, leading to approaches to prevent the water area from eutrophication. In Shiga prefecture, about 440 to 570 tons of fish of foreign origins in Lake Biwa have been exterminated annually since FY2002. These are used as food for human consumption, or in a variety of other ways such as being processed into fish meal.
# Annual Report on the Environment in Japan 2004

## Diffusing the Environmental Techniques and the Environmental Spirit

Ministry of the Environment
This booklet was compiled based on the Quality of the Environment in Japan 2004 (White Paper), an annual report on the environment by the Government, published on May 28, 2004. The content of this booklet was edited to reach out to a wider readership with a more readable publication. This booklet offers an overview on the subject of “Diffusing the Environmental Techniques and the Environmental Spirit” (in Part One) as well as a digest of environmental conservation policies and measures implemented by the Government in FY 2003 (in Part Two).

The Quality of the Environment in Japan 2004 was printed by Gyosei Corporation. The Annual Report on the Environment for Children, which is edited to make it easier for primary and middle school students to understand, was published on September 30.

Back issues of Quality of the Environment in Japan and Abridged and Illustrated for Easy Understanding Annual Report on the Environment in Japan are available on the Ministry of the Environment website (http://www.env.go.jp/en/w-paper/index.html).

Besides the topics covered in this booklet, the Quality of the Environment in Japan 2004 also introduces the following websites for your reference (in Japanese only):

○ Wa-no-kurashi (http://www.wanokurashi.ne.jp)

○ Biotope Information (http://www.env.go.jp/nature/biodic/eap61/)

○ Vision for a Virtuous Circle for Environment and Economy in Japan (http://www.env.go.jp/policy/report/h16-01/index.html)

○ An example of an ecotourism website

• Exciting Nature School WADA (http://home.e03.itscom.net/npo-ns/)

○ Examples of environmental education websites

• Zaidanhojin KEEP Kyokai (http://www.keep.or.jp/indexe.html) (English Website)

• Okinawa Citizen’s Recycle Movement

(http://www.ryucom.ne.jp/users/rec/kuru-e/welcome-e.htm) (English Website)

• Suita Environmental University for Senior Citizens

(http://www.city.suita.osaka.jp/kobo/chikyu/page/004086.shtml)

The drawing on the cover page is the work of Kozue Okamoto, a second-year student at the Kagawa Prefectural Takamatsu Technical Art High School. Ms. Okamoto won the Minister of the Environment Award (General Category) at the “Year 2004 White Paper on the Environment Cover Page Illustration Contest,” which was sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment and the Japan Environment Association.

Ms. Okamoto commented, “I used drawings of natural scenery and environment-friendly human technologies for the background to represent the coexistence of man and nature. Because the Earth, the man, the bird, the fish, and the dog in the middle of the picture will have to continue to coexist on this Earth, I used a leaf bud to represent the actions that must be taken to care for nature.”

The drawing on the back cover is the work of Shirou Urano, a fifth-grade student at the Fukuno Town Municipal Primary School in Toyama Prefecture. Mr. Urano won the Japan Environment Association Chairman Award (Elementary and Junior High School Student Category) at the “Year 2004 White Paper on the Environment Cover Page Illustration Contest.”

Mr. Urano commented, "I drew a world in which animals, plants, and humans all got along and were nice to the Earth's environment."
## Contents

## ○ Annual Report on the Environment in FY 2003

Part One
Overview: Diffusing the Environmental Techniques and the Environmental Spirit

Introductory Chapter: Toward an Era of Environmental Revolution
Section 1: Conventional Lifestyle in Pursuit of Convenience and Comfort 2
Section 2: Signs of the Environmental Revolution 3
Section 3: Living in the Environmental Century 4

Chapter One: Life-Enhancing “Environmental Techniques”
Section 1: Environmental Century Made Possible by Techniques 5
Section 2: Progress in Environmentally Conscious Business Activities 8

Chapter Two: Life-Enriching “Environmental Spirit”
Section 1: “Environmental Spirit” Nurtured in the Society 10
Section 2: Consumption and Investment Supporting “Environmental Techniques” 11
Section 3: Environmental Conservation in Daily Life 13
Section 4: Environmentally Friendly Community Planning 15

Chapter Three: In Japan, and Then All over the World
Section 1: A Virtuous Circle for Environment and Economy Beginning with the Environmental Revolution in Daily Life 16
Section 2: Promoting Environmental Education: Spirit Nurtured by the Environment and the Environment Protected by the Spirit 19
Section 3: Japan as a Major Player in Formulating International Standards for the Environment 20
Section 4: Diffusing the Environmental Techniques throughout the World: International Environmental Cooperation 20
Conclusion: Protecting the Global Environment with the Environmental Techniques and the Environmental Spirit 21

Part Two

Current Environmental Issues and Environmental Conservation Measures by the Government

○ Environmental Conservation Measures to be Implemented in FY 2004
# ○ Annual Report on the Environment in FY 2003

Part One

Overview: Diffusing the Environmental Techniques and the Environmental Spirit
# Introductory Chapter

## Toward an Era of Environmental Revolution

##

Our pursuit of convenience and comfort over the years has increased the environmental load. Fortunately, through technological advances, a possibility is arising to reduce the environmental load while simultaneously maintaining the quality of life. If we look at the fact that industrial activities are dependent on market needs, we can infer that it is possible to change the flow of goods and capital and to revolutionize industrial activities through consumer behavior. As a result, this can give rise to the “Environmental Revolution,” following in the footsteps of the “Industrial Revolution” and the “IT Revolution.”

## Section 1: Conventional Lifestyle in Pursuit of Convenience and Comfort

### 1. Increasing Energy Consumption and Global Warming

The convenient and comfortable lifestyle that we have pursued over the years has increased energy consumption. The rise in the drive distance of motor vehicles and deterioration in the actual driving fuel efficiency has increased energy consumption from fuel combustion. Changes in energy consumption categorized by transport mode show that private vehicles consume a large percentage of energy and consumption is rising rapidly. Diffusion of home electrical appliances and the greater number of households have also increased household energy consumption.

Energy consumption from motor vehicles and households places a load on the environment because the combustion of fossil fuels from the operation of motor vehicles and generation of electricity emit carbon dioxide. Rising carbon dioxide emissions is one of the main factors that trigger global warming.

Diffusion Rate of Major Home Electrical Appliances in Households

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Economic and Social Research Institute of the Cabinet Office, Consumer Confidence Survey (Quarterly).

Changes in Energy Consumption by Transport Mode in the Transport Sector

Sources: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Annual Report on Domestic Shipping Transport Statistics, Annual Report on Air Transport Statistics, Annual Report on Rail Statistics, and Annual Report of Road Transport Statistics; and materials issued by the Maritime Bureau and the Japanese Shipowners' Association.

## Emissions of Carbon Dioxide in Japan

Source: Ministry of the Environment
### 2. Plastic Containers Discarded as Waste

A tremendous amount of waste is generated from daily life. The total amount of waste in FY 2001 in Japan was 52.1 million tons, with the per capita daily amount reaching approximately 1.1 kg. Of this amount, about 67% is domestic waste. In terms of volume, plastic containers account for about 40% of the domestic waste. Though they provide convenience to daily life, when plastic containers are discarded as waste, they

place a load on the environment.

Despite progress in reducing the final disposal volume through recycling, securing enough final disposal sites continues to be a big problem. In addition to the strain on final disposal sites, illegal dumping has also become rampant. Its adverse effect on the living environment causes concern.

Source: Ministry of the Environment

Percentage of Containers and Packaging Materials in Domestic Waste (FY 2001)

## Section 2: Signs of the Environmental Revolution

Because industrial activities are dependent on demand, the directions of environmentally conscious efforts of businesses will change according to the choices consumers make everyday. By engaging ourselves in environmental conservation measures as the ultimate player and supreme ruler of the social economy, we can institute a drastic reform to the society as a whole, including industries.

In recent years, a wide range of products incorporating various technologies to reduce environmental load have been launched. For example, the number of units of low-emission vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles and certified fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles has increased to as much as 65.8% of all motor vehicles shipped in Japan. Thanks to energy-saving technology, the average annual electricity consumption of major refrigerators (per liter of internal volume) made by major companies has been reduced to one-third of the level of twenty years ago. Technological development has also made it possible to recycle used PET bottles into new ones.

The emergence of these signs of reform shows the possibility of revolutionizing industrial activities through changes in our daily lives.

Changes in Energy Efficiency of Refrigerator

Annual power consumption per 1 $ \ell $ of rated internal volume of the model that consumed the least electricity (kWh/( $ \ell $ $ \cdot $ year)) as of October 2003

Note: The rated internal volume and annual power consumption per 1 $ \ell $ of rated internal volume are average values of major refrigerators of various companies.

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on studies by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association

Energy Conservation Rate Mark

An example of a product not meeting the standard

Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

An example of a product meeting the standard
# Section 3: Living in the Environmental Century

In Japan, eco-efficiency has shown some improvement in the areas of $ NO_{2} $ and $ SO_{2} $ emission reduction as a result of the increase in the number of units and processing capacity of flue gas denitration facilities and flue gas desulfurization facilities. In terms of energy and carbon dioxide, the improved energy efficiency of individual equipment and machinery is unfortunately cancelled out by the expansion of office areas in recent years. On the other hand, as the resource productivity is heightened, we can see the gradual advent of a society in which the consumption of natural resources is controlled and the environmental load is reduced.

Changes in Eco-efficiency (Average concentrations of $ NO_{2} $ and $ SO_{2} $ )

Sources: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Cabinet Office, Annual Report on National Accounts, and the Ministry of the Environment, Report on the State of Air Pollution.

The 20th century, marked by our tireless efforts to acquire as much as possible from the environment and by the tremendous burden we exerted on the environment, has ended. We must make the 21st century the Environmental Century by respecting environmental values and maintaining harmony with the environment. A fundamental reform of our mindset to reduce environmental load and to share the environmental blessings with future generations while improving the quality of life for all generations, and the technological innovation that the reform makes possible, will bring further growth to our daily lives and to socio-economic activities. We can call such development the “Environmental Revolution,” following in the footsteps of the “Industrial Revolution” and the “IT Revolution.” The actions taken by each one of us will bring new possibilities to the “Environmental Century.”

Changes in Eco-efficiency (Overall final energy consumption, $ CO_{2} $ emissions, and amount of municipal solid waste)

Sources: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Cabinet Office, Annual Report on National Accounts; the Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, General Energy Statistics; and the Ministry of the Environment, State of the Generation and Treatment of Municipal Solid Waste (FY 2000 Results).

Changes in Resource Productivity
# Chapter One

## Life-Enhancing “Environmental Techniques”

## Summary of Chapter One>

Today, a wide range of ideas and activities aimed at protecting the environment is being undertaken at all levels of society. For example, environment-friendly products and environmentally conscious business operations have been made possible by technological development. These kinds of environmental conservation technologies and environmentally conscious methods and systems are called “environmental techniques” in this Annual Report. This chapter introduces various environmental techniques in the following three areas: residence and workplace, leisure, and manufacturing. While examining the effects of these techniques, the chapter will also introduce environmentally conscious management methods and corporate structures.

## Section 1: Environmental Century Made Possible by Techniques

### 1. Examples of “Environmental Techniques” in Residence and Workplace

Japanese architecture has traditionally been designed with emphasis on good ventilation. Except in cold areas such as Hokkaido, insulation of buildings has not made much progress. For example, the installation of double-glazed glass windows is much less common in Japan compared to European countries.

It is said that 58% of the heating in a room during winter escapes and 73% of heat in an air conditioned room during summer enters through windows and door openings. Therefore, the use of double-glazed glass or window sashes with good insulation at the openings is effective in cutting down energy use for heating and air conditioning. Using better insulating materials for the walls can also improve the insulation of buildings. Installing window awnings or eaves, planting trees in the yard, utilizing blinds or curtains can also help create a cool and comfortable living space under the strong

Coefficient of Heat Transmission by Glass Type

Notes:

1. All glass used for double-glazed glass is 3 mm thick.

Source: Center for the Dissemination and Promotion of Energy Efficient Construction Materials under the Federation of Construction Materials Industries, Japan.

Heat Flowing In and Out of Openings (\%)

■Heat entering through openings in the summer 73%

Note: House model built based on the 1992 construction standard

Sources: Liaison Council for the Dissemination and Promotion of Insulation under the Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation; and the Center for the Dissemination and Promotion of Energy Efficient Construction Materials under the Federation of Construction Materials Industries, Japan, Quick Guide to Energy Saving Standards for Residential Buildings.
summer sun.

Due to market penetration, the price of photovoltaic power generation system for households is going down. In addition, 2005 is expected to see the market launch of fuel cells for household use. The use of energy-saving navigator or home energy management systems (HEMS) is also said to be effective in rationalizing energy use at home.

In the workplace as well, photovoltaic power generation equipment and cogeneration equipment are being installed. Energy service companies (ESCO), which provide comprehensive energy-saving services including necessary technologies, equipment, human resources, and capital for buildings and factories, have attracted attention.

Based on the Law concerning the Rational Use of Energy, the Top Runner method was adopted for home electrical appliances. It sets the standards for home electrical appliances, taking into account the functions of currently available products that are the most energy efficient and evaluating the prospect of further technological development. Adoption of the method has helped advance the development of energy-saving technologies. For instance, effort is made to lower electricity consumption not only during use but also when the television is in standby mode. Liquid crystal televisions, which consume less electricity than televisions using cathode-ray tubes, are rapidly gaining in popularity.

Electricity consumption for lighting accounts for about 16% of the electricity consumed in a household. Compared to incandescent lamps of the same brightness, electric bulb-type fluorescent lamps use only one-third of the electricity and their useful life is six times longer.

The energy used for air conditioning and heating accounts for about 25% of electricity used in a household. This appliance consumes the most energy. With advances in technology such as inverter control, energy conservation is making progress. Compared to five years ago, an air conditioner/heater with the same energy output uses 20% less electricity today.

Changes in the Price of Photovoltaic Power Generation System

Source: New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization

Comparison of Power Consumption per Inch of CRT Widescreen Television, Liquid Crystal Television, and Plasma Television

1. "CRT widescreen television" includes "widescreen television" and "high-definition television" in the GPN database.

2. To compare with CRT widescreen television, the sizes of liquid crystal television and plasma television are increased by 10% to compensate the difference in screen size (e.g. 17 inch liquid crystal TV → 18.7 inch liquid crystal TV).

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Green Purchasing Network, GPN Database.

Changes in the Annual Power Consumption of Air Conditioners/Heaters

1. The power consumption of each period is calculated based on the JRA4046 standard (standard for calculating room air conditioner/heater's power consumption) set by the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association.

2. The above values are for an air conditioner/heater with air-conditioning capacity of 2.8 kW. Source: Energy Conservation Center, Japan.
# Section 2: Progress in Environmentally Conscious Business Activities

“Environmental Techniques” are also found in management methods and business structures. Many big corporations have adopted environmental management systems and environmental reports. The financial sector has also launched environmentally conscious initiatives.

### 1. Environmental Management System

“Environmental management system” is a means that enables a company to undertake environmental conservation measures on a voluntary basis. The company sets up its own environmental principles and goals, and establishes systems and procedures for its factories and business sites to implement measures for achieving the goals.

The ISO 14001 established by the International Organization for Standardization (hereinafter referred to as “ISO”) is a representative international standard for environmental management systems. The ISO 14001 aims at improving environmentally conscious efforts through the continuous implementation of PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Act).

Changes in the Number of ISO 14001 Certification in Japan

Because the acquisition of ISO 14001 certification imposes great strain on small and mid-sized companies, the Ministry of the Environment formulated the Eco Action 21 program in 1996 aimed at encouraging all businesses, including small and mid-sized companies, to undertake voluntary environmental measures. In FY 2003, the number of registered businesses exceeded one thousand. The Eco Action 21 program was revised in FY 2004 to introduce a certification/registration system that enables external assessment. It is hoped that this revision can further encourage small and mid-sized companies to take environmentally conscious measures.

### 2. Environmental Report

Businesses use environmental reports to give the public an overview of environmental information, which include their principles for environmental conservation, goals, plans, status of environmental management, and progress in measures to lower environmental load.

First of all, it serves as an important means of environmental communication that links businesses and society. If the consumers, business partners, and investors use the information provided in the environmental reports as a basis for selecting businesses, products, or services, then proactive measures with environmental consideration will become highly regarded by the society and the market. This will further enhance the environmental awareness of the society as a whole. Secondly, the preparation and publication of the environmental report provides the opportunity for a business to