There is less opposition to the use of prenatal genetic screening in Japan than in the USA, but it is uncommon in practise. Guidelines for gene therapy were released in 1993, and the first clinical trials are expected later in the year. Japanese scientists are against patenting of human cDNA fragments, like the NIH attempted, until their function is known. Japanese scientists perceive a similar level of concern about genetic manipulation of plants and microorganisms to the public. High school biology teachers perceive both significantly more risks and significantly more benefits from genetic manipulation than the public, but there is little teaching of these issues in schools.
All groups are supportive of gene therapy to treat disease.
Most people believe that biotechnology should be regulated by government and industry, with input from the public and third parties, but in practise the public still has no role in decision-making in Japan. The public says that they do not trust safety statements, but in practice they will until harm is rumoured. Openness may be better at winning long term public support than spending money on pro-biotechnology advertisement campaigns, or further laws. Most Japanese are already aware of the benefits of biotechnology, but they will remain concerned about decision-making that is hidden. However, there is a very weak environmental lobby because Japanese people keep their concerns to themselves and don't organise national groups.