Sustainability in Japan

Sustainability is one of the most crucial, modern concepts for all countries, businesses and individuals in the world. The most frequently quoted definition of “sustainable development” comes from the UN World Commission on Environment and Development: “sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

What are the most pressing sustainability issues and challenges in Japan, and what solutions do they have? Is Japan a sustainable country? These are some questions that are in our minds that we’d like to know more.

Japan’s strategy for sustainable development
Japan Sustainability Ranking
Japanese government taking action for sustainability
Sustainability is embedded in Japanese culture
Social sustainability in Japan
Environment sustainability in Japan
Latest news about sustainability in Japan

Japan’s strategy for sustainable development

Japan’s approach to sustainability can be seen in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as outlined by the United Nations, is a multifaceted strategy aiming to eradicate poverty and achieve a sustainable world by 2030 (from a shift away from the Millennium Development Goals). This agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets, reflecting a broad spectrum of social, economic, and environmental objectives.

Central to Japan’s strategy is the integration of these global goals into its national policies. The country has adopted a holistic approach, involving various governmental departments and sectors in the pursuit of these objectives. This includes significant contributions from the Ministry of Justice and other agencies, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Japan’s commitment to sustainable development.

A notable aspect of Japan’s efforts is the emphasis on Public-Private Action for Partnership. This approach recognizes the critical role of collaboration between public entities and private organizations in achieving the SDGs. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both sectors, Japan aims to foster innovation and efficiency in its sustainable development initiatives.

However, progress towards these goals has been uneven. While some targets are close to being met, others still require considerable attention and action. This disparity indicates the varying challenges and complexities involved in achieving each of the 17 goals.

Japan Sustainability Ranking

As of 2023, Japan is ranked 21 worldwide on the SDGs Index, an assessment tool that evaluates each country’s performance in relation to the SDGs.

Green denotes achieved goals or are on track, which shows at a glimpse how much work Japan will still need to do. While Goal 4 Quality Education and Goal 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure are currently in the green, they are arguably in top condition even before the SDGs was formulated. The Sustainable Development Report sees 54.4% achieved/on-track targets, with 25% areas worsening, including Red List Index of species survival and position on Press Freedom Index.

Japanese government taking action for sustainability

Since World War II, Japan has seen great economic growth. On the other hand of rapid industrial growth, pollutions from heavy industries have caused serious health and environmental problems. As experiencing large scale pollution, Japanese people started to pay more attention to environmental protection. The public outcry against the pollution also resulted in the government taking proactive measure and implementing extensive environmental protection programs, including the Basic Environment Law enacted in November 1993.

Disaster-related policies are also important since Japan is susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. In order to prepare for large-scale natural disasters, the Japanese government established the Basic Act for National Resilience Contributing to Preventing and Mitigating Disasters for Developing Resilience in the Lives of the Citizenry.

Moreover, Japan has set a goal to create an inclusive and participatory society in which every individual can achieve his or her full potential. In line with this idea, Japan has reformed the relevant systems to enforce the Basic Act for Gender Equal Society, the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace, and the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities.

Sustainability is embedded in Japanese culture

You can also find some hints for a sustainable lifestyle in Japanese traditional culture. The Edo period between 1603 and 1868 in Japanese history is known for a circular society. Why? As Japan took an isolationist foreign policy during the Edo period, the relations and trade between Japan and other countries were severely limited. With little resources, Japanese people took good care of everything they had and made a sustainable society without waste. We call the circular economy from this period the Circular Edonomy.

Sustainability was profitable during this time, too, Edo society created jobs related to repairing and recycling. For example, there were many second-hand cloth shops. After wearing out second-hand clothes, people continued to repurpose the material into other uses. There were also repair specialists for ceramics, umbrellas, paper lanterns and many others. Another interesting job was a collector of valuable human excrement, which are sold to farmers as compost.

You can see some sustainable words in the Japanese language too. “Mottainai” means “what a waste!” and “Osusowake” is to share some items, food and profits with friends and neighbors. “Sanpo yoshi” teaches business activities should take into consideration the benefits for merchants, customers and society.

As such, we could say sustainability has always been in Japanese traditional culture, though we modern generations may have strayed away from the path for a while.

Social sustainability in Japan

While having progress in many areas, there are a number of social issues Japan has to address to meet SDG targets, and, more importantly, make Japan a better place. Here are two examples, and the solutions involved.

Population imbalance is one such issue, thus regional revitalization focuses on reversing population decline and economic stagnation in rural areas by creating a flow of people from urban to rural regions and enhancing local economies of the later. Strategies can include eco-tourism to rural areas, or even setting up local businesses that matches the needs of the region.

Despite being an advanced country, Japan has poverty issues too. Efforts to combat poverty encompass social welfare initiatives, employment assistance, and educational opportunities. The government, striving to diminish inequality, also focuses on ensuring access to healthcare, breaking the poverty cycle through education opportunities, and providing housing support for those in need.

Envrionmental sustainability in Japan

Not to be outdone by efforts in social good, there are many activities going on in Japan to protect its environment. They are even more important now, as they are major stagnancies in Japan’s progress in environmental targets on the SDGs.

There is a growing sense of understanding for the benefits for forest maintenance in Japan, be it in terms of biodiversity protection, material use, or even disaster prevention. Therefore not only has sustainability found itself in Japan’s forestry industry, but so has innovation! From creating new markets of domestic wood to cosmetic brands basing trees as ingredients, Japan’s forestry may find a new mark on both local and global stages. In Japan, the responsibility for overseeing forestry primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Agency, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF).

Ocean conservation is another active area, with players like Ocean and Japan Project looking out for the seas around Japan. Japan actively engages in ocean conservation to safeguard fisheries and maintaining coastal ecosystems. It also focuses on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, aligning with global efforts to address challenges in marine conservation. These conservation efforts can include raising awareness for various aspects of conservation to tackling marine plastic.