Event Report: Japanese Environmental Politics Today
On October 21st, 2025, the Centre for the Study of Global Japan hosted the event “Japanese Environmental Politics Today” featuring Mary Alice Haddad, John E. Andrus Professor of Government at Wesleyan University. The event explored the development of Japan’s environmental politics, examining both grassroots initiatives and national policy. This event was moderated by Phillip Lipscy, Director of CSGJ and Richard Charles Lee Director of the Asian Institute.
Professor Haddad began by tracing the historical development of environmental activism in Japan. She explained that during the early industrialization period, environmental degradation was widespread with little concern for its social consequences. Gradually, Japan’s environmental movement emerged not from moral or ideological motives but from practical concerns of the apparent harm to citizens’ livelihoods. As the economy matured, public demand for environmental regulation increased, resulting in the “Pollution Diet” of 1970, which introduced sweeping anti-pollution laws and marked a shift in national environmental policy.
Haddad then described how Japan’s developmental state model evolved into an “eco-developmental state”, promoting both economic development and environmental policy. This shift was catalysed by the 2011 triple disaster – earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima nuclear accident – which prompted nation-wide discourse on the sustainability of Japan’s high-consumption, growth-oriented model. In the aftermath of 2011, a variety of new frameworks and initiatives emerged, including Japan’s engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards in finance, and the “Society 5.0” concept.
A central notion in Haddad’s presentation was the concept of “sanpo-yoshi” (3-way-good), which advocates for the intersection of business, society, and environment for mutual gains in all three areas. She highlighted the case of Next Mirai, a non-profit organisation that repurposes used futons to reduce waste while providing employment and training for people with disabilities and local high school students. This model has also been reflected at various corporate, municipal, and national levels. Corporations like Toyota have integrated environmental goals into their business strategy, while towns like Kamikatsu have pioneered zero-waste initiatives. The Japanese government launched its Green Transformation (GX) policy in 2022, investing in sustainable agriculture, clean energy, health, and infrastructure. Internationally, Japan has taken on a leading role in city diplomacy, notably through the Global City Network for Sustainability (G-NETS) which fosters collaboration between cities around the world.
Despite these promising developments, Haddad acknowledged ongoing challenges. Domestically, environmental justice remains inadequately addressed, particularly for marginalised communities and indigenous groups. Internationally, Japan’s energy dependence and reliance on Chinese technology complicates efforts to transition to renewable energy systems without compromising on international security.
Following the presentation, the event concluded with a lively question-and-answer session with members of the audience. We would like to extend our thanks to Professor Haddad for her insightful presentation and the audience for their participation.
