I. OVERVIEW

Japan has the world's

third-largest economy,

having achieved remarkable

growth in the second half

of the 20th Century after

the devastation of World

War II. Its role in the

international community is

considerable. It is a major aid donor and a source of global

capital and credit. More than three quarters of the population

live in sprawling cities on the coastal fringes of Japan's four

mountainous, heavily-wooded islands.

Japan's rapid post-war expansion - propelled by highly

successful car and consumer electronics industries - ran out of

steam by the 1990s under a mounting debt burden that successive

government have failed to address. The 1997 Asian financial

crisis, and bouts of recession, precipitated major banking,

public spending and private sector reforms. Japan remains a

traditional society with strong social and employment hierarchies

- Japanese men have tended to work for the same employer

throughout their working lives. But this and other traditions are

under pressure as a young generation more inclined towards

Western culture and ideas grow up.

Japan is situated in north eastern Asia between the North

Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,873 square

kilometres, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined

or slightly smaller than California. Japan consists of four major

islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands

Hokkaido (northern island) 83,000 square kilometer

Honshu (main island) 231,000 square kilometer

Shikoku (smallest island) 19,000 square kilometer

Kyushu (southern island) 42,000 square kilometer

Language

There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is

of course Japanese However, many Japanese are able to understand

English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language

that everyone must learn as part of compulsory education. Even if

you don't understand Japanese, you can still certainly enjoy

Japan. But if you know a few everyday Japanese phrases then it

will make your trip even more memorable. A few words make a big

difference.

Population

Japan's population is over 126 million. Most Japanese reside

in densely populated urban areas. Japan's capital city is Tokyo.

The population of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city,

some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is approximately 12

million.

Major cities of Japan and their approximate populations

City Population

Tokyo 12,059,000

Yokohama 3,426,000

Osaka 2,598,000

Nagoya 2,171,000

Sapporo 1,822,000

Kobe 1,493,000

Fukuoka 1,290,000

Sendai 1,008,000

II. HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY

Japan has a long history

with the first humans arriving

around 35,000 B.C.. The

position of Japan relative to

the Asian mainland had played

a significant role in the

country's development.

Although the archipelago is

situated near the mainland,

there is still a considerable amount of open sea, which separates

the two landmasses. Throughout most of Japan's history, it has

been closed to the outside world refusing to open its borders to

foreigners. The sakoku policy, literal translation "locked

country", enacted in 1633 by the Tokugawa Shogunate prevented

foreigners from entering Japan on penalty of death. The same

policy also prevented Japanese from leaving Japan. The first

historical documents mentioning Japan date to around the 5th

century. Japanese myth holds that Emperor Jimmu was the first

emperor of an imperial line that is still in place today.

However, archaeological evidence gathered by a number of

researchers place the imperial rule starting later around the

third to seventh centuries AD, during the Kofun period. The

following Asuka regime during the mid 8th century is noted for a

more centralized Japan in which Chinese culture significantly

influenced Japanese traditions.

Nara was the first centralized capital of the nation

established in the late 8th century. The layout of the capital

city was influenced by Chang’an, the capital of China during that

time. The Nara period was the last time that political power was

held by the emperor. The following Heian period was characterized

by an affluent aristocracy with eccentric social customs, and the

moving of the capital from Nara to Kyoto. The capital city of

Kyoto became the residence of Japan’s emperors until the late

19th century. Toward the end of the Heian period, the aristocracy

lost their power and the Kamakura period marked the beginning of

military rule. Regional warlords became powerful and often rose

to become Shogun, a position that sometimes wielded more power

than the Emperor. During this period, a caste system developed

with the Shogun at the top. The Shogun controlled large areas of

land and would divide it up and delegate responsibility to a

Daimyo, or regional warlord. The Daimyo ruled with an army of

Samarai who protected the land and its people. Feudal Japan did

not allow for social mobility and marrying outside one’s own

caste was prohibited.

III. FACTORS

POLITICAL-LEGAL

Government

Japan is organized as a constitutional monarchy with a

parliamentary form of government. Emperor Akihito has been the

chief of state since 1989. However, the Emperor has no powers

related to government. Executive power is exercised by a cabinet,

composed of a prime minister and ministers of state. The cabinet

is responsible to the Diet which is a two-house (i.e., bi-

cameral) parliament. Japan’s bi-cameral Diet consists of the

House of Councillors (the Upper Diet) and the House of

Representatives (the Lower Diet). The Diet is elected by

universal suffrage and designates the Prime Minister from among

its members.

System of Government

There are 2 main levels of government in Japan: National and

Prefectural. Under the Japanese Constitution, national

legislative power is vested in the Diet. The prefectural

assemblies of the 47 administrative prefectures have the power to

govern and enact laws within the prefecture. At the more local

level is a system of city, town and village municipal assemblies.

Sources of Law

Japan is a civil law country, governed by laws passed by

Parliament and interpreted by the courts. At the beginning of the

Meiji era (1868-1912), the German and French legal systems were

the model for the Japanese court and legal system. After the

Second World War, a major reform of the legal system took place

in Japan with many of the revised laws being modeled on American

law. Today, the Japanese legal system remains a hybrid of the

continental European system and the Anglo-American system.

Court System

The Constitution of Japan provides that all judicial power

in Japan is vested in the Supreme Court and in such inferior

courts as are established by law. The Court Organization Law

establishes the following five types of courts in Japan listed in

order of judicial authority, from highest to lowest:

(1) Supreme Courts (4) Family Courts; and

(2) High Courts, (5) Summary Courts.

(3) District Courts;

The respective courts have their own jurisdiction as

provided by law. Each court renders a judgment independently and

a decision of a superior court binds the courts below in respect

of the case concerned. In contrast to common law jurisdictions,

there is no principle of stare decisions.

The Japanese political and legal system presents a complex

picture. On the one hand, Japan is a democratic state, with

strong civic and legal institutions. On the other hand, the

country has characteristics of nondemocratic systems. It is a

democracy yet just one party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),

has run the country almost continuously since the end of World

War II. Japan is highly bureaucratic as well. Decisions affecting

national policy are often made by ministries with substantial

power and influence and ties to business and industrial groups.

As a result, it is often said that Japan lacks the pragmatic

approach to change that is common in Western democracies, and

this is seen as contributing to Japan’s extended economic

malaise.

To most foreigners, Japanese politics may appear somewhat

puzzling. Policy does not seem to change regardless of who is

leading the country, and, in fact, that’s the argument the person

in the street gives when asked about his or her lack of interest

in politics. “Why bother, nothing changes.” Actually, most

legislation isn't produced by the members of the Diet but by

ministers and bureaucrats.

The policy-making process in Japan is more similar to the

parliamentary systems of Europe and contrasts with the American

system, in which presidential appointees attempt to exercise

control over branches of the bureaucracy on behalf of the

president. It's not uncommon in Japan for the influence and power

of a Japanese ministry or agency to outlive the reign of a prime

minister, as evident in the powerful Ministry of International

Trade and Industry, better known as MITI.

Not surprisingly given the culture, the Japanese political

system also has a tradition of group rather than personalized

leadership. Elderly statesmen and party chiefs, not individual

prime ministers, often make political decisions. Cabinet members

are usually appointed to head ministries or agencies for very

brief periods of time and at most establish only general policy

control. Recently, commentators have begun to question this lack

of action.

Japan’s legal system is very different from what most

Westerners are used to. For example, only since 1986 have foreign

legal consultants (Gaigokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi) been allowed to provide

legal services. The requirements were modified in 1994 with the

signing of the Amendments to the Foreign Attorney Law. In certain

types of practices, licensed legal consultants from other

countries can now practice together with Japanese attorneys.

Anyone planning on doing business in Japan should bear in

mind that prefectures and municipalities may create laws and

regulations independently of each other, so long as they do not

contradict national laws. In other words, there are local laws

and regulations in addition to laws that are consistent and

uniform throughout the country. Each of the 47 prefectures may

have a slightly different requirement concerning paperwork.

The Japanese are not very litigious; they generally prefer

arbitration and compromise to instituting lawsuits. Lawyers

encourage settlement out of court for all disputes, and the

amount of money awarded as compensation is a fraction of the

amounts awarded in America.

In recent years, more cases have been brought to court, but

they have tended to be high-profile suits that had the support of

a group. The judge makes the ruling and decides whether and how

much to award as compensation; such cases do not go before a

jury. Japan had a jury system at one time, but it was

discontinued after five years since ordinary citizens were very

reluctant to make important decisions about other people's lives.

To deter people from filing suits, the plaintiff is required to

pay a large filing fee and all legal costs; attorneys may not

take cases on contingency.

One of the most significant differences between Japanese law

and the law in many other countries has to do with the power of

contracts. Japanese contracts are not necessarily meant to be

binding. Rather, founded on trust (shinyô), they're often more

short statements of mutual intent. The assumption is that if a

change occurs in the circumstances of the contract, the terms

will be renegotiated.

If you enter into a Western-style contract, which more

companies are using as they work with overseas businesses, you

will want to hire an English-speaking Japanese lawyer or a lawyer

very familiar with Japanese law to guide you through the process.

If you or your company is drafting the contract, keep the

language as simple as legally possible or provide explanations

for legal jargon. Especially in smaller companies, the person

appointed to translate or interpret the contract may have limited

English-language skills. Legalese will make the document

incomprehensible. As you would do with any cross-cultural

agreement, be sure to define currency exchange rates and legal

processes and language especially clearly.

JAPANESE CULTURE

The Japanese culture is a multi-layered and complex system

that has been developing within itself and forming new layers for

thousands of years. When Westerners think of Japanese culture,

perhaps one of the first images that spring to mind is one of an

ancient Samurai warrior wielding his heavy sword, or perhaps they

picture a young Geisha, pouring tea and serving sushi. While

these elements do play some role in the entire concept of Japan

as a whole, the entire meaning and history of the nation is

larger than that. 

Japanese culture is rich and diverse, dating back to

10,000BC when the Jomon people first settled in Japan.  It is

widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary

pop culture.  Today in Japan it is still possible to see kimono-

clad women shuffling down the street with umbrellas overhead, or

oversized sumo wrestlers battling it out the ring.  A

sophisticated cuisine, unique social customs, and refined

performing and visual arts also contribute to a culture which has

become attractive, and sometimes fashionable, to many foreigners.

Including traditional Japanese culture like Geisha, Samurai,

Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese gardens, kimonos and Japanese

Language. Plus modern Japanese culture such as modern Japanese

fashion and music.

JAPANESE CULTURE - OCCUPATIONS

Geisha are famous female traditional

entertainers, who sing, dance, play traditional

Japanese musical instruments and engage their

clients with interesting conversation. Today

there are still some active Geisha in places such

as Kyoto and Kanazawa.

Samurai were a traditional warrior class in pre-

industrial Japan, who were easily recognised as

they were the only men allowed to carry two

swords. Samurai were committed to a single daimyo

(normally a wealthy leader).

JAPANESE CULTURE - FASHION

Japanese fashion isn't just a set of modern

fashion trends and sub cultures. Japanese

fashion includes many traditional forms of

clothing including the kimono and its associated

accessories.

The Kimono is the most famous form of traditional

Japanese clothing for women. The Kimono is

actually a style with many different forms; from

the casual to the wedding style, all which have a

particular meaning and are wore to different

events or occasions.

JAPANESE CULTURE – CEREMONIES

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a highly developed

art form, with several different schools or

styles of Japanese Tea Ceremony in existence.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a very formal event

in which many exacting steps are followed.

Traditional Japanese weddings ceremonies are

normally based on the Japanese Shinto religion

ceremony.Traditional Japanese weddings are major

occasion with the wearing of traditional Japanese

clothing including the bride in the wedding

kimono.

JAPANESE CULTURE – MUSIC

Japanese Music is a major part of Japanese

culture which spans from the traditional Japanese

music and instruments to modern Japanese music

including J-POP and Japanese Rock Music.

The Koto is one of the most refined and

sophisticated of the traditional Japanese musical

instruments. To the western ear the Koto would

sound similar to a harp. What is equally amazing

about the Koto, is seeing it carried by petite

Japanese woman.

JAPANESE CULTURE – FESTIVALS

Bon-Odori Festival is a traditional Japanese

summer festival featuring Japanese drum music,

dancing and special summer food.

Shichi-Go-San Festival is a traditional Japanese

festival where parents celebrate on the fifteenth

of November their children growing up as they

turn three, five and seven years of age.

Japanese New Year is celebrated at same time of

the year as western countries, but is celebrated

in a distinctive style. Japanese New Year is an

important family time of the year and there are

many traditions involved.

Christmas in Japan for most Japanese is a

variation on the more commercial style Christmas

seen in many western countries. However, there

are some Christian Japanese who follow a very old

style of celebration.

JAPANESE CULTURE – ARCHITECTURE

Japanese Castles were the key to structure and

life of many Japanese cities. This extensive

section provides information on over 110 Japanese

Castles, including condition, style, history,

location and pictures.

Japanese Temples are Buddhist temples found

throughout Japan, which date back over one

thousand years. There are several Japanese

Temples which are World Heritage Sites. This

extensive section provides information on almost

two hundred Japanese Templesthroughout Japan

including their style, history, location and

pictures.

JAPANESE ECONOMIC

Currency: yen (¥)

Type of economy: capitalist, Western.

Health of economy: Japan is the world's third largest

economy; however, huge government debt and the cost of repairing

the damage caused by the 2011 earthquake have caused a recession

in the country. Although Japan is slowly recovering, it is also

feeling the effects of weak demand for exports and a sharp

downturn in business investment. Economic recovery will

depend partly on how the economy deals with an ageing population

and the attitudes of younger generations, many of whom do not

share the same work ethic as their parents. The unemployment

rate: 4.5% (Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2011).

The Japanese were one of the earliest nation in Asia to

industrialize. During the Meiji restoration period in the mid

19th century, the Japanese government actively persued Western-

style reforms and development—hiring more than 3,000 Westerners

to teach modern science, mathematics and technology to Japan.

The Meiji government also created conducive business

environment for private business to thrive. Shipyards and

factories were built by the government and sold at extremely low

prices to entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs eventually began

business that quickly expanded into conglomerates known as the

Zaibatsu. The Zaibatsu controlled much of Japan’s economic and

industrial activity. By the start of World War II, the big four

Zaibatsu – Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo and Yasuda – had control

of over more than 30 percent of Japan’s mining, chemical, metals

industries, 50 percent of the machinery and equipment market, and

60 percent of the commercial stock exchange. The Zaibatsu also

develop interlocking relationships among themselves and Japanese

policy makers, thus allowing them a level of control over

government policies.

Although World War II devastated most of the Japanese

economy, the social foundations laid down during the Meiji Era

contributed to the post-war economic miracle from the 1960s to

the 1980s. New constitutional and economic policies implemented

by the US during the American occupation of 1945-1952, also

contributed to the eventual recovery of the Japanese economy,

Furthermore, although there were attempts to dissolve the

zaibatsu system, the Zaibatsu managed to evolved into the

keiretsu with the six major keiretsu being Mitsubishi, Sumitomo,

Fuyo, Mitsui, Dai-ichi, kangyo and Sanwa Groups.

However the greatest contribution factor of the Japanese

Economic Miracle was the establishment of the ministry of

International Trade Industry (MITI) in 1949. MITI implemented

numerous policies that led to heavy industrial growth in Japan.

Many scholars have described MITI to have had the reatest impact

on the economy of a nation than any other government regulation

of organization in the world. According to prominent political

scientist Chalmers Johnson, author of MITI and the Japanese

Miracle, MITI formalized cooperation between the Japanese

government and private industry The extent of th policy was such

that if MITI wished to “ double steel production, the neo-

zaibatsu (keiretsu) already has the capital, the construction

assets, the makers of production machinery, and most of the other

necessary factors already available in-house”.

During the post-war economic miracle from the 1960s to the

1990s Japan experienced huge economic growth – at an average of

10 percent annually in the 1960s, 5 percent in the 1970s ad 4

percent in the 1980s. Growth in the 190s slowed down largely due

to the asset price bubble in late 1980s and the crash of the

Tokyo stock exchange in 1990-92. This period is termed as the

“Lost Decade” in Japan.

In 2012, Japan posted a GDP growth rate (constant prices,

national currency) of 1.996 percent- one of the fastest growing

economies among the G=7 nations for the year. In 2013, GDP growth

is expected to reach 1.584 percent or higher with a new economic

strategy – labelled abenomics after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe –

set to encourage private investment and end persistent deflation.

But while abenomics is likely to revive and boost the economy in

the near future, it fails to address significant long-term

economic challenges: A huge government debt (the highest debt to

GDP ratio in the world), a shrinking and aging population and

weak consumption are problems that continue to weigh heavily on

the economy. The manufacturing, construction, distribution, real

estate, services and communication are Japan’s major industries

today. Agriculture makes up only about two percent of the GNP.

Most important agricultural product is rice. Resources of raw

materials are very limited and the mining industry rather small.

IV. Marketing Strategies

PRODCUT

Japanese market entry

strategy is to sell their own

product to a private brander and

after it has achieved a market

share, they will introduce their own

brand of the same product. Often it

will be a product that will have

higher quality, more features and a

better design. They produce a higher

quality product than is being produced for the market. Since the

Japanese use more “automated production methods and implement

more quality assurance systems” this is an extremely strong

marketing strategy and tool.

Exports: Japan's main export goods are cars, electronic devices

and computers. Most important trade partners are China and the

USA, followed by South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore,

Thailand and Germany.

PRICE

Price is a key element in the Japanese marketing mix and

in the expansion of their market share strategy. The Japanese use

pricing to penetrate, gain and secure market share. Their concept

of pricing a product is to decide first how much consumers will

be prepared to pay for the product and then direct engineers and

designers to meet that price. When they first enter a market

segment, their price starts low and then remains lower than their

competitors to gain market share.

The selling price is dictated by competition with other

companies in the same industry. The company must then reconcile

costs with selling price. The main weapon of the marketing/sales

department is low price: a strategy of aggressively setting low

prices to win domination of a market and then rapidly improving

production to bring costs in line with prices.

PLACE

They place a tremendous emphasis on “integrating

distribution into the marketing mix”. Their distribution system

is designed with their markets, which have been developed region

by region, having strong distributors located in each market

segment.

Japan most important trade partners are China and the USA,

followed by South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand

and Germany.

PROMOTION

Advertisement trade is one strong competitive weapon the

Japanese use against their competitors within a market segment.

They also use social media advertisement like facebook, blog site

and they have own website on which you can buy their product

through online.

OUR 5 CHOSEN PRODUCT:

Sony DSC – P150

Announced in July 2004, the DSC-P150 is Sony’s latest salvo

in the megapixel wars and the first truly compact 7 megapixel

camera. It’s based closely on the current DSC-P100, wit the only

differences- resolution aside being the brushed metal casing.

With 7 million pixels and a 3x Carl Zeiss lens squeezed into a

body round 1” thick, the P150 is sure o appeal to those who want

to pack a lot of power into their pocket.

PRICE

Sony CSC- P 150 is worth Php 21,000 on it first launch in

the market.

PLACE

It was first introduced in China and the USA, followed by

South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Germany.

And late 2008 Sony DSC- P150 was introduced in Philippine market.

It becomes available in Sony Outlet and to other gadgets store in

shopping mall.

PROMOTION

Sony CSC- P 150 was promoted using magazines, leaflets, and

by social media advertisement. Like facebook, you tube and other

sharing media.

MEIJI MILK CHOCOLATE

The ingredients of this milk chocolate are great: sugar,

cocoa mass, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, soy lecithin,

artificial flavour. The bar measures 6’25” long and 2’75 wide.

There are 15 segments, five across and three down.

PRICE

Meiji Milk Chocolate is worth Php 48. 00-small size

PLACE

Meiji Milk Chocolate was distributed in USA, South Korea,

Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Germany,

Philippines and in other country. In the Philippines it’s

available in all leading supermarket.

PROMOTION

It was promoted through advertisement in television,

magazines and through social media. Using social media it’s very

convenient to their target customer to purchase the product

because they can buy meiji milk chocolate and other meiji product

through online selling using their credit card and any bank

account.

SEAFOOD NOODLES

It is instant ramen noodle snack manufactured by Nissin,

packaged in a foam food container, hard plastic or paper cup.

Other brand names are used in specific countries, such as Cup

Noodle in Japan.

PRICE

Seafood Noodles is worth Php 66.00 in any Japan Home Center

PLACE

Seafood Noodles was distributed in China, South Korea,

Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and other

Asian country. In the Philippines it’s available in any Japanese

supermarket or store. Like Japan Home Center.

PROMOTION

Seafood Noodles was promoted through television

advertisement. But here in the Philippines it doesn’t have any

promotion. Because some of the buyers of this product is

Japanese or half Japanese that stay here in the Philippines.

KEYBOARD STICKER

Japanese Hiragana stickers are a very economical option for

creating a bilingual Japanese Hiragana keyboard. The language

stickers use an easy peel-and-stick method to install. They will

not ooze adhesive, dry out, or damage the original keyboard key.

The letters are printed on the underside of the Japanese Hiragana

stickers so that the lettering will not wear out. This affords

you with many years of durable use.

PRICE

Keyboard Sticker is worth Php. 66.00 in any Japan Home

Center

PLACE

Keyboard sticker is only available in any Japan Home Center

PROMOTION

Keyboard Sticker is not known in the Philippines because it

doesn’t have any promotion.

SOFT SOAP

This Soft Soap that is liquid or easily soluble, as opposed

to a hard soap which will only dissolve sparingly. A hygiene

product made exclusively from natural oils. In this case

"soft" prefix is a reference to it being "softer on nature" than

regular, synthetic soaps. A term for "flattery" and "blarney",

especially when applied to ingratiating praise intended to

persuade, cajole or wheedle a favour. Cheaper oils

and potash were used in making softer soaps, and so they were

less effective, but the expression connotes persuasive flattery.

PRICE

Soft Soap is worth Php. 88.00 in any Japan Home Center

PLACE

It is distributed in China, USA, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong

Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Germany and in any Japan Home Center

here in the Philippines

PROMOTION

The promotion of Soft Soap is depends on the wholesaler or

retailer of this product. When it comes to the Japan Home Center

the softsoap is buy one take one.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

Japan is a nation that is primarily in the information age.

The Japanese government believes in sharing advanced medical

technology with it's general population to prolong their lives

which intern lengthens their time to help produce for the nation.

In the area of economics Japan's results speak for themselves;

they went a non factor nation to a economic world leader in a

short amount of time. In the area of education Japan continues to

move forward, they take education extremely serious because it is

the foundation for your future success in your career, socially,

and life. Japan is a strong nation of team players who are all on

the same page. Many nations could learn a lot from the Japanese

and the U.S. is definitely one of them. The capital of Japan is

Tokyo, in Japanese this translates to the land of the rising sun,

and it seems fitting that the capital of a rising country bares

such a name.

Japan is fully committed to achieving the goal of

sustainable development and is fully aware of the international

dimension of many environmental issues. It was one of the first

OECD Member countries to create a government structure to deal

with global environmental issues, and it has increased its

financial investments and thereby generated strong public

awareness and support for global issues. New policy measures are

helping to ensure that international agreements are rapidly

ratified and implemented. Over the past few years, significant

progress has been made in implementing conventions signed many

years earlier. Japan also hosts international organizations, such

as the International Tropical Timber Organization, and has

convened numerous international meetings on environmental issues.

In the area of official development assistance (ODA), Japan is

the world’s largest donor country (excluding forgiveness of non-

ODA debt such as export credit and military debts). With the

absolute level of aid as well as the ratio of environmental aid

to total aid both growing, Japan is providing significant new and

additional resources for environmental aid at the global level.

At the regional level, Japan is playing a growing role by

increasing exchanges of scientific information, providing

training and know-how to neighboring countries, improving

transfers of technology and increasing its bilateral funding.

Official aid and direct private investment are increasingly being

examined with full consideration of their environmental effects.

Concerning marine pollution, strong measures have been taken

to reduce oil spills and avoid accidents near Japan and in the

Malacca Strait. In the area of exports of hazardous products and

waste, exporting firms are acting more responsibly, following

"prior informed consent" procedures with growing frequency. No

hazardous waste is being exported for final disposal to

developing countries. To enable Japan to play an even stronger

role in international environmental affairs we recommended that

they should to continue to strengthen international co-operation

at sub regional and regional levels. This may include management

of fisheries, prevention of land-based marine pollution,

prevention of oil spills and compensation for oil spill damage,

monitoring for radioactive pollution of the seas, monitoring of

acid precipitation and addressing the issues of imports of

tropical timber and exports of hazardous products. Continue to

implement at international level the principles adopted in Rio,

particularly concerning preparation of overseas projects,

provision of information to communities overseas concerning

environmental risks from Japanese activities abroad, promotion of

the best available technology in developing countries and support

for sustainably managed forests in tropical countries. And they

should continue to provide financial contributions for

environmental assistance to developing countries or multilateral

funds, ensuring that they are commensurate with the country’s

international economic role and GDP.

Overall, Japan is playing a strong and expanding role in

solving international environmental problems, and this deserves

to be recognized. In recent years it has signed and implemented

international agreements, and significantly stepped up its

contributions to environment-related development assistance and

to multilateral institutions dealing with global environmental

issues. Nonetheless, the international environmental challenges

are such that Japanese initiatives will be essential in the years

immediately ahead. The potential damage from transboundary

pollution and global pollution from outside its borders, the

impact of its activities on the natural resources and ecosystems

of other countries, and its economic capacity and technological

know-how are compelling reasons for Japan to be deeply engaged in

international environmental affairs.