When referring to any of the results of our analysis and/or its concept and design, please cite us accordingly:
Global Plastics Policy Centre (2024) March A., Salam, S., Evans, T., Hilton, J., Fletcher, S. (editors). Global Plastics Policy Review. Revolution Plastics Institute, University of Portsmouth.
Japan Act on Promoting Treatment of Marine Debris Affecting the Conservation of Good Coastal Landscapes and Environments to Protect Natural Beauty and Variety
View the policy documentKey Findings
View the policy documentThe purpose of this Act is to provide principles for measures required for the treatment of marine debris and control of its generation and to clarify the responsibilities of the actors involved while setting out the basic policy and other matters for promoting measures against articles that drift ashore (Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ), 2009). This Act is also referred to as Act on Marine Litter and Law for the Promotion of Marine Litter Disposal (LPMLD).
Despite a lack of evidence regarding enforcement of penalties in case of non-compliance, the LPMLD appears to be effective The Ministry of Environment established programs such as the “Campaign of Plastic Smart” to solve the Marine Plastic Litter problem by combining the efforts of individuals, local governments, NGOs, private companies, and research institutes, and over 1,000 actions have been registered by companies and NGOs (NOWPAP & CEARAC, 2020). Furthermore, the LPMLD has encouraged the creation of the Japan Action Network and the National Cleanup Secretariat, with the aim to enhance cooperation in addressing marine litter (Bruch et al., 2016). This policy has also been linked to increased public awareness of plastic pollution and removal of plastics from the environment (NOWPAP & CEARAC, 2020).
This policy also appears to have some gaps such as the lack of quantitative or time-bound objectives, the lack of clear indicators to monitor the effects of this policy, and the fact that it is limited to litter washed ashore. However the government of Japan has implemented a framework and other policies such as the National Action Plan for Marine Plastic Litter (2019) to address some of these concerns.
(Reviewed in Mar 2023)
Our methods
Through an analytical framework, we've reviewed over 100 plastic policies. These reviews determine the effectiveness of policies in reducing plastic pollution and we offer recommendations in light of this evidence, to enhance future policy making. You can find out more about our methods on our methods page.
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