Air Pollution In Japan: A Growing Concern?

Japan's air quality is a serious public health concern, with over 42,000 deaths linked to air pollution in 2019. The country's economy relies heavily on fossil fuels, which generate almost 85% of its energy consumption. As a result, the combustion of coal, oil, and gas in power plants and vehicles is the leading cause of environmental pollution. While technology to reduce air pollutants is advancing, Japan's air pollution remains a critical issue, exacerbated by cross-border pollution from neighbouring Asian countries.

Fossil fuel combustion

Japan's air pollution has improved since the 1950s and 1960s, but it remains a pressing issue. Fossil fuel combustion is a significant contributor to air pollution in Japan, which is still the country's largest energy source. In 2024, 88% of Japan's total power generation came from fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. These pollutants have severe health impacts, causing respiratory issues and contributing to over 40,000 premature deaths annually in Japan.

NOx is formed by the oxidation of nitrogen during fuel combustion. It is also produced when automobile engines and factory boilers are heated, causing nitrogen and oxygen in the air to combine. NOx typically exists as nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in the air, and it has detrimental effects on lung function. Additionally, NOx reacts with organic compounds emitted from industrial sources and vehicles in the presence of sunlight, forming photochemical oxidants that cause smog and associated health hazards like headaches, eye and throat irritation, and breathing difficulties.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is another critical air pollutant produced by fossil fuel combustion, particularly from fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas that contain sulfur. When these fuels are burned, sulfur is oxidized, forming SO2, which has adverse health effects, including bronchitis and asthma.

To address the problem of fossil fuel combustion and air pollution, Japan has implemented various regulations and policies. The government has tightened emission regulations for vehicles and mandated dust collectors in factories to reduce pollutants like NOx and sulphur oxides (SOx). However, the current environmental standards are still insufficient to protect health and the environment fully.

A significant step towards mitigating pollution and climate change is Japan's transition to renewable energy sources. Floating solar panels, offshore wind farms, and increased solar capacity are viable options for the country's energy sector decarbonization. By shifting away from fossil fuels, Japan can reduce pollution rates and combat climate change, ultimately improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

Industrial production activities

Japan's history of air pollution can be traced back to the Meiji government's policy era, which encouraged rapid industrial development without considering the environmental implications. The problem intensified during the period of high economic growth in the 1950s, particularly after the Korean War, when Japan's industry was quickly rebuilt. This rapid industrialisation resulted in a massive increase in industrial manufacturing and the construction of numerous factories, many of which were built on waterfront areas to increase production efficiency. As a result, a large amount of pollutants were emitted, causing severe air pollution and harmful health effects on residents, especially those living in industrial areas.

The burning of petroleum and crude oil at oil refineries and petrochemical factories led to increased emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone (O3). Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly coal, for energy production and industrial processes, is a significant source of air pollution, releasing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5, in particular, poses the greatest threat to human health, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2018.

To address air pollution from industrial production activities, Japan has implemented various regulations and measures. The Air Pollution Control Law was introduced to regulate and reduce emissions of pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from factories and thermal power plants. Companies are obliged to install dust collectors and utilise technologies such as desulphurisation and flue gas denitrification to remove particulate matter and reduce emissions. Additionally, regulations have been introduced to control the sulfur content of fossil fuels, prompting industries to switch to low-sulfur alternatives and adopt flue gas desulfurization (FGD) equipment.

Local governments have also played a crucial role in pollution prevention. The introduction of Pollution Control Agreements (PCAs) has allowed local governments to work collaboratively with businesses to implement tailored and detailed pollution prevention measures that fit the specific needs and conditions of their regions. Furthermore, the Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control was enacted to promote comprehensive and systematic pollution control measures, and the National Liaison Council for Pollution Victims Organizations was formed to advocate for pollution victims and drive government initiatives for health recovery and pollution control.

While Japan has made significant progress in reducing air pollution from industrial production activities, it continues to face challenges, particularly from cross-border air pollution. Additionally, the transportation, railway, and aviation industries are also contributing factors, with new regulations and the development of low-emission vehicles and energy-saving aircraft being implemented to curb carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Overall, Japan's efforts to address air pollution from industrial production activities have led to improvements in air quality, but continued commitment and innovative solutions are necessary to ensure a sustainable future.

Vehicle emissions

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from automobiles are a serious cause of air pollution in Japan. To address this issue, the government has implemented various measures, including tightening automobile emission regulations and promoting the use of low-emission vehicles. While these efforts have led to a decrease in some air pollutants, such as suspended particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), other pollutants like ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remain a concern.

Diesel vehicle registration restrictions and low-emission zones have been implemented in some prefectures to reduce NOx and PM2.5 concentrations. These interventions have proven effective in improving local air quality. Additionally, the government is investing in public transportation and electric vehicles (EVs), building on Japan's already impressive public transport system.

While road transport is a significant contributor to air pollution, it is important to note that other sources, such as power stations and industrial combustion, also play a role. As such, addressing vehicle emissions alone will not solve Japan's air pollution issues. However, individuals can make a significant impact by opting for public transportation, walking, or biking instead of using private automobiles or motorcycles for commuting.

Overall, Japan is taking steps to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, but there is still work to be done to meet environmental standards and protect public health.

Cross-border air pollution

Japan's air quality has been improving in recent years, with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 47 at the beginning of 2021, placing it in the "Good" category according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. However, one of the three main sources of air pollution in Japan is cross-border air pollution from the rapidly industrializing Asian region. This external pollution is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels in thermal power plants and factories, which releases harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.

To address this issue, the World Resources Institute (WRI) has established the Southeast Asia Air Quality Community of Practice (SEA-AQ), which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This community fosters cross-border exchange, connects experts and stakeholders, and provides training and policy master classes to enhance countries' capacity to monitor, manage, and improve air quality.

Additionally, countries in the IGP-HF region are implementing various solutions, such as introducing electric buses and e-rickshaws, promoting clean cooking practices, and using mechanical composters to reduce crop burning. These initiatives aim to reduce air pollution and improve the health and environmental benefits for the region's population.

Public health crisis

Japan's poor air quality is causing a serious public health crisis. In 2019, more than 42,000 deaths were linked to air pollution in the country, with tens of thousands of annual deaths attributed to the issue. This statistic makes Japan a country with a high death rate due to polluted air. Even low levels of air pollution can be harmful, and experts claim that dirty air poses the greatest threat to human health worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds safe levels.

The leading causes of air pollution in Japan are vehicle emissions and industrial production, both resulting from fossil fuel combustion. The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which produce ground-level ozone (O3). While regulations have helped decrease these pollutants over the years, cross-border air pollution from neighbouring countries in the rapidly growing Asian region has hindered more significant progress.

In addition to respiratory issues, air pollution exposure has been linked to adverse mental health effects. Research has found that breathing polluted air can lead to depression, anxiety, psychosis, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia. In 2007, the local government and automakers of Tokyo faced a settlement from residents due to illnesses caused by the city's harmful transport pollution. Despite this, concerns around air quality in Tokyo have persisted, with lawyers claiming that air pollution levels in the city remain worrisome and pose a public health hazard.

To address the public health crisis, Japan has introduced tighter regulations on automobile exhaust gases and promoted the use of low-emission vehicles. Additionally, the country has adopted a decarbonisation strategy and set energy transition targets, aiming for a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. While these efforts are promising, critics argue that Japan's climate ambitions remain weak, with insufficient environmental standards and a continued reliance on fossil fuels.

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