Meghan Hodges
Tokyo, Japan's capital city, is known for its bustling urban landscape and high population density. While the city has made significant improvements since the 1950s and 1960s, air pollution remains a pressing issue, primarily from industrial operations, vehicle emissions, and cross-border pollution from neighbouring countries. The impact of poor air quality is severe, with over 40,000 premature deaths annually across Japan. Additionally, water pollution, largely due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated waste, threatens aquatic ecosystems and impacts critical industries like fishing. Tokyo's pollution challenges are complex and require ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 35 (Good) |
| Best AQI in the last 24 hours | 25 (Good) at 7:09 PM |
| Worst AQI in the last 24 hours | 42 (Good) at 11:09 AM |
| Air Quality | Satisfactory, little or no risk |
| Air Pollution | PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3 |
| Health Hazards | Respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis |
| Solutions | Pollution monitoring, fresh air solutions, air quality devices, health advice |
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What You'll Learn
Tokyo's air pollution
Tokyo has long struggled with air pollution, and the issue has been a concern since the city's early days of industrialization. In the 1960s, Tokyo's air pollution was already a pressing issue, with municipal officials noting that the city surpassed New York in both air pollution and the deposit of sediment and could potentially reach London's levels. The city's rapid industrialization, driven by its embrace of Western-style modernization, led to a significant increase in factories and a reliance on soft coal and petroleum with high sulfuric content. This resulted in the infamous "black smoke" and offensive odors from animal processing plants, which were often seen as symbols of prosperity rather than causes for concern.
While some measures have been implemented over the years to combat air pollution in Tokyo, the problem persists. Tokyo's annual mean of dangerous PM2.5 particles is 15 micrograms/m3, which is above the WHO guideline but below the European Union's regulations. This level of pollution has had tangible health impacts on residents, with reports of respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchial asthma, as well as concerns about the health of athletes during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Japanese government has faced criticism for its slow response to the issue, with early protests resulting in weak and poorly enforced legal measures. However, there have been some efforts to address air pollution, such as the introduction of a national Smoke Control Law in 1962 and Tokyo's first air pollution monitoring program in 1927. Additionally, the city has seen a decrease in dirt content in the atmosphere due to changes in fuel-consumption patterns.
Despite these efforts, air pollution in Tokyo remains a challenge, and it continues to be a significant health concern for its residents. The city's high population density and continuous urban expansion contribute to the persistence of the problem. Furthermore, Tokyo's unique geographical location, surrounded by mountains and the sea, may also play a role in trapping pollutants.
While Tokyo's air pollution is not as severe as some other major cities, it still has work to do to ensure the health and well-being of its residents. The issue of air pollution is complex and multifaceted, requiring ongoing efforts and commitment from various stakeholders to implement effective solutions.
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Water quality standards
Tokyo's tap water is considered safe to drink and is highly regarded for its taste. The tap water undergoes extensive testing and treatment to remove contaminants, and the city's advanced water purification systems and strict regulations ensure the water meets and often exceeds international standards.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government performs over 1,000 water quality tests each year, checking for more than 50 contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants. The water supply comes from both surface water (rivers and lakes) and groundwater, with surface water making up about 80% of the total supply. The water is sourced from various rivers and reservoirs, including the Ogouchi Dam and Lake Okutama, which are known for their pristine water quality. The average annual rainfall of about 1,500 mm also supports the robust water supply system.
Before the water reaches consumers, it must clear 51 strict quality standards set by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. These standards include checks for toxicity and harmful contaminants, along with tests to ensure a palatable tint, clarity, and smell. Japan's regulations for public water supplies are more stringent than those governing bottled spring water. The metropolitan waterworks also has its own strict treatment regimen, which includes roughly 200 parameters for safety and quality.
The Tokyo Waterworks employs leading-edge technology and upholds the highest standards to ensure clean, safe, and delicious tap water for the city’s residents. The waterworks bureau has set eight quality benchmarks aimed at eliminating substances that can cause an unpleasant odor or taste, with a particular focus on microbes and chlorination. While Japanese law requires the chlorination of drinking water to suppress bacteria and other microorganisms, the Tokyo Waterworks has set even stricter limits on residual chlorine levels to ensure the water's safety and taste.
The quality of source water determines the level of water treatment required. For example, water from the Tamagawa River is pure enough that it only needs standard treatment, while water from the Tonegawa and Arakawa Rivers requires advanced treatment to bring it to an exceptionally high level. This includes the use of biological activated carbon, sedimentation basins, sand filtration ponds, and settling basins for industrial water treatment.
As a result of these stringent water quality standards and advanced treatment processes, 99.9% of Tokyo's tap water meets or exceeds national drinking water quality standards. This has built trust among Tokyo's residents, with about 90% regularly drinking tap water and reflecting a high consumer confidence in the safety and quality of their water supply.
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Industrial operations
Japan's pollution problems are caused by a multitude of factors, including industrial operations, vehicle emissions, and cross-border air pollution, primarily from China. These issues are directly linked to industrialization and the country's reliance on fossil fuels, which are still Japan's largest energy source.
The Asano Cement Company, which moved to Tokyo in 1883, is a notable example of industrial pollution in the city. Its dust emissions covered the local neighborhood, and citizens endured this pollution for 32 years until the company introduced an electric dust collector in 1917. Tokyo and Osaka were the first cities in Japan to see the forced relocation of factories to designated industrial areas, with the term "kogai" (environmental pollution) appearing in written law around 1882. However, these industrial areas were quickly surrounded by residential areas due to continuous urban expansion.
Tokyo's first air pollution monitoring program began in 1927, and sharp increases in complaints were recorded by the police force. In the Taisho period (1912-1925), pollution and environmental damage became chronic, leading to the emergence of pollution opposition movements. Despite this, the 1931 Manchurian Incident triggered the expansion of heavy and chemical industry factories for military supply manufacturing. It wasn't until 1951, with the Korean War, that attention was brought back to the pollution problem.
Today, the primary sources of Japan's air pollution are industrial operations, vehicle emissions, and cross-border air pollution. The impact of poor air quality is severe, contributing to over 40,000 premature deaths annually and causing cardiovascular issues such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Water pollution in Japan is also a significant issue, with only 95% of rivers and 58% of lakes meeting environmental water quality standards. This is mainly due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated domestic waste, threatening aquatic ecosystems and industries reliant on clean water, such as the fishing sector.
To address these issues, the Japanese government has implemented robust pollution control programs and tightened regulations around industrial emissions. Significant investments have been made in recycling and waste management technologies, with a revised recycling law introduced in 2022 aiming for a 60% plastic recycling rate by 2030.
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Vehicle emissions
In the post-World War II era, Tokyo underwent rapid industrialisation, with factories proliferating and the widespread adoption of automobiles. This led to a surge in air pollutants, including emissions from vehicles.
To address vehicle emissions, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has implemented various measures over the years. In 2000, TMG adopted the Tokyo Retrofit program, an ordinance setting emission standards for diesel engines. This included requirements for businesses with large fleets to include a certain percentage of low-emission vehicles. The ordinance also established the PM Reduction Device Designation Committee, which approves PM control devices for diesel vehicles.
In 2001, TMG introduced the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance, which required businesses with 30 or more vehicles to submit a Vehicle Emission Reduction Plan and encouraged the adoption of low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles. This regulation applies to all diesel vehicles registered in Tokyo, about 420,000 as of 2000, and to vehicles registered elsewhere that travel to Tokyo. As a result of this program, more than 1,500 businesses reported their plans in Fiscal Year 2021, leading to a reduction of 440,000 tonnes of CO2, 1,367 tonnes of NOx, and 49 tonnes of PM compared to 2016.
TMG has also set standards for different categories of low-emission vehicles, such as "fairly low emission vehicles" (25% reduction below national standards) and "ultra-low emission vehicles" (75% reduction). Additionally, practices like idling stop, prohibiting heavy-oil fuels, and assigning vehicle pollution inspectors (G-men) help enforce these regulatory programs.
While Tokyo continues to face challenges with vehicle emissions, these measures have helped to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality in the city.
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Plastic waste
The Japanese government has claimed that 86% of its plastic waste is recycled, but this includes "thermal recycling," where plastic is burned as solid fuel for energy. Only 21% of plastic waste underwent material recycling in 2020, and 63% was processed as "thermal recycling." This method of recycling is not considered environmentally friendly, as it releases carbon dioxide and other toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The high consumption of single-use plastics in Tokyo is driven by the convenience culture of the city, with close to 8000 convenience stores operating 24/7. Vending machines selling drinks in plastic bottles are common, and supermarkets often package fruits in plastic netting, cartons, and cling film. Additionally, the rise of fast fashion has contributed to the disposal of 940 thousand tonnes of clothing each year in Japan, with textiles often thrown away as burnable trash.
Some efforts have been made to address the plastic waste issue in Tokyo. The government has implemented initiatives focused on education and awareness, and residents are encouraged to separate their rubbish and dispose of plastic bottles in recycling bins. However, the volume of plastic bottle waste continues to grow faster than municipal governments can keep up with. There is an urgent need to reduce consumption, secure disposal sites, and promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
The impact of plastic pollution on the environment and human health is significant. Plastics break down into non-biodegradable microparticles that pose threats to wildlife and potentially humans. Negative effects have been observed in almost 90% of assessed marine species, and microplastics have been detected in blood, placenta, and breast milk.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 31 July 2025, Tokyo's Air Quality Index (AQI) is 35, which is considered a good level. The air quality is satisfactory and poses little to no risk.
The primary sources of air pollution in Japan are industrial operations, vehicle emissions, and cross-border air pollution, mainly from China. These sources are related to fossil fuel combustion, which is still Japan's largest energy source.
Air pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues such as asthma, throat irritation, and chronic bronchitis. These issues can reduce quality of life and have negative mental health impacts, leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced workforce productivity.
While Japan's freshwater systems have improved since the 1950s and 1960s, only 58% of its lakes and 95% of its rivers meet environmental water quality standards. Water pollution is mainly due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated domestic waste, threatening aquatic ecosystems and industries reliant on clean water, such as fishing.
Yes, there are several tools available to track real-time pollution levels in Tokyo. Websites like AccuWeather and IQAir provide air quality maps and data. For mobile devices, apps such as misemise and Yahoo kurashi can provide notifications and alerts about pollution levels and smog conditions.
