Green Transformation (GX)

Japan Cabinet Adopts Comprehensive Logistics Policy Outline for FY2026–FY2030

Japan has approved a five-year Comprehensive Logistics Policy Outline (FY2026–2030) to drive intensive reform through automation, standardization, and green transformation. Businesses should prepare for structural shifts in transport costs and operational standards as the government prioritizes labor efficiency, decarbonized supply chains, and digital logistics infrastructure.

1 Apr 2026, 19:50meti.go.jpJapan

Japan MOE Publishes Action Plan to Promote Sustainable Fashion

Japan's Ministry of the Environment has launched a sustainable fashion action plan targeting a 25% reduction in household clothing waste by FY2030. The initiative signals a strategic shift toward stricter design-for-circularity, enhanced traceability, and expanded textile recycling infrastructure, impacting apparel supply chains and market access.

31 Mar 2026, 18:42env.go.jpJapan

Japan MOE Publishes Application Criteria for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Projects

Japan has formalized application criteria for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) projects to align with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Businesses must now demonstrate financial additionality and submit Project Idea Notes (PINs) prior to procurement, requiring earlier strategic integration of carbon credit eligibility into project planning.

28 Mar 2026, 16:29env.go.jpJapan

Japan Adopts Resource Use and Decarbonisation Promotion Design Guidelines for Designated Products

Japan has finalized new design guidelines for resource efficiency and decarbonization, effective April 1, 2026, for manufacturers of designated products. Businesses must now embed circularity—specifically durability, repairability, and disassembly—into core product design while ensuring compliance with safety and hazardous substance regulations.

27 Mar 2026, 19:57kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan METI And MOE Amend Method For Adjusting Adjusted Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Japan has updated the calculation methodology for adjusted greenhouse gas emissions to align with the 2024 Global Warming Countermeasures Act. Reporting entities must update their accounting for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) and international carbon credits to ensure compliance with new invalidation and reporting rules.

27 Mar 2026, 16:18kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan Cabinet Approves Bill to Amend Electricity Business Act on Transmission Expansion and Solar PV Safety

Japan's Cabinet has approved a bill to amend the Electricity Business Act, focusing on grid expansion and enhanced safety oversight for solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure. Businesses should prepare for mandatory pre-construction conformity assessments for PV structures and increased regulatory cooperation requirements regarding equipment defects.

26 Mar 2026, 19:15meti.go.jpJapan

Japan Specifies Forest Carbon Stock-Change Amounts Under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Order

Japan has published specific calculation methods and coefficients for forest carbon stock changes under the GHG Reporting Order, effective April 2026. This formalizes how businesses quantify carbon removals and storage in land-use and timber products, increasing reporting precision for climate disclosure.

26 Mar 2026, 11:35kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan Adopts Criteria for Use of Decarbonised Recycled Resources in Electric Refrigerators and Washing Machines

Japan’s METI has finalized ordinances requiring manufacturers and importers of refrigerators and washing machines to set recycled plastic utilization targets, effective April 1, 2026. Companies must integrate circularity into product design and supply chains, ensuring that increased recycled content does not compromise product safety or durability standards.

21 Mar 2026, 16:47kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan METI Issues Ordinance No. 9/2026 on Decarbonised Recycled Resources in Television Receivers

Japan’s METI has established new requirements for the use of recycled plastics in television receivers, effective April 1, 2026. Manufacturers and importers must implement recycled content targets and lifecycle carbon tracking while ensuring material changes do not compromise product safety or performance standards.

21 Mar 2026, 16:47kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan METI Ordinance Sets Criteria for Decarbonised Recycled Plastics in Motor Vehicles

Japan's METI has established binding criteria for the use of recycled plastics in motor vehicles, effective April 1, 2026. Manufacturers and importers must now formalize recycled content targets and tracking systems while ensuring material changes do not compromise vehicle safety or durability.

21 Mar 2026, 16:43kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan Adopts Criteria and Reporting Rules on Decarbonised Recycled Plastics in Packaging

Japan has finalized ordinances mandating target-setting and reporting for recycled plastic content in packaging, effective April 2026. Companies must integrate decarbonization into packaging design and supply chain management, with mandatory annual planning and reporting starting from late 2026.

21 Mar 2026, 16:41kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan Cabinet Revises Green Contract Act Basic Policy for Electricity Supply Contracts; Publishes Public Comment Results

Japan has revised its Green Contract Act Basic Policy as of March 2026, introducing stricter environmental and social criteria for government electricity procurement. Energy suppliers must now navigate a comprehensive evaluation bidding process that prioritizes local community harmony and decarbonization over simple price-based selection.

14 Mar 2026, 08:23env.go.jpJapan

Japan METI Amends Enforcement Rules for CO2 Storage Exploration Rights Registration

Japan has updated registration procedures for CO2 storage exploration rights under the Carbon Dioxide Storage Business Act, effective March 2026. Operators must review revised administrative and documentation requirements to ensure compliance and secure legal standing for CCS exploration activities.

13 Mar 2026, 12:49kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan METI Publishes Groove Energy for Non-Payment of Renewable Energy FIT Surcharges

Japan’s METI has publicly named an electricity provider for failing to pay mandatory renewable energy surcharges under the FIT Act. This enforcement action signals strict regulatory intolerance for non-payment of green levies, highlighting significant reputational and financial risks for energy market participants.

12 Mar 2026, 11:34meti.go.jpJapan

Japan MOE Opens 2026 Eco-First Corporate Environmental Recognition Applications (6 March–29 May 2026)

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has opened the 2026 application window for its voluntary 'Eco-First' recognition scheme, running from March 6 to May 29. Participation offers a strategic opportunity for companies to validate environmental leadership through government-certified pledges, enhancing brand reputation and ESG positioning in the Japanese market.

11 Mar 2026, 12:53env.go.jpJapan

Japan MLIT Consults On Draft Comprehensive Logistics Policy Outline (FY2026–FY2030)

Japan is consulting on its Comprehensive Logistics Policy Outline (FY2026–FY2030), prioritizing decarbonization, digitalization, and labor reform to address systemic supply chain risks. Companies should prepare for increased regulatory pressure on logistics efficiency and carbon footprint reporting as the government accelerates its Green and Digital Transformation (GX/DX) agendas.

9 Mar 2026, 17:28public-comment.e-gov.go.jpJapan

Japan METI Publishes Handbook on Digital and AI Technologies for Energy Saving and Productivity

Japan’s METI has launched a strategic handbook and subsidy framework to accelerate industrial energy efficiency through AI and digital energy management systems. Manufacturers should align digital transformation roadmaps with these guidelines to secure government grants and optimize high-energy processes like distillation and production lines.

9 Mar 2026, 14:33meti.go.jpJapan

Japan's METI Holds 4th Energy Efficiency Regional Partnership Plenary Meeting

Japan’s METI has established the FY2026 strategic direction for the Energy Efficiency Regional Partnership, emphasizing SME support and supply chain collaboration. Companies should anticipate increased engagement from financial partners regarding energy-efficiency diagnostics and rooftop solar adoption as part of the national Green Transformation (GX) strategy.

6 Mar 2026, 20:16meti.go.jpJapan

Japan MOE Opens FS Call for Stable Supply of Recycled Plastics for Automobiles (FY Reiwa 7 Supplementary Budget)

Japan's Ministry of the Environment has launched a funding call for feasibility studies to establish stable supply chains for recycled plastics in the automotive sector. This initiative signals a strategic shift toward mandatory circularity in the automotive industry, offering companies an early opportunity to shape future recycling infrastructure and standards.

3 Mar 2026, 19:58env.go.jpJapan

Japan MOE Opens FY2026 Call for Heat-Recovery Demonstration Project at Waste Incineration Facilities

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has launched a FY2026 call for demonstration projects to advance heat-recovery and off-site energy supply from waste incineration facilities. This initiative signals a shift toward integrated regional energy systems, offering opportunities for technology providers to validate decarbonization solutions for the waste sector.

2 Mar 2026, 09:28env.go.jpJapan