Japan’s approach to blue carbon is comprehensive and innovative. Japan incorporates not only traditional blue carbon ecosystems like seagrasses, mangroves, and tidal marshes, but also seaweed beds, which are widely distributed along Japan’s extensive coastline. As a large island nation, Japan’s rich marine environment supports vast blue carbon ecosystems, and the country is one of the few countries that has placed significant emphasis on managing these resources across multiple levels of society, including in the government, the private sector, research institutions, and non-government organizations. Japan also actively engages in international blue carbon initiatives, collaborating with other countries to promote the concept, foster joint research, and support blue carbon conservation efforts, particularly in developing nations. Nevertheless, Japan’s blue carbon efforts face challenges, most markedly the degradation of coastal ecosystems and the complexities of effectively managing these habitats. Reforestation and the restoration of seaweed and seagrass beds remain critical needs, and the impact of climate change on these sensitive ecosystems poses ongoing risks.

This quarter’s BCCC Blue Carbon Country Profile, on Japan, aims to help readers better understand the current government actions, private efforts, and international cooperation on the research, protection, and development of the blue carbon ecosystems in Japan. While demonstrating and acknowledging the progress that Japan has made on blue carbon ecosystem protection over the years, the country profile also offers insights into future steps that Japan could take to elevate its blue carbon initiatives to a higher, more impactful level.