Tokyo Bay, Osaka Bay, and Nagoya Port - 2023 Microplastic Pollution in Japan

Tokyo Bay, Osaka Bay, and Nagoya Port - 2023 Microplastic Pollution in Japan

Microplastic pollution is becoming increasingly serious in Japan, with particularly high concentrations found around urban and industrial areas such as Tokyo Bay, Osaka Bay, and Nagoya Port. The accumulation of microplastics in coastal areas is conspicuous, with up to 30,000 pieces per square meter detected in Tokyo Bay, 20,000 pieces per square meter in Osaka Bay, and 15,000 pieces per square meter in the Port of Nagoya.

Major constituents include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are generated by the breakdown of food containers and packaging materials. In addition, industrial pellets leaked from petrochemical companies such as Sumitomo Chemical and Mitsubishi Chemical have been reported to be diffused in port areas at the ports of Yokohama and Kobe. These pellets contribute to marine pollution by leaking out during the manufacturing and transportation processes.

Runoff through rivers such as the Yodo and Arakawa Rivers is also serious, and in Osaka Prefecture, more than 300 microplastics per liter have been detected in the water in the lower reaches of the Yodo River. The main cause of this pollution is polyethylene particles in face washes and detergents discharged from households and from industrial waste.

In addition, a Kyushu University study showed that 20% of seafood distributed in Japan contained microplastics, and several hundred per liter were detected in drinking water. There is concern about the health risks these pose to the human body.

As a countermeasure, the Ministry of the Environment has enforced the Law for Promotion of Recycling of Plastic Resources in 2022 to reduce plastic waste and strengthen recycling. Companies such as Kao and Shiseido are promoting the adoption of biodegradable plastics, and Sumitomo Chemical aims to commercialize marine degradable plastic products by 2025. On the other hand, the national plastic waste recycling rate is only 30%, and more than 70% of plastic waste is incinerated or disposed of in landfills, an improvement that is needed.

Microplastic pollution in Japan is widespread, especially in urban and industrial areas. Comprehensive measures through collaboration among policies, companies, and citizens will be essential to solve the problem through technological innovation and international cooperation.