Sustainability in Japan’s Agriculture: An Analysis of Current Approaches

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture has gained prominence as a response to global concerns, such as climate change, population growth, and improving the quality of life. In this context, Japan presents specific characteristics regarding land, economy, and population; however, studies related to sustainable agricultural practices and government measures remain insufficient. To evaluate the state of Japan’s sustainable agriculture, this paper presents a comprehensive literature review. In this paper, a bibliographic review was carried out, including articles, books, and governmental data, to contextualize the current state of agriculture in Japan and demonstrate that sustainable agriculture is being applied and encouraged in Japan. According to the research, in general, agriculture in Japan has been suffering over the years due to population decline and an aging population, and fewer young people are interested in agriculture. However, when it comes to sustainability, the country, government, and farmers have adopted several measures to improve aspects such as decreasing herbicide and pesticide use, payment for environmentally friendly farmers, and promoting education about good agricultural practices. This study illuminates the importance of Japan’s efforts to advance sustainable agriculture, potentially offering insights that could contribute to the broader global discourse on sustainable food production. Although Japan presents distinct characteristics, certain patterns observed in its approach may have relevance in similar contexts in other countries. The policies implemented in Japan provide data for comparative studies that aim to assess their adaptability and effectiveness in different global contexts.