Challenges for brownfield regeneration: A comparison of English and Japanese approaches

Abstract

This paper explores comparative implications for brownfield regeneration in Japan and England. Concern for brownfield regeneration in Japan has been developed with a strong emphasis on averting environmental risks from contaminated land, rather than on seeking beneficial reuse of brownfield. In contrast, the UK government strategically worked on mitigating such negative views on brownfields and UK urban policies have acted as a key driver for promoting brownfield as a development opportunity. The paper seeks to reveal the contextual differences in the ways of understanding the term 'brownfield' between Japan and England. Historically the Japanese government has a tendency to consult the UK government's planning policies for the purpose of establishing new policy frameworks for emerging urban issues. Thus, the key question to be addressed through this paper is to what extent the English approach is adaptable to the Japanese context. © 2008 WIT Press.