Japan's Lessons on the Economy and the Environment: Our Pollution Experience Part 3 of 4

Summary

In the late 1960s, Japan faced severe pollution issues, leading to widespread diseases like Minamata and asthma. Victims sought justice, prompting the government to acknowledge pollution as the cause and enact laws for environmental control. The 1970s saw significant legal victories for plaintiffs, leading to the establishment of the Environment Agency and the Pollution-Related Health Damage Compensation Law. Companies faced increased costs for pollution control but adapted, investing in cleaner technologies. Dr. Michio Hashimoto, an environmental expert, discusses the societal and business changes, emphasizing the public's role in demanding pollution control and industry's response through innovation and cost management.

Takeaways

• 📚 In 1967, victims of industrial pollution, such as those affected by Minamata disease, began legal battles for compensation.
• 🏥 In 1968, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare acknowledged that Itai-itai disease was caused by chronic cadmium poisoning from the Kamioka mine.
• 🔬 Scientific evidence in September confirmed that organic mercury causing Minamata disease originated from the effluent of the Chisso factory.
• 🗣️ Grassroots protests escalated, leading to fishermen blocking sea lanes and demanding compensation for pollution damage.
• 🏛️ The 'anti-pollution Diet session' in December 1970 led to the enactment and amendment of 14 pollution-related laws, including the deletion of the harmonization provision.
• 🌿 In July 1971, the Environment Agency was established to consolidate administrative authority over pollution control, implementing measures like criminal sanctions and special loans for pollution control facilities.
• 🏥 The courts ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in four major pollution cases between 1971 and 1973, clarifying corporate responsibility for health damage.
• 💼 The Pollution-related Health Damage Compensation Law was enacted in 1973, making polluting companies liable for compensation to victims.
• 🌐 Dr. Michio Hashimoto, an expert in environmental issues, highlighted the societal and business changes, including the public's and victims' protests against pollution.
• 📈 The anti-pollution measures of 1970 led to significant cost increases for companies, but econometrics models showed that Japan's industry could still prosper despite these costs.

Q & A

What were the significant events in 1967 that marked the beginning of anti-pollution movements in Japan?

In 1967, victims of Bertha, Nagato Minamata disease, and Yokai Chi asthma sufferers went to court, which marked the beginning of anti-pollution movements in Japan.

What was the official stance of the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare in May 1968 regarding Itai-Itai disease?

In May 1968, the Ministry of Health and Welfare officially admitted that Itai-Itai disease was caused by chronic cadmium poisoning, likely from the Kamioka mine located on the upper reaches of the Jinzu River.

How was the source of Minamata disease identified, and when was this proven?

The source of Minamata disease was scientifically proven in September to be the organic mercury compound from effluent of the Chisso factory.

What actions did local fishermen take in response to the pollution, and how did this impact the industry?

Local fishermen demanded compensation for the damage caused by pollution and protested by closing sea lanes, denying access to the factory, which intensified grassroots protests against pollution.

What significant legislative changes were made in December 1970 in response to pollution issues?

In December 1970, the so-called anti-pollution Diet session enacted and amended 14 pollution-related laws, including the deletion of the controversial harmonization provision in the basic law for environmental pollution control.

When was the Environment Agency established, and what was its role in pollution control?

The Environment Agency was established in July 1971, consolidating administrative authority over pollution control and implementing measures such as criminal sanctions against violators and special loans for pollution control facilities.

How did the courts' rulings in the 1970s clarify the responsibilities of companies in pollution-related health damage?

Between 1971 and 1973, the courts found in favor of the plaintiffs in the four major pollution cases, thereby clarifying the company's responsibility for damage to health, which led to the enactment of the pollution-related health damage compensation law in 1973.

What was the role of Dr. Michio Hashimoto in addressing environmental problems during the period of severe pollution?

Dr. Michio Hashimoto, the president of the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, worked in government service during the worst period of pollution damage. He cooperated with the Ministry of Health and Welfare on announcements about Itai-Itai and Minamata diseases and dealt with the problems from the viewpoints of both victims and companies.

How did the media play a role in the anti-pollution movement in Japan during the 1960s?

The media began their censorship of Japan's polluters in the mid-1960s, which contributed to the shift in the protest movement from anti-pollution to anti-development.

What technological advancements were made in pollution control during this period?

Technological advancements included the development of flue gas desulphurization, fluidized bed burning, selective catalytic reduction, and various wastewater treatment facilities to remove harmful substances from wastewater.

How did the anti-pollution measures of the 1970s impact the Japanese industry, and what were the economic implications?

The anti-pollution measures led to increased expenditures for companies, which were required to meet more stringent laws and standards. However, some companies profited by creating pollution control devices, and consumers were willing to accept price differentials caused by the installation of anti-pollution measures. Industry leaders invested heavily in pollution control and energy efficiency, which eventually helped them to prosper and compete in international markets.