In its inaugural white paper approved Tuesday by the Cabinet, the Environment Ministry is touting the merits of introducing an environment tax to help put Japan on a more environmentally sustainable path and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The annual environmental policy treatise focuses on creating a more sustainable, recycling-based economy, and fortifying ties with citizens by enhancing communication.
The document's central theme is how to achieve "Wa no Kuni" -- a phrase coined by the ministry meaning a recycling-intensive society that doesn't harm the environment.