Tokyo will cooperate with Beijing on measures to counter air pollution starting this spring, as it sees that increased photochemical smog in Japan may be partly caused by pollution drifting over from China, the Environment Ministry said.
The ministry plans to offer technological and other advice based on its experience in curbing air pollution, in the hope of helping China put together a new five-year plan to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
The ministry has earmarked ¥18 million in the government's fiscal 2010 budget plan, including related expenses for the project such as studies and research.
The project mainly involves holding seminars for China's central and local governments, conducting joint Japan-China on-site surveys and research, and informing the Chinese about illnesses caused by pollution such as Minamata disease, a neurological ailment resulting from mercury poisoning, the ministry said.
Japan will also convey its knowhow, including total volume control of nitrogen oxides and combustion technology, help China identify the source of pollution and analyze data from the past, it said.