Japan is lagging behind growing international moves to restrict microbeads, the tiny synthetic particles that have become a major source of pollution in the world's oceans.
Last year, the U.S. government enacted a law prohibiting the use of microbeads in cosmetic products and toothpastes, while the British government has pledged to phase out their use by the end of 2017.
In France, a law banning circulation of cosmetic products and shampoos with microbeads was promulgated in August, with major cosmetics maker L'Oreal beginning to develop products with natural alternatives such as mineral powder and fruit seeds, according to a report in the online edition of Marie Claire, a magazine for women.