ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Japanese perceptions of biotechnology, specifically using genetic engineering, during recent years. In Japan, modern biotechnology has been growing rapidly, and is often said to bring various benefits. The application of biotechnology is expected to be a great boon in such areas as medicine, agriculture and industry. With this in mind, the Japanese government has drawn up plans to promote domestic biotechnological research and development (Biotechnology Strategy Council, 2002; Kayukawa, 2001). At the same time, public debate on biotechnology seems to be mute in Japan except for two issues: genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and cloning humans. With regard to GMOs, a large-scale citizen movement is claiming that GMOs might bring serious risks to human health and the environment. There is also a strong rejection of cloning humans among ordinary citizens in Japan. Other applications, such as medical ones, raise few concerns among the public.
