ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a range of issues that relate to nature and Japan’s environmental record. The chapter begins by considering some of Japan’s UNESCO heritage sites and what the significance of this status is. Using the Shinkansen high-speed railways as a ‘symbol’ of Japan, the chapter then looks at a range of issues where aspects of nature, such as the weather and earthquakes, impact design and/or operations. In the following section, the chapter looks at the way in which Japanese people themselves influence and impact nature and the environment but also at the ways in which attempts have been made to improve Japan’s environmental record. The next section looks further into Japan’s environmental record considering some issues relating to food, particularly the whaling debate. The chapter concludes with a ‘Reflection’ section that asks you to consider some additional issues that relate to the topics that have been covered in the chapter.
