1878-1912: Environmental pollution first becomes a concern with the modernization and industrialization associated with the Meiji period
1956: Drainage from chemical factory causes methyl mercury poisoning, or Minamata Disease
1967: Basic Law on Environmental Pollution Control
1971: Environment Agency established
1972: Nature Conservation Law passed
1992: Rio Summit- UN conference on environment and development
1993: Basic Environment Law enacted. Goal: assure good environment for future generations
1997: Kyoto Protocol- international environmental protection agreement made by UN
2001: Environment Agency is promoted to Ministry of the Environment- has more governmental influence
Present: Current major issues include- global warming, preservation of the ozone layer, water and soil, waste management and recycling, conservation of the natural environment, and participation in international cooperation