Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Participation of High School Students from Minamata City in the Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury  第６回水銀に関する水俣条約締約国会議（COP6）の サイドイベントへの水俣市内の高校生の登壇について    1. The sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 3 to 7, 2025. 2. On the occasion of this meeting, two students of Minamata High School in Kumamoto Prefecture will participate in the side event to introduce an initiatives on mercury awareness in the High School to participants of the meeting, views will be exchanged on mercury-related issues, and messages will be delivered from youth in Minamata.    3. In collaboration with the High School, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Japan has hosted the “Youth Dialogue on Mercury”, an exchange event with overseas schools, online four times, where activities on mercury by participating students were shared and views on mercury-related issues were exchanged. This is the first in-person Youth Dialogue on Mercury.    4. MOE Japan will continue to actively promote the Minamata Convention through initiatives that encourage youth engagement in addressing mercury-related issues.    ■　Background  At the Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the “Minamata Convention on Mercury”, held in Kumamoto City and Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture in October 2013, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Japan declared the “MOYAI Initiative” which focused on “Supporting overseas countries” and “Voices and Messages from Minamata”, and has implemented activities.  As a part of the “Voices and Messages from Minamata”, MOE Japan has held events related to the Minamata Convention and delivered messages to the world in collaboration with Kumamoto Prefecture, Minamata City, junior high schools in Minamata City, and Minamata High School in Kumamoto Prefecture.   Since 2022, to encourage youth engagement in mercury-related issues, the “Youth Dialogue on Mercury”, an annual online event where researches, awareness-raising and other activities on mercury-related issues, implemented by students of Minamata High School and high-school students in overseas countries, mainly in Asia, have been introduced, and views are exchanged towards solving the issues, has been held (four times, and the results have been disclosed on the website of the Minamata Convention Secretariat).        Continue reading:   https://lnkd.in/gbpeYzKv 

On Oct. 28, Parliamentary Vice Minister Morishita received a courtesy visit from Prof. Robert B. Jackson and Dr. Jeremy Leggett, 2025 Blue Planet Prize Laureates (@BluePlanetPrize). They exchanged views on their research on global environment and other topics.

[#ALPSTreatedWater Marine Monitoring]  The results of analysis of seawater sampled on Oct. 15, 2025, have been published on the official website below, and confirm no adverse impact on human health and the environment. https://lnkd.in/gmbGb9gA

Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition 「新宿御苑菊花壇展」の開催について   Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden will hold the “Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition”, which has inherited the tradition of the Imperial Family, from November 1 to 15, 2025.   ■　Outline of the “Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition” The chrysanthemum beds within the Japanese Garden show different varieties of flowers in the unique method of display under the hut called Uwaya. Seven Uwaya flower beds and two alley flower beds are set up to harmonize with the garden landscape. We suggest you follow the path to fully enjoy the beauty of each flower bed. (Please refer to the Attachment “Pamphlet of Chrysanthemum Exhibition” for details.)   In 1878, the Imperial Household Ministry held the first chrysanthemum exhibition for the Imperial Family at Akasaka Palace. The chrysanthemum exhibition then developed into an event to which foreign envoys were also invited. In 1929, the event was relocated to Shinjuku Gyoen from Akasaka Palace. Ever since its opening to the public as a National Garden in 1949, Shinjuku Gyoen has inherited this tradition.   (1) Date and Time: November 1 -15, 2025  9:00-16:00 (Open every day during the period, the gate closes at 16:30) (2) Venue: Japanese Garden in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (3) Admission Fee: Adults/ 500 yen Seniors (65 years old and over) and students/ 250 yen Children (junior high school students of 15 years old and under)/ Free (4) Persons who have physical disability certificates, intellectual disability certificates, or mental disability certificates, and one assistant per person, are entitled to free admission.   * During the Chrysanthemum Exhibition period, the Information Center (at Art Gallery on the 1st floor) located outside the Shinjuku Gate entrance is hosting “Guide of Chrysanthemum” exhibition that clearly introduces the appeal of the Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition. Admission to this exhibition is free.   ■　Contact Information for the “Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition” Shinjuku Gyoen Service Center 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0014, JAPAN Tel: 03-3350-0151 Open hours: 9:00-16:00  Closed on Mondays (Open every day during the period)     Continue reading:  https://lnkd.in/gz5SiZhJ

On Oct. 16-17, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Igarashi visited Cape Town, South Africa🇿🇦 and attended the #G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting (@g20org). #G20SouthAfrica, #climatechange

On Oct. 16-17, State Minister Kobayashi visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia🇲🇾 He attended the 3rd AZEC Ministerial Meeting and Malaysia-Japan Environment Week. 

International Workshop: Utilization of Monitoring Data and Database Related to Marine Plastic Pollution 海洋プラスチック汚染のモニタリングデータ及びデータベースの活用に向けた国際ワークショップの開催について   1.    The Ministry of the Environment, Japan will convene online the international workshop entitled “Utilization of monitoring data and database related to marine plastic pollution” on November 17, 2025. This workshop will discuss the current status of marine plastic litter monitoring activities and data collection with database, and how to utilize monitoring data for various research on understanding of plastic pollution and policy making.   2.    This workshop will feature presentations from researchers and experts from international institutions who conduct surveys and monitoring of microplastics on the ocean surface, in the water column and in sediments; conduct research on long-term variability using monitoring data; and utilize monitoring database to policy making.   ■ Background and objective   Marine litter, including plastic, is a global challenge. Microplastics pollution of the marine environment is recognized as a serious international issue; therefore, determining the current distribution and quantity of ocean microplastics is an urgent task. This is important for policy making and implementation based on concrete scientific knowledge. Microplastics monitoring is performed by many institutions worldwide using various methods. However, different sampling and analytical methods are used depending on the purpose of the survey in each country and research institution.   To address the situation, in May 2019, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Japan published the first version of the "Guidelines for Harmonizing Ocean Surface Microplastic Monitoring Methods", based on comparison studies of sampling and analysis methods through demonstration projects and discussions at an international expert meeting.   By applying these guidelines, the comparability of monitoring data on ocean surface microplastics can be improved. However, global monitoring data has not yet been compiled in a comparable manner. Also, research on the distribution of microplastics in the water column and sediments, as well as on the ocean surface, has been progressing, and there is a need to promote the sharing and understanding of real situation of the pollution.   Given this background, MOE Japan will convene online the international workshop entitled “Utilization of monitoring data and database related to marine plastic pollution”. This workshop will discuss the current status of marine plastic litter monitoring activities and data collection with database, and how to utilize monitoring data for various research on understanding of plastic pollution and policy making.   This workshop will feature presentations from researchers and experts from international institutions who conduct surveys and   Continue reading:  https://lnkd.in/gsuZ9CUN

The 37th Shinjuku Gyoen Orchid Exhibition 「第37回新宿御苑洋らん展」の開催について     Since 1983, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden has been holding the “Shinjuku Gyoen Orchid Exhibition.” This year, we will hold the 37th installment of the exhibition from November 18 to 24, 2025.  We are also accepting entries for orchids to be displayed at the exhibition.  (The application deadline is November 4, 2025) We look forward to receiving many applications.    ■　The history of the Shinjuku Gyoen Greenhouse  The history of the Shinjuku Gyoen Greenhouse began in 1875 with the construction of an unheated greenhouse. After a heated greenhouse was completed in 1893, orchids and other flowers used in Imperial Household events were actively cultivated, and orchid hybridization was also performed there.  After the war, Shinjuku Gyoen became a National Garden, and the greenhouse was opened to the public, where, in addition to orchids, tropical and subtropical plants are cultivated and displayed. Furthermore, the garden is engaged in the conservation and cultivation of valuable plants, including Japan’s endangered species and orchids whose international trade is regulated by CITES (the Washington Convention).   ■　Details of the 37th Shinjuku Gyoen Orchid Exhibition   Around 200 potted orchids submitted by enthusiasts, as well as orchids cultivated at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, will be exhibited.   (1) Date and Time : November 18 – 24, 2025 9:30 – 16:00 (Last Entry 15:30)     * Last day 9:00 – 15:30 (Last Entry 15:00) (2) Venue : Shinjuku Gyoen Greenhouse (3) Admission Fee : Adults/500yen Seniors (65 years old and over) and Students/250yen Children (junior high school students/15 years old and under) Free   ■　Call for Entries for the 37th Shinjuku Gyoen Orchid Exhibition    We are soliciting entries for the 37th Shinjuku Gyoen Orchid Exhibition as follows : (1) Eligibility: General orchid enthusiasts (amateurs only) (2) Number of Submissions: Up to 200 entries (First 200 submissions will be accepted) (3) Awards: Minister of the Environment Award (1) Director – General of the Nature Conservation Bureau Award (1) Director of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Office Award (1) Chairman of the National Gardens Association Award (1) Special Award (6) Encouragement Award (14) (4) Application Method: Please request the application materials by phone, e-Mail, fax, postcard, or by visiting the Garden in person.       Continue reading:  https://lnkd.in/eDK6Ar3W

Launch of COP30 Japan Pavilion Webpages 国連気候変動枠組条約第30回締約国会議（COP30）ジャパン・パビリオンのウェブサイトを開設しました   Toward the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Japan, has launched the webpages on the showcases and seminars to be held at the Japan Pavilion. MOE Japan will exhibit to the world Japan's environmental technologies and climate initiatives at the Japan Pavilion during COP30 in Belem, Republic of Brazil. The virtual showcase site has also been activated to show more technologies on-line, in addition to the on-site pavilion.   COP30 Japan Pavilion Opening Period: November 10 – 21, 2025       Continue reading:  https://lnkd.in/gvrr-Aej

Outcome of the 26th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among Japan, Korea and China  第26回日中韓三カ国環境大臣会合（TEMM26）の結果について    The 26th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among Japan, the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China (TEMM26) was held on September 27 and 28 in Yantai, China. From Japan, ASAO Keiichiro, Minister of the Environment, participated in the meeting.  At the meeting, views were exchanged on environmental policies of each country, and the “Tripartite Joint Action Plan on Environmental Cooperation (2026-2030)” and the Joint Communiqué compiling the outcome of the meeting were adopted.  Outstanding contributions to tripartite environmental cooperation were also commended. From Japan, Dr. TANIMOTO Hiroshi, Director of the Earth System Division of the National Institute for Environmental Studies, was awarded for his contribution  As side events, the “Youth Forum”, which aimed to increase environmental awareness, promote common understanding, and build partnerships among young people in the three countries, and the “Tripartite Roundtable on Environmental Business (TREB)”, which aimed to improve the environment by promoting environmental industries in the three countries, were held. Representatives of the youth and TREB reported the results of the forum to the ministers meeting.  Minister ASAO also had bilateral meetings with the respective Environment Ministers of China and Korea and exchanged views on climate change, biodiversity including measures for invasive alien species such as fire ants, plastic pollution and other environmental issues, and affirmed continued cooperation on these issues.    ■　Date  September 27 and 28, 2025    ■　Venue  Yantai, People’s Republic of China          Continue reading:   https://lnkd.in/geQM6FxD