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This article discusses the development of laws and policies regarding the disclosure of environmental information in Japan. A review of the legal precedents of the Minimata mercury poisoning and the Yokkaichi Air Pollution Asthma cases is presented. According to the author, the contamination of soils by factories discharging organochlorines and heavy metals led to freedom of information laws.He argues that scientific environmental impact assessments require the free release of environmental data and that companies benefit by making their environmentally friendly products with Eco Marks more competitive.

This article highlights the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction from January 18-22, 2005 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The meeting brought together Member States, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations, academics and other actors involved in disaster reduction. The conference aims to increase the international profile of disaster risk reduction and promote its integration into development planning and practice, and to identify gaps related to vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster management.

This article presents a declaration from the delegates to the World Conference on Disaster Reduction from January 18-22, 2005 in Kobe City of Japan's Hyogo Prefecture. They express their sincere condolences and sympathy to, and solidarity with, the people and communities adversely affected by disasters, particularly those devastated by the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004. And they commend the efforts made by the victims, their governments and the international community to respond to and overcome this tragedy.

Reports on the efforts of representatives of the Commission and the Government of Japan to meet for high-level consultations on the environment. Need for a more rational approach on forestry issues; Ratification of Kyoto Protocol; Regular run-up to the Bonn Ministerial session in Germany in 1999.