Environmentalism and Modernization of Japanese Society

The major objective of this paper is to examine the changing views of the environmentalism in Japan and to trace the influences of modernization on the environmentalism.To accomplish this, I will present a theoretical explanation and review the historical stages of Japanese environmentalism, focusing on the relationship between the development of environmental movement and the modernization process in Japan.To further elaborate this point, the paper will proceed with a discussion of drastic changes in public concerns for environmental problems and perceptions of quality of life among the Japanese populace during and after the rapid economic growth period.It is hoped that this discussion will illustrate why Japanese environmentalism today has become more diverse and more active than ever.In conclusion, the challenge for the future environmentalism is discussed.