1. Introduction

1.1. Research Background

As an island country, Japan’s natural environment is unique and fragile. In recent years, factors such as global climate change and frequent natural disasters have significantly impacted Japan’s natural environment, posing severe challenges to its sustainable development. Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, has always drawn attention to its relationship between economic and social development and the natural environment. As environmental issues become more prominent, the Japanese government and society are increasingly emphasizing environmental protection and sustainable development. Since the 1960s, Japan has experienced serious environmental pollution issues and has achieved significant results in environmental governance through a series of policies and technological innovations. However, entering the 21st century, new environmental challenges such as global climate change and biodiversity loss have raised higher demands on Japan’s sustainable development. Particularly after the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, Japan faces greater pressure in terms of energy structure adjustment and environmental safety [1]. Meanwhile, the aging of Japan’s population is deepening, and issues like declining birth rates and labor shortages are also impacting economic development and environmental protection. Balancing economic development and environmental protection amidst demographic changes to achieve sustainable development has become a significant challenge for Japan. Against this backdrop, deeply researching the impact of changes in Japan’s natural environment on sustainable development and analyzing its response strategies is not only crucial for Japan’s future development but also provides references for other countries and regions facing similar challenges. This study aims to systematically examine the characteristics and impacts of Japan’s natural environment changes, assess the effectiveness of existing response strategies, and propose optimization suggestions to promote sustainable development in Japan and other countries.

1.2. Literature Review

Wang Zanwei’s paper “Japan’s Experience in Collaboratively Responding to Climate Change and Protecting Biodiversity: From the Perspective of ‘Nature-Based Solutions’” discusses how Japan integrates nature-based solutions (NbS) into its long-term goal of ‘coexistence between humans and nature,’ providing diverse solutions for “ecological-social” governance, emphasizing cultural communication, establishing a multi-level strategic support system, and continuously optimizing strategic plans [2]. Bai Yanqiu’s paper “Japan’s Policies and Measures for Implementing the‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” introduces Japan’s current policy status in implementing the 2030 Agenda, analyzes the principles of the Japanese government in implementing the agenda, highlights measures taken in eight areas, screens out specific topics against sustainable development goals, strengthens cooperation with relevant stakeholders, enhances publicity, and continuously improves Japan’s plan through evaluation[3]. Peng Jian and Gui Meihua’s paper “Research on the Experience and Enlightenment of Sustainable Tourism Development in Japan’s National Parks-A Case Study of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park” analyzes Japan’s experience in national park tourism resource and environmental protection, tourism facility construction and tourism product development, and community participation, and explores its practice model of sustainable tourism development [4]. Jin Ying’s paper “Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater Discharge Issue and Its Response” discusses the impact of Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge on marine fisheries, the environment, ecology, and human development and safety and proposes strategies to address this issue [5]. By reviewing the existing literature, it can be seen that most scholars and researchers focus on the analysis of Japan’s environmental protection policies, sustainable development strategies, and specific practical cases. These studies cover Japan’s measures and experiences in responding to climate change, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable tourism development. Meanwhile, some scholars also pay attention to Japan’s policies and actions in implementing international commitments such as the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and the “Paris Agreement”. However, very few scholars or articles have systematically studied the dynamic relationship between Japan’s changes in the natural environment and sustainable development [6]. Especially against the backdrop of intensified global climate change and Japan’s rapidly changing population structure, the comprehensive impact of natural environment changes on sustainable development in Japan’s economy, society, and environment, as well as the interaction mechanism, has not been fully explored. In addition, existing research mostly focuses on descriptive analysis, lacking quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of Japan’s strategies in responding to natural environmental changes. Moreover, existing research mostly focuses on Japan’s domestic policies and practices, with less discussion on how Japan responds to cross-border challenges brought by natural environment changes at regional and global levels and the significance of its experience for other countries and regions. Particularly in the context of East Asian regional cooperation, how Japan’s environmental protection and sustainable development strategies align with neighboring countries remains an area for in-depth research. In view of this, this study aims to fill these research gaps, systematically analyze the multidimensional impact of Japan’s natural environment changes on sustainable development, assess the effectiveness of existing response strategies, and propose optimization suggestions based on this. This research will not only provide a new perspective on how Japan balances environmental protection and economic and social development under the new situation but also offer valuable references for other countries and regions facing similar challenges.

1.3. Research Content

This study aims to fill the gap in existing research regarding the systematic analysis of the relationship between Japan’s natural environmental changes and sustainable development. The main research logic and content are as follows: First, this study will comprehensively review the characteristics of Japan’s natural environment and its major changes in recent years. This includes an analysis of Japan’s basic natural environmental features, such as geographical location, topography, and climate characteristics, as well as a detailed examination of the major environmental changes Japan has experienced in recent decades in terms of climate change, natural disasters, and ecosystem transitions. This analysis will lay the foundation for subsequent research. Second, this study will delve into the multidimensional impacts of natural environmental changes on Japan’s sustainable development. Specifically, the analysis will be conducted from economic, social, and environmental perspectives. Economically, the focus will be on examining the impact of natural environmental changes on Japan’s industrial structure, energy policy, and agricultural production. Socially, attention will be paid to the impact of environmental changes on population distribution, public health, and social welfare. Environmentally, the analysis will concentrate on the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on Japan’s ecosystems and environmental quality. Through this multidimensional analysis, this study will reveal the complex interactive relationship between natural environmental changes and sustainable development. Third, this study will systematically evaluate Japan’s existing strategies for addressing natural environmental changes. This includes a comprehensive review of Japan’s policies and regulations, technological innovation measures, and social participation mechanisms in the fields of environmental protection, climate change response, and sustainable development. In particular, this study will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the implementation effectiveness of these strategies and their efficacy in promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, this study will explore the main challenges and obstacles Japan faces in addressing natural environmental changes. These include institutional barriers (such as insufficient policy coordination), technological barriers (such as the lack of certain key technologies), and social barriers (such as insufficient public participation). By identifying these obstacles, this study will provide a basis for formulating more targeted optimization strategies. Finally, based on the above analysis, this study will propose a series of optimization strategy recommendations. These recommendations will cover multiple aspects, including policy improvement, technological innovation, industrial adjustment, international cooperation, and enhancing public participation. In particular, this study will explore how to better balance environmental protection and economic and social development in the context of changing population structure to achieve true sustainable development.

Through this systematic research framework, this paper will not only fill gaps in existing research and provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Japan’s natural environmental changes and sustainable development but will also offer valuable references and insights for other countries and regions facing similar challenges.

2. Overview of Japan’s Natural Environment and Its Changes

2.1. Characteristics of Japan’s Natural Environment

Japan, as an island nation, has a unique and complex natural environment. Japan consists of four main islands - Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu - and numerous smaller islands, with a total area of about 378,000 square kilometers. Its geographical location spans temperate and subtropical zones, with significant maritime climate characteristics. Japan’s topography is predominantly mountainous, with mountains and hills accounting for about 75% of the country’s land area. The Japanese Alps run through central Honshu, with Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, reaching 3,776 meters. This topographical feature results in limited plains and arable land, mainly distributed in coastal areas and river basins. Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with frequent geological activity and significant volcanic and seismic activities. The country has 110 active volcanoes, accounting for about 7% of the world’s total active volcanoes [7]. This geological characteristic provides Japan with abundant geothermal resources but also exposes it to high natural disaster risks. Japan’s climate is significantly influenced by monsoons, with distinct four seasons. The northern part has a colder climate, while the southern part is warmer and more humid. The average annual precipitation is abundant but varies greatly by region, ranging from about 1,000 mm in Hokkaido to 2,500 mm in southern Kyushu. This climate characteristic provides Japan with abundant water resources but also causes frequent typhoons and heavy rainfall. Japan has rich biodiversity, with a forest coverage rate as high as 67%, making it one of the developed countries with the highest forest coverage in the world [8]. Its unique geographical location and complex topographical and climatic conditions have created diverse ecosystems, including temperate deciduous forests, subtropical evergreen forests, and alpine vegetation.

2.2. Major Changes in Japan’s Natural Environment

In recent decades, Japan’s natural environment has undergone significant changes, mainly manifested in the following aspects: Climate Change: Global warming has had a significant impact on Japan. According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, over the past 100 years, Japan’s average annual temperature has risen by about 1.15°C, higher than the global average. This has led to phenomena such as earlier cherry blossom blooming times and reduced snowfall. The rise in temperature has also triggered sea-level rise, posing a threat to coastal areas. Increase in Extreme Weather Events: Along with climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Japan have increased. Super typhoons, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves have become more frequent. For example, the super typhoons in 2018 and 2019 caused severe damage to Japan.

Intensification of Natural Disasters: Geological disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have always been major natural threats facing Japan. In recent years, due to the influence of climate change and human activities, disasters such as floods and landslides have also shown an increasing trend. The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and its resulting tsunami and nuclear leak accident had long-term impacts on Japan’s environment. Ecosystem Changes: Climate warming has led to changes in Japan’s ecosystems [9]. Some species of animals and plants originally from the south have migrated northward, while the habitat range of some northern species has shrunk. The rise in seawater temperature has caused coral bleaching phenomena, affecting marine ecosystems. Changes in Marine Environment: In addition to sea-level rise and increased sea water temperature, ocean acidification has become a new challenge for Japan. This not only affects marine ecosystems but also has significant impacts on Japan’s fisheries. Land Use Changes: With the advancement of urbanization, Japan’s land use patterns have changed significantly. Urban expansion has led to a reduction in agricultural land and natural ecological spaces while also exacerbating the heat island effect. On the other hand, population decline and aging have led to land abandonment in some areas, affecting ecosystem balance. These changes in the natural environment have had profound impacts on Japan’s economy, society, and ecosystems, bringing new challenges to Japan’s sustainable development. Understanding these changes and their impacts is crucial for formulating effective response strategies and achieving sustainable development goals.

3. Impact of Natural Environmental Changes on Japan’s Sustainable Development

3.1. Economic Impacts

he impact of natural environmental changes on Japan’s economy is multifaceted, bringing both challenges and new opportunities. Firstly, the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events caused by climate change has resulted in direct economic losses for Japan. According to statistics from the Japanese Cabinet Office, the economic losses caused by typhoons and heavy rainfall in 2018 exceeded 1.5 trillion yen. These losses include not only damage to infrastructure but also production interruptions and supply chain disruptions. Secondly, natural environmental changes have driven adjustments in Japan’s industrial structure. Traditional high-emission industries face transformation pressures while emerging industries such as environmental protection technologies and renewable energy have gained development opportunities. The Japanese government’s “Environmental Nation Strategy” emphasizes promoting economic growth through environmental technology innovation, which, to some extent, alleviates the contradiction between environmental protection and economic development. For example, Japan’s technological advantages in fields such as solar cells and electric vehicles have won it a competitive edge in the global green economy. Natural environmental changes have had significant impacts on Japan’s agriculture and fisheries. Rising temperatures have led to decreased yields of certain crops while also changing suitable planting areas for agricultural products. Changes in the marine environment, especially rising seawater temperatures and acidification, have put pressure on Japan’s fishery resources. This not only affects the economic benefits of related industries but also impacts Japan’s food security and self-sufficiency rate.

Furthermore, natural environmental changes have affected Japan’s energy structure. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, Japan significantly reduced its use of nuclear power and instead increased imports of fossil fuels, leading to rising energy costs and an expanded trade deficit. To address this challenge, Japan has increased its efforts in developing renewable energy, but the adjustment of its energy structure still faces multiple challenges, such as technological and economic feasibility.

3.2. Social Impacts

The impact of natural environmental changes on Japanese society is mainly reflected in public health, population distribution, and social welfare. Firstly, heatwaves and extreme weather events caused by climate change have increased climate-related health risks. For example, the heatwave in 2018 caused over 1,000 deaths in Japan, setting a historical record [10]. Moreover, rising temperatures have led to the expansion of distribution ranges for certain disease vectors, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Secondly, natural environmental changes have exacerbated the imbalance in Japan’s population distribution. Coastal lowlands face threats from sea-level rise and typhoons, causing some populations to migrate inland and to higher ground. At the same time, deteriorating agricultural production conditions in rural areas due to climate change have accelerated the trend of population concentration in cities. This change in population distribution not only affects social structure but also increases pressure on urban infrastructure and services. Thirdly, natural environmental changes have posed new challenges to Japan’s social welfare system. Frequent natural disasters have increased government spending on disaster relief and reconstruction while also putting pressure on the insurance industry. Against the backdrop of an aging population, these additional expenditures have further exacerbated Japan’s fiscal pressure. Lastly, environmental changes have also affected Japan’s culture and lifestyle. For example, changes in cherry blossom seasons not only affect tourism but also alter related cultural activities. Traditional industries such as tea cultivation and ski resorts are facing transformation pressures due to climate change.

3.3. Environmental Impacts

Natural environmental changes have had profound impacts on Japan’s ecosystems and environmental quality. Climate warming has threatened Japan’s biodiversity. The habitats of some cold-water fish species and alpine plants have shrunk, while southern species have expanded northward. Ocean acidification and coral bleaching have severely affected marine ecosystems. According to a report by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, about 48% of terrestrial ecosystems and 56% of freshwater ecosystems are significantly affected by climate change. The increase in extreme weather events has exacerbated soil erosion and ecosystem damage. Frequent heavy rainfall and typhoons have led to an increase in landslides, affecting forest ecosystems. In addition, the interaction between human activities and environmental changes has exacerbated certain environmental problems. For example, improper land use in the process of urbanization has intensified the heat island effect, while land abandonment in rural areas has led to the degradation of ecosystem functions. It is worth noting that in addressing these environmental challenges, the Japanese government has adopted a “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS) strategy. As Wang Zanwei pointed out, Japan has integrated NbS into its long-term goal of “coexistence between humans and nature,” providing diverse solutions for “ecological-social” governance [2]. This strategy not only helps to alleviate environmental pressures but also promotes the sustainable use of ecosystem services.

In general, the impact of natural environmental changes on Japan’s sustainable development is comprehensive, involving multiple levels of economy, society, and environment. These impacts are interrelated, forming complex feedback loops. Understanding these impacts and their interactions is crucial for formulating effective, sustainable development strategies. Japan’s experience shows that addressing environmental change challenges requires comprehensive consideration of economic development, social well-being, and ecological protection, as well as the adoption of systematic response measures.

4. Optimization Strategy Recommendations

4.1. Improving Environmental Policy and Regulatory System

Japan has already established a relatively comprehensive framework in terms of environmental policies and regulations, but in the face of increasingly severe environmental challenges, further optimization and improvement are still needed. The existing “Basic Environment Law” provides a legal basis for Japan’s environmental protection, but it needs to be updated according to new environmental changes and international trends. In particular, more targeted and forward-looking laws and regulations need to be formulated in areas such as addressing climate change, biodiversity protection, and circular economy development. For example, consideration could be given to formulating a specific climate change law that clarifies the emission reduction responsibilities and targets of various sectors and establishes cross-departmental coordination mechanisms. In addition, the enforcement of environmental regulations should be strengthened, the cost of violations increased, and a more effective environmental supervision system should be established. In the policy-making process, the balance of environmental, economic, and social factors should be fully considered, and innovative concepts such as “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS) should be adopted to achieve a more sustainable development model. At the same time, the continuity and consistency of policies should be strengthened to avoid adverse effects on environmental protection and sustainable development caused by short-term policy changes.

4.2. Strengthening Environmental Protection Technology Research, Development, and Application

Technological innovation is key to addressing environmental challenges. As a technology powerhouse, Japan has already made significant achievements in the field of environmental protection technology, but it still needs to increase its investment further in research and development and application efforts. Focus should be placed on areas such as renewable energy, energy conservation and emission reduction, waste treatment, and ecological restoration. For example, in terms of renewable energy, research, and development of new energy technologies such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy should be strengthened to improve energy conversion efficiency and storage capacity. In terms of energy conservation and emission reduction, research and development of energy-saving technologies in industrial production processes should be strengthened, and intelligent energy management systems should be promoted. In terms of waste treatment, research and development of recycling technologies should be strengthened to improve resource utilization efficiency. At the same time, research and development of environmental monitoring and early warning technologies should be strengthened to improve the ability to predict and respond to natural disasters and environmental risks. In addition, industry-university-research cooperation should be strengthened to establish a more effective mechanism for technological innovation and transformation, promoting the commercialization and application of environmental protection technologies. In the process of technology application, attention should be paid to the applicability and economic feasibility of technologies to avoid the “technology lock-in” effect. At the same time, international technological cooperation should be strengthened, actively participating in global environmental technology innovation networks to address global environmental challenges jointly.

4.3. Raising Public Environmental Awareness and Participation

Public participation is an important support for environmental protection and sustainable development. Although Japanese public environmental awareness is relatively high, there is still a need to increase public participation and action further. Environmental education should be strengthened, incorporating environmental protection and sustainable development concepts into the national education system, covering from early childhood education to higher education. Japan’s experience with the “Act on the Promotion of Environmental Conservation Activities through Environmental Education” can be drawn upon to improve the legal system for environmental education further, clarifying the responsibilities of governments at all levels, educational institutions, enterprises, and social organizations in environmental education. At the same time, innovative environmental education methods should be adopted, utilizing new media and information technology to enhance the attractiveness and effectiveness of environmental education. In addition, mechanisms for public participation in environmental decision-making should be strengthened, such as improving the environmental information disclosure system, establishing effective channels for public participation in environmental impact assessments, and encouraging public participation in environmental monitoring and reporting. Support should also be provided for the development of environmental social organizations, giving full play to their role as bridges and links in environmental protection.

At the community level, models such as “Community Supported Agriculture” can be promoted to encourage urban and rural residents’ participation in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Through these measures, not only can public environmental awareness be raised, but public environmental responsibility and action capacity can also be cultivated, thereby forming a good atmosphere of society-wide participation in environmental protection.

5. Conclusion

This study systematically analyzed the impact of Japan’s natural environmental changes on sustainable development and proposed optimization strategy recommendations. The study found that natural environmental changes such as climate change, increased extreme weather events, and ecosystem changes have had profound impacts on various aspects of Japan’s economy, society, and environment. Economically, environmental changes have driven industrial structure adjustments, affected agricultural and fishery production, and also created opportunities for environmental protection technologies and new energy industries. Socially, environmental changes have affected public health, population distribution, and social welfare systems. Environmentally, biodiversity faces threats, and ecosystem functions are degrading. To address these challenges, this study proposed optimization strategy recommendations such as improving the environmental policy and regulatory system, strengthening environmental protection technology research, development, and application, and raising public environmental awareness and participation. The significance of this study lies in providing a systematic analytical framework for understanding the complex relationship between natural environmental changes and sustainable development. The research results not only have important reference value for the formulation of Japan’s sustainable development strategies but also provide useful insights for other countries and regions facing similar environmental challenges. Especially against the backdrop of increasingly severe global climate change and ecological crisis, the findings of this study help promote a common understanding of environmental protection and sustainable development in the international community and advance the process of global environmental governance. However, this study also has some limitations. Firstly, as it mainly relies on secondary data and literature analysis, it may not fully reflect the latest environmental change trends and policy practices. Secondly, the research mainly focuses on national-level analysis, with insufficient discussion on specific impacts and response measures at local and community levels. Additionally, the study did not deeply explore the differential impacts of environmental changes on different social groups. Future research could collect first-hand data through field investigations, questionnaire surveys, and expert interviews to obtain more in-depth and specific insights. At the same time, cross-national comparative studies could be conducted to explore the similarities and differences in how different countries address environmental changes and promote sustainable development.