Since the introduction of total logistics management from the US in 1956, Japan has spared no effort in building the infrastructure of modern logistics. In fact, reforms in the logistics/shipping industry have become a priority in the development of its economy. To reduce the environmental impact of the logistics/shipping industry and to improve the
efficiency of logistics, the Japanese government has enacted a series of regulations and requirements. In 1989, Japan proposed three targets for green logistics, to be achieved within ten years. These three targets were a reduction by 30~60% of nitrogen compounds, a reduction by over 60% of granule exhaust particles and a reduction by 10% of the sulphur content in petroleum. To curb greenhouse effects and air pollutions and to reduce pollutions/emissions, the Japanese government and the logistics industry have been promoting a change in transportation models (from vehicles to railways and marine transportation, as the environmental impact is lower), and the infrastructure of a joint railway system. In the cities, it is encouraged to establish joint distribution systems and conserve the energy required for
transportation. In 2001, Japan published the Outlines for Logistics Implementation Strategy for Japanese Logistics. One of the highlight measures is to reduce air emissions/pollution, promote environmental protection, and recycle/reuse usable resources. The vision is to establish a positive cycle of resources, ecosystems, society and economy by building up new
logistics systems in compliance with environmental requirements. In 2005, a law governing the integration and efficiency of logistics was proposed, with an aim to establish a logistics centre-point by integrating the current inefficient logistics systems (e.g. traditional warehouses, distribution/processed plants and trunk stations), in the hope of facilitating
advanced logistics that are efficient and have smaller environmental impacts.