That may sound obsessive, but sorting trash, Japanese-style, has become a rite of passage for responsible Tokyo citizenry. Gaggles of housewives think that being environmentally conscious is a trendy way to care for their families. Once Japanese people embrace an idea, they do so wholeheartedly. Environmental consciousness is no exception. Over the past 34 years, Japan has renewed a 25-yen ($0.25) per liter gasoline tax — anathema in the U.S. — four times. A decade after hosting the conference that led to the Kyoto Protocol, Japan will host the G-8 Summit on Hokkaido this year, which will focus on green issues.