ironmental pollution in Japan has accompanied industrialization since the Meiji period (1868-1912). In the 1960s diseases caused by factory-emitted water and air pollution were found in areas throughout Japan. The strict environmental protection measures that were subsequently implemented have reduced pollution caused by such emissions. Important problems remain to be solved, however, with action being necessary to, for example, reduce greenhouse-gas and particulate-matter emissions and increase recycling of industrial and household waste. [Source: Web-Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]