Overview

Japan’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2025 reaffirms the country’s strong commitment to the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting a science-based, inclusive, and evidence-driven approach involving government, civil society, the private sector, and academia. The report showcases progress in health, social protection, sustainable economic growth, environmental stewardship, peacebuilding, and international partnerships, while also recognising persistent challenges such as an aging population, declining birthrate, gender disparities, climate targets, and ecological sustainability. Japan’s VNR emphasises innovation, human security, and the rule of law as guiding principles, demonstrating the nation’s determination to achieve a “joyful Japan” where all people thrive, while providing knowledge and leadership to support global sustainable development.

Conclusion

Japan’s 2025 VNR demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda, highlighting notable progress in raising awareness, fostering local and business engagement, and promoting a sustainable, innovation-driven society. While significant challenges remain, including climate action, social inequalities, and ecological sustainability, the VNR provides valuable insights for targeted interventions. Moving forward, Japan aims to lead by example, sharing its knowledge and strategies internationally, and emphasising inclusive, innovation-led policies to build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for all.

Recommendations

Accelerate Climate Action: Strengthen efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, expand renewable energy, and promote carbon capture and sustainable land use.
Enhance Disaster Preparedness: Improve early warning systems, infrastructure resilience, and community-level disaster management to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, and other natural hazards.
Promote Inclusive Innovation: Encourage entrepreneurship and technological development across all generations, including senior citizens, to sustain economic growth and global competitiveness.
Strengthen Social Protection: Expand support for vulnerable populations, including low-income households, elderly, and refugees, through welfare programmes, employment opportunities, and inclusive health services.
Advance Digital Cooperation: Lead global initiatives on safe, trustworthy AI and digital infrastructure, while supporting capacity-building in developing countries to reduce digital disparities.
Foster Sustainable Biodiversity Management: Expand protected land and marine areas, implement effective ecosystem monitoring, and support international cooperation on forest and marine resource conservation.
Promote Gender Equality and Human Rights: Enhance policies to close gender gaps, prevent violence against children, and ensure equal participation in governance and economic activities.
Strengthen ODA and Global Partnerships: Continue financial and technical support to developing countries, while promoting SDG awareness, multi-stakeholder cooperation, and private sector engagement.
Support Food Security and Circular Economy: Reduce food loss and waste, modernise agriculture with smart technologies, and promote sustainable production and consumption practices.
Leverage Japan’s Global Leadership – Share expertise in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and peacekeeping, while participating actively in international frameworks like the Sendai Framework and SDG initiatives.

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

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Asia

No Poverty

Score: 3
Justification	Japan continues to prioritise poverty reduction through domestic measures and international cooperation. Data from the 2023 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions, while not a direct indicator of progress towards global poverty goals, provides important insight into income trends. In 2022, the average income per household was 5.242 million Japanese yen (approximately 39,000 US dollars), with noticeable disparities between elderly households at 3.049-million-yen, non-elderly households at 6.511 million yen, and households with children at 8.126 million yen. These figures underscore the need for targeted policies to support vulnerable groups.
Challenges	Despite established support systems, socioeconomic pressures remain evident. The Act for Supporting the Self-Reliance of Persons in Need has recorded approximately 3.153 million consultations since 2015, with a sharp rise to 786,163 cases in fiscal year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although consultations declined to 293,455 cases in fiscal year 2023, persistent financial insecurity is reflected in the increasing number of public assistance applications, reaching approximately 200,000 cases between January and September 2024. Such trends highlight ongoing vulnerabilities, especially among households with limited resources.
Progress/ Solution	Japan continues to strengthen its safety-net systems and implement long-term strategies to reduce poverty. The number of public assistance recipients, after peaking in March 2015, has steadily declined to approximately 2.01 million as of September 2024, indicating the impact of support and self-reliance programmes. Child poverty has also fallen from 16.3% in 2012 to 11.5% in 2021. Internationally, Japan promotes poverty reduction through the Development Cooperation Charter and initiatives such as JICA’s Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion (SHEP) approach, which has improved farmer incomes and expanded to approximately 60 countries as of March 2025.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite measurable progress, several issues remain insufficiently addressed. Income disparities persist across demographic groups, and the rise in public assistance applications since 2020 suggests that economic recovery is uneven. Furthermore, child poverty, though reduced, continues to require sustained and comprehensive intervention. Internationally, global inequality and the increasing needs of vulnerable countries call for continuous engagement and adaptable strategies. These unresolved challenges demonstrate that further efforts are necessary to secure lasting reductions in poverty and to reinforce resilience both domestically and abroad.

Zero Hunger

Score: 4
Justification	Japan has prioritised improving access to nutritious food and reducing food insecurity through school assistance programmes and the public assistance system, including subsidies for school meal costs and educational support for low-income households. These efforts aim to strengthen healthy eating practices and expand food and nutrition education through enhanced school meal programmes. The government has also promoted local collaboration, including food banks and children's cafeterias, and provides government-stockpiled rice free of charge to such facilities. According to the 2022 Survey on Daily Life and Mutual Support, 11.1% of households reported being unable to purchase necessary food within the previous year for financial reasons—an improvement from 16.9% in 2017.
Challenges	Despite these efforts, communities continue to face gaps in access to adequate nutrition. Children’s cafeterias and similar regional initiatives have expanded, yet many families still struggle to secure nutritionally balanced meals or opportunities for communal dining. Food banks have played an increasing role by collecting unused food from companies and distributing it to support facilities, but the scale of need remains considerable. Furthermore, while local actors are strengthening their ability to respond, persistent economic pressures still place vulnerable households at risk of insufficient dietary intake.
Progress/ Solution	Japan has advanced several national frameworks to build sustainable food systems and improve nutrition. The MIDORI Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems sets 14 KPIs to be achieved by 2050, including zero CO₂ emissions in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and a 30% reduction in chemical fertiliser use. By fiscal year 2022, CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion in these sectors had fallen to 14.3 million t-CO₂, a reduction of approximately 13.8% compared to fiscal year 2013, while fertiliser use decreased to 810,000 tonnes—a reduction of roughly 11% from the 2016 fertiliser year. Internationally, Japan demonstrated strong leadership through the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021, announcing over 300 billion yen (2.8 billion US dollars) in nutrition-related assistance, contributing to the submission of 396 commitments and over 27 billion US dollars in global financial pledges.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, key challenges remain in securing a resilient and equitable food environment. Economic disparities continue to limit consistent access to nutritious meals for some households, and community initiatives such as children’s cafeterias still rely heavily on volunteer networks and donated resources. Globally, ensuring food security requires sustained engagement through technical cooperation, improved productivity, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthened international standards. While Japan contributes through initiatives such as the Coalition for African Rice Development, the Initiative for Food and Nutrition Security in Africa, and support for the IAEA’s Atoms4Food programme, further work is needed to build fully inclusive and sustainable food value chains, reduce food loss and waste, and ensure stable supplies of safe, high-quality agricultural products.

Good Health

Score: 4
Justification	Japan has extended healthy life expectancy through legal frameworks, multi-sectoral initiatives, ICT-based health management, and supportive social environments. However, the final evaluation of Health Japan 21 (the second term) highlighted declines in some indicators, particularly those related to preventing lifestyle-related diseases. In response, Health Japan 21 (the third term) commenced in 2024, setting 12-year health targets aimed at extending healthy life expectancy, reducing health disparities, and improving both individual behaviours and surrounding social conditions.
Challenges	Efforts to promote shokuiku under the Fourth Basic Plan for the Promotion of Shokuiku have prioritised life-long healthy eating, including the target of increasing the number of people practising meals that combine staple foods, main dishes, and side dishes. Yet a gap of approximately 10% remains to achieve the target. Smoking control also continues to pose difficulties: although indoor smoking restrictions have been enforced since 2020, adult smoking rates in 2023 still stood at 26.5% for men and 7.4% for women.
Progress/ Solution	Japan has strengthened national suicide prevention measures under the Basic Act on Suicide Countermeasures, including the fourth General Principles approved in 2022, with the goal of reducing the suicide mortality rate by 30% or more from 18.5% in 2015 to 13.0% or less. Suicides fell to 20,320 in 2024, down from 21,081 in 2020. In 2023, an Emergency Enhanced Plan for Child Suicide Countermeasures was introduced to address rising suicides among students. Internationally, Japan has advanced cooperation through AHWIN and AfHWIN, signed memoranda with 12 countries, and held Joint Committees on Healthcare with the Philippines, India, and Vietnam.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite improvements, significant issues remain. Key health indicators require further progress, and gaps in achieving dietary-behaviour targets persist. Suicide numbers, while declining overall, remain above the level needed to meet the national target, and suicides among young people continue to rise. Globally, sustained efforts are required to strengthen pandemic preparedness, promote equitable and resilient UHC, and address pressing health challenges such as infectious and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance.

Quality Education

Score: 5
Justification	Japan has expanded access to education by making usage fees for early childhood education free for all children aged three to five since October 2019, and by introducing tuition fee reductions and grant-type scholarships for low-income students from April 2020. Further support will be extended from FY 2024 to multi-child families and middle-income students in science, engineering, and agriculture, with tuition becoming free for students from multi-child families without income restrictions from 2025. Japan’s National Curriculum Standards embed the philosophy of education for sustainable development (ESD), promoting ESD-related initiatives nationwide.
Challenges	The Fourth Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education (June 2023) identifies a growing need for inclusive and individually optimised learning amid increasingly complex issues facing children. In fiscal year 2023, both recognised bullying cases and serious incidents reached record highs, highlighting difficulties in early detection and organisational responses. Violent incidents also rose to record levels. Additionally, ensuring inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities and supporting foreign children through Japanese language instruction remain ongoing challenges.
Progress/ Solution	Japan is strengthening comprehensive measures to address bullying, prevent recurrence, and eradicate violent behaviour in collaboration with police and relevant agencies. It is also enhancing inclusive education through diverse learning environments—regular classes, resource rooms, special support classes, and special support schools—tailored to individual needs. Efforts to promote gender equality are being advanced through the Fifth Basic Plan for Gender Equality, which strengthens career education free of gender bias and incorporates respectful human relationships and scientific knowledge about sexuality into the curriculum. Lifelong learning policies continue to expand opportunities for people of all ages.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, disparities in access to high-quality education persist, including gaps in inclusive support, early intervention for bullying, and the provision of stable learning environments for diverse learners. The growing internationalisation of communities increases the need for sustained support for foreign children. Globally, Japan’s commitments—such as contributions to ECW in 2024 and ongoing cooperation with GPE, UNESCO, UNICEF, and JICA’s educational programmes—remain essential, yet continued effort is required to ensure equitable learning opportunities in crises, empower women and youth, and advance SDG 4 commitments worldwide.

Gender Equality

Score: 3
Justification	Women’s empowerment and gender equality are essential for building a society that respects diversity and ensures sustainable development. Although women’s employment is rising, Japan ranked 118th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index in 2024, indicating slow progress. In response, the Government has advanced policies under the Fifth Basic Plan for Gender Equality and the annually approved Basic Policy on Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, supported by extensive legal reforms ranging from amendments to childcare leave legislation to changes in the Civil Code and Penal Code.
Challenges	Gender-based violence remains a serious concern. According to the 2024 Cabinet Office survey, 13.2% of married women reported repeated violence from a spouse, and 8.1% experienced non-consensual intercourse. Although legal amendments have strengthened protection orders and clarified that non-consensual intercourse applies between spouses, diverse victims—including men, foreigners and victims of same-sex violence—still face barriers in seeking help. Persistent gender disparities also affect pay levels, leadership representation, and the distribution of unpaid childcare, housework and long-term care, despite improvements such as the reduction of waiting children to 2,567 in April 2024 and an increase in men’s parental leave uptake to 30.1% in FY 2023.
Progress/ Solution	Significant progress has been achieved across multiple sectors through legislative reforms enacted between 2021 and 2023, including measures to prevent sexual violence by educators, promote gender equality in politics, abolish the 100-day remarriage prohibition, raise the age of consent from under 13 to under 16, and strengthen protections against sexual crimes. Improved consultation systems contributed to an increase in recognised non-consensual intercourse cases from 2,711 in 2023 to 3,936 in 2024, and arrests rose from 2,073 to 3,376. All prefectures now operate at least one one-stop support centre. Women’s labour force participation reached 31.24 million in 2023 (45.1% of the total), and efforts under the Act on Promotion of Women’s Active Engagement—supported by initiatives such as the Women’s Digital Talent Development Plan—continue to expand participation in decision-making. Internationally, gender mainstreaming in Official Development Assistance (ODA) has strengthened, with gender-related funding increasing from 29.9% in 2016 to 50.7% in 2023.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite substantial progress, Japan continues to face persistent gender disparities in pay, leadership roles and political representation, as well as structural inequalities that shape unpaid labour within households. Gender-based violence remains widespread, and further action is required to ensure that all victims can seek timely and accessible support. Ongoing challenges also include ensuring effective implementation of recent legal reforms, sustaining improvements in childcare access, increasing men’s participation in family responsibilities, and addressing emerging issues through the new Women’s Support Act. Continued domestic and international efforts will be necessary to close gender gaps and achieve meaningful, lasting equality.

Water & Sanitation

Score:5
Justification	Japan has long maintained a high standard of access to safe drinking water, with a water supply coverage ratio of 98.2% in 2023 and a 99.1% achievement rate for health-related items in public water areas in 2021 and 2022. However, environmental standards for BOD/COD were met at 89.2% in FY 2023, with lakes achieving only 52.6%, indicating the need for continued efforts to safeguard water quality and ensure universal access aligned with SDG 6.
Challenges	Persistent challenges include the low achievement rate for lake water quality, the increasing risks posed by droughts, natural disasters and ageing water resource facilities, and vulnerabilities highlighted during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, where widespread and prolonged water outages occurred. These issues demonstrate structural weaknesses in both water supply and sewage treatment systems, requiring more robust and resilient management frameworks.
Progress/ Solution	Japan is promoting integrated water resources management through the Water Resources Development Basic Plan and the Basic Plan on Water Cycle, clarifying the concept of river basin management and strengthening cooperation across river basins. To improve disaster preparedness, measures include advancing earthquake resistance of water infrastructure, enhancing networks for mutual support, improving emergency water supply capacity, promoting groundwater use, and implementing business continuity plans. Internationally, Japan—through JICA—continues to provide wide-ranging technical and financial cooperation in water supply, wastewater management, and integrated water resource systems, maintaining one of the world’s largest cumulative aid records since the 1990s.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, further work is required to raise low lake water quality achievement rates, address ageing infrastructure, and strengthen resilience against increasingly severe water-related disasters driven by climate change. Ensuring stable water supply and wastewater treatment in emergencies remains a priority. Ongoing international collaboration, including Japan’s leadership at the UN 2023 Water Conference, will be essential to support comprehensive countermeasures and promote a healthy and sustainable water cycle domestically and globally.

Clean Energy

Score: 3
Justification	Japan has promoted energy efficiency since the enactment of the Act on Rationalizing Energy Use in 1979, alongside expanding the renewable energy rate from approximately 10% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 to approximately 22% in FY 2022. To further increase renewable energy as a primary power source, Japan is advancing hydroelectric development through feasibility surveys at undeveloped dam sites and facility upgrades, while also trialling innovative approaches such as generating electricity from treated sewage water and utilising biogas and heat from sewage.
Challenges	Japan faces structural constraints, including limited natural resources and geographical conditions characterised by mountainous terrain and deep seas, which make energy diversification difficult. Additionally, sectors where electrification is challenging continue to lag in decarbonisation, requiring alternative solutions to reduce emissions while ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
Progress/ Solution	The Seventh Strategic Energy Plan outlines Japan’s pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 73% in FY 2040 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes maximising renewable energy, ensuring a balanced power mix, and promoting measures such as hydrogen utilisation, fuel conversion, and CCUS. Japan continues to strengthen domestic innovation through expanded renewable projects and advanced technologies that support both energy security and decarbonisation.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, Japan must further accelerate decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors and increase resilience in its energy system. Internationally, Japan is pursuing diverse pathways to global decarbonisation, particularly through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), yet the reliance on thermal power in many partner countries presents ongoing complexities. Continued technological advancement and cross-border cooperation remain essential to achieving long-term, sustainable emission reductions.

Decent Work

Score: 4
Justification	Japan’s economy showed growth in FY 2024, with a nominal GDP growth rate of 3.7% and real GDP growth of 0.8%. Nominal GDP reached a record high of 625 trillion yen (approximately 4.1 trillion US dollars) in the first quarter of 2025. The labour market remains strong, with an unemployment rate of 2.5% in 2025 and total employment at 67.70 million, reflecting a stable foundation for economic development and improved well-being.
Challenges	Japan faces challenges from past deflation, price fluctuations, and demographic shifts such as a declining working-age population and an ageing society. Following COVID-19 and global disruptions, consumer prices peaked at 4.3% in January 2023, while wage growth must continue to balance living costs. Employment disparities and labour shortages remain, including the integration and protection of 2.3 million foreign workers as of October 2024, which requires careful policy management under the forthcoming ESD Program in 2027.
Progress/ Solution	Wage growth is reaching historic highs, with the average monthly wage at 330,400 yen (approximately 2,400 US dollars) and a growth rate of 3.8% in 2024, creating a virtuous cycle of higher wages and increased consumption. Working-style reforms, including overtime limits, telework, flexible schedules, and improved childcare leave, have enhanced work-life balance and productivity. Tourism has rebounded to a record 36.87 million foreign visitors in 2024, and JICA has expanded industrial and human resource development programmes in Asia and Africa, training tens of thousands of professionals to promote sustainable industrialisation and decent work.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, long-term issues persist, including demographic pressures, wage-price balance, and regional labour shortages. Life satisfaction for people aged 40–64 year has not fully recovered to 2020 levels, and integrating foreign workers while safeguarding human rights remains ongoing. Continuous efforts are needed to maintain economic growth, strengthen workforce capacity, expand sustainable industrialisation, and ensure inclusive employment and tourism development across Japan and partner countries.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 5
Justification	Japan faces increasing risks from natural disasters, including large-scale earthquakes like the Nankai Trough megathrust, as well as ageing infrastructure developed during the high economic growth period. To protect lives, property, and vital social functions, Japan launched the Five-Year Acceleration Plan for Disaster Prevention, Disaster Mitigation, and Building National Resilience in 2020, utilising advanced digital technologies such as supercomputers, high-precision climate forecasts, and IT-based road management systems to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Challenges	Key challenges include the intensifying effects of climate change, deteriorating infrastructure, and the need to maintain essential lifelines such as transportation, communication, and energy. The rural agricultural sector faces workforce shortages due to an aging population and declining birthrate, while globally, poverty and income inequality remain persistent issues, with a relative poverty rate of 15.4% in 2021 and Japan ranking seventh highest among OECD countries.
Progress/ Solution	Japan is advancing human-centred innovation under Society 5.0, with a total government investment of 30 trillion yen (approximately 250 billion US dollars) in research and development over five years. Smart agriculture using IoT, AI, drones, and autonomous tractors has increased efficiency in rural areas. Internationally, Japan promotes high-quality infrastructure exports with investments of approximately 200 billion US dollars, exemplified by the Thai Red Line railway and Kenyan geothermal projects, improving regional economies and sustainable development.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, Japan still faces ageing infrastructure and the persistent risk of severe disasters. Income inequality and poverty, particularly among the elderly, require ongoing attention, while refugee support and integration remain pressing international concerns. Continued efforts in disaster resilience, social security, employment stability, and global cooperation are essential to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Inequality

Score: 3
Justification	Poverty remains a significant concern in Japan despite gradual improvements. According to the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions 2022, the poverty line in 2021 was 1.27 million yen (approximately 11,000 US dollars), with a relative poverty rate of 15.4%, improving by 0.3 points since 2018. The income Gini coefficient after redistribution was 0.338, showing little change from 2018 (0.334), and Japan ranks seventh highest in relative poverty among OECD countries. Aging populations and low-income elderly contribute to continued pressure, though improved employment conditions and social security measures have stabilised the situation.
Challenges	Key challenges include persistent income inequality, rising poverty among elderly populations, and ensuring that vulnerable groups can achieve self-reliance. Non-regular employment, wage disparities, and limited access to social support mechanisms remain barriers for many individuals and families, requiring targeted intervention and long-term structural solutions.
Progress/ Solution	Comprehensive measures have been implemented to address poverty and inequality, including consultation support through the self-reliance support system, raising the minimum wage, and promoting conversion from non-regular to regular employment. These policies aim to enhance economic security and social inclusion, improving the ability of low-income households to sustain livelihoods and reduce dependency.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, challenges remain in fully addressing poverty, especially among elderly and marginalised populations. Internationally, JICA is supporting refugee-hosting countries under the Global Compact on Refugees, for example in northern Uganda, and dispatching policy advisors to Kenya, Uganda, and Bangladesh, but the scale of need and complexity of integration and self-reliance for refugees highlight ongoing gaps requiring sustained, coordinated support.

Sustainable Cities

Score: 4
Justification	Japan faces significant risks from natural disasters and climate-related events, necessitating robust disaster management and resilience measures. The Basic Act on Disaster Countermeasures (1961) underpins the Disaster Management Basic Plan, revised annually based on scientific research and disaster trends. Community disaster management plans have been formulated in 43 prefectures, 216 municipalities, and 2,428 districts as of April 2023, promoting voluntary participation by residents, businesses, and welfare workers. Business continuity plans (BCPs) have also been widely adopted, with municipalities achieving 100% coverage as of 2023.
Challenges	Challenges include ensuring adequate evacuation capacity, particularly when designated evacuation centres are insufficient, with 108,638 locations prepared nationwide as of November 2024. Rural public transportation faces sustainability issues due to population decline and ageing, requiring 1,124 Local Public Transportation Plans by January 2025. Gender equality in disaster response and children-centred community initiatives also demand continuous improvement to ensure inclusivity in planning and decision-making.
Progress/ Solution	Japan has strengthened infrastructure and lifelines, incorporating digital technology for disaster prediction, road management, and communication resilience. Accessible tourism has advanced through projects with budgets totalling several billion yen between 2021 and 2025, enhancing barrier-free environments for all travellers. Internationally, Japan leads disaster risk reduction under the Sendai Framework, promotes “Build Back Better” strategies, and contributes through initiatives like the JICA Clean City Initiative (JCCI) and the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP), benefiting hundreds of millions globally.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite these measures, risks remain from increasingly severe natural disasters and urban vulnerabilities, particularly in rapidly ageing or declining regions. Ensuring sustainable, inclusive disaster response, maintaining long-term public transportation in rural areas, and scaling international environmental initiatives to achieve the target of benefiting 500 million citizens in 50 countries by 2030 remain ongoing challenges. Continuous investment, innovation, and international collaboration are essential to address these gaps.

Responsible Consumption

Score: 4
Justification	Ethical consumption and reduction of food loss and waste are critical for promoting sustainable development and social responsibility in Japan. The Fourth Basic Plan for Consumers (March 2021) encourages consumers to consider people, society, and the environment when purchasing products, including fair trade and eco-friendly goods. However, according to the 2024 survey, only 27.4% of the population is aware of ethical consumption, indicating the need for continued efforts.
Challenges	Significant challenges remain in raising awareness and changing behaviour. Despite legal frameworks, such as the Act on Promotion of Food Loss and Waste Reduction (enforced October 2019), household and business practices still generate considerable waste. In FY 2022, business-related and household-related food loss and waste both amounted to 2.36 million tonnes, indicating that the initial reduction targets require further enhancement.
Progress/ Solution	Progress has been made, particularly in the business sector, where food loss and waste reduction targets were achieved eight years ahead of schedule, leading to a new target of 60% reduction (2.19 million tonnes). Measures include reviewing commercial practices, extending product shelf life, promoting food banks, and raising consumer awareness through campaigns encouraging consumers to finish meals and take leftovers home.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite these efforts, household-related food loss remains high, and overall awareness of ethical consumption is still low. Further promotion of consumer education, sustainable purchasing habits, and understanding of best-before and use-by dates is required to meet FY 2030 targets and achieve a truly sustainable society.

Climate Action

Score:4
Justification	Japan has committed to ambitious climate goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted in October 2021, Japan aims to reduce emissions by 46% by FY 2030 from FY 2013 levels, with subsequent targets of 60% by FY 2035 and 73% by FY 2040. These targets align with the global 1.5°C goal and demonstrate Japan’s strong commitment to both mitigation and adaptation measures, including protecting lives from climate-related disasters.
Challenges	Despite progress, Japan faces challenges due to the increasing risk of extreme weather events, such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall, which are expected even if global warming is limited. Greenhouse gas emissions remain substantial, with 1,017 million tonnes CO2-equivalent in FY 2023, requiring continued reduction efforts. Furthermore, international support is essential to help developing countries address climate change, which requires financial, technological, and capacity-building assistance.
Progress/ Solution	Significant progress has been made, with FY 2023 emissions down 27.1% from FY 2013 levels, marking a record low. F-gas emissions decreased by 3.9%, and carbon sink removals, including forestry and blue carbon, contributed 53.7 Mt. Adaptation measures, such as the designation of “Cooling Shelters” and integration of climate change into disaster management strategies, are being implemented. Internationally, Japan is providing USD 70 billion in finance to support developing countries, contributing to the Green Climate Fund and the Global Shield Financing Facility, and promoting the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for global emission reductions.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite these efforts, Japan must continue to scale up mitigation to meet the ambitious 2050 net-zero goal. Climate change risks remain high, and further promotion of offshore blue carbon, CCU technologies, and global decarbonisation initiatives is needed. In addition, ensuring effective international cooperation and supporting developing countries’ capacity for climate action remain ongoing challenges to achieve both domestic and global climate targets.

Life Below Water

Score: 4
Justification	Japan is committed to conserving biodiversity and sustainably managing marine environments, in line with the global 30by30 target of effectively conserving more than 30% of land and sea areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As of August 2024, 13.3% of sea areas have been protected, and initiatives are underway to expand protected areas, improve management quality, and establish OECMs for long-term biodiversity conservation beyond designated conservation zones.
Challenges	Marine pollution remains a significant challenge. In 2023, 397 cases of marine pollution were confirmed, including 259 cases of oil contamination, 129 cases of waste, one case of noxious liquid contamination, and eight cases of other contaminants such as factory wastewater. Millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter the environment annually, causing harm to marine organisms and impacting tourism, fishing, and navigation. Microplastics and chemical additives also pose ecological and socio-economic risks.
Progress/ Solution	Japan has strengthened government-wide measures through the Fourth Basic Plan on Ocean Policy (2023), the revised Act on Promoting the Treatment of Debris that Drift Ashore, the Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics, and the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation Related to Plastics (2022). Surveys, research, and technological innovation, including big data on marine life and JICA’s Fisheries-centred Blue Economy initiatives, support sustainable marine resource use and community livelihoods. International collaboration, such as the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative, advances plastic recycling technologies and marine waste tracking.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite these efforts, Japan must accelerate the expansion of protected marine areas to meet the 30by30 target and further reduce marine pollution. The long-term ecological impacts of microplastics and chemical substances remain uncertain. Additionally, domestic procedures are ongoing for Japan to ratify the BBNJ Agreement (approved by the Diet in May 2025) to strengthen conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, with early entry into force still pending.

Life on Land

Score: 4
Justification	Japan is actively working to achieve the 30by30 target, aiming to effectively conserve more than 30% of land and sea areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As of August 2024, 20.8% of land areas have been protected. Maintaining ecosystem connectivity through forests, rivers, farmlands, lakes, and coastal areas is essential for biodiversity and ecosystem services, including food, water, and climate stability. Nationwide monitoring through the Monitoring-site 1000 Project tracks the habitat and growth conditions of plants, birds, fish, and corals at around 300 survey sites across lakes, wetlands, coasts, and coral reefs.
Challenges	Despite significant progress, challenges remain in sustainable forest management and protection of global forests. Japan’s forest area is approximately 25.02 million hectares (about two-thirds of the land area), with 18.3% protected. Globally, tropical forests such as the Amazon are under severe threat; 628,800 hectares of Amazon forest were lost in one year until July 2024 due to large-scale agriculture and land development. Such deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem degradation.
Progress/ Solution	Japan promotes sustainable forest management through long-term national, prefectural, and municipal forest plans under the Forest and Forestry Basic Act. These plans establish targets for conservation, timber harvesting, and afforestation. Internationally, JICA has implemented the Project for Improving Control of Illegal Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon since 2021 in cooperation with IBAMA. Using JAXA’s SAR satellites and AI technology developed with AIST, forest changes are monitored even during the rainy season, and predictive systems help law enforcement target illegal deforestation.
Unsolved Challenges	While monitoring and planning systems are robust, Japan and international partners must accelerate efforts to expand protected land and enhance forest conservation. Global pressures such as illegal deforestation, climate change, and agricultural expansion continue to threaten ecosystems. Continuous improvement in technology application, cross-border collaboration, and community engagement is necessary to achieve both national and global forest sustainability targets.

Peace & Justice

Score:4
Justification	Japan is committed to achieving SDG 16, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children. Although deaths and injuries from criminal offences have generally declined since 2003, recent trends indicate a rise. To address this, Japan has implemented the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children, involving multiple government ministries, civil society, and children’s perspectives, and targeting abuse, sexual violence, bullying, and corporal punishment.
Challenges	Child abuse remains a pressing issue, with 225,509 cases handled by child consultation centres in FY 2023. Households facing difficulties in raising children are becoming more prevalent, creating the need for stronger support systems. Additionally, preventing sexual violence against children requires comprehensive monitoring and preventive measures, especially in schools and childcare facilities. Enforcement deadlines for new protective legislation, such as the Prevention of Sexual Violence against Children Act (enforcement expected by December 2026), also present implementation challenges.
Progress/ Solution	Japan has enacted multiple legal frameworks to strengthen child protection, including amendments to the Child Welfare Act (2022) and the Prevention of Sexual Violence against Children Act (2024). Initiatives include the establishment of Children and Families Centres, improvements in temporary protection facilities, judicial review for temporary protection, and mandatory safety measures for schools and childcare providers. Japan actively participates in international initiatives, including the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children (2024) and the Bogota Call to Action, promoting cross-border cooperation.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite significant efforts, child protection challenges persist, including rising abuse cases, ensuring timely enforcement of legislation, and maintaining comprehensive support systems for families. Internationally, continued support is needed for conflict-affected regions, where Japan provides humanitarian assistance through NGOs and the Japan Platform, and for UN PKO operations, including training personnel from multiple countries. Strengthening monitoring, enforcement, and capacity-building both domestically and abroad remains critical.

Partnerships

Score:5
Justification	Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) plays a crucial role in supporting global development and the achievement of the SDGs. In 2023, Japan’s total ODA amounted to approximately 19,600.37 million US dollars (2,754 billion yen) under the Grant Equivalent system, with gross disbursement reaching 24,001.45 million US dollars (3,037.2 billion yen), reflecting a 7.8% increase in US dollars compared to 2022. Japan ranked third among DAC members, and ODA as a percentage of GNI rose to 0.44% in 2023, while ODA to LDCs was 0.09% of GNI, highlighting Japan’s sustained commitment to supporting developing countries.
Challenges	Despite these efforts, the global financing gap for development has widened significantly, reaching 4.2 trillion US dollars per year, up from 2.5 trillion US dollars before COVID-19. Addressing this gap remains a critical challenge for achieving the SDGs, requiring expanded donor participation, mobilisation of private sector funding, and coordinated multi-stakeholder efforts. Domestically, increasing public and local government engagement with the SDGs has also been an ongoing challenge, though progress has been made in recent years.
Progress/ Solution	Japan has made notable progress in promoting SDG awareness and participation. From 2021 to 2023, public recognition of the SDGs increased from 86% to 91.6%, and understanding of SDG content rose to 40.4%. At the local level, 65.6% of local governments were implementing SDG initiatives in 2023, surpassing the initial target of 60%. Internationally, Japan has advanced initiatives such as the Mekong-Japan SDGs Forum, promoting regional cooperation on water management and haze issues, and through JICA, supporting private-sector development, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building in over 80 countries.
Unsolved Challenges	Challenges remain in fully closing the development financing gap, expanding SDG initiatives in all regions, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are reached. While Japan has strengthened cooperation with NGOs and civil society through mechanisms such as the Development Cooperation Charter and the Japan Platform, continued efforts are needed to enhance organisational capacity, expand partnerships, and mobilise both public and private resources to ensure that “no one is left behind.” International collaboration, including support for UN statistical capacity-building via SIAP, also requires ongoing reinforcement to track and achieve global SDG progress effectively.

SDGs World Progress: Achieved

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Financing and Resource Gaps: Many countries, particularly developing nations, face insufficient funding and resources to implement SDG-related policies. The global development financing gap has widened significantly, limiting investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and climate action. Mobilising both public and private funding remains critical.
Inequality and Social Exclusion: Income disparities, gender inequality, and marginalisation of vulnerable groups hinder equitable progress. Disadvantaged populations often have limited access to basic services, economic opportunities, and decision-making processes, slowing the achievement of SDGs.
Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Global warming, natural disasters, biodiversity loss, and pollution threaten ecosystems and livelihoods. Climate impacts exacerbate existing social and economic vulnerabilities, making sustainable development harder to achieve.
Weak Institutional Capacity: Many governments and institutions lack the technical, administrative, or policy capacity to implement SDG initiatives effectively. Poor coordination, limited data availability, and inadequate governance systems reduce policy impact and accountability.
Rapid Population Growth and Urbanisation: Population increases, migration, and urban expansion create pressure on infrastructure, housing, public services, and natural resources. Managing these trends sustainably is a key challenge across sectors.
Technological and Data Gaps: Limited access to technology, innovation, and reliable data hampers progress. Monitoring SDGs, making evidence-based policies, and scaling up innovative solutions require better data collection and technology deployment.
Global Crises and Conflicts: Wars, political instability, pandemics, and economic shocks disrupt development efforts. These crises exacerbate poverty, inequality, and environmental stress, undermining long-term SDG planning.
Public Awareness and Behavioural Change: Achieving SDGs requires active engagement from citizens, businesses, and civil society. Low awareness, cultural barriers, and resistance to behavioural change can slow adoption of sustainable practices.

Country Lessons Learned

Breaking Free from Self-Reliance Bias: Japan’s economic history shows the limits of relying solely on internal development. Leveraging global knowledge, technologies, and business models allows faster commercialisation of innovation, enhancing sustainable growth and international competitiveness.
Commercialising Innovation: Achieving true leadership in SDGs requires more than research and development. Transforming existing business models through disruptive innovation and turning ideas into economic value is essential for long-term impact.
Multigenerational Participation in Innovation: Involving people of all ages, including senior citizens, in entrepreneurship and technological development boosts overall innovation capacity. Diverse perspectives strengthen creativity and global competitiveness.
Human Security and Rule of Law: Prioritising human security—focusing on the protection and empowerment of individuals—alongside the rule of law ensures safety, fairness, and mutual respect. These principles are fundamental to achieving sustainable development.
Quality Infrastructure and Investment in People: Building transparent, economically efficient, and debt-sustainable infrastructure, together with human resource development and training, supports high-quality growth, especially in developing countries.
Addressing Structural Challenges as Opportunities: Structural issues, such as population decline or economic stagnation, can be reframed as opportunities. For instance, they can reduce environmental pressure and stimulate innovation when approached strategically.
Global Digital Cooperation: Promoting initiatives like “Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT)” and supporting digital skills in developing countries helps bridge digital divides, ensures safe AI deployment, and fosters international collaboration in technology.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Sharing Japan’s expertise in disaster prevention and promoting international frameworks like the Sendai Framework strengthens resilience and reduces disaster risks worldwide.

Country Contribution

2025 – Japan’s Third VNR presented.
2030 – Global SDG target year.
2050 – Target for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
FY2023 – Net GHG emissions approximately 1.017 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent.
1% – Reduction in GHG emissions compared with FY2013.
February 2025 – Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures approved by Cabinet.
FY2022 – Renewable energy share expanded to ~22%, up from 10% in FY2012.
2021–2025 – Japan committed to providing ~USD 70 billion in climate assistance (public and private finance).
USD 14.8 billion – Climate assistance specifically allocated for adaptation.
1961 – Japan established universal health insurance.
May 2022 – Global Health Strategy formulated.
April 2024 – UHC Knowledge Hub announced.
2019 – “Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT)” promoted by Japan at the World Economic Forum.
2023 – Hiroshima AI Process launched under Japan’s G7 Presidency.
May 2024 – Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group launched.
2024 – Basic Act on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas revised.
April 2025 – Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas formulated.
March 2025 – Self-Defence Forces operating one destroyer and one P-3C patrol aircraft for anti-piracy.
2025 – Japan and Norway assume Co-Chair of the WPS Focal Points Network.
4–6 February 2025 – 7th Capital-Level Meeting of WPS Focal Points Network hosted in Tokyo.
2021 – 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Kyoto Congress) held in Japan.
2024 – Japan ranked 118th of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index.

Japan

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Achieved

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

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Japan

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Achieved

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

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