In order for Japan to continue to be a prosperous, lively society tens or hundreds of years from now, a paradigm shift towards redesigning our social model into a sustainable one is absolutely necessary. We have developed a model; “Japan in 2050, moving closer towards a sustainable society”, in which we define 4 core elements; Nature (Environment), Economy, Society and Individual Well-being.

The Environment is the mother of sustainability and it's the most important, all-encompassing factor.

Policies regarding the natural environment in 2050 have shifted towards maintaining the natural ecosystem and ensuring the diversity of wildlife. Native species, especially those which are endangered, are well protected.

Environmental Accounting has been applied to the wetlands and tidal flats that are the cradle of life, and a scientifically sound due diligence regarding the resources provided and the added value present there mean that they will not be destroyed or buried further. Rigorous environmental assessments ensure that unnecessary public work projects, indeed all destructive development, is a thing of the past.

In fact, current development projects are centered around repairing and preserving the natural environment. Old growth forests, the cornerstone of the ecosystem, are also protected, and the deep connection between forest and sea which forms the base for Japan's natural cycles has been revitalized.

Our perception of, and interaction with the environment has also changed. Focus has shifted to making use of and enhancing the wisdom cultivated by previous generations regarding living in harmony with the natural environment. Knowledge gained in places such as rice fields and other cultivated land, managed forests, land surrounding shrines and temples, irrigation waterways and other places where the balance between human life style and natural cycle are maintained, is passed on to the next generation.

Environmental Education has also taken some big steps forward, both in and out of the classroom, and general environmental literacy has markedly improved. Life is highly valued, and the concept of "Motttainai (Waste Not!)" has taken root. Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle through green purchasing is becoming the de-facto standard.

A shift in lifestyle towards one based on individual values, a paradigm shift in the social system and structural reform to create a sustainable economy have combined to create a well balanced social-environmental fabric. As a result, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced even beyond the goals agreed to in the Kyoto Protocol, waste is greatly reduced, and a positive cycle is established between the Environment and the Economy.

Cities are freed of the "heat island" phenomenon, and urban ozone formation is controlled.