In Japan, there is no system to mandate such initiatives via the planning/zoning regime. However, an initiative called “positive zoning” was adopted under the revised Global Warming Countermeasures Act of 2021.

Under this initiative, the government can designate areas suitable for the installation of solar panels, etc., and encourage investment in solar energy.

In addition, Article 5 of the Green Purchasing Act provides that “business proprietors and citizens shall endeavor to select eco-friendly goods as much as possible when purchasing or borrowing goods, or receiving the provision of services.” It also provides that businesses and citizens have a general obligation to make an effort to do so. The Act mainly focuses on government agencies and instrumentalities, stipulating the authorities’ obligation to establish basic policies on the purchase of environmental goods, etc.