Loving and Loathing Wildlife in Japan

For over a century, Japan has vexed and disappointed its Western allies by resisting their efforts to protect biodiversity. Consequently, foreign critics have long derided Japan as “the world’s boldest eco-outlaw.” Its animal protections are equally disappointing: comprehensive assessments by the World Animal Protection Index rank Japan among the worst in the developed world. Given Japan’s close relationships with its foreign allies, its systemic disregard for wildlife conservation seems strange