The coastal access rights movement in Japan

Abstract

Abstract Japan's coastal access rights movement is a relatively recent phenomenon. It has grown out of the country's changing life style and values and is a direct reaction of the people to the loss, due to postwar industrialization on landfill, of the amenity and other values associated with the coast. The movement, basing its claims on customary use and the constitutionally guaranteed “right to maintain the minimum standard of wholesome cultured living”; (environmental rights), is seeking the repeal of the national landfill law and adoption of a coastal environmental protection law which guarantees coastal access rights to all of the people. To achieve its goals, the movement has, among other things, organized to purchase selected coastal areas under a public trust principle. It has also started to do environmental planning aimed at restoring lost coastal beaches. However, the geographical and cultural contexts of the nation pose considerable barriers to the achievement of the movement's goals.