Key Facts
• November 2024: Japan Ecology submitted deforestation notice for mega solar project.
• April 2025: Deadline for submitting post-deforestation report passed without submission.
• August 22, 2025: City Councilor Hayato Kimura flagged the issue to Kushiro City.
• August 25, 2025: Kushiro City requested report submission; backdated report to April 30 was filed.
• Violations include non-reporting and false reporting under Forest Law Article 210.
• September 9, 2025: Lawmakers and Ministry of Environment officials inspected the site.
• Disputes arose between Japan Ecology and Kushiro City over rare species surveys.
• Japan Ecology pledged environmental harmony but opposed excessive regulations.
• Lawmakers emphasized the need for legal reforms to prevent future issues.
• Next week: Ruling party to discuss new rules for mega solar projects.
Summary
Kushiro City failed to notice for four months that Japan Ecology, the company behind a mega solar project near Kushiro Wetlands, did not submit a legally required post-deforestation report. The issue was flagged by City Councilor Hayato Kimura in August 2025, revealing violations of Japan’s Forest Law, including false reporting. The city later requested the report, which was backdated to April 30. The project has sparked broader concerns, including disputes over rare species surveys and environmental impacts. On September 9, lawmakers and environmental officials inspected the site, with Japan Ecology pledging environmental harmony while opposing excessive regulations. Lawmakers stressed the need for legal reforms to prevent similar issues, with discussions on new rules for mega solar projects scheduled for next week.
