A Nagasaki University study reveals nanoplastics transferred through the food chain drastically reduce red sea bream larvae survival rates. With microplastic concentrations 27 times the global average, Japan's coastal waters face an invisible pollution crisis threatening fisheries and marine ecosystems.

The sweet potato weevil, first eradicated from Japan's Kume Island in 2012 using the world's first successful sterile insect technique on beetles, reinvaded in 2021. A Gifu University-led team verified that rapid response with 3 million sterile insects achieved re-eradication in record time, proving the power of Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) for global pest management.

After removing approximately 20,000 invasive American crayfish over one year, a Japanese pond saw a dramatic ecological comeback—with clear water, thriving aquatic plants, and the return of endangered species. A look at Japan's frontline battle against invasive species and the resilience of native ecosystems.

Over 5,200 protected hermit crabs were illegally poached from Japan's UNESCO World Heritage island of Amami Oshima. Explore the growing crisis of wildlife trafficking driven by overseas pet markets, the limits of current law enforcement, and community-led conservation efforts to protect endemic species.

Japan's latest marine science is overturning long-held beliefs about fish. DNA analysis has dismantled the massive order Perciformes, nanoplastics are dramatically reducing fish larval survival rates, and a world-first observation reveals shortfin mako sharks "warming up" before deep dives. From environmental DNA survey revolutions to new species discoveries, explore cutting-edge fish ecology research from one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions.

A record-breaking 3,000 Steller sea lions have gathered on Benten Island off Hokkaido, Japan. Known as "sea gangsters," they cause $65 million in annual fishery damage. While internationally protected as endangered, local fishermen face devastating economic losses. Explore this complex conflict between wildlife conservation and human livelihoods.

While Japan faces record bear attacks in 2025 with over 200 casualties nationwide, the resort town of Karuizawa has maintained zero human injuries for 15 consecutive years. Learn how NPO Picchio's innovative approach—using bear dogs, radio tracking, and community cooperation—created a successful model for human-wildlife coexistence that protects both residents and bears.

In a taxonomic twist, the Japanese sea bass (Suzuki) has been reclassified out of the Perciformes—the order named after it in Japanese. Thanks to advances in molecular phylogenetics, this massive fish order containing over 10,000 species is being dismantled. Discover how DNA analysis is rewriting what we know about fish evolution.

In September 2024, Japan's Ministry of the Environment officially declared the complete eradication of the invasive small Indian mongoose from Amami Oshima island. This world-first achievement took 24 years of dedicated effort, protecting endangered species like the Amami rabbit and restoring the island's unique ecosystem.