On Feb. 2, the Ministry of the Environment proposed introducing carbon pricing to make substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The proposal was part of the ministry’s draft “Long-Term Carbon Vision,” which will serve as the basis for working out a “long-term strategy” toward achieving the [Japanese government’s] target of reducing emissions by 80% by 2050.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is also preparing a proposal for the long-term strategy, and it is opposed to introducing carbon pricing. (Abridged)