Japan has made progress in reducing environmental pressures, including energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and waste. It has increasingly invested in the clean energy transition and the circular economy, but its energy mix remains carbon intensive and recycling efforts need strengthening, especially for plastics. Japan raised its climate ambition but must accelerate emission reductions and move away from fossil fuels to reach net zero by mid-century. The country has built robust climate adaptation capacity and has engaged the private sector more actively in biodiversity conservation to alleviate persisting pressures on ecosystems and species. A comprehensive, cost-effective policy package is needed for a successful green transformation. Scaling-up pilot initiatives that help subnational governments address socio-economic and environmental challenges would benefit the entire country.