Environmental Impact Assessment Law（Act No. 81 of 1997）.

This Law establishes procedures for assessing the environmental impact of large-scale projects in Japan. It defines three project categories: class-1 projects (likely to have serious impact), class-2 projects (requiring a judgment on impact significance), and target projects (those proceeding through the full assessment process). The Act outlines responsibilities of the national government, local governments, business operators, and the public to ensure proper environmental consideration.
The procedural framework consists of several stages: preparation of a Document on Primary Environmental Impact Consideration (scoping), judgment on class-2 projects, preparation of Scoping Documents, implementation of the environmental impact assessment, preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and finalization of the Environmental Impact Statement. The Act includes provisions for public participation through explanatory meetings and written opinions, as well as requirements for public notice and inspection of documents. Special provisions apply to projects specified in city plans and port planning. The Act also contains provisions on amending project contents, discontinuation of projects, restrictions on implementation, and reporting on environmental conservation measures.