Despite banning asbestos in 2006, Japan sees 1,500+ mesothelioma deaths yearly. The country's experience shows why bans alone aren't enough.
By MesoWatch Editorial 8 min read
Published:
Updated:
Key Facts
Japan banned asbestos in 2006, but deaths keep rising
1,500+ mesothelioma deaths annually
Peak deaths expected 2030-2040
Millions of buildings still contain asbestos
Key Statistics
Metric
Japan Data
Asbestos ban year
2006
Annual mesothelioma deaths
1,500+
Peak deaths expected
2030–2040
Compensation claims (2023)
1,100+
Buildings with asbestos
Millions
Japan completely banned asbestos in 2006, yet mesothelioma cases continue to climb nearly two decades later. The country’s experience offers critical lessons about the long-term consequences of asbestos use and the inadequacy of bans alone.
Why Cases Keep Rising
The Latency Factor
Exposure Period
When Cases Appear
1960s–1970s (peak use)
2000s–2030s
1980s
2010s–2040s
1990s–2006
2020s–2050s
With a 20–50 year latency period, people exposed during Japan’s industrial boom are only now developing mesothelioma. The ban stopped new occupational exposures but cannot prevent disease from past exposures.
Japan’s Asbestos History
Era
Asbestos Use
1930s–1960s
Growing industrial use
1970s–1990s
Peak consumption
2004
Partial restrictions begin
2006
Complete ban enacted
Japan was one of Asia’s largest asbestos consumers, using the material extensively in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
The Kubota Shock
2005: A Turning Point
Event
Impact
Kubota Corporation deaths revealed
79 workers + residents died
Environmental exposure confirmed
Non-workers developed disease
Public outrage
Accelerated ban implementation
Compensation system created
New relief programs established
The “Kubota Shock” of 2005 revealed that asbestos exposure had killed not only factory workers but also nearby residents, demonstrating the reach of environmental contamination.
Current Challenges
Legacy Asbestos in Buildings
Issue
Scale
Buildings with asbestos
Millions across Japan
Demolition wave
Many buildings reaching end of life
Worker exposure risk
During renovation and demolition
Improper removal
Continues to occur
Japan faces a massive wave of building demolitions as structures built during the 1960s–1980s reach the end of their lifespan.
Ongoing Exposure Sources
Source
Risk
Demolition work
High if not properly managed
Renovation projects
Moderate to high
Natural disasters
Earthquake/tsunami debris
Aging materials
Deterioration releases fibers
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami created enormous amounts of asbestos-contaminated debris, requiring careful management.
Bans Don't Stop the Epidemic
Japan’s experience demonstrates that banning asbestos does not immediately reduce cases. With a 20-50 year latency period, people exposed during Japan’s industrial boom are only now developing mesothelioma. Countries banning asbestos today should expect cases to continue rising for decades.
Japan’s Compensation System
Multiple Programs
Program
Coverage
Industrial accident insurance
Workers with occupational exposure
Environmental health damage relief
Non-occupational cases
Kubota relief fund
Residents near Kubota facilities
Lawsuit settlements
Case-by-case
Japan has developed multiple compensation mechanisms, though advocates argue coverage and amounts remain inadequate.
Japan’s per capita rate is lower than some Western countries despite heavy industrial use, possibly due to different exposure patterns or diagnostic practices.
Lessons for Other Countries
What Japan’s Experience Teaches
Lesson
Implication
Bans don’t immediately reduce cases
Plan for decades of continued disease
Legacy asbestos is a long-term problem
Buildings must be managed
Environmental exposure matters
Not just occupational
Compensation systems needed
Multiple pathways required
Disaster preparedness critical
Earthquakes release asbestos
For the United States
The US should anticipate:
Projection
Basis
Continued cases for 30+ years
Japan’s trajectory
Legacy building challenges
Similar building stock
Need for comprehensive compensation
Beyond litigation alone
Demolition wave exposure risk
Aging infrastructure
Current Japanese Regulations
Building Management Requirements
Requirement
Purpose
Pre-demolition surveys
Identify asbestos presence
Notification system
Alert authorities before work
Trained worker requirements
Proper handling
Air monitoring
Protect surrounding community
Disposal protocols
Safe waste management
Enforcement Challenges
Challenge
Impact
Small contractor compliance
Inconsistent
Cost pressure
May lead to shortcuts
Inspection capacity
Limited resources
Aging workforce
Knowledge gaps
What Japan Is Doing Now
Government Initiatives
Initiative
Goal
Building database
Track asbestos locations
Worker screening
Early detection
Public education
Awareness campaigns
Research funding
Better treatments
International cooperation
Share knowledge
Medical Advances
Japanese researchers are contributing to mesothelioma treatment research:
Research Area
Focus
Immunotherapy
Checkpoint inhibitors
Biomarkers
Early detection
Surgical techniques
Improved outcomes
Palliative care
Quality of life
For Those in Japan
If You Were Exposed to Asbestos
Document your exposure: Work history, locations, dates
Register for health monitoring: Free programs available
Know the compensation systems: Multiple options exist
Seek specialized care: Major medical centers have expertise
Why are Japan's mesothelioma cases still rising after banning asbestos?▼
The 20-50 year latency period means people exposed during Japan’s peak asbestos use (1970s-1990s) are only now developing disease. The 2006 ban stopped new occupational exposures but cannot prevent disease from past exposures. Peak deaths are expected between 2030-2040.
What is the 'Kubota Shock'?▼
In 2005, revelations that 79 workers and nearby residents had died from asbestos exposure at Kubota Corporation facilities shocked Japan. The incident proved that asbestos harms extended beyond factory workers to environmental exposure, accelerating the ban and creating new compensation systems.
What compensation exists for Japanese asbestos victims?▼
Multiple programs exist: industrial accident insurance for occupational exposure, environmental health damage relief for non-occupational cases, the Kubota relief fund for residents near Kubota facilities, and lawsuit settlements. About 1,100+ claims are filed annually with an ~80% approval rate.
What does Japan's experience mean for the U.S.?▼
The U.S. should expect continued mesothelioma cases for 30+ years after its 2024 ban, face similar challenges with legacy asbestos in buildings, need comprehensive compensation beyond litigation, and prepare for exposure risks during the coming wave of building demolitions.