This study investigates plastic waste management, focusing on Japan. The volume of plastic waste in Japan is more than eight million tons, and less than a quarter of the plastic waste is subjected to recycling. Considering that Japan is an archipelago consisting of a combination of four large islands and numerous smaller ones, plastic waste that enters the ocean poses significant threats to marine life, birds, other living beings, and beach pollution. This research explores the underlying factors that have made Japan one of the highest users of plastic. In addition, this study evaluates different strategies that are utilized in Japan to deal with the reduction in plastic utilization and plastic waste. The final section of the study proposes strategies that can reduce utilization of plastic and production of plastic waste and the new and future outlook for replacement of plastic.

This research concentrates on the electric vehicle (EV) industry in China and Japan. China is the largest and Japan the third-largest auto production country after the U.S. This study explores the current and future transition to battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles in Japan and China. Three Japanese auto companies, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, and BYD from China are studied in this research. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are actively pursuing the development of hybrid electric vehicles in Japan. Meanwhile, the research examines the Chinese EV company BYD, which is a major global competitor in the EV industry. This study compares the companies in terms of their strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and export destinations and delineates their competitive strategies and outlooks. In addition, the study examines the elements of the supply chain needed for building EVs, such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Furthermore, this research discusses some of the issues with EVs, such as the challenges related to the production and recycling of batteries and the implications as far as green and sustainable practices regarding EVs in the selected countries are concerned. The final part of this research explores how the production of EVs can affect the global reduction of carbon emissions. The findings of this study indicate that the transition to EVs depends on the structural position as far as the supply chain, the manufacturing of electric batteries, charging stations, and the size of the operations are concerned. The results indicate that BYD is in a stronger position in terms of the infrastructure necessary for the production of EVs. Meanwhile, Japanese auto companies are focused on hybrid EVs due to infrastructure related to EV batteries, supply sources, and charging stations. In addition, this research provides informative insights into the future of electric vehicles in the global market. The study offers recommendations for a comprehensive approach that integrates national policies, technological innovation, and the environmental impact of the transition to electric vehicles on a global scale.