Lessons in Sustainable Development from Japan and South Korea provides a concise overview of sustainable development in Japan and South Korea. Hsu, Naoi, and Zhang focus on environment, energy, health, technology, biodiversity, production, governance, well-being, livelihood, regulation, property rights, and minerals as indicators of sustainable development. Japan has greatly improved its environment since the industrialization process ended in the 1970s. The nation also has excellent health care and transportation systems. However, Japan continues to struggle with gender inequality and traffic congestion. Poverty and inequality have remained challenges since the 1990s. Similarly, South Korea is continuing to improve its environment, as well as its health care system, but struggles with gender inequality, poverty, and inequality. The countries can benefit from better social policies, as well as from a partnership in improving energy self-sufficiency, including enhancement of renewable energy technologies.

Author Biography

Sara Hsu is Assistant Professor of Economics and Asian Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz, USA. Michio Naoi is Associate Professor at Keio University, Japan, where he holds joint appointments in the Faculty of Economics and the Panel Data Research Center. Wenjie Zhang is a Researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, USA.