Japan

Notwithstanding the obligation to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines, the Convention permits the retention of the minimum number of anti-personnel mines absolutely necessary for the development of and training in mine detection, mine clearance, or mine destruction techniques. As of 2018, Japan has reported having retained 1,048 anti-personnel mines for these permitted purposes. These mines are used for education and training in mine detection and mine clearance and research and development of mine clearance equipment.

In its initial transparency report submitted on 27 August 1999, Japan reported stockpiled anti-personnel mines under its ownership or possession or under its jurisdiction or control. 

In 2003, Japan reported that it had completed the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines.

In total, Japan reported having destroyed 1,000,089 mines.

Japan reported that there were no mined areas under its jurisdiction or control.

Article 6 of the Convention indicates that “Each State Party in a position to do so shall provide assistance for mine clearance and related activities […], the care and rehabilitation, and social and economic reintegration, of mine victims and for mine awareness programs […], the destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines, […] with a view to ensuring the full and prompt implementation of agreed assistance programs.”

In this regard Japan routinely engages in such cooperation and assistance. The latest statement on Article 6 for this State Party can be found on this page.

Annually and no later than 30 April, each State Party is to update information covering the previous calendar year. The latest Article 7 reports for this State Party can be found on this page.

Each State Party is to take all appropriate legal, administrative and other measures, including the imposition of penal sanctions, to prevent and suppress any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Convention undertaken by persons or on territory under its jurisdiction or control.

Japan has reported having established national implementation measures or that it considers existing legislation to be sufficient.