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Japanese ivory trade attracts fresh global scrutiny
Over 3,600 kg of ivory linked to Japan has been seized worldwide since 2008, raising concerns over enforcement and trafficking to China and other Asian markets.
- At a recent CITES meeting in Uzbekistan, seizure data showed more than 3,600 kilograms of ivory linked to Japan since 2008, prompting renewed global scrutiny of its large legal domestic market.
- With a 250-tonne stockpile fed by pre-ban imports and CITES-approved auctions in 1999 and 2008, Hajime Sasaki says retail demand has fallen and inventory is piling up.
- Authorities intercepted a 2023 shipment carrying 710 pieces, and IFAW's Matt Collis said shipments of that size "suggest organised criminals are also involved"; dozens were destined for China, with CITES warning of law enforcement weaknesses.
- Conservationists warn leakage undermines bans and risks African elephant populations, with 10,000 to 15,000 killed yearly, while Japan denies harm and says it implements strict control measures.
- Experts note tracking gaps in Japan's system for domestic ivory, which focuses on whole tusks despite small item trade, while demand persists post-China's 2017 domestic ivory ban, and Japan's Namibia proposal fuels CITES debate.
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32 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources32
Leaning Left4Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 22%
C 45%
R 33%
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