Note: This article was originally published in Kyodo News on 30 May 2019. ERIA was mentioned.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday called for other Asian leaders to jointly address the global challenges of reducing plastic trash in the oceans and promoting free trade. In a speech delivered at a conference on the future of Asia, Abe said Japan will establish an international research center for plastic debris this year. The issue will be on the agenda at the Group of 20 summit in Osaka next month. (Read the full article by using the link above).