Organizes efforts to predict global environmental problems before they happen, learn as much and as quickly as possible about them, and take appropriate countermeasures.

Monitors and evaluates the natural environment and its present level of biodiversity, and to assemble and maintain a public library of objective information.

Agency for nature and soil conservation, air and water quality management, biodiversity, and waste disposal.

Conducts environmental impact research in such fields as climate change, biodiversity, water and waste management, deforestation, and pollution.

Conducts medical research to improve medical treatment for victims of Minamata disease (methylmercury poisoning) in Kumamoto, one of Japan's worst chemical poisoning disasters.