Killing the tradition? : inside Japan's Bekko industry

"As a result of previous over-exploitation of hawksbill turtles and current international politics, Japan's ancient bekko industry appears to be heading towards its closure. This chapter explores how various policy actors in Japan, driven by a perceived need to protect this traditional craft along with about 2,000 jobs, attempt to negotiate a way out. In doing so, the chapter provides a window on the power dynamics evident in Japanese policy-making and what form foreign pressure (gaiatsu) takes. It also highlights the dilemma of Japan upholding a law that condones harvesting of so-called endangered wildlife to make women's fashion accessories and frames of eyeglasses when the resolve of the international community to reduce the deleterious effects of the wildlife trade appears to be strengthening. The chapter raises the issue of whether Japanese tradition is holding the country back from achieving environmental reform."