Abstract
This paper aims to identify the functions and the characteristics of environmental disputes mediation in Japan in comparison with that in USA. Major findings can be summarized as follows; Japanese mediation by KOGAI-TO CHOSEI IINKAI (Environmental Disputes Coordination Commission) has achieved a realization of fast and cheep procedure, sometimes offers the only negotiation place to the citizens, and the results of the mediation usually sustain the status quo around the problem. Compared with mediation in USA which is characterized as an important part of administrative decision-making process, Japanese mediation seldom plays such a roll, and even when Japanese mediation influences the administrative decision, that seems to be done in more ad hoc way than in USA.
