An environmental survey of the wetlands in Japan in which the wide diversity of animal and plant life is shown. Starting with a map of "Ramsar Convention" sites, the main characteristics of each is described. Included are: the largest marsh of Kushiro shitsugen; the Lake of Kutcharo-ko, which is a transit point for migratory birds; the Birds Sanctuary of Utonai-ko, and the tidal flat of Yatsu-higata.