One of the biggest challenges Asian nations face is how to increase their economic growth while minimising the impact on the environment and reducing their dependence on imported resources. Japan paid great attention to its condition as a resource-dependent country after the oil crisis in the mid 1970's and now has one of the most eco-efficient economies in the world. The rapid economic growth of China in the last two decades has also pushed the government to focus on improving efficiency as it is shown in its 11th five year plan. This article addresses the evolution of environmental policies in Japan and China and proposes viable measures towards a sustainable Asia. These measures take into account the experience of Japan in addressing its environmental issues and is based on the reduce, reuse, recycle (3R) initiative. Copyright © 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.