In the Japanese tobacco cultivation system, plastic film mulch on the ridge has been used for the prevention of soil erosion and for the acceleration of initial growth. Plastic film removed from the field after harvest end has become a social problem as industrial waste. As a result, many tests were carried out to develop and use biodegradable plastic film made from starch, fatty acid polyester carbonate, cellulose acetate and polyhydroxy butyric acid. These biodegradable plastic films are decomposed by soil microorganisms. The decomposition rate is greatly influenced by the type of raw material, weather conditions and soil moisture. Through the many tests, two main issues have emerged. First is the delay of initial growth of the tobacco plant due to low soil moisture caused by the characteristics of the biodegradable plastic film. Second is the scattering of small pieces of plastic film which is in the middle of the decomposition process. Moreover, high manufacturing costs still remain another big issue. Biodegradable plastic film was used on about 100 ha of Japanese tobacco cultivation in the 2002 crop year. This is equivalent to about 0.5% of total cultivation area. More time will be needed to resolve the above big issues.