The Economy and Trade Ministry said a total of 374 died of mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the chest cavity, or pheumoconiosis (black lung), at 24 of the 89 asbestos-products manufacturers that responded to the survey.
Asbestos is a naturally occuring mineral fiber that, when broken down into dust, is easily inhaled. Up until the 1980's, it was widely used in Japan as insulation, and roof tiles.
Blue and black asbestos, the most carcinogenic forms of the material, were banned in Japan in 1995, other types were not outlawed until last October.
Experts feel the actual number of deaths from asbestos is more than what has been reported to date.
The Japanese Asbestos Association asked its 24-member companies to come forward with reports of asbestos-related deaths, following last month's revelations by Kubota Corp. that 79 workers, at its asbestos-producing plants, had died over several decades.
The investigation was prompted by questions by local reporters on whether residents living near the factories may have also fallen ill to asbestos poisoning.
