To promote sustainable agriculture in Japan, the use of, and research and development strategy for, synthetic pesticides were studied. The following aspects were investigated: (1) history of pesticide use in Japan, (2) benefits and risks of pesticide use, (3) changes of pesticide properties, and (4) effects of pesticides on ecosystems. Based on the results of the investigation, optimum method of pesticide use and research and development strategy to promote sustainable agriculture were proposed.