A comprehensive review of a controversial plan to reclaim Tokyo Bay wetlands off the coast of Chiba Prefecture is needed, Environment Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said Friday.

Environment Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi (right) inspects the Sanbanze tidal flats of Tokyo Bay.

Kawaguchi made the comments after her first visit to the site of the proposed reclamation project, and some observers said the remarks may force the prefecture to rethink the plan.