There are 9 UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) in Japan by January, 2022, and the "bottom-up" community participation plays a very positive role in the sustainable development for local society and economy. This paper introduces the development and management of UGGps in Japan. The current situation of the UGGps in Japan is summarized from the perspectives of funding sources, infrastructure construction and the protection of geoheritage. This paper also explores the sustainable development activities in science popularization, tourism and community participations in the Japanese geoparks. Understanding the model of the UGGps in Japan has great significance for enhancing the community participation, promoting the geoparks products, and strengthening the scientific research and popular science activities of the UGGps in China.