Sustainable Japan by The Japan Times

22/11/2025

💧 Suntory Explores Advancing with Hydrogen 🌱

On Oct. 11, Suntory Holdings Ltd., together with nine companies and Yamanashi Prefecture, launched a demonstration at Green Hydrogen Park Hakushu, producing renewable hydrogen through a large-scale power-to-gas (P2G) system.

The Yamanashi Model P2G System now supplies green hydrogen to the Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant and aims to power the Suntory Hakushu Distillery. If run nonstop, it could produce 2,200 tons of hydrogen annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 16,000 tons.

Learn More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/276

The beverage giant Suntory Holdings Ltd., together with nine other companies and Yamanashi Prefecture, held a ceremony on Oct. 11...

21/11/2025

🌏 Environmental Policy Experts Gather to Find Better Solutions 🌱

On Sept. 19, hundreds joined the 30th symposium of the Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies in Tokyo, discussing how academic expertise can support climate action and a sustainable society.

Toshihide Arimura of Waseda University highlighted the need for greater cooperation among industries, governments, and academia, noting that social science potential is underused in addressing environmental challenges. A recent BCG survey shows many Japanese consumers lack information about sustainable options, though awareness grows among teens and those in their 50s–60s. Ayano Ihara of BCG noted that older generations are particularly motivated by concern for future generations, highlighting the importance of education and clear communication in driving sustainability.

More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/275

Academic experts on environmental and economic policies gathered in Tokyo recently to discuss the importance of using their expertise...

20/11/2025

🌟 Maiko Todoroki, President & CEO, Poppins Corp. 🌱

Todoroki congratulated the winners of the Sustainable Japan Award 2025, praising their efforts in fostering harmony between the environment, society, and economy. She emphasized that sustainability goes beyond environmental or economic concerns it’s about nurturing a society where people can live with security and hope for the future.

True sustainability, she noted, can only be achieved through learning, collaboration, and mutual support across industries and regions, highlighting the power of collective action in shaping a better tomorrow.

More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/274

19/11/2025

🌿 Takao Shiraishi, Environment Ministry Official 🌏

Shiraishi congratulated the Sustainable Japan Award winners and highlighted the growing environmental challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to global pollution. Noting Japan’s record-breaking heat and severe rain disasters, he emphasized the Ministry of the Environment’s initiatives to promote ESG finance, redirect capital toward sustainability, and support both community and corporate efforts.

He stressed that tackling local environmental challenges is key to global solutions and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies that build a sustainable, resilient society for future generations.

Full Story: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/274

18/11/2025

🌏 Expanding the Circles of Co-Creation 🤝

Concluding Sustainable Japan Day 2025, a special session featured advisers from the Sustainable Japan Network reflecting on the awards and future directions. Naonori Kimura and Michiyo Morisawa highlighted how passion, empathy, and co-creation create cycles that benefit both society and businesses.

The panel also discussed the role of human creativity in an AI-driven era from the work of local artisans to immersive sensory experiences that stories bring to life. Kimura stressed that the next step is sharing these regional and corporate narratives with a wider audience.

Full Story: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/274

17/11/2025

🌿 Reviving Traditions, Building Community: Satoyama Award Winners Lead the Way 🌱

At Sustainable Japan Day 2025, the Satoyama panel highlighted initiatives connecting communities, preserving traditions, and fostering local regeneration. Grand Prize winner Lifestyle Accent Inc. (Factelier) empowers factories to set their own prices, creating a “cycle of goodwill” in Japan’s apparel industry. Nakagawa Co. Ltd. promotes “forestry without cutting trees,” engaging children and communities in oak tree planting. Yamaroku Shoyu Co. Ltd. preserves wooden-barrel soy sauce brewing, fostering co-creation among brewers, craftsmen, and consumers.

At the end of the session Moderator Kosuke Motani emphasized that small, community-driven initiatives can ripple across society, creating cycles of regeneration that embody satoyama principles and ESG values.

More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/274

16/11/2025

🌱 ESG Session: Building a Sustainable Future 🌏

At Sustainable Japan Day 2025, leaders from award-winning organizations shared how collaboration and innovation are shaping Japan’s sustainability efforts. Hankyu Hanshin Holdings highlighted its 100+ annual community-based projects, from the Grand Green Osaka redevelopment to biodiversity initiatives and renewable energy expansion. Unicharm showcased its world-first horizontal recycling of used diapers, while GLIN Impact Capital discussed the growing momentum behind impact investing. HGPI emphasized the importance of planetary health and creating a resilient healthcare system that incorporates community voices.

Moderator Michiyo Morisawa closed the session with a key message: climate impacts are already unavoidable, making collective adaptation essential for building a sustainable future.

More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/274

15/11/2025

🇯🇵 Sustainable Japan Day 2025 🌏

On Sept. 18, The Japan Times hosted Sustainable Japan Day at the International House of Japan in Tokyo’s Roppongi district.

The event celebrated the winners of the Sustainable Japan Award 2025, honoring one recipient in the ESG category and another in the Satoyama category.

Following the award ceremony, two panel sessions were held one for each category where leaders from award-winning companies, organizations, and local governments shared the innovative initiatives that earned them this year’s recognition.

As a special highlight, attendees also enjoyed an exclusive dialogue session dedicated to advancing sustainability in Japan.

More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/274

On Sept. 18, The Japan Times held its Sustainable Japan Day at the International House of Japan in Tokyo’s Roppongi area...

11/11/2025

🍃 Experience Japan’s Traditional Crafts Through Fine Dining 🇯🇵✨

Rooted in the traditions of kaiseki, the formal meal served before a tea ceremony the establishments featured in our article showcase tableware that celebrates nature, the seasons, and symbols of longevity and good fortune cranes, turtles, waves, and moonlit flowers.

Feel the connection between craft, cuisine, and culture here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/magazine/vol53/53-02

Casual visitors to Japan might not realize it, but formal Japanese restaurants are one of the best ways to experience a wide variety of...

10/11/2025

🎨 Kutani Ware | The Colors of Ishikawa’s Heritage 🌈

Born in 1655 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kutani ware is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional porcelains. Kutani ware is instantly recognizable for its rich, elegant decoration in the five signature colors: green, yellow, red, purple, and ultramarine known as Kutani gosai. 💫

The plate pictured dates from the mid- to late Edo Period, showcasing the timeless artistry and bold expression that define Kutani craftsmanship. 🇯🇵✨

🔗 https://sustainable.japantimes.com/magazine/vol53/53-02

09/11/2025

🎨 Kenzan Style | The Timeless Charm of Kyoto Pottery 🌸

From the late 17th to mid-18th century, Kyoto potter and painter Ogata Kenzan revolutionized Japanese ceramics with his bold colors and elegant, playful designs. The piece pictured, a chrysanthemum plate, was crafted in the 20th century by Eiju Yaguchi, the first master craftsman of Kutani ware from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, a stunning fusion of Kyoto’s refined artistry and Kanazawa’s vibrant craftsmanship.

Discover More: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/magazine/vol53/53-02

08/11/2025

🍶 Shino Ware | Subtle Beauty from Mino 🍂

Originating in Mino (modern-day Gifu Prefecture) about 30 years before the Edo Period, Shino ware is celebrated for its soft white glaze and serene charm. The dish pictured is a tsukemono (appetizer) plate crafted by the 12th-generation Raku family head, Hiroiri (his name after retirement), using traditional Raku clay. It beautifully recreates the muted tones of “nezumi Shino” (“mouse Shino”) and is delicately adorned with motifs of autumn grasses a quiet nod to Japan’s changing seasons. 🍁

Discover More Here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/magazine/vol53/53-02