Sustainable Japan by The Japan Times

30/12/2025

A decade after the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Japan continues to lead in promoting the SDGs through high stakeholder engagement, sustainable finance, and business initiatives that turn social challenges into growth opportunities.

From ¥56T in 2016 to an estimated ¥626T in sustainable finance in 2024, impact investments are rising, while Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a platform for global knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Japan remains committed to inclusive growth, disaster resilience, regional revitalization, and shaping a sustainable economy for the future.

👉 Learn how Japan is advancing the SDGs at home and abroad: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/277

A decade has passed since the unanimous adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations General...

29/12/2025

Factelier produces clothing in Japan, partnering with 60 local factories, most in small towns, supporting communities and craftsmanship. Sustainability drives fair pricing, off-season work, and durable products.

In 2024, Factelier collaborated with Karimoku to turn insect-damaged oak into unique black furniture with recycled denim upholstery — a one-of-a-kind hit with customers. By bridging industries, Factelier creates products that delight while supporting people and the environment.

👉 Discover how fashion meets sustainability in Japan here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/167

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Factelier produces clothing in Japan and sells it both domestically and internationally. We partner with 60 factories nationwide, 90% of...

28/12/2025

Founded by Masaya Nakagawa in 2016, the company restores abandoned forests in Wakayama Prefecture with a cultivation-first, logging-free approach. Using drones, they create safer, inclusive forestry jobs and collaborate with local communities to grow broadleaf trees that restore satoyama landscapes, support biodiversity, and promote sustainability for future generations.

👉 Discover how innovative forestry is shaping a greener, inclusive future here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/168

The origins of our work trace back to our founder, Masaya Nakagawa, who, while working as a company employee, was once asked by...

27/12/2025

The Kioke Craftsmen Revival Project has received the Excellence Award in the satoyama category of the Sustainable Japan Award, honoring its efforts to preserve traditional wooden vats once central to Japan’s soy sauce brewing. With kioke now used in only about 1% of production and skilled craftsmen rapidly declining, the project brings together breweries, artisans, and supporters nationwide to train the next generation and safeguard this irreplaceable craft.

👉 Learn more about how traditional skills are being passed on to shape a sustainable future here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/169

We are honored to receive the Excellence Award in the satoyama category of the Sustainable Japan Award for our Kioke Craftsmen...

26/12/2025

Founded in 2015 in Takahata, Yamagata, Necchu Gakuen revitalized a closed school into an adult learning space guided by the motto “See the world through the eyes of a 7-year-old.” Now spanning 16 locations in Japan and Seattle, it connects communities through learning and food, linking urban consumers with rural producers and reimagining regional life.

Learn more about how learning, food, and community are coming together to reshape regional connections here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/170

The General Incorporated Association Necchu Gakuen began in 2015 with the revitalization of a closed school building in Takahata, Yamagata...

25/12/2025

Yamagata proudly hosted the 6th Satoyama Practitioners Networking Event, bringing together voices committed to sustainable regional development. Designated Japan’s first UNESCO Creative City of Film in 2017, Yamagata continues to foster creativity through the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, a thriving film commission, and the Tohoku University of Art and Design. Recently selected as one of The Japan Times’ Destination Regions 2025, Yamagata looks forward to inspiring dialogue, collaboration, and new pathways toward vibrant, sustainable communities.

👉 Follow along and discover how culture and creativity are shaping Yamagata’s future here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/171

Yamagata is a historic castle town that flourished under Lord Mogami Yoshiaki, who governed one of the largest feudal domains in northern ...

24/12/2025

The 6th Satoyama Practitioners Networking Event took place on Nov. 1–2 in Yamagata City, selected this year as a Japan Times Destination Region, a new initiative recognizing municipalities advancing regional sustainability. The event brought together practitioners, researchers and community leaders to share ideas on building resilient local economies rooted in culture, history and local resources.

Advised by Kosuke Motani, chief senior economist at the Japan Research Institute and adviser to The Japan Times’ Sustainable Japan Network, the initiative highlights Yamagata’s efforts to preserve historic townscapes, revitalize walkable urban areas,

Read More: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/173

The 6th Satoyama Practitioners Networking Event will be held on Nov. 1 and 2 in the city of Yamagata, which was selected this year as...

23/12/2025

Known as Yamadera, the “mountain temple” Risshaku-ji is one of Yamagata’s most iconic spiritual landmarks. Formally called Hoshu-zan Risshaku-ji, the temple complex is renowned for its dramatic mountainside setting, centuries-old history and deep cultural significance.

Discover the beauty, history and spiritual legacy of Yamadera and why it continues to inspire visitors from around the world.

🔗 https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/173

22/12/2025

The Yamagata Creative City Center Q1 is a key hub supporting sustainable urban development in Yamagata City, a place recognized for its rich creativity and outstanding local assets. Operated by Q1 inc., the center brings together people, ideas and initiatives that help shape a vibrant, future-focused city rooted in local culture.

Discover how Q1 is helping drive creative, sustainable growth in Yamagata and why the city continues to stand out as a creative destination here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/satoyama/173

21/12/2025

Spotlight on Yoko Miyamoto, leader of Kochi DARC (Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center) 🌱

Approaching its 29th anniversary, Kochi DARC has become a vital support hub for people recovering from drug addiction across Japan. Drawing from her own lived experience, Miyamoto helped create a safe, supportive community, opening a group home specifically for women and offering programs that build life skills, independence and confidence through therapy and daily activities.

Learn more about Yoko Miyamoto’s work and how recovery and community can change lives here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/284

20/12/2025

Spotlight on Kikuno Yamazaki, leader at Women’s Space ON 💜

Women’s Space ON supports women facing violence through human rights consultations, emergency temporary protection, self-reliance assistance, policy advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. Driven by lived experience, Yamazaki continues to advocate for laws that hold perpetrators accountable and for systems that protect victims without forcing them into silence or disadvantage.

Learn more about her work and how collective action can create a safer society for women here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/284

19/12/2025

Spotlight on Noriko Tanaka, founder of The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction 🎗️

Established in 2014, the organization works to raise awareness of gambling addiction as a treatable illness, support individuals and families affected, connect support providers, and advocate for effective policies. Drawing on her own experience of recovery, Tanaka brings empathy and trust to those seeking help, while continuing to address the widespread lack of understanding around how communities can support people living with addiction.

Learn more about her work and how awareness and connection can change lives here: https://sustainable.japantimes.com/esg/284