GX Policy analysis report / Expectations for Japanese Startups
*Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 11/21/2023 on Linkedin.
Welcome! I'm Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 81 of "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter📬, which curates Japan-related climate news content every week since spring 2022, with over 190 subscribers [ more than 1,900 on Linedin]. You can subscribe by clicking on the Linkedin page or the form below.
Ten news articles were curated this week, covering the GX Policy analysis report, Expectations for Japanese Startups, and more.
I hope you find the articles below beneficial for reading (or skimming)!
*Consulting Service is available for your Japan-related climate or net-zero business. The first 30 minutes of Zoom chat is free, and I could work at an hourly rate starting at $100. Please fill out your request using this link. Thank you!
[🇯🇵📰👀Japan Climate News Headlines]
【1】Japan’s Green Switch Falls Short of Global Goals, Climate Researchers Say [11/14 Bloomberg Green]
Japan's green energy policy deviates significantly from the United Nations Climate Change Panel's guidance and is inconsistent with the recommended pathway to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to InfluenceMap, a climate research group.
The policy relies on coal, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, and ammonia, and allegedly differs significantly from guidance for limiting global temperature rise
【2】[Report]:Japan’s $1 Tn GX (Green Transformation) Policy - Does it Align with Science-Based IPCC Recommendations and Who is Influencing It November 2023 [11/14 InfluenceMap]
New InfluenceMap analysis finds significant misalignment between Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) Policy and science-based pathways to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
While Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) Policy states emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, it does not explicitly mention how the policy will contribute to those targets or how it is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C - per InfluenceMap’s latest analysis.
【3】Start-ups challenge culture of the Japanese salaryman - Younger workers have new expectations of risk, reward and responsibility [11/19 Financial Times]
In Japan, a significant shift is underway as more workers leave traditional companies for startups, attracted by better work environments, prospects of rapid promotion, and redefined corporate cultures challenging age-old norms.
【4】Will Japan rediscover its dynamism? Rising prices and animal spirits give it a long-awaited opportunity [11/16 The Economist]
Global investors, including Warren Buffett and Larry Fink, are showing renewed interest in Japan, spurred by economic opportunities and geopolitical changes. Japan faces a unique moment with rising inflation, corporate-governance reforms, and a generational shift in business leadership. Despite these positive signs, challenges remain in sustaining long-term growth, including necessary monetary policy adjustments and ongoing corporate reforms.
【5】FOCUS: Use of AI-based robots on the rise in Japanese agriculture [11/19 Kyodo News]
Smart agriculture with AI-based robots is increasingly common in Japan, addressing labor shortages in farming. Advanced robots, developed by ventures like Agrist Inc., are being used for precise tasks like cucumber and tomato harvesting. The trend is expanding globally, with robots also being leased to farms in the Netherlands, signaling a shift in agricultural practices.
【6】Fall is the new summer: Warming threatens Japan’s cultural calendar [11/19 The Japan Times]
Climate change is altering Japan's distinct four seasons, pushing traditional autumn activities like fireworks and foliage viewing to later dates. This shift impacts cultural practices and seasonal businesses, underscoring the profound environmental and social effects of global warming.
【7】JAL aims to bring 'seaglider' next-gen transportation to Japan Airline signs agreement with U.S. startup in push beyond traditional aviation [11/17 Nikkei Asia]
JAL collaborates with Regent Craft to introduce electric 'seagliders' in Japan, a novel, eco-friendly transport method. JAL will focus on operational aspects, targeting commercial launch by 2026 and expecting substantial revenue from non-aviation sectors by 2025.
【8】Trash Cans Make Techy Comeback in Japan as Tourists Flood Cities [11/18 Bloomberg]
In Japan, cities are rethinking their trash cans and introducing smart trash cans in response to the growing number of tourists. These smart trash cans use solar panels to automatically sense trash capacity and compress it by about 20%. They are also connected to a smartphone app that analyzes trash capacity data and alerts workers before they are full. This is being done to address the trash problem associated with the growing number of tourists
【9】Climate change threatens Japan's cormorant fishing legacy [11/13 Reuters]
Climate change is threatening Japan's traditional cormorant fishing, causing habitat destruction and fewer fish. Research shows environmental changes in the Nagara River are affecting the practice. Efforts to adapt culturally and economically face challenges, including a shift in younger generations' job preferences.
【10】 LEEP SUMMIT, Japan's largest environmental energy innovation festival, will be held on 12/15. *LEEP is an acronym for Linking Energy & Environment Innovators for our Planet.
Including the World Cafe event, a small side event held on the same day, you could join among more than 15 seminars, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. I will also be attending the event at the venue. If you are interested, please register from here and here😊.
Date: 12/15 Friday 17:00 - 21:00
Place: CIC Tokyo *online viewing is available
Admission: Free
📬That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) 🙇. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!
*Consulting Service is available for your Japan-related climate or net-zero business. The first 30 minutes of Zoom chat is free, and I could work at an hourly rate starting at $100. Please fill out your request using this link. Thank you!
"Climate Curation" newsletter in 🇯🇵Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin as well as Substack.
Please feel free to contact me via email: hiroyasu.ichikawa [@]socialcompany.org, if there are any research/consulting needs for your business or just for a coffee chat☕.
My personal Twitter(X) account (in 🇯🇵Japanese) @SocialCompany
ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)