Takuto IkeokaSmaller companies in Japan are gaining certification as B Corporations, a global movement that aims to change our economic system to become inclusive, equitable, and regenerative. The majority of the more than 4,000 companies worldwide that have received this certification are small- to medium-sized businesses. It’s a reflection of how smaller firms are deeply connected with their surrounding communities. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of B Corporations in Japan.
The B Corp system began in 2006. Certification recognizes that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors ranging from employee benefits and charitable giving, to supply chain practices and input materials. It is a key ethical label for companies worldwide. The movement’s greater goal to lead business towards a new, stakeholder-driven model of an economy that benefits everyone.
As of the start of February, there were 19 B Corp companies in Japan. The body aims to double that figure this year. Most of them are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Their size allows companies to maintain networks with various organizations to co-create sustainable impact. These connections give their efforts toward sustainability a crucial role in the sustainable development of Japanese society. These sustainability networks are a common strength of the following two companies that have been certified as B Corporations.
Innovation Design operates gift shops and a range of restaurants that includes the casual “haishop café,” and the higher-end “KITCHEN MANE.” It uses local and ethically sourced ingredients in its plant-based dishes and also actively contributes to sustainability through events and collaboration with other organizations, such as companies, educational institutions, and NGOs.
UMITO Partners works together with seafood producers and fishery communities to keep the oceans healthy while implementing creative solutions to the environmental, economic, and social issues they are facing. The company utilizes its strengths in science, business and creativity to offer services such as research, product development, a sustainability workshop for fisheries, and consultation on sustainable fishing certification, fishery digitization, and public relations.
They collaborate and coordinate with a variety of partners, from fishery industry groups, fishing people, companies and governments to restaurants, hotels and organizations such as research institutes and non-profit organizations.
You can play a role in shifting the focus of the economy from profit to people by supporting the business and actions of these companies.
