Zenbird Editorial TeamHarch Inc., parent company fo Zenbird Media, will organize the “Akasaka Circular City Conference & Tourism 2024” on October 8, an event that will bring together businesses, startups, and sustainability leaders to explore the future of circular cities. The event, held entirely in English, aims to position Tokyo as a global leader in circular economy practices, with a focus on corporate initiatives and community-driven projects.
The conference seeks to highlight the potential for Tokyo, specifically Akasaka, to serve as a beacon for international collaboration on the circular economy. Akasaka, known for being an international hub of economic activity and home to numerous corporate headquarters, embassies, and foreign-affiliated companies, is seen as an ideal location to explore how Japan can share its circular economy innovations with the world.
Morning conference: “How to Create a Circular Neighborhood in the Heart of Tokyo?”
The event will be held in two parts. The morning conference will feature presentations from major corporations and startups pioneering circular economy efforts. The first half of the conference will focus on the theme “How to Create a Circular Neighborhood in the Heart of Tokyo?” and feature presentations by three major companies based in Akasaka.
- TBS Holdings Inc.: Namie Inoue
“Making SDGs and Circularity Accessible: TBS’s Communication to Change Society”
TBS was one of the first Japanese commercial broadcasters to join the UN’s SDG Media Compact and has been actively involved in SDG initiatives. Examples include the “Smile Week” campaign, which incorporated SDG elements into many of their broadcasts, and the “Smile Plaza” event in Akasaka, focused on circularity and SDGs. Namie Inoue, the company’s Executive Officer responsible for Sustainability and Head of the Sustainability Creation Center, will share insights into these initiatives. - Hakuhodo Inc.: Hidenori Kondo
“Tokyo Urban Farming: Cultivating a Regenerative Urban Lifestyle”
Hakuhodo’s “UNIVERSITY of CREATIVITY,” a research institution exploring creativity as a tool for future innovation, launched the “Tokyo Urban Farming” project in 2021. With the slogan “Let’s Turn Tokyo Into an Edible Forest,” the project aims to regenerate individuals, communities, and cities through agricultural activities. Hidenori Kondo, Director of Sustainability Field at UNIVERSITY of CREATIVITY and the founder of Tokyo Urban Farming, will present this initiative. - A third speaker will be announced closer to the event.
In addition to the corporate discussions, five Japanese circular startups will present their circular solutions to different issues in Tokyo.
- iKasa: Japan’s first umbrella-sharing service, available in 12 prefectures, primarily in Tokyo and surrounding areas. With over 1,600 spots and 600,000 registered users, iKasa offers a subscription plan for ¥280/month, aiming to transition society from buying convenience store umbrellas to a sustainable and convenient alternative. (Presenter: Terushi Marukawa, CEO of Nature Innovation Group)
- Megloo: A reusable container-sharing service that reduces disposable containers in takeout and delivery by allowing users to borrow shared containers and return them to participating stores. This service reduces waste and CO2 emissions by over 90%. (Presenter: Shingo Yoshizumi, CEO of Kaman Co., Ltd.)
- digglue: A startup with a mission to implement a sustainable world through technology. They support circular economy initiatives by providing consulting, creating resource loops, and offering digital solutions like “MateRe-Visualization” to visualize resource circulation and “CiReta!” to foster consumer behavioral change. (Presenter: Hideyuki Hara, CEO of digglue Co., Ltd.)
- RECOTECH: A Climate Tech startup aiming to create a society where waste can be sourced. Their circular economy data platform, “pool,” digitizes waste and enhances resource recovery efficiency, connecting manufacturers and waste generators to design circular supply chains. (Presenter: Tomoe Sakauchi, Executive Officer at RECOTECH Co., Ltd.)
Afternoon tour: Circular Economy Tour Kuramae
The afternoon tour will take attendees to Kuramae, a district known for its focus on circular projects. Participants will visit the following locations:
- ELAB: A circular economy hub combining a kitchen and living lab, promoting sustainable living through food waste reduction and circular practices. Participants will enjoy a plant-based lunch made with seasonal vegetables from rooftop gardens and local organic farmers.
- En No Ki: A coffee roastery engaged in local circular initiatives, such as upcycling coffee grounds and collaborating with major breweries and welfare facilities. Participants will taste upcycled craft beer and sweets while touring the facility, including a normally compost machine.
- Rinne.bar: A unique bar where participants can enjoy drinks while engaging in DIY upcycling workshops, contributing to waste reduction while gaining insights into circular living.
Readers interested in sustainable practices or circular economy innovations are invited to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. The event offers three attendance options: the conference, the tour, or both. Visit here for more details, or for registrations.
