Japan's Climate Crossroads: From Heatwaves to Policy Challenges

Welcome! I am Hiroyasu Ichikawa, ichi, and this is issue 114 of the "Japan Climate Curation" newsletter?? The newsletter curates Japan-related climate news content weekly since spring of 2022 and has over 2,410 subscribers. You can subscribe by clicking on the LinkedIn page or the substack link .

I hope you find the articles below beneficial for reading (or skimming)!

Found this week's insights valuable? Please give it a quick "like" or "share" on LinkedIn – you never know who else in your network might benefit from staying in the loop on Japan's climate scene????♂?

*note: "Climate Curation" newsletter in ???? Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin / note / theLetter . It curates Japan and global climate-tech trends. I hope you like it.

[????????Japan Climate News Headlines]

【1】How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet [7/14 The Japan Times]

• As Japan faces potentially record-breaking heat, sustainable cooling methods are crucial. From traditional techniques to efficient home cooling and psychological tricks, there are ways to stay comfortable while reducing energy consumption and plastic waste, ultimately benefiting the planet.

【2】Companies market heatstroke alert products as temperatures soar [7/22 NHK World]

• Companies in Japan are developing heatstroke prevention products as summer temperatures rise
• Starlite offers a head-worn device connected to a smartphone app to measure heatstroke risk
• Tanita has created outdoor sensors to monitor environmental conditions and display risk levels on a map

【3】University Team Creates Heatstroke Prediction Website. Forecast Shows Expected Number Of Heat Hospitalizations 6 Days Ahead [7/22 The Japan News]

Researchers have developed a website, heatstroke.jp , predicting heatstroke hospitalizations six days in advance for 8 Japanese prefectures. Based on weather data and population factors, this tool aims to prevent heatstroke and assist emergency services in preparation.

【4】Are "reluctant to decarbonize," "in their 50s-70s", and "men" all deciding Japan's climate change policy? - Involvement of "specific interests" highlighted Three climate change-related organizations conducted a survey and analysis of the composition of committee members, legal issues, and corporate involvement in the "policy-making process. [7/16 Huffingtonpost Japan]

• Japan's climate change policy-making process is heavily influenced by specific interest groups, primarily older males (50-70s) hesitant about decarbonization. Energy policy committees are dominated by think tanks, universities, and energy-intensive industries, with little representation from renewable energy experts or climate scientists. This lack of diversity raises legal and constitutional concerns.
• Corporate involvement in Green Transformation (GX) policies is mainly from heavy industry sectors, and it is often misaligned with Paris Agreement goals and IPCC recommendations. The process lacks transparency and public participation, potentially compromising the effectiveness of Japan's climate change strategies and their alignment with international objectives.

【5】Over 30% of Japan's zero-energy homes fall short of requirements - An increase in below-standard houses could hamper its decarbonization efforts [7/20 Nikkei Asia]

• Japan's zero-energy home initiative faces challenges as many subsidized homes fall short of requirements. Relaxed standards have led to increased numbers of homes that don't effectively reduce emissions. Experts urge stricter criteria and innovative solutions to meet Japan's 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

【6】Greenpeace, others blast Japan gas deal in Vietnam - Fuel is seen as cleaner than coal but releases planet-heating methane [7/18 Nikkei Asia]

• Climate activists condemn Japan's $415M loan for Vietnam's gas project, challenging the notion of gas as a clean transition fuel. They urge both countries to focus on renewable energy to meet their 2050 net-zero emissions goals.

【7】Japanese carmakers ‘very scared’ by China’s rapid EV development - Chief of Sony-Honda’s joint venture says Japan needs to shake up its conservative corporate culture [7/21 Financial Times]

• Japanese carmakers are alarmed by the rapid development of Chinese EVs and risk becoming followers without faster innovation.
• Sony-Honda joint venture CEO calls for changes in conservative corporate culture and manufacturing breakthroughs to compete with Chinese rivals.
• The joint venture aims to combine Honda's manufacturing strength with Sony's software expertise, targeting "wealthy geeks" with their premium EV, Afeela.
• Buoyed by large government subsidies and the recruitment of top Japanese, European and US engineers, the development time of Chinese electric vehicles — from concept to production — has shrunk to as little as 18 months, he estimated, adding that was less than half of the time it took to develop a car in Japan.

【8】Opinion: Japan Should Go Big or Go Home on Startups - After lagging Silicon Valley through the internet and software era, the time is right for change . [7/19 Bloomberg ??Gift URL]

• Japan stands at a crucial juncture to revitalize its economy through tech innovation and entrepreneurship. Despite government efforts to create 100,000 startups and 100 unicorns by 2027, progress has been slow.
• Japan's approach of creating numerous startups hoping for a miracle company differs from its market size. The government should boost R&D funding for small enterprises, allow startups to use tax credits once they are profitable, and concentrate resources on ambitious, globally oriented-ideas.
• Japan needs to encourage competition and prioritize entrepreneurs over bureaucrats. By focusing on "deep tech" initiatives and revolutionary technologies, Japan can regain its competitive edge in the global tech landscape.

【9】Suzuki Sees India’s Automobile Market Growing Fivefold by 2047 [7/22 Bloomberg]

• Suzuki Motor Corp. predicts India's car market will grow to 20 million units by 2047, with Maruti Suzuki aiming for 50% market share by 2030. The company plans to introduce its first EV in India and Europe in 2025, targeting 15% of its Indian sales to be EVs by 2030. Suzuki recognizes India's price-conscious market but notes increasing demand for SUVs.
• The company will focus on everyday-use models and may start domestic battery cell production in 5-10 years. Suzuki also sees potential in Compressed natural gas (CNG) -powered cars and is leveraging its partnership with Toyota for EV technology and larger vehicle development.

【10】India, Japan plan joint carbon crediting mechanism [7/19 TheHindu - Business Line]

• India and Japan are set to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation for a Joint Crediting Mechanism, enabling carbon trading and credit sharing. This initiative aims to boost investment in clean technologies, create jobs, and contribute to both countries' climate action plans while avoiding double counting.

??That's all for this week! Thank you for reading(or skimming) ??. I hope you will have a wonderful week ahead!

Found this week's insights valuable? Please give it a quick "like" or "share" on LinkedIn – you never know who else in your network might benefit from staying in the loop on Japan's climate scene????♂?

*note: "Climate Curation" newsletter in ???? Japanese (every Saturday) is available on Linkedin / note / theLetter . It curates Japan and global climate-tech trends. I hope you like it.

• Please feel free to contact me via?email: hiroyasu.Ichikawa [@]socialcompany.org ?if you have any research/consulting needs for your business or just for a coffee chat?.
• My personal Twitter(X) account (in ????Japanese) @SocialCompany

ichi (Hiroyasu Ichikawa)