Japan’s responses to rapid global sustainable finance evolution
How can Japanese institutional investors and financial institutions secure a place in the rapidly evolving sustainable finance world?
Join opinion leaders from Japan and abroad to discover how urgent theoretical and practical issues can marry with the vision for a new era of capitalism in a sustainability-conscious world.
Make new connections with 500+ senior Japanese finance professionals to debate regulatory developments, market trends and best practices in responsible investment, and be a part of advancing sustainable finance in Japan.
There are discounts available to NGOs, academics, small businesses and subscribers. Click here for more information.
What can you expect at the forum?
Connect with the Japanese ESG and sustainable finance industry
Past attendees have included Dai-ichi Life Insurance, GPIF, Japan Post Insurance, Pension Fund Association, Sophia School Corporation, Transport Agency Pension Fund, and many more.
Get answers to the biggest ESG questions from industry experts
Carefully curated panel sessions will showcase the depth and the dynamics of sustainable finance discussion from global standardisations of ESG to organisational challenges to take up portfolio decarbonisation.
Japan-focused content with a global perspective
With a well-established network of sustainable finance practitioners, Responsible Investor will bring together both local and international attendees to discuss how to progress Japanese business in a sustainability-conscious world.
Meet our 2022 keynote speakers
Hear from the top officials presenting strategies to push climate risk management forward and enhance opportunities in sustainable finance.
Key event themes
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- Accelerating Japan’s path to Net Zero through the Green Transformation
Understanding the GX Policy Package’s aims for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 – how realistic and deliverable are these aims? - Debating the future trajectory of ESG and its implications for investors
ESG has faced considerable headwinds, given the recent backlash in the US, Ukraine war and energy crisis and increasing concerns of greenwashing – what are these impacts in the longer term? - The advancement of gender equality in Japan
How can Japan further accelerate closing the gender pay gap and increase the ratio of women in managerial positions? - The evolution of data and Japan’s role in data disclosure
Understanding the FSA code of conduct for ESG evaluation and data providers – how will it impact on ESG markets? - Getting the Asset Owner perspective on ESG
What do Japanese institutional investors really want out of ESG?
- Accelerating Japan’s path to Net Zero through the Green Transformation
Connect with 400+ Japanese sustainable finance professionals
Our leading advisory board in 2023
Apply for a complimentary asset owner pass
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for asset owners to join the event.
To qualify for a complimentary pass, you must meet the eligibility criteria in representing a pension fund, insurance company, sovereign wealth fund, private wealth manager, foundation, endowment, family office or corporate investment division.
Apply for a pass and a member of our team will follow up with you to secure your pass.
Connect with investors & ESG professionals
Responsible Investor Japan provides an opportunity to make connections with an exclusive audience of ESG and sustainable finance decision makers. Share your solutions, collaborate and network with senior-level executives through bespoke sponsorship packages to meet your 2023 business goals.
Our leading advisory board in 2023
Arisa Kishigami
Independent Consultant, En-CycleS
Arisa Kishigami is an independent thought leader & consultant through her initiative En-CycleS. Arisa aims to bridge gaps in thought and action on sustainable investment/finance and corporate management in Japan and globally. As part of this, Ari… Read full bio
Michiyo Morisawa
Senior Lead, Japan, PRI
Dr. Michiyo Morisawa is Japan's senior lead in the signatory relation of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and PRI has expanded ESG investment since establishing the Japan Network in 2010. Also, she is as Japan Director of CDP, guiding… Read full bio
Hideki Takada
Director for Strategy Development, Financial Services Agency
Mr. Takada has been working as a government official at the Ministry of Finance since 1995, dealing with various policy areas including public finance, tax and financial services. His career also includes secondments to other public bodies such as: H… Read full bio
Satoshi Ikeda
Chief Sustainable Finance Officer, Financial Services Agency, Government of Japan
Satoshi Ikeda has been the Chief Sustainable Finance Officer (CFSO) at the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA) since 2019. In this role, he covers a wide range of issues concerning sustainable finance which include, among other things, designin… Read full bio
Mari Kogiso
Co CEO, SDG Impact Japan
Mari is an impact investing expert with extensive background in inclusive business, sustainable finance, and social entrepreneurship. Most recently, Mari founded the SDG Impact Japan to promote sustainable finance in Japan and Asia and serve as CoCEO… Read full bio
The RI Japan conference will take place in May 2023, all timings are in Japan Standard Time (UTC+9).
For more information on the agenda, please contact Andrew Wolff.
andrew.w@peimedia.com / +81 (0) 3 6205 3224
View agenda page
Agenda
RI Japan 2023 - Wednesday 24th
Day 1 (All times in JST)
08:15 - 09:00
Registration
09:00 - 09:15
Welcome remarks from Responsible Investor
09:15 - 10:05
Plenary 1: Globalisation vs localisation of ESG standards and their adoption in Japan
- Comparing updated global regulatory disclosure standards: SFDR, SEC, UK and in Asia – are we seeing greater convergence in these standards?
- Will tighter disclosure standards actually make any tangible impact in driving capital to sustainable assets?
- What standards will Japan adopt – the ISSB or SSBJ standard? Is there a more localized approach for Japan needed given its transition needs?
10:05 - 10:20
Keynote: Promoting Green Finance in Japan
10:20 - 11:00
Networking break
11:00 - 11:50
Plenary 2: Accelerating Japan’s path to Net Zero through the Green Transformation
- Understanding the GX Policy Package’s aims for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 – how realistic and deliverable are these aims?
- GX economic transition bonds and transition finance – what is the role that this can potentially play?
- What is further needed to accelerate the transition of Japan’s energy supply structure and what lessons can be learned from other OECD countries?
11:50 - 12:40
Plenary 3: The evolution of data and Japan’s role in data disclosure
- Understanding the FSA code of conduct for ESG evaluation and data providers – how will it impact on ESG markets?
- Can it tangibly influence investor confidence in ESG ratings and enhance ESG standards?
- Alternative data sets, what is the next generation of ESG data?
12:40 - 13:30
Networking lunch
13:30 - 14:15
Stream A-1: Advancing voluntary carbon trading markets
- How can carbon credits be used as part of a Net Zero strategy?
- What is the role of the GX league in propelling carbon trading in Japan?
- How to make carbon trading work cross border?
13:30 - 14:15
Stream B-1: Integrating human rights into the investment process
- How is the external environment changing from financial institutions to respond to human rights?
- What are the major drivers for financial institutions including legal/regulatory updates?
- What are the best practices taken by leading financial institutions?
13:30 - 14:15
Stream C-1: ESG Fund disclosure in Japan
- Current regulatory environments in US and Europe vs. Japan.
- Best practices for fund regulation
- The impact of regulation on ESG investments
14:20 - 15:05
Stream A-2: Investing in the Just transition
- Balancing between a Just Transition and Net zero alignment.
- Understanding how to mitigate the social impacts of the energy transition
- Geopolitics and the energy crisis impact on the Just transition
14:20 - 15:05
Stream B-2: Diversity & Inclusion
- How can Japan further accelerate closing the gender pay gap and increase the ratio of women in managerial positions?
- Successfully implementing DEI change management and its relationship to improved corporate performance
- The benefits of neurodiversity in the DEI context
14:20 - 15:05
Stream C-2: Financing Solutions for Net Zero
- Transition finance – what do we mean by it? Working towards a universal definition.
- How much can sustainability-linked loans and green bonds can make an impact?
- Blended finance – how can this fill in financing gaps?
15:05 - 15:35
Networking break
15:35 - 16:25
Stream A-3: Sustainable oceans and the blue economy
- How can Japan shift to a low- carbon ocean future?
- What role can blue bonds and blue carbon credits play?
- Creating sustainable fisheries: linking biodiversity conservation and food security
15:35 - 16:25
Stream B-3: ESG Case Study Showcase
- Examples highlighting where ESG has brought tangible results
15:35 - 16:25
Stream C-3: Real Assets Roundtable
- Key discussion topics and insights on best ESG practices in real estate and infrastructure
16:30 - 17:30
Plenary 4: Debating the future trajectory of ESG and its implications for investors
- ESG has faced considerable headwinds, given the recent backlash in the US, Ukraine war and energy crisis and increasing concerns of greenwashing – what are these impacts in the longer term?
- What actions are needed to be implemented to boost ESG’s credibility and what can Japan’s investor community do to enhance this?
- What lessons can Japan’s ESG community learn from the backlash in the US?
17:30 - 19:30
Drinks reception
Agenda
RI Japan 2023 - Thursday 25th
Day 2 (All times in JST)
08:00 - 09:45
Registration
08:30 - 09:45
Deep Dive workshop: how to achieve a net zero goal
The purpose of the workshop is to impart best practices and insight on how investors can set and monitor progress to a net zero goals and discuss engagement strategies for influencing companies. The workshop will explore questions such as:
- What are the steps that investors should take to set and monitor net zero goals?
- How to evaluate climate impacts of portfolios currently?
- What are the obstacles to get more asset owners in this region to visibly commit and act on climate?
- How to engage with companies on net zero progress and decarbonization?
- What escalation strategies and tools can investors employ with companies that aren’t net-zero aligned?
09:45 - 10:30
Stream A-4: Japan Inc’s progress in decarbonization
- How corporates in Japan are making efforts to decarbonize?
- How are traditionally fossil fuel intensive corporations leading the transformation?
- How are corporates also integrating biodiversity issues with their decarbonization goals?
09:45 - 10:30
Stream B-4: Strengthening human capital management
- Understanding the growing importance of human capital in corporate value assessment
- Human capital disclosure practices in Japan and abroad
- Case studies for best practices
09:45 - 10:30
Stream C-4: Getting the Asset Owner perspective on ESG
- What do Japanese institutional investors really want out of ESG?
- The changing face of asset owner & asset manager relationships – how are reporting and monitoring standards evolving?
- What will be the key to determining future asset manager selection going forward?
10:30 - 10:45
15 minutes break
10:45 - 11:30
Stream A-5: Spotlight on Green Hydrogen as a path to net zero
- Green hydrogen and the energy transition – how can it help decarbonize heavy industry?
- What is Japan’s role in the green hydrogen revolution and how is it encouraging innovation?
- What are the technological & cost constraints? How realistic and effective will it be to implement green hydrogen strategies?
10:45 - 11:30
Stream B-5: Corporate Sustainability and sustainable supply chains
- What are the commercial drivers for large MNCs to adopt sustainable practices?
- What are companies doing to make their supply chains more sustainable?
- What challenges do corporates face in implementing their sustainability strategies and disseminating information on KPIs and targets to the public and investors?
10:45 - 11:30
Stream C-5: The rise of shareholder resolutions
- Dealing with societal, environmental, and lobbying through resolutions what are the best tactics?
- What are the main drivers for success or failure of resolutions?
- Best practices for dealing with Anti ESG resolutions
11:30 - 11:45
15 minutes break
11:45 - 12:30
Stream A-6: Climate Change scenario planning
- Transition scenarios: assumptions and modelling under uncertainty, and financial risks associated with delayed political action.
- Assessing the cost of a delayed transition: the central impact of stranded assets.
- The way forward for climate risk management in the financial sector in uncertain times
11:45 - 12:30
Stream B-6: Embracing AI and digitalization in ESG
- How can Japan accelerate digitalization and change and apply it in the ESG context?
- Why sustainability builds on digitalization
- The future role of AI technology in ESG reporting
11:45 - 12:30
Stream C-6: ESG Future Leaders Roundtable
- How can the next generation break through the conservative barriers of a seniority-based culture in Japan?
- What are they keys to success in forging a career in the industry – what are the skill sets needed?
- Success stories from young leaders in the industry.
12:30 - 13:45
Networking lunch
13:45 - 14:00
Keynote
14:00 - 14:15
Keynote
14:15 - 15:05
Plenary 5: Bringing the biodiversity challenge into the mainstream
- How can you best manage biodiversity risk in the portfolio?
- How do investors view the Cop 15 adoption of the Post 2020 framework?
- How do you go about getting data and is biodiversity data reliable?
15:05 - 15:45
Networking break
15:45 - 16:00
Keynote
16:00 - 16:15
Keynote
16:15 - 17:05
Plenary 6: The rise of impact investing as an investment strategy
- Demystifying impact investing – what does it actually mean in 2023?
- Can impact investing really bring about tangible change whilst delivering compelling financial returns?
- How can impact investing overcome the issue of not scaling?
17:05 - 18:30
Close of Conference, followed by networking
For more information on speaking in May 2023, please contact Sae Imamura.
sae@responsible-investor.com | +44 (0)20 3307 2474
Speaker line-up in 2023
Akane Enatsu
Head of Nomura Research Center of Sustainability, Nomura Institute of Capital Markets Research
Akane Enatsu joined Nomura Institute of Capital Markets Research (NICMR) in 2012 and was appointed as the Head of Nomura Research Center of Sustainability (NRCS) in 2019. Her main research coverage includes public finance and sustainable finance. She… Read full bio
Ayaka Fujiwara
Climate Investment Specialist, Green Climate Fund
Ayaka Fujiwara is Climate Investment Specialist at the Green Climate Fund (GCF)’s Private Sector Facility, where she is responsible for the origination and appraisal of private sector climate projects and programmes since 2018. Ayaka has 12 years of… Read full bio
Makoto Haraguchi
SVP of Sustainability Section, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings
Makoto Haraguchi is a TNFD Taskforce Member. Since joining the MS &AD Insurance Group in 1996, he has worked to realize a sustainable and resilient society through business using nature-based solutions.
Reiko Hayashi
Director and Deputy President, BofA Securities Japan
Reiko Hayashi is director and deputy president of BofA Securities Japan Co., Ltd. In these roles, she oversees the firm’s interactions with regulators and government departments in Japan and is responsible for overseeing the governance framework acro… Read full bio
Satoshi Ikeda
Chief Sustainable Finance Officer, Financial Services Agency
In March 2019, the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA) decided to create the position of Chief Sustainable Finance Officer (CSFO), to plan and coordinate on promotion of sustainable finance internally and globally. Upon its creation Satoshi Ike… Read full bio
Takuro Kimura
Chief Executive Officer, G-Cubed Partners
• Over 30 years of experience in private equity and project finance with impact, from early to growth-stage ventures/projects, in the agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, financial, and logistics sectors in emerging markets (EM), including Asia,… Read full bio
Arisa Kishigami
Independent Consultant, En-CycleS
Arisa Kishigami is an independent thought leader & consultant through her initiative En-CycleS. Arisa aims to bridge gaps in thought and action on sustainable investment/finance and corporate management in Japan and globally. As part of this, Ari… Read full bio
Mari Kogiso
Co CEO, SDG Impact Japan
Mari is an impact investing expert with extensive background in inclusive business, sustainable finance, and social entrepreneurship. Most recently, Mari founded the SDG Impact Japan to promote sustainable finance in Japan and Asia and serve as CoCEO… Read full bio
Miho Kurosaki
Independent Climate Change/ESG Specialist
Miho has 15 years of experience in ESG and climate change and advised policy makers including ministers, investors, companies on their ESG and climate change strategies based on analysis and data. She has managed a diversified team in Tokyo but also… Read full bio
Chie Mitsui
Senior Researcher, Data Analyst, Digital Financial Business Planning Department I, Nomura Research Institute
A member of a study group of non-financial disclosure that was organised by METI, since 2021, Chie Mitsui is a graduate of the Tokyo University of Science and has a masters degree from the Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science. Before joi… Read full bio
Asako Nagai
Managing Director, BSR
With more than 20 years of sustainability experience, Asako leads and advises global technology companies as well as BSR members and partners in Japan to better integrate sustainability into core business strategies as well as specialized on business… Read full bio
Emi Onozuka
CEO, Eminent Group
Emi Onozuka, CEO, Eminent Group Ltd. Emi has worked at J.P. Morgan (1998-2000), Goldman Sachs Asset Management Co.,Ltd. (2000-2020), and was the Executive Vice President COO of Monex Group Japan Catalyst Inc. (2020-2022). She has over 20 years of exp… Read full bio
Hideki Takada
Director for Strategy Development, Financial Services Agency
Mr. Takada has been working as a government official at the Ministry of Finance since 1995, dealing with various policy areas including public finance, tax and financial services. His career also includes secondments to other public bodies such as: H… Read full bio
Asahi Yamashita
Legal Advisor to ClientEarth in Japan | Attorney-at-law admitted in Japan, Tokyo Surugadai Law Offices
Mr. Yamashita is a legal advisor to ClientEarth since January 2021 to assist ClientEarth’s challenges to tackle climate change in Japan and South East Asia from corporate and investment law perspectives. He is a senior lawyer at Tokyo Sugugadai Law O… Read full bio
Mari Yoshitaka
Principal Sustainability Strategist, Social Impact Partnership Dept., Research & Innovation Division, Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting
Mari joined Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities in 2000 to start up the Clean Energy Finance Committee and transferred to MURC in May 2020. Her area of expertise is climate change policy, especially climate finance and mitigation projects, in th… Read full bio
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- Increase your brand visibility to senior institutional investors: Embed your brand within the industry as a major player by being positioned at the forefront of marketing activities.
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- Position your organisation as a thought leader within the industry: Strengthen your company’s expertise within a niche industry and be heard by of a global audience of institutional investors through exclusive speaker opportunities and association with Responsibility Investor events.
Pre-Event Resources
Institutional Investors at RI Japan 2023
The Responsible Investor Japan provides an unrivalled platform for institutional investors and financial institutions investing in ESG and sustainable finance.
A limited number of complimentary passes for the event are available for asset owners. Check out the benefits of joining the conference and learn who among your peers attends. Apply for a complimentary pass for you or your team now.
What to expect
Network with your peers
Enrich your network, build lasting relationships, and exchange valuable perspectives with your investor peers through investor-only breakfasts, networking breaks, lunches and much more.
Gain expert insights
Hear from our industry-leading speaker line-up, discover the latest trends and stay aligned with future innovations in the market.
Explore opportunities
Discover remarkable investment opportunities and leverage ESG expertise focused on regulation, human rights, biodiversity, net zero and more.
Meet with the best and brightest funds
Connect and arrange one-to-one meetings with the biggest ESG managers in the market.
Connect with active investors
Apply for a complimentary asset owner pass
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for asset owners to join the event.
To qualify for a complimentary pass, you must meet the eligibility criteria in representing a pension fund, insurance company, sovereign wealth fund, private wealth manager, foundation, endowment, family office or corporate investment division.
Apply for a pass and a member of our team will follow up with you to secure your pass.
RI Japan 2022 Affiliated events
Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) Energy Transition Event
May 26
9-10am JST, followed by an invite-only, closed-door roundtable session from 10.30 to 12 noon JST
Toranomon Hills Forum and online
The Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) will host an event on the side-lines of Responsible Investor Japan 2022 focused upon Japan’s energy transition. It will aim to involve all stakeholders, but more specifically policymakers, investors, utility companies and other Japanese companies, in order to highlight key issues and new perspectives ahead of the Clean Energy Strategy document scheduled to be released by the Government of Japan in July 2022.
The event will take the format of a general session (from 9 to 10am JST) followed by an invitation only, closed-door roundtable where discussions will be centred around the role of ammonia co-firing and renewables in Japan’s energy transition plans.
Transition to Net-Zero: The Role of Finance and Pathway toward Sustainable Future.
May 26
13:30-18:00
Toranomon Hills Forum and online
Climate change is an urgent issue that must be resolved globally. In order to achieve carbon neutrality, all industries need to make transitions that contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. It is also important to properly evaluate these efforts and encourage the mobilization of capital.
Representatives from the financial and industrial sectors as well as government officials, foreign investors and key participants in net-zero private initiatives, are invited to join us for a lively discussion focusing on the transition pathway to net-zero and the role of transitional finance in achieving a sustainable society.
To help keep you and your peers safe, we require you to follow the Covid principles below to ensure the smooth running of RI Japan 2022.
All attendees must wear a mask at all times. You are not allowed to enter the venue if you observe a high temperature above 37.5 degrees, or symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or severe fatigue. The staff will take the temperature at the entrance using a non-contact thermometer. Please refrain from coming to the venue if you are found to be in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
In addition to the above, please help us by:
- Downloading and using the COVID-19 Contact Confirming Application (COCOA)
- Regularly sanitising hands and surfaces
- Maintaining social distances
- Using event apps to exchange contacts
In case you are not able to attend physically, you can still take part in the conference using the conference app where you can see the live streaming of the plenary sessions.
If you have any questions, please contact riaj@responsible-investor.com
Network at the leading sustainable finance event in Japan
After two years of successful virtual meetings, RI Japan will be back in person to bring together the Japanese ESG industry leaders once again. Join 500+ attendees in Tokyo for two days of networking and connect with the ESG community.
The in-person networking experience
Meet leaders in sustainable finance
Network with investment professionals, corporates, regulators, and academics who are leading the sustainable finance conversation in Japan.
Network in person in Tokyo
Connect with your peers at plenty of networking breaks, evening drinks reception and roundtable discussions.
Build new connections
Past attendees have included Dai-ichi Life Insurance, GPIF, Japan Post Insurance, Pension Fund Association, Sophia School Corporation, and many more.