Business Models and Sustainability in Japan

Sustainable Business Models in Japan

• Sustainable business models in Japan leverage cultural values and traditions.
• This presentation focuses on sustainable business models in Japan, particularly in Osaka.

Osaka, Japan

• Osaka is the center of the Kansai Region in Japan.
• Population figures are given for several locations:
  • Japan: 127 million
  • Kansai Region: 21 million
  • Osaka Prefecture: 8.8 million
  • Various other locations given around Osaka and other locations in the world for comparison.

Concentration of Academic & Research Institutions

• Geographic locations of various Japanese Academic and research institutions are displayed on a map.
• Notable institutions and research areas are highlighted, such as the "K' Super Computer" and iPS cell research.

Kyoto: Embedded in Nature/Culture

• Images showcasing Kyoto's natural and cultural heritage are presented.
• Kyoto is known for its deep connection to nature and culture.

National Treasures in Japan

• Kansai region holds 54% of Japan's national treasures
• The percentage breakdown is shown in a pie chart as well as locations of regions within Japan.
• All other regions are summarized in percentages.

How to Leverage Japanese Cultural Values and Traditions

• Japanese businesses maintain their cultural values while adopting Western strategic management methods.

"WA" - Japan Becomes "The Land of Harmony"

• Prince Shotoku, who lived from 574-622, is credited with formulating Japan's national motto.
• The Seventeen-Article Constitution, enacted in 604, emphasized harmony and decision-making through discussion.
• Article 1 of this constitution focused on the importance of harmony from respecting varied opinions and resolving through discussion.
• Article 2 emphasized respect for Buddhism, emphasizing spiritual growth to achieve higher states of being, or "satori."

Shintoism and Buddhism

• Shintoism is polytheistic, emphasizing respect for all creatures as part of a larger divine entity.
• Buddhism emphasizes the concept of a middle way, seeking balance and harmony.
• Both Shintoism and Buddhism emphasize oneness with nature.

The Symbol of WA

• The oldest national Buddhist temple in Japan, Shiten-noji Temple, is highlighted as a symbol of harmonious coexistence between Shintoism and Buddhism.
• The long-lived company Kongo Gumi is noted for its longevity in business.

Zen and Mindfulness

• Zen is a state or concept of the mind that promotes mental clarity and an understanding of nothingness.
• Zen has health benefits such as calming the mind, enhancing immunity, and concentration.

Various Meanings of "Mottainai"

• Mottainai describes a feeling or sentiment of wastefulness, expressing sorrow for missed or wasted opportunities, time or things.
• Illustrative examples of "Mottainai" in action are included, and its nuance is context-dependent (i.e., it can differ based on the situation).

Wangari Maathai: Mottainai as a Universal Word

• Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner, visited Japan and was inspired by the concept of "mottainai."
• The Mottainai campaign promotes a sustainable lifestyle, reducing environmental burden, and promoting recycling.
• This approach aims to address worldwide climate change and regional contributions to sustainable outcomes.

Wangari Maathai: Mottainai and the SDGs

• Activities under the Mottainai campaign use licensed products and events.
• Environmentally friendly original products are sold, with a portion of the sales dedicated to the Green Belt Movement

"Mottainai"

• "Mottainai" is a Japanese concept that emphasizes avoiding waste and loss, urging responsible action to avoid wasted opportunities.
• Adequate production, creating differentiated value chains through re-networking with customers are all highlighted to avoid wastefulness.

Discussion

• The presentation prompts discussion concerning global expressions of respecting resources and avoiding waste.
• The presentation questions viewers to consider whether their own countries have similar cultural norms of resourcefulness and avoiding waste.

Case 1: VegiBus

• A refrigerated vehicle called the "Yasai Bus."
• Fresh agricultural products are delivered directly from growers to consumers.
• This model boosts profits for both producers and buyers by reducing costs through efficient transportation of produce directly to consumers.

Case Study 2: 100 Shokuya

• 100 Shokuya is a restaurant model that emphasizes limiting personal income and prioritizing self-determination.
• The restaurant chain utilizes standardized menus, focusing on a select few dishes, and avoids advertising costs.

Case 3: Good Nature Station

• A business model that positions nature as essential to wellness.
• Incorporating environmentally friendly and sustainable practices to attract target demographics.
• Focuses on healthy habits, promoting wellness, and sustainability.
• The first hotel in the world to receive the WELL building certification.

Case 3: Natural Taste Hotel

• First hotel in the world to receive WELL building standard certification, representing healthy practices.
• Offers healthy breakfasts.
• Offers experiences like yoga and meditation.
• Sustainability and local consumption.
• Commitment to recycling and sustainability

Case 3: Original Products (Hotel Related)

• The station includes the hotel’s various goods and products (food, consumables, art, etc).

“Ba” - Place for Interaction

• Physical and virtual spaces designed for interaction, knowledge creation, and relationship-building.
• Includes traditional meeting rooms and virtual online spaces.

Importance of "Ba"

• Ba, a Japanese concept, involves two aspects: context (situational environment) and relationships (interactions with others and with the self).
• Intense, productive discussions in short periods, to generate new ideas about a product and acquire new knowledge.

A Natural Environment

• Embraces and respects the deep connection between nature and traditional Japanese cultural aspects of the environment.
• Places importance on using traditional Japanese wisdom to create a comfortable, enjoyable, and healthy lifestyle.
• Integrates a little bit of nature into the daily life and experiences.

"Good Nature Market"

• This concept showcases a stylish market that incorporates earth-friendly practices for produce, foods, and food services.
• Offers recipes and preparation methods to maximize the flavour and enjoyment of seasonal food products.

Discussion (Regarding Sustainability Practices)

• Promotes thought on the advantages of certain business models, and the unique advantages of "Ba" and "Wa" in different stakeholder contexts.
• Focuses on ways to expand these concepts and promote new business ideas.

How Can We Develop Social Businesses?

• This section discusses how to develop social businesses, and approaches to promote inclusive societies.
• Emphasizes the value of responsible innovation and social inclusiveness.

Case 4: Senshu Agri

• A business model created by former "NEETs," demonstrating a unique case study showing a business created by and for people who may have been traditionally marginalized.
• The group/entity aims to solve societal problems around social inclusion.

Case 4: Agriculture and Welfare "Nou-Fuku" Collaboration

• An organization that merges agriculture and welfare, assisting those who need employment.

Case 4: NPO to Shareholding Company

• This model outlines a path for an organization to transform from a non-profit organization (NPO) to a shareholding company (with a community, business, and social focus). This presentation describes how to evolve an NPO to a shareholding company focused on social issues.

Case 5: Making Weakness into Value: "Album"

• A business model by Takuya Kojima that embraces and assists people with unique needs.
• Services include board game sales, photography, video production, and web design.

Case 5: Gentle Interaction with the Community

• The office is located on the 4th floor of the Ueda Corporation building and is designed with an emphasis on workplace design.
• Includes a co-working space for women, to promote flexibility in working hours.
• Interactions between Ueda employees and the Album staff result in new ideas and collaborations.

Case 5: UMLAB (Umu Labo)

• The business presents a story about fostering a connection between society and welfare. This is achieved by giving a voice to creators and their unique approaches to challenges, enabling inclusiveness.

How Can We Create Business Models to Bring the World Sustainability?

• Japanese cultural values, influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism, often emphasize a deep connection to nature and sustainability, particularly in the Kansai region.

Business Model and Net Zero

• Recent discussions about transforming businesses to achieve decarbonization have increased in intensity.
• Business models hold insights into how an organization creates outcomes for stakeholders and impacts the environment and society.

Function of Business Model

• Business models act as market devices and intermediaries between organizations.
• A strong relationship exists between business models and decarbonization with a focus on economic performance.

Net Zero and Nature Positive

• A high-level discussion around the necessity of being environmentally aware.
• G7 leaders promote net-zero and nature-positive strategies globally to improve environmental health.
• Action by governments, businesses and civil society is needed to reach these goals.

2024 Course: Sustainable Business Models

• A course on sustainable business models is described.

Lecturer: Song Wen Ying, aka Margot Song

• Professional background of the lecturer is detailed.

The Green New China: Eco-Priority in Development

• China's economic and prioritization of the environment to drive economic development are outlined.
• The focus on sustainable growth is highlighted.

Guangdong Province: The Engine of China Economy

• Guangdong is China's leading economic province for 30 years.
• The demographics and economy of Guangdong are discussed.
• Details such as population, land area, GDP are noted.

Guangzhou: Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area(GBA)

• An overview of the region is detailed, including area, population, GDP, and history.

1970 City Center in Guangzhou | 2022 New City Center Guangzhou

• Illustrative images showing the transformations of the urban centre are given.

Greater Bay Area(GBA)

• Covers significant infrastructure development to better the region's economic and social future.

Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Map

• A map displaying the key cities within the Greater Bay Area.

China Environment Milestones

• Important milestones regarding China's environmental legislation and policies are outlined.

Ten-Year Trend of Government Environmental Expenditure vs Total Environmental Investments

• A graph comparing environmental investment versus total expenditure over a ten-year period.

China Forest Coverage Growth

• Illustrative details of China's forest expansion since 1949.

Main City Street, Huyuan, Guangdong: 1990, 2000, 2018

• Images demonstrating the urban evolution of Huyuan, Guangdong.

2020 China Environment Annual Report

• Report details regarding improvements in air and environmental quality.

Absolute GHG Emissions, Per-Capita Emissions

• Detailing the increase and decrease in emission levels of various global entities and countries.

Macro Environment of Climate Change Transition-Dual Low Carbon

• China's efforts for environmentally sustainable outcomes are described.

The Green New China: Eco-Priority in Development Summary

• Summary of the course notes about the Chinese economy, its environment and its approach to sustainable outcomes.

China-Italy Relationship

• A detailed summary of the strengthening relationships between China and Italy, and focus on cooperation.

Italy and China - Green Economy Comparison

• A comparison of energy intensity and CO2 among various global entities and countries.

Why Italy and China are Partnering for Green Economy

• A summary of the reasons for the partnership.

China Future Economy Development Focus

• China's focus on achieving high-quality growth through critical structural reforms, social equality, and a shift toward sustainability and innovation.

More Possibilities ...

• An outlook for the future of cooperation between organizations in China and Italy.

2023, Padova University - Fudan University - EnviroVest

• Collaboration among academic institutions and industrial entities is discussed, with special attention given to a program between Padova University, Fudan University and EnviroVest.

Case Study for Business Models

• Details relating to a special class on business models. The time and location are noted.