Event Recap - Japan’s Social Impact Ecosystem: Present and Future
Written By Social Impact Lab Japan
On September 26th, Social Impact Lab Japan hosted a highly engaging panel discussion on the “Japan’s Social Impact Ecosystem: Present and Future”, bringing together leaders from various sectors to examine the evolution of sustainability and social impact in Japan. The event saw a diverse attendance, including government officials, investors, ecosystem builders, startups, academia, and students—all united in exploring ways to drive meaningful social and environmental change.
Panel Highlights
The panel featured a distinguished group of speakers:
Yuko Nakahata – CEO of SustainaSeed Inc.
Eric Wei – Founder & CEO at Dimes, Inc.
Jordan Fisher – Co-Founder & Chairman at Zehitomo Inc. / Venture Partner at Antler Japan
Noriko Shindo – Employee-to-Entrepreneur Coach at My Lady Startup
Philip Nguyen – CEO & Co-founder at Sustainability Page
Jade Wu – Co-Founder at We Are The Impact / Program Manager at Run For the Cure Foundation
Each panelist brought their unique insights to the conversation, tackling questions that probed the current state of sustainability and social impact, where Japan is excelling, and areas that need further attention. The discussion was fueled by a set of thought-provoking questions aimed at understanding the trajectory of sustainability and social impact in Japan. Key topics included the past and present perceptions of sustainability, the role of government policy, and the challenges and opportunities facing Japan in its journey toward a more sustainable future.
A Discussion about Progress and Change
In past decades, sustainability or social impact was not as prominent in the public consciousness as it is today. Noriko Shindo highlighted that even basic social issues, such as childbearing or taking paternity leave, were underdeveloped, pointing to a broader lack of engagement with social needs coming from the corporate culture. Yuko Nakahata emphasized that advocacy for sustainability in Japan was limited and fragmented, with more talking than doing, and much of the population unaware or uninterested in sustainable practices. This reflected a societal landscape where sustainability was not yet a mainstream priority across all age groups.
The panelists agreed that while sustainability was present in some discussions, particularly in traditional practices like conserving energy or natural resources, the concept was largely sidelined in corporate and social contexts. The lack of intergenerational concern further slowed progress, with older generations focused more on economic growth than long-term environmental or social sustainability.
The meaning of social impact has evolved significantly over time. For Jordan Fisher, significant social impact is closely tied to "innovation at scale." He argued that true societal progress hinges on the ability to take innovations in sustainability and apply them at a broader level where they can create meaningful impact. Fisher believes that only through large-scale innovation can the societal shifts needed for sustainability occur. He also praised the effort that the Japanese government had put in through many initiatives that promote startups investment and developments, thus encouraging people to take the entrepreneurial path and lead the change.
Eric Wei raised his perspectives, focusing on the importance of inclusivity in the promotion of social impact and sustainability movement. While facing the problem of an aging population, he noted that only 2% of Japan's population consists of international residents, underscoring a lack of diversity that can hinder creative, inclusive solutions. For him, diverse collaboration across different communities and sectors is critical to fostering a sustainable future, suggesting that Japan must open itself more to global talent and ideas.
Regarding the question of How do you believe the average individual can contribute to driving change in social impact and sustainability, Jade Wu offered a straightforward yet inspiring answer to this question: “Just keep going.” Her call to action encouraged individuals to remain resilient in the face of challenges and to continually push for greater impact in their communities.
The panel observed that people in Japan today are increasingly driving interest in sustainability and social impact. Philip Nguyen predicted a surge in social and environmental startups in the coming years, indicating a shift in mindset among the younger generation. With more and more support from both private and public sectors, there has been a remarkable shift of focus into impact investing and sustainable startup development, promising that there will be greater accomplishments of the impact ecosystem in the years to come.
Final Thoughts & Looking Forward
The event concluded on a high note with a shared sense of optimism about Japan’s future in sustainability and social impact. Panelists and attendees alike recognized that while there is still much work to be done, Japan is on the right path, with emerging leaders and innovators ready to drive change.
NOW CROWDFUNDING!
Social Impact Lab Japan is looking to raise funding, therefore we have launched a crowdfunding campaign to further support our programs. We invite you to join in the effort and help foster a new generation of sustainable and socially impactful businesses in Japan!
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and enthusiasm from our esteemed panelists, dedicated attendees, and the entire community. Your passion and commitment have been the driving force behind the success of our initiatives, and it is through this collective energy that we can continue to build momentum for meaningful change. Together, we have the power to advance the agenda for sustainability and social impact, creating a ripple effect that touches every corner of society. As we move forward, your ongoing involvement will be crucial in driving innovation, inspiring new leaders, and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable, equitable future. Let’s continue to collaborate, inspire, and take bold steps toward making lasting change!
