The Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) held a press conference in Tokyo on November 5th to announce its recommendation “Accelerate the Transition Away from Overreliance on Imported Fossil Fuels and Build Energy Security and a Decarbonized Economy Through Renewable Energy” which was endorsed by 252 organizations. Two additional organizations joined the endorsement on November 6th, bringing the total number of endorsing organizations to 254.

During the press conference, representatives from eight endorsing organizations, including companies, universities and research institutions, associations and NGOs, introduced their respective initiatives and explained why they endorse the recommendation, while also sharing their expectations for the Japanese government. In addition, Sergio Kato, Co-representative of JCI, and members of the JCI Secretariat outlined the significance of publishing the recommendation and the actions they are calling on the government to take.

Ahead of COP31, which opened on November 9th, JCI used the release of the recommendation and the list of endorsing organizations to call for stronger collaboration among the government and non-state actors, including businesses, local governments, universities and research institutions, and NGOs/NPOs, to ensure the steady implementation of the measures outlined in the recommendation. The press conference provided an opportunity to communicate the expectations and commitment of the 254 endorsing organizations to a broader audience.

In addition, JCI will highlight the recommendation and the endorsing organizations at its seminar, “Toward 2035: Non-State Actors on Clean Electrification, Resilience, and a Just Transition” to be held at the Japan Pavilion during COP31. Through this event, JCI will continue to communicate its message not only within Japan but also to the international community. Click here for JCI activities at COP31.

Press Conference Overview
■Date & Time: Thursday, November 5th, 2026, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (JST)
■Organized by Japan Climate Initiative (JCI）
■On-site participation only
■Venue: TKP Toranomon Conference Center, Conference Room 2F, Nishi-Shimbashi 1chome Building, 1-24-14 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
■Speakers (in speaking order, honorifics omitted)

Kyoko Yokoyama, Vice President for Student and General Affairs, Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sophia University
Yasuo Shiraki, Section Manager, Sustainability Sec., Social and Community Activities Dept., Japan Consumers’ Co-operative Union
Asahi Kin, Youth Environmental NGO Climate Youth Japan
Shouichirou Higuchi, Principal Advisor, Environmental Solution Division, Innovation Group, TODA CORPORATION
Hidetoshi Kato, Environmental Initiatives Associate Impact, Patagonia International Inc., Japan Branch
Hiroshi Kobayashi, Executive Officer, Chief Sustainable Investment Officer, Deputy Head of Investment Division, General Manager & Head of Sustainable Investment, Nissay Asset Management Corporation
Soichiro Tsuda, Director, Executive Officer, General Manager of the Corporate Planning Division (The General Affairs, Purchasing), TOKYO STEEL MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
Teisuke Suzuki (Video Message), Founder and President, Network of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs for a Sustainable Business and Energy Future

The full statement and the list of endorsing organizations are available here.
254 Japanese Non-state Actors Endorsed JCI Recommendation – Achieving Energy Security and a Decarbonized Economy through the Renewable Energy Transition