#Japan #Sapporo #Green Transformation #Tsunagaru Inc.

Exploring Sapporo's Green Transformation

In November, Tsunagaru Inc. held a significant press tour in collaboration with the city of Sapporo aimed at presenting the city's innovative green transformation initiatives. This event is part of Sapporo's ambition to establish itself as a central hub for green energy and finance in Asia.

The tour kicked off at the Global GX/Finance NIKKEI FORUM on November 25, where the city unveiled a public-private investment fund designed to unlock Hokkaido's renewable energy potential. With an investment of 500 million yen, the fund aims to gather a total of 10 billion yen for green projects. Founding investors like Hokkaido Bank, Ltd., and North Pacific Bank, Ltd. are set to launch this promising venture in March 2026.

Under the consortium known as 'Team Sapporo-Hokkaido,' the city is partnering with various organizations and businesses to cultivate a thriving regional ecosystem focused on green transformation (GX). Over the span of three days, journalists had the opportunity to visit several key projects integral to this ecosystem, showcasing Sapporo's commitment towards sustainability.

One highlight was the visit to Hokkaido's first large-scale commercial hydrogen station, the Air Water Sapporo Odori East Hydrogen Station. Opened in April, this station, operated by Air Water Inc., showcases the city's advancements in hydrogen technology, including its capability to refuel large electric vehicles like buses and trucks. This facility falls under Sapporo's hydrogen model district development, indicative of its forward-thinking energy strategy.

The tour also took journalists to the Zero Emissions Data Center ISHIKARI, Japan's first carbon-free data center which operates around the clock. Officially opened in October 2024 and managed by Kyocera Communication Systems Co., the facility is powered by wind energy from the nearby Ishikari Bay’s new offshore wind farm and its own solar panels. This centers around the vision of making Sapporo an eco-friendly tech hub.

Sapporo benefits from its attractive business environment, characterized by a pleasant summer climate, lush urban greenery, and proximity to numerous tourist attractions, all of which contribute to its appeal for investors and businesses.

During the tour, journalists met with representatives from the Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP), which supports foreign businesses looking to establish a presence in the region. They also interacted with an AI robotics firm during their visit to STEP’s facilities, highlighting the city's innovative ecosystem.

Tsunagaru Inc. plays a pivotal role in connecting Japan’s regional assets with the global market, fostering sustainable growth through GX projects and leveraging local human resources. This media tour not only shed light on Sapporo's green initiatives but also aimed at attracting potential international partners interested in participating in the city's green future,

Through these efforts, Sapporo is paving the way for a sustainable urban environment, marking its place on the global map as a leader in green transformation and innovation. The city aims to inspire other regions to follow suit by demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand successfully.