#Japan #Tokyo #NextGen ESG #BlueMark #Impact Investment

Achieving Excellence: NextGen ESG Japan Strategy's Gold Rating

The NextGen ESG Japan Strategy has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving a Gold Rating from BlueMark, a leading international third-party verification agency specializing in ESG and impact investment assessments. This recognition reflects the strategy's adherence to global best practices across four critical evaluation axes: Impact Strategy, Impact Governance, Impact Management, and Impact Reporting.

In the recent assessment by BlueMark, the NextGen ESG Japan fund received a rating of High or above across all four categories, marking a significant achievement for the fund. Moreover, in the area of Impact Reporting, it earned an exceptional Advanced rating, contributing to its overall Gold Rating.

Impact investing, which focuses on contributing to social and environmental challenges, is gaining momentum in Japan. According to the Impact-Driven Finance Declaration, backed by domestic banks and insurance companies, the balance of impact investments held by financial institutions is projected to exceed 17 trillion yen by 2024, reflecting a staggering 60% increase from the previous year. As Japanese companies increasingly integrate sustainability into their core management strategies, they are fostering innovation, enhancing efficiency, and creating long-term value.

This positive shift presents new opportunities for investors who seek to achieve both returns and social impact, particularly in public equity markets—a field where impact investing strategies are still relatively underexplored globally. The recent evaluation not only highlights the strengths of the NextGen ESG Japan fund but also sheds light on areas for improvement, allowing investors to refine their strategies and enhance their impact.

About NextGen ESG Japan Strategy

The NextGen ESG Japan Strategy places a strong emphasis on significant ESG issues that are closely tied to the long-term strategic and financial goals of publicly traded companies. Its engagement-driven investment approach aims to promote improvement through constructive dialogue with companies that strive for sustainable value creation. By adhering to a well-defined investment policy designed to meet global expectations regarding transparency, accountability, and sustainability, the strategy seeks to balance financial returns with social impact.

Understanding BlueMark's Role

BlueMark, a global leader in impact measurement and management, provides evaluation and verification services based on industry standards. Utilizing its unique analytical framework known as Fund Impact Diagnostic (Fund ID), BlueMark assesses the impact investing practices of funds across the same four dimensions: Impact Strategy, Impact Governance, Impact Management, and Impact Reporting.

Conclusion

The achievement of the Gold Rating by the NextGen ESG Japan Strategy marks a significant advancement in the realm of impact investing in Japan. As the sector continues to grow, the strategy will focus on further strengthening its impact while addressing the challenges highlighted in the recent assessment. This proactive approach promises to enhance the role of Japanese companies in contributing to a sustainable future, allowing for both financial returns and positive societal impact.

About SDG Impact Japan

• - Headquarters: 7th Floor, Kishimoto Building, 2-2-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Representatives: Co-CEO Mari Okigawa, Shohei Maekawa
• - Established: January 2021
• - Website: SDG Impact Japan

This press release aims to publicize the accomplishments of SIJ and does not constitute an invitation to acquire any funds or other securities in any form.