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Call for Nominations: 34th Earth Environment Awards

Sankei Shimbun has launched the nomination process for the 34th Earth Environment Awards, recognizing both corporations and organizations contributing to industrial development in harmony with the global environment. From September 1st through October 31st, 2025, companies, local governments, schools, and non-profit organizations can submit their applications. Notably, individual nominations will not be accepted.

Background of the Awards

Founded in 1992 with the support of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan, the Earth Environment Awards have celebrated 352 recipients thus far, all recognized for their commitment to preventing global warming and promoting sustainable practices. After a thorough assessment by a panel of experts, the winners will be announced in early March 2026, with an awards ceremony scheduled for April 2026.

Overview of the 34th Earth Environment Awards

• - Organizer: Sankei Shimbun
• - Co-sponsorship: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan Business Federation, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Pending support status included)
• - Special Partnership: WWF Japan
• - Awards Categories: Earth Environment Award, Minister for Economy’s Award, Minister for Environment’s Award, Minister for Education’s Award, Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Award, Minister for Agriculture’s Award, Minister for Internal Affairs’ Award, Chairman of the Japan Business Federation Award, Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce Award, among others.

Eligibility Criteria

Any corporation, governmental body, educational institution, or community group (such as NGOs or NPOs) may apply. Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcomed; however, individual applications are not permitted.

Schedule

• - Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 31, 2025
• - Evaluation Period: November 2025 - February 2026 (first, second, and final assessment phases)
• - Announcement: Early March 2026 (published in Sankei Shimbun and other platforms)
• - Awards Ceremony: Scheduled for April 2026

Evaluation Criteria

1. Contributions to coexistence between economic development and the global environment
2. High environmental ideals and action plans aimed at achieving sustainable societies, including the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3. Creativity and leadership in initiatives
4. Pioneering and exemplary activities that significantly contribute to global environmental conservation
5. Efforts aimed at remarkable environmental improvements through innovative technologies, products, or project activities
6. Demonstrated leadership through industry-academia-government collaborations and joint ventures among multiple businesses
7. Active involvement in establishing environmental harmony within local communities.

Recap of Recent Award Winners

The 33rd Earth Environment Awards recognized numerous outstanding initiatives:

• - Earth Environment Award: Canon Inc.
• - Minister for Economy’s Award: UACJ Corp.; Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd.
• - Minister for Environment’s Award: Utsunomiya City (Tochigi Prefecture), Haga Town (Tochigi Prefecture), Utsunomiya Light Rail Co., Ltd., Utsunomiya Light Power Co., Ltd.
• - Minister for Education’s Award: Ichiki Agricultural High School (Kagoshima Prefecture)
• - Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Award: Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.
• - Minister for Agriculture’s Award: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
• - Minister for Internal Affairs’ Award: KDDI Corporation
• - Chairman of the Japan Business Federation Award: Taisei Corporation; Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
• - Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce Award: Su-yama Construction Co., Ltd.
• - Special Awards: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
• - Encouragement Awards: NTT East Corporation; Kagawa Prefectural Tadotsu High School.

For further details and to participate, please visit the official website: Sankei Earth Environment Awards.