#Japan #Tokyo #Sustainable Practices #City Lab Tokyo #Green Business

Transforming Business Towards Sustainability

The Tokyo City Lab, spearheaded by Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. and managed by The Urbanist Association, is launching an innovative training program titled "Green Business Practical Program 2025—Achieving Genuine Green Without Greenwashing". Beginning
October 28, 2025, this comprehensive program consists of five classes and workshops focusing on real-world case studies designed to equip business leaders and professionals with critical skills in sustainable business practices.

What is Green Business?

Green business refers to the practice of improving environmental conditions while achieving sustainable growth. This approach is vital not only for contributing to a sustainable society but also for fostering growth in existing and new businesses. Many individuals are currently unsure about the necessary steps to incorporate green business principles into their models. Thus, the need for structured learning environments focusing on green business concepts and skills is more pronounced than ever.

Program Objectives

The primary aim of this program is to increase the number of practitioners competent in green business strategies. Participants will be provided with expert insights from coordinators and firsthand experiences from seasoned professionals. Group work will allow participants to brainstorm and develop unique ideas and solutions. This initiative seeks to cultivate the mindset and skills needed to tackle challenges surrounding green business, while also establishing a valuable network among coordinators, instructors, and peers that will support their green business ventures.

Features of the Program

Led by experienced instructors from Keio University and authors of the influential book "GREEN BUSINESS", the program emphasizes the importance of cultivating critical thinking and networking skills tailored to green business. Participants will collaborate on case studies, gaining the necessary insights to devise innovative business models from a sustainable perspective. Through various lectures, mini-workshops, and group work, participants will form and strengthen a network of like-minded individuals committed to green business initiatives.

Instructors include experts in environment and sustainability, like Dr. Mitsuhiro Kobayashi and Mari Yoshitaka, who bring invaluable knowledge and real-world strategies to the table. The program is adaptive, integrating feedback from past participants to continuously improve content and structure.

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for companies and professionals across all sectors who aspire to integrate sustainable practices into their business models. Unique collaboration opportunities arise when participants from diverse backgrounds work together, unleashing new ideas and potential. Common attendees include:

• - Business development teams interested in developing new green business initiatives
• - Corporate strategy and sustainability departments seeking to leverage existing resources to enhance their business sustainability
• - Financial institutions aiming to identify viable investment opportunities amid a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape
• - Local governments and development agencies wanting to incorporate green initiatives into community planning
• - Any individual or team looking for partners to explore green business solutions.

Event Overview

Program Title: Green Business Practical Program 2025—Achieving Genuine Green Without Greenwashing
Period: October 28, 2025 – December 16, 2025
Sessions: Five sessions (Tuesdays 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM) plus independent case studies and group work
Location: City Lab Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Kyobashi 3-1-1, Tokyo Square Garden 6th Floor. The program will utilize a hybrid of online and offline formats.
Limit: Approximately 20 participants (minimum 15)
Fee: 66,000 JPY (tax included)
Hosts: City Lab Tokyo, Virtue Design, and Eco-Supervision
Application: Register here
Application Deadline: October 14, 2024. Note: Applications will close once maximum capacity is reached.

For those who register early (by September 28) or are members of City Lab Tokyo, a special 30% discount will be available.

Learn More:

• - Event Page
• - Facebook
• - X (Formerly Twitter)

Coordinators

• - Dr. Mitsuhiro Kobayashi, Research Advisor, University of Tokyo
• - Mari Yoshitaka, Vice Lecturer, Keio University, and President of Virtue Design

Major Environmental Themes and Guest Speakers for 2025

This year's program focuses on food, real estate, and renewable energy, inviting leading green business practitioners to share processes, insights, and solutions applicable to the attendees' interests and fields.

1. Creating Systems for Food x Green Business
- Case: Food—Diverse Applications of Amino Acids
- Speaker: Kentaro Shimizu, Deputy General Manager, Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

2. Monetizing Points in Green Business
- Case: Real Estate—Creating Green Brand Value
- Speaker: Kazuya Oyamada, Project Leader, Toho Leo Co., Ltd.

3. Expanding Strategies and Methods in Green Business
- Case: Renewable Energy—Maximizing Value in PPA Models
- Speaker: Naoya Watanabe, Senior Manager, Asahi Kasei Homes Corporation

Program Schedule

• - Kickoff: October 28, 2025 / Input Session 1 - Overview of Green Business Development
• - November 4, 2025 / Input Session 2 - Monetization Points in Green
• - November 11, 2025 / Input Session 3 - Monetization Strategies and Methods
• - December 2, 2025 / Pre-Output - Business Model Development and Refinement
• - December 16, 2025 / Final Output - Presentation and Feedback from Coordinators and Participants

Program attendance includes opportunities for independence-driven group work in between sessions, and select lectures are open to general public participation.

Previous Years' Reports

Check out the performance reports of past editions:

• - 2023 Report
• - 2024 Report

About City Lab Tokyo

Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, City Lab Tokyo is an open innovation platform dedicated to fostering a sustainable urban society through collaboration. Established in 2018 by Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. in partnership with The Urbanist Association, it aims to facilitate community formation and the creation of collective knowledge among diverse actors including startups, large enterprises, academic institutions, and public entities. URL: City Lab Tokyo

About Virtue Design

Founded in 2021, Virtue Design aims to bridge green business practices and environmental stewardship within Japan, focusing on climate action and innovative solutions. URL: Virtue Design

About Eco-Supervision

Established in 2011, Eco-Supervision is an environmental consulting firm committed to facilitating a transition towards sustainable socioeconomic policies and practices. Dr. Kobayashi leads various initiatives to foster environmental improvement.