#Japan #Water Infrastructure #Kagawa #Sony Bank #Mori Seiso

Supporting Sustainable Water Infrastructure from Kagawa

On December 23, 2025, Sony Bank Inc., led by President Keiichi Minami, will launch a new investment crowdfunding initiative on the "Sony Bank GATE" platform, aimed at supporting the Mori Seiso Company, a local firm from Kagawa Prefecture. This marks the first Sony Bank GATE fund structured around a Kagawa-based company, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management.

Founded approximately 80 years ago in Kotohira Town, Mori Seiso has gained the trust of local communities by providing essential services such as maintenance and cleaning of septic tanks and high-pressure cleaning of sewage pipes. As the nation grapples with aging water infrastructure that has led to incidents, including road collapses, the necessity for renovation and upkeep of sewage systems has become critical. It is estimated that around 38 trillion yen will be required for these efforts over the next 30 years. With many municipalities shifting from sewage systems to septic tanks due to financial strains, there's a growing demand for improved waste management solutions.

However, the industry faces challenges, notably a shortage of trained sewage management professionals and an aging workforce. To address these concerns, Mori Seiso has collaborated with an AI startup emerging from Osaka University, developing a groundbreaking remote monitoring system that utilizes sensors for automatic measurement of waste inside septic tanks. This innovative technology is expected to reduce the workload of sewage management personnel by up to 95%, directly contributing to solving industry challenges while enhancing water quality monitoring.

Looking ahead, Mori Seiso aims to further develop a fully automated septic tank management system by leveraging AI and IoT technologies. The goal is not only to resolve domestic water infrastructure issues but also to transfer technology to emerging nations, thereby contributing to global environmental sustainability and water management efforts.

Sony Bank is dedicated to creating a platform that connects customers who wish to address social challenges through investment, aiming for a more sustainable and improved society. With the Sony Bank GATE initiative, they are inviting investments starting at 10,000 yen, with a target fundraising amount set at 5,000,000 yen. This funding will support the business operations that include the innovative septic management solutions being developed by Mori Seiso.

In conclusion, Sony Bank is committed to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) through value creation while strengthening its foundational efforts. Supporting initiatives like that of Mori Seiso aligns with their vision of fostering a sustainable society that addresses pressing environmental issues.