#Japan #climate action #Kobe #Meguru Project #Kobe Newspaper

The 'Meguru' Project Earns Top Honors in Climate Action

In a triumphant moment for sustainable initiatives, the Meguru Project has been awarded the highest honor, the Climate Action Award, in the 2025 Ministerial Environmental Awards for Climate Change Action. This project, led by the Earth Energy and Environment Regional Design Council, has significantly contributed to climate change mitigation by focusing on the sustainable production of local resources, notably through the creation of environmentally friendly sake.

Overview of the Meguru Project

The Meguru Project promotes a circular economy by cultivating sake rice in a manner that minimizes environmental impact. The initiative utilizes resources generated from local farms, including organic fertilizer derived from bio-waste, showcasing a seamless integration of agricultural and environmental strategies. This innovative process not only generates renewable energy but also supports local farmers by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Award Recognition

The Ministry of Environment of Japan has recognized the Meguru Project as a leading innovator in the field of climate change action. The award, which celebrates significant contributions by individuals and organizations in climate change mitigation and adaptation, has a rich history that dates back to 1998. In this year’s competition, 107 submissions were evaluated, and the Meguru initiative was honored for its comprehensive action plan and successful implementation.

The Award Ceremony

The award ceremony took place on December 5, 2025, at the Tokyo Stock Exchange Hall, where Kazuyoshi Tsujimoto, Managing Director and Editor of Kobe Newspaper, accepted the award from Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Environment, Chinami Morishita. During the event, Tsujimoto presented a speech detailing the project’s impactful initiatives.

In attendance were key figures supporting the project, including Yoshihito Fujimoto, Executive Director of Genmai-ya (a sake rice producer), and Ken Miwa, Director of the Kato Agricultural and Forestry Promotion Office. Their collective efforts showcase a commitment to responsible farming practices that harmonize with the environment.

Sustainable Farming Practices

The project emphasizes sustainable sake rice cultivation through innovative practices that utilize byproducts from dairy farming, such as cow manure and whey, to produce biogas. This biogas powers the local farming operations and converts organic waste into digestate, which is a high-quality organic fertilizer. Farmers apply this digestate to their fields, enabling them to grow sake rice without relying on petroleum-based fertilizers or pesticides. This method has proved to reduce energy consumption related to rice cultivation by 44% compared to conventional methods.

Community Impact

The collaborative effort among local farmers, including the Toyokura Town Agricultural Association and companies such as Ten Co. and Tsukuda Sake Shop, fosters a robust local economy and enhances food quality. The seven varieties of sake produced, including highly regarded brands from various local breweries, exemplify the project’s commitment to quality and sustainability. The 'Meguru' sake embodies a deep connection between the local community and sustainable agriculture, transforming consumer choices into a proactive stance on climate challenges.

Broader Implications

As noted by experts during the award's deliberation process, the project's unique approach not only addresses waste management but also furthers regional renewable energy initiatives. The potential for replicating these practices in other areas showcases the project's broader applicability and significance in the fight against climate change.

Yuki Aoki, who oversees the Meguru Project at Kobe Newspaper, expressed gratitude towards local stakeholders for their role in this newfound recognition. She emphasized the project's potential to inspire further initiatives across various sectors, including fisheries and forestry, thus expanding the reach of sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The 'Meguru' Project stands as a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can effectively address climate change while promoting sustainability and economic vitality. Its story demonstrates the powerful role that local knowledge and united efforts can play in forging a more environmentally friendly future. With the award serving as a catalyst, the project aims to inspire similar efforts across the globe, rallying communities to engage in meaningful climate action.