Tsunagaru Inc. Leads Green Transformation Media Tour in Sapporo

Tsunagaru Inc. Organizes Media Tour to Highlight Sapporo's Green Transformation

In November, Tsunagaru Inc., in partnership with the city of Sapporo, conducted a media tour aimed at international journalists. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to highlight Sapporo's pioneering green transformation (GX) efforts and its ambitions to become a leading center for green energy and finance in Asia.

The tour began with the NIKKEI FORUM Global GX/Finance conference held on November 25. During this event, Sapporo city officials unveiled plans for a public-private investment fund designed to leverage Hokkaido's renewable energy potential. The city has committed 500 million yen to this fund, which seeks to raise a total of 10 billion yen for investments in GX projects. Foundational investors including Hokkaido Bank, Ltd. and North Pacific Bank, Ltd. are expected to launch the fund in March 2026.

The media tour, which took place from November 25 to November 27, showcased key projects within the local GX ecosystem, both inside and outside the city. One highlight was the visit to Hokkaido's first large-scale commercial hydrogen station, the Air Water Hydrogen Station Sapporo Odori East, which commenced operations in April. This facility, operated by Air Water Inc., refuels large electric vehicles such as buses and trucks and forms part of the city’s hydrogen technology demonstration zone.

Additionally, journalists visited the ISHIKARI zero-emission data center (ZED ISHIKARI), Japan's first round-the-clock carbon-free data center. Operated by Kyocera Communication Systems Co., the facility began operations in October 2024 and is powered by the nearby Ishikari Bay offshore wind farm as well as its own solar panels.

Sapporo aims to attract investments and businesses by leveraging its livable urban framework, characterized by pleasant summer weather, ample green spaces, and proximity to numerous tourist attractions.

During the tour, journalists also met with the staff from the Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP) office, which assists foreign companies looking to establish a presence in the region. They even interacted with a robotics firm from Singapore.

Tsunagaru Inc. plays a crucial role in connecting Japan's regional strengths to the global stage, furthering sustainable economic development through GX projects and local talent utilization. With such initiatives, Sapporo is poised to enhance its profile as a hub for green innovation and sustainability efforts in the Asian landscape.

Overall, the media tour provided a comprehensive view of Sapporo’s ambitious green projects and collaborations, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth in alignment with global green energy trends.