#Japan #Tokyo #invox #Watershed #Greens

Overview of the Program

Greens, a non-profit organization based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has partnered with Invox, a company headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting watershed restoration and environmental sustainability in Japan. Starting July 2026, this program will aid individuals and groups across the country specializing in reviving natural ecosystems and developing sustainable communities.

The program takes a holistic approach, viewing the watershed as a connected system of forests, rivers, and seas. This perspective emphasizes the importance of various sustainable practices, such as the revival of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, along with conserving local countryside, waterways, and marine biodiversity. By promoting activities that are rooted in local knowledge, the program intends to encourage and support model initiatives in watershed restoration.

Collaborative Efforts

Although the program is initially a collaboration between Greens and Invox, the intent is to evolve the initiative into a more inclusive framework, allowing other companies to participate in addressing regional and environmental challenges. For the inaugural year of 2026, three groups have already been selected for support, with plans to open applications for other organizations in subsequent years.

Background and Purpose

In Japan, various movements are focusing on the restoration of natural environments and sustainable community building, connected through the concept of watersheds. However, these efforts often face obstacles such as lack of funding, organizational capacity, and expertise necessary for cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Despite a rising desire among businesses to contribute to social and environmental issues, many feel uncertain about how to start or connect with grassroots efforts.

To address these challenges, Greens and Invox have merged their strengths to create a more effective support mechanism for environmental restoration advocates. This initiative aims not only to assist those working to rejuvenate nature but also to foster stronger ties between people and the environment—enabling an effective return to a sustainable relationship with the land.

Objectives of the Program

At the heart of the initiative is the goal of regaining the intrinsic health of ecosystems by reestablishing the bonds between forest, river, and sea. By supporting citizens and organizations across Japan, the program seeks to rejuvenate both the natural environment and the communities within it, fostering a broader social and ecological restoration.

Contributions from Participating Organizations

• - NPO Greens: Offers extensive knowledge on environmental and social issues, the expertise of working with stakeholders at the local government level, a network of specialists and members, and media coverage for activities.
• - Invox: Provides business development expertise and funding for activities.

Initial Year Support Recipients

The program will support three organizations during its first year:
1. Hyogo Watershed Restoration Lab (Hyogo, Kobe): Focused on improving canal environments and fostering educational opportunities for children to understand their local ecosystems through community-driven efforts. More Info
2. Tsushima Satoyama Management School (Nagasaki, Tsushima): Engaged in conservation education and sustainable community development inspired by historical, human-nature relationships. More Info
3. Yakushima Mountain Guide Federation (Kagoshima, Yakushima): Established to promote eco-tourism and sustain local culture and environment through collective action. More Info

Two Stages of Support

The program introduces two distinct stages of support based on the needs of the recipients:

• - Seed Stage: Geared towards individuals or organizations with a clear vision for watershed restoration but lacking the necessary plans and structures for implementation.
• - Active Stage: For organizations already executing their plans, providing comprehensive resources for continuing and expanding their efforts, including funding and access to expert networks.

Future Developments

As this initiative launches with the collaboration of Greens and Invox, it aspires to expand potential partnerships with more companies interested in supporting local environmental resurrection efforts. Starting in 2027, there will be a public call for additional organizations to receive support, with ongoing discussions about corporate involvement and sponsorship.

Leadership Comments

Shota Uehara, co-representative of Greens, expressed: "The connection between forests, fields, rivers, and seas has eroded due to society's pursuit of growth and efficiency. This collaboration with Invox aims to restore these essential connections and support organizations working towards watershed restoration throughout Japan. Hope is still possible."

Akira Yokoi, CEO of Invox, stated: "Our goal is to brighten the future of children through our business endeavors. This partnership with Greens is a vital step towards that mission. We aim to create a circular economy that ties economic values born from corporate activities to social value-creating initiatives."

About the Organizations

NPO Greens

Greens aims to foster a society abundant in interconnected relationships, emphasizing the need to redefine connections between people and nature through various initiatives, including an online magazine and environmental education programs. URL

Invox Corporation

Invox focuses on enhancing business value through the automation of accounting tasks, aiming for a sustainable society through cost-effective solutions. Their commitment to not raising prices since inception fosters greater productivity and prosperity across society. URL

Contact Information

• - For inquiries regarding the Watershed Restoration Support Program, contact NPO Greens via email at [email protected]
• - For media inquiries, please contact Invox at [email protected].