[Sapporo City]Participation in Roundtable Discussion with Climate Bonds Initiative and Other Stakeholders

On Friday, May 9, 2025, a roundtable discussion was held in Tokyo with financial sector representatives and relevant ministries involved in green transformation (GX) and sustainable finance. The event was hosted by the international NGO Climate Bonds Initiative (Climate Bonds), a global leader in sustainable finance and GX, with the aim of fostering open dialogue and strengthening collaboration between policymakers and financial stakeholders regarding Japan’s energy strategy and future direction.

In December of last year, Climate Bonds, Hokkaido Government and the City of Sapporo issued a joint statement on Promoting Green Transformation (GX) and Regional Revitalisation. As a continuation of this partnership, Kaori Nishiyama, Director General for GX Promotion of the City of Sapporo, was invited to participate in the event.

At the beginning of the session, Nishiyama was given the opportunity to introduce Sapporo’s current GX initiatives. She shared information on the city’s development of a GX project certification scheme referencing the Climate Bonds Standard, aiming to attract international investors. She also presented the GX-related tax incentive scheme launched in April to strengthen and consolidate financial functions, along with measures to support foreign companies and startups entering the region.

Climate Bonds CEO Sean Kidney emphasized the growing importance of renewable energy in light of rising demand driven by AI. He noted, “With increasing geopolitical risks around the world, it is imperative to diversify energy supply chains. Hokkaido has tremendous potential to become an international model for regional revitalization. I look forward to working together on local development and decarbonization efforts.” He concluded his remarks with a warm handshake and smile shared with Director Nishiyama.

Throughout the discussion, participants from ministries, financial institutions, and related organizations engaged in active and constructive dialogue. The event reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing GX in a coordinated manner.