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Monday, August 5, 2024

Analysis of Japan's ESG Investment Policies and Basic Guidelines for Impact Investing

August 05, 2024

Over the past decade, Japan has undergone significant changes in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment. Despite a long-standing hesitance among Japanese institutional investors towards ESG investment, the implementation of the Corporate Governance Code in 2014 and the Stewardship Code in 2015 marked a shift in this attitude. Notably, the participation of the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) as a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2015 brought widespread attention to the concept of ESG. This article provides a detailed analysis of recent developments in Japan’s ESG investment and impact investing sectors, exploring their policy background, implementation, and future implications.

- Background and Development of Japan’s ESG Investment Policies

Policy Background

The Corporate Governance Code and the Stewardship Code, introduced by the Japanese government in 2014 and 2015 respectively, have emphasized the importance of ESG investment for companies. These policies prompted reforms in corporate governance structures and transparency, gradually integrating ESG investment principles into strategic planning. The involvement of the GPIF in 2015 highlighted Japan’s significant role in the global ESG investment landscape.

Regulations and Guidelines

Since 2021, the Japanese government has issued several reports and guidelines related to sustainable finance, including the "Basic Guidelines on Climate Transition Finance," "Sustainable Finance Report," and "Guidelines for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers." These documents clarify the responsibilities of financial institutions in achieving net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable finance, marking a progressive refinement of Japan's ESG investment policies.

Disclosure of Sustainability Information in Annual Securities Reports

Starting from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, all listed companies are required to add a "Sustainability Information" section to their annual securities reports, disclosing governance and risk management information in detail. Companies must disclose their strategies, indicators, and goals based on materiality, and provide comprehensive information on human resource development policies, internal environmental improvement policies, and employee conditions. This measure enhances corporate transparency and strengthens investor confidence in corporate sustainability.

ESG Fund Guidelines by FSA

In 2023, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) revised its regulatory guidelines to prevent misleading investors. The guidelines define certain types of public investment trusts as ESG funds, where ESG is a primary factor in investment selection, and require clear descriptions in prospectuses. This revision aims to prevent "greenwashing," offering advice on avoiding misleading labels, describing strategies, ESG-related goals, benchmarks, and ongoing disclosures, ensuring investors receive accurate ESG information.

- Basic Guidelines for Impact Investing

Guideline Background

In March 2024, the FSA released the Basic Guidelines for Impact Investing, laying the foundation for impact investing in Japan. Impact investing, which focuses on social and environmental impact, aims to address urgent issues such as decarbonization and declining birth rates. The guidelines aim to foster a common understanding of the basic concepts and principles of impact investing while promoting broader efforts, creativity, and innovation in this field.

Key Principles

  • Intent: Clearly define strategies and policies to ensure investment goals and methods align with the expected impact.
  • Contribution: Balance social or environmental impact with financial returns to achieve comprehensive benefits.
  • Identify, Measure, and Manage: Quantitatively or qualitatively measure and manage impact to assess the actual effects of investments.
  • Innovate, Transform, and Accelerate: Identify and support business characteristics and strengths to drive industry transformation and green growth.

- Green Growth Strategy for Carbon Neutrality by 2050

In 2021, the Japanese government introduced the "Green Growth Strategy," aiming to drive growth in 14 key industries by 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality. To date, the government has established 20 specific projects and allocated over 2 trillion yen to support the development of world-class technologies. This strategy not only promotes the development of green technologies but also provides a clear long-term direction for businesses and investors.

- Conclusion

Japan's policies and guidelines in the fields of ESG investment and impact investing are continuously evolving, reflecting the government's firm commitment to promoting sustainable development and addressing social and environmental challenges. From the disclosure of sustainability information in annual securities reports to the revision of FSA guidelines and the release of impact investing guidelines, these measures provide investors with a more transparent and reliable investment environment. Additionally, the implementation of the Green Growth Strategy lays a solid foundation for future green technology development. Through these policy advancements, Japan is actively participating in global ESG investment and sustainable development efforts, making significant contributions toward achieving carbon neutrality goals.

TAGS:

ESG investment policies Japan, impact investing guidelines Japan, Japan sustainability disclosure requirements, GPIF UN PRI signatory, Japan green growth strategy 2050, Japan Financial Services Agency ESG guidelines, sustainable finance regulations Japan, Japan net-zero emissions targets, Japanese corporate governance reform, Japan impact investing principles