Yuriko Koike
Former Minister of the Environment, Member of the House of Representatives
Advisor, Environmental Business Women

Today we are building a low-carbon society, which was merely an ideal in the past. The chain of events, including the wild fluctuation of oil and food prices, the advent of the Obama Administration in the United States, the global financial crisis, and the consecutive collapse of the Big 3, is sounding a warning that the tide of civilization has reached a turning point.
It is time for Japan to summon its strength in “environmental power.” I wish with all my heart that “eco japan cup 2009” will succeed as an incubator of new technologies and innovative ideas.

Tetsuo Saito
Minister of the Environment

Disturbing effects of global warming continue to surface, and the world is faced with a financial crisis today. We must take the lead in changing our economy and society, adopting a new approach to boost the economy with environmental measures.
Japan has environmental resources that she can be proud of—the world’s most cutting-edge environmental technologies and a tradition of living in harmony with nature by cherishing its resources (the spirit of Mottainai), among others. To fully utilize these resources and to continuously maintain our innovative spirit and competitive edge as an environmental super power in the world, we must adopt drastic and far-reaching polices, taking the lead in the world community. Based on this concept, I announced “The Innovation for Green Economy and Society" initiative this April to overcome environmental problems and the economic crisis at the same time.
Specifically, the initiative put forth wide-ranging and bold policies designed to popularize energy-saving electrical household appliances, next-generation vehicles, and next-generation energy-efficient houses; to introduce renewable energies on a mass scale, including solar-power generation, and to establish an interest-free financing system to encourage environmental investments, among many other ideas.
To make “The Innovation for Green Economy and Society” a reality, we must create and nurture new businesses in different fields that contribute to environmental conservation.
The “eco japan cup 2009” recognizes those who take on the challenge of green businesses with innovative ideas in four categories—Business, Culture, Lifestyle, and Policy. The “eco japan cup 2009” aims at discovering and encouraging a broad array of business ventures. I have great hope that green businesses will continue to grow and bring change to the Japanese economy and society.

Tsutomu Sato
Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

Blessed with lush greenery and water resources, Japan has rich natural environments, and the Japanese people have long lived in harmony with nature’s abundance. With such a cultural heritage, Japan should lead the world in solving global environmental problems. To that end, it is crucial for each of us to raise our awareness of environmental issues in the world.

The “eco japan cup 2009” is a project that pays tribute to a wide range of activities. In the Lifestyle Category, for example, it recognizes the creative ideas of citizens and communities for environmental activities. I sincerely hope that the project will be a great opportunity for citizens to become familiar with and engage in global environmental issues.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is also mobilizing “Community Revitalization Cooperation Volunteers” to promote exchanges between urban and rural areas under a community capacity-building plan focusing on “living in harmony with nature.” The Ministry is also implementing measures to realize ubiquitous Green ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). The Ministry will continue to positively address environmental problems.

Minoru Murofushi
President, Development Bank of Japan

Environmental measures have always been a big challenge to the Japanese economy and society over the decades---from measures to deal with industrial pollution, to promote energy conservation and the search for alternative energy sources in response to the two oil crises, as well as measures to address climate change, to promote recycling, to maintain a sound water cycle, and to conserve biodiversity. Needless to say, the accumulation of these unrelenting and bold challenges forms the basis of the corporate social responsibilities of Japanese companies.
In line with this long history of environmental measures, the "eco japan cup" project provides multi-faceted support to green businesses that are committed to "making contributions to environmental measures through their businesses." The Development Bank of Japan has long been providing funds to support environmental efforts, through financing to control industrial pollutions in its early history and environmentally rated financing in recent years. The Development Bank of Japan is committed to expanding environmental financing. I hope our experience can contribute to the success of this project.

Masayuki Oku
President, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

With "Green New Deal" becoming a catchphrase worldwide, environmental issues are gaining more and more attention. Every issue shall be tackled by everyone in the world. In the "eco japan cup" last year, the Business Category had 151 entries.
Including other categories, there were almost 600 entries, an increase of approximately 50% compared to the previous year. The participation of environmentally conscious corporations, including General Electric Japan and the JapanPost Group beginning last year, has provided greater momentum to the "eco japan cup." In the Business Category, for example, a business-academia collaborative research project has been launched, and there is a model that is about to materialize into a business undertaking.

The "eco japan cup" project will celebrate its fourth anniversary this year. I hope there will be an even greater number of entries this year, showcasing new ideas and great plans.

It is very important for financial institutions to provide the various activities that address environmental problems with consistent and continued support. The Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation will continue its commitment in discovering and nurturing environmental businesses. I look forward to the continued success of the "eco japan cup" as a gateway for environmental ventures.