Akihiro Yasui
Representative of Circular Initiatives&Partners
Akihiro Yasui is a circular economy and sustainability researcher, journalist and documentary filmmaker. He is a representative of Circular Initiatives & Partners and a member of the Global Future Council of the World Economic Forum. Akihiro holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability, Society and the Environment from the University of Kiel and published the book, “Circular Economy in Practice: A Business Model for the Netherlands” (June, 2021). He received the “Prime Minister’s Encouragement Award” at the 35th TOYP 2021, the National Youth Honor Awards. He organized over 50 events in the Netherlands for Japanese companies and local governments for introducing circular economy. He advises as an external counselor and workshop organizer for ministries, government agencies, and companies, and disseminates information through Japanese media.
Judge’s selections
Rethink Prize
Earth Cuisine Project
株式会社LIFULL
Amid concerns that population growth and climate change could prompt a global food crisis, attention is focusing on new food sources that have previously been overlooked. I found Earth Cuisine to be an original and well-rounded project that embodies the shift in perspective typical of the circular economy, along with a playfulness and design sensibility that give it a mass appeal. They have already showcased some highly impressive meals at events, which I feel can generate interest both in Japan and overseas. I also admire the sensitivity to local issues. By identifying unused resources in each area, Earth Cuisine is helping to promote distinctive regional characteristics. I am very much looking forward to seeing what they do next.
Revolutionary System Prize
Diaper Cycle
DYCLE Diaper Cycle UG
Diapers are considered difficult to separate and recycle, a problem in both Europe and Japan. Diaper Cycle is a project that gives careful consideration not only to diaper materials, manufacturing, and their environmental impact and functionality during use, but also the creation of soil post-use. In the future, used products will contribute to soil improvement, regenerating the environment and improving the quality and quantity of crop production. I feel there could be rising demand for this from other countries. Although I do think there could be pricing issues here because disposable diapers are a daily necessity, hopefully the price will come down as this project spreads. Expectations for its future global impact are the reason I’ve selected this project.
PaaS Prize
Bagasse UPCYCLE
株式会社BAGASSE UPCYCLE
I personally feel that Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) schemes are not that easy to pull off successfully, but I was impressed at how Bagasse UPCYCLE is building a sophisticated sharing model for Okinawa’s signature Kariyushi shirts. I also sense great potential for new services emerging from the use of product passports like we see here. If we assume there’s only a limited market for Kariyushi wear in Okinawa, the key to growing a sustainable business in the long term will be how they expand the PaaS model to other parts of Japan and neighbouring countries.
Future Community Prize
TaiSugar Circular Village
Bio-architecture Formosana
The construction industry is one of the most important sectors in the shift to a circular economy, given the volume of material waste and greenhouse gas emissions it creates. "TaiSugar Circular Village" is a unique community project that combines multiple areas that together form the basis of living: food production, kitchen, and living room. Each building is designed with prefabricated components, upcycled materials, material passports, a PaaS model for lighting, and a plan for its own deconstruction, all of which are important in the future of architecture. Although there was no mention of where raw materials such as wood will be procured, hopefully the project would source as locally as possible. As the current concept moves towards implementation, I hope it can serve as a great model and make waves in the architecture field worldwide.
Circular Platform Prize
Social contribution shopping site "KURADASHI"
株式会社クラダシ
Food waste represents an economic cost for companies as well as a huge waste of resources for society. KURADASHI is a platform that enables people to source waste food products directly from companies and it already appears to be achieving great results. It takes a comprehensive approach to the problem by identifying how initiatives around waste reduction can benefit the economy, the environment, and people's well-being, making it a great example of circular thinking. KURADASHI is especially focused on mopping up the food waste that companies create, but of course a more fundamental approach would be to eliminate waste at source. I hope that KURADASHI’s efforts can go hand in hand with more comprehensive waste-reduction initiatives at the company level.
Influential Event Prize
To create a new cycle, first empty the Japanese warehouse. PASS THE BATON MARKET, a flea market for non-standard products and dead stock products.
株式会社スマイルズ
It’s said that Japan, as a huge producer of waste, could finally become a resource-rich nation by establishing a market for unsold goods that still have some use-value. PASS THE BATON MARKET focuses on defective inventory, transforming what is usually a problem for companies into a new kind of treasure. They’ve already held multiple events and the space is so inviting to visitors that it generates a lot of excitement. The companies behind this are also building links across different sectors with an eye on future innovation, so it will be fascinating to see how this develops.