Prompted by the 2011 Fourth G1 Summit, the "G1 Communities" were launched, where leaders in various
fields gather and hold study sessions throughout the year, take actions, and disseminate information to
promote social reforms.
A number of initiatives have been launched in the spirit of the G1 Principles (i) "Make proposals rather than mere criticism,"" and (ii) "Take actions, do not just form ideas."
Many G1 initiatives have led to social movements taking place under the vision of implementing "100 Actions" to make a better Japan. The G1 Institute has given "100 Actions Awards" to people who have taken action to contribute to a better Japan. This includes the mayor of Mito and leaders in Nagasaki and Maebashi for their efforts in helping to revitalize their cities in 2020. In 2019, this award was given to G1 members who worked on improved conditions for foreign laborers, creating laws on restricting second-hand smoking, and promoting sustainable fishing. Other awards were given for promoting "Cool Japan," diversity & inclusion, space venture businesses, resolving dormant bank accounts, and creating a system for foster parents and adoption.
The number of mid- to long-term foreign residents in Japan, which had been consistently increasing for 30 years, reached a plateau due to COVID-19. As human rights and other issues arise more frequently, we will create a new vision for a new era of welcoming Non-Japanese, proposing and acting upon strategically acceptable measures to government, industry, and local communities that will bring happiness to both Japanese and non-Japanese alike. Taku Tamura, Kumi Fujisawa, and Kanae Doi are the founders of this project.
The G1 Summit's television program moderated by Mr. Yoshito Hori, where thorough discussions on Japan’s future took place. Aired via the BS-TBS station from October to December 2013.
The Athlete Society was established in July 2010, under Mr. Dai Tamesue’s leadership, who has been a member since the Second G1 Summit. The initiative aims to transform Japan’s sports world by developing communities of top-athletes, hosting athlete events, supporting minor sports, and enhancing the connection between athletes and the society including business, government, educational organizations, etc.
The "Cool Japan" Initiative was created under the leadership of Mr. Takaaki Umezawa, Japan Chairman of A.T. Kearney, and Mr. Shujiro Kusumoto, President & CEO of Cafe Company Inc., both of whom are G1 members since the First G1 Summit.
In the "Cool Japan Public-Private Expert Council" under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Mr. Kaname Tajima, a member of the House of Representatives (Vice Minister of METI as of the time of writing), Mr. Umezawa, Mr. Kusumoto, and Mr. Minoru Yoshikawa (executive vice president of Ristir Holdings Inc. as of the time of writing) are involved in the promotion of overseas expansion of Japan’s cultural business, one of Japan’s strategic industries, the dissemination of information in and outside Japan, and the planning/promotion of cross-governmental measures such as human resources development.
While farming-related issues, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), government subsidies, and the declining farming population are attracting public attention, the "N-1 Summit 2011" was held targeting agricultural business operators, under the chief organizer Mr. Kohei Takashima, President and CEO of Oisix Co., Ltd. At the 2011 N-1 Summit, the "Farmer of the Year" award was presented, and the existing condition and the future of Japan’s agriculture was discussed among numerous guests including Mr. Kota Matsuda, a member of the House of Councillors, and Mr. Shujiro Kusumoto, President & CEO of Cafe Company Inc.
The general incorporated association "Eat, and Energize the East" was established to promote revitalization and development of food culture in eastern Japan over the long term, nurture and disseminate Japan’s food culture as a superior brand to the world. G1 Summit members, including Mr. Shujiro Kusumoto, President & CEO of Cafe Company Inc., Mr. Kohei Takashima, President and CEO of Oisix Co., Ltd., and Mr. Haruo Miyagi, President of ETIC, a nonprofit organization, have been assisting producers in eastern Japan through business matching, product management, and the sale of value-added products differentiated by the unique backgrounds of individual producers.
This initiative was launched out of discussions at the G1 Summit’s workshop on sports. Under this initiative, a team of G1 members, together with local high school students, participate in triathlon races held in disaster-affected areas in Tohoku, bring about positive energy and hope, and help reconstruction efforts from the Great East Japan Earthquake. In July 2012, a team including G1 members such as Messrs. Hideaki Inoue and Yoshitaka Taguchi participated in a race in Shichigahama, Miyagi prefecture. In 2013, Messrs. Atsuya Furuta and Dai Tamesue participated in the "Oshin" triathlon race in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Further, the initiative is also accepting charity donations through the website "Just Giving Japan."
On March 14, 2011 immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Mr. Yoshito Hori, President of GLOBIS Corporation and other supporters got together and launched the "Project KIBOW" to provide support for disaster recovery. The name "KIBOW" consists of two words: Kibo (hope) and rainbow (linking bridge). With the endorsement of various supporters, KIBOW has hosted events in the disaster-affected areas, collected relief monies, and disseminated related information to overseas. KIBOW became an incorporated foundation in February 2012 to continue its operation on a long-term basis. In addition to Mr. Yoshito Hori, the representative director of the foundation, KIBOW added other G1 members, namely, Messrs. Takao Ozawa and Daigo Sato as directors and Messrs. Hideaki Inoue, Takaaki Umezawa, Takuro Tatsumi and Yu Yumoto as councilors, and has been taking actions looking to support disaster recovery on a global basis.
"Toshoryusei Juku" is a school established with a strong determination to improve Japan through changes at the local government level in a joint and synchronized manner. The school provides public leaders, such as heads of local governments, members of local assemblies and NPOs, with opportunities to expand their learning and grow further. The name "Toshuryusei" incorporates the names of four activists in history – "to" for Toko Fujita, "sho" for Shoin Yoshida, "ryu" for Ryoma Sakamoto and "sei" for Takamori Saigo. In Toshoryusei Juku, about 20 aspiring leaders deepen their learning in a friendly rivalry through the 6 programs over the 2 year term. Toshoryusei Juku is completely different from conventional public policy schools, focusing on nurturing a business mindset, the skills and spirit required to plan and implement policies, which fulfill the G1 Principles (i) "Make proposals rather than mere criticism," and (ii) "Take actions, do not just form ideas." Toshoryusei Juku is produced and taught by members of the G1 Governors & Mayors Network, including Mr. Eikei Suzuki, Governor of Mie Prefecture, and Ms. Naomi Koshi, Mayor of Otsu City.
To facilitate the development of social business, the "Social Business Platform" initiative promotes business matching through the regular morning meeting held every other month. It encourages cooperation and collaboration by linking social entrepreneurs with willing companies/organizations in their efforts to create new values and resolve social problems . G1 members who are involved in this initiative include, Mr. Yoshitaka Taguchi, President of Seino Holdings Co., Ltd., Mr. Hideaki Inoue, President of Park Corporation, and Ms. Shihoko Urushi, Principal of the Shinagawa Joshi Gakuin school.
The "Diversity" initiative aims to promote corporate and social diversity in view of enhancing industrial competitiveness. One of their action goals is to increase the ratio of women in leadership positions to 30% by 2016. G1 members, including Ms. Etsuko Okajima, President and CEO of ProNova Inc. are involved in this initiative.
NeXTOKYO is a project to make Tokyo the most attractive city in the world. Looking ahead to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics, NeXTOKYO discusses, proposes, and promotes the creation of new forms of industries and services based on the keywords "Fitness City," "Creative City," and "Information City." This initiative is led by Mr. Takaaki Umezawa, Japan Chairman at A.T. Kearney and a G1 member.
Local governments with forward-thinking plans for a "Start-up City" are working in cooperation with the G1 Summit and other economic organizations to promote an environment where risk-taking challenges are valued, as well as to create a locally rooted model of entrepreneurship. Based on the discussion at the G1 Governors & Mayors Network, Fukuoka City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Yokosuka City, Mie Prefecture, Chiba City, Hamamatsu City, and Nara City are currently working together under this initiative. Mr. Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of Fukuoka City and a G1 member, acts as the chairman of this consortium.
The "Council for Promotion of Open Data/Big Data Utilization," conceived at the G1 Governors & Mayors Network meeting, works to promote the effective use of the national identification number system via the Council for Open Government Promotion. Mr. Toshihito Kumagai, Mayor of Chiba City and a G1 member, acts as chairman of the council.
Culture & Sports
Reform of Sports-related Groups and Associations
Promotion of Preventive Medicine
Promotion of Child-related Policies & Foster Parent Programs
G1 Agri Initiative
Utilization of Dormant Bank Accounts
Coalition of Ventures for Revitalization of Local Economies
