Sustainability Management: Environmental Initiatives and ESG Investment Gain Attention as Long-term Corporate Strategies

 In Japan, corporate sustainability management and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment are increasingly being recognized as vital long-term strategies focused on environmental responsibility and social contribution. Below are three companies whose efforts are particularly noteworthy.

1. Eisai Co., Ltd.: Highly Rated in Global Sustainability Rankings

Eisai ranked 35th in the 2025 edition of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, published by a Canadian research firm—placing it as the highest-ranked Japanese company. Eisai is committed to creating social value by improving access to medicines and addressing global health challenges.

2. Kao Corporation: Promoting ESG Management through the “Kirei Lifestyle Plan”

As part of its ESG management, Kao has launched the “Kirei Lifestyle Plan,” aiming to reduce environmental impact and address societal issues. The company is working to minimize the environmental footprint throughout its product life cycles and enhance sustainability across its entire supply chain.

3. SoftBank Corp.: Balancing Environmental Action and Bridging the Digital Divide

SoftBank aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by utilizing renewable energy and installing energy-efficient systems. In parallel, it is working to reduce the digital divide by expanding 5G and Wi-Fi access in rural and underserved areas.

Introducing Eisai’s Approach

Challenges and Solutions in Improving Access to Medicines

1. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

  • Challenge: NTDs such as lymphatic filariasis (LF) affect over 1.6 billion people worldwide. Access to treatment is particularly difficult in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Approach: As part of efforts to eliminate LF, Eisai manufactures high-quality diethylcarbamazine (DEC) tablets and provides them free of charge to endemic countries via the World Health Organization (WHO).

2. Improving Access to Medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

  • Challenge: Treatments for diseases such as cancer and dementia are often expensive, limiting access in developing and low-income countries.
  • Approach: Eisai implements tiered pricing based on a country’s income level, improving affordability and accessibility.

3. R&D for Access to Medicines

  • Challenge: Developing new treatments for NTDs and the three major infectious diseases (malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis) faces funding and infrastructure challenges.
  • Approach: Eisai promotes R&D in these areas and emphasizes ethical and transparent clinical trials.

Addressing Global Health Challenges

1. Comprehensive Approach to Global Health Issues

  • Challenge: Global health issues are complex and cannot be resolved with single solutions.
  • Approach: Eisai promotes comprehensive solutions through public-private partnerships.

2. Building Infrastructure for Clinical Research

  • Challenge: Clinical trials in endemic regions are hindered by a lack of infrastructure and trained personnel.
  • Approach: Eisai supports the development of infrastructure and human resources in these regions.

3. Securing Resources to Improve Access to Medicines

  • Challenge: When new treatments become available, there is often a shortage of resources to ensure access.
  • Approach: Eisai works to secure resources and build a sustainable supply system.

Creating Social Value Through These Efforts

Reducing Health Inequities

  • Description: Addressing disparities between developed and developing countries, urban and rural areas, and income levels.
  • Expected Value:
    • Eliminate healthcare discrimination and ensure everyone has access to necessary treatment.
    • Break the cycle of poverty caused by illness and support social independence.

Building a Sustainable Healthcare System

  • Description: Providing integrated prevention, early diagnosis, and accessible treatment to reduce and optimize medical costs.
  • Expected Value:
    • Ensure the sustainable use of healthcare resources.
    • Serve as a foundation for national public health policies.

Strengthening Global Trust and Collaboration

  • Description: Promoting solution-oriented business through partnerships with international organizations, governments, and NGOs.
  • Expected Value:
    • Enhance Japan’s presence as a global health leader.
    • Promote the achievement of SDGs and encourage ESG investments through public-private collaboration.

Eisai positions these initiatives not as mere CSR activities, but as part of its core business aligned with its human health care (hhc) philosophy—what it calls Creating Shared Value (CSV).

This is an example of how sustainability management and ESG investment can lead to the creation of social value. The important point is that sustainability and ESG are not goals in themselves, but means to achieve the true purpose of creating shared social value.

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