Announcement of the成果 Report Event for JICA-Initiated Workshop on Collaborative Approaches Merging NGO and Private Sector Missions

Collaboration between NGOs and private enterprises, rooted in their respective missions, is gradually gaining momentum.

As part of a JICA-initiated program, Kopernik Japan has conducted a two-year practical workshop titled "Workshop on Collaborative Approaches Merging NGO and Private Sector Missions."

Through this program, NGOs and companies have taken the following practical steps toward actual collaboration:

- Conducted inventories of their own mission, strengths, and assets, and visualized them in terms understandable to partners
- Understood each other’s corporate missions, identified shared goals, and repeatedly tested realistic proposals through trial and error

As a result, several actual collaborations have been initiated.

At this成果 report event, participating organizations will reflect on their "test small, scale big" approach toward companies, exploring how mutual understanding was deepened and how future partnerships with businesses can be advanced.

This event is recommended for:

NGOs and non-profit organizations:

- Those interested in collaborating with private companies but unsure where to begin
- Those seeking sustainable, equal-footed partnership models with businesses

Corporate representatives (in sustainability, CSR, new business development, etc.):

- Those wishing to learn about the benefits of NGO collaboration and practical partnership processes through real examples
- Those aiming to solve social issues and create new business opportunities by leveraging their company’s technology and resources
- Those looking to shift their purpose-driven management and ESG initiatives toward co-creation outcomes
- Those seeking meaningful social contribution opportunities that enhance employee engagement

We welcome participation from all interested parties.

● Date and Time

July 3, 2025 (Fri) 14:00 – 16:00 (Networking session for in-person attendees: 16:00 – 17:00)

/ Doors open at 13:50

● Organizer

Kopernik Japan (General Incorporated Association)

● Venue

Tokyo venue (near Ichigaya) and online

(Details will be sent separately to registered participants)

● Participation Fee

Free

● Registration

https://forms.gle/7z43KfxGcy24nmFE8

● Deadline for Registration

For in-person attendance: July 2, 2025 (Thu) by 17:00

For online attendance: July 3, 2025 (Fri) by 11:00

● Program

14:00 – 14:05 Opening

14:05 – 14:30 Program Overview

14:30 – 15:20 Panel Discussion

15:20 – 16:00 Open Discussion and Q&A

16:00 – 17:00 Networking (in-person attendees only)

● Panelists (in alphabetical order, titles omitted)

Hiroko Kashiwagi, Manager, Corporate Partnership Division, WELgee (NPO)

Graduated from Ecole Boulle, a national applied arts and crafts school in France. Worked in brand management, licensing product planning, marketing, and product development in France for about 24 years, building an international business career.

Lived in France for nearly 30 years, raising two children while navigating life as a foreigner. Developed a deep understanding of cultural and value differences, cultivating a perspective of respecting diversity.

Founded BIO PROJECT in 2015, supporting French companies entering the Japanese market and collaborating with the French Chamber of Commerce. Joined Group SEB Japan in 2021, serving as a bridge between Japanese and French cultures.

Recently focused on enabling foreign talent with expertise and motivation to thrive in Japan’s aging society. As a minority herself, she believes “differences are not barriers but gateways to possibilities.” She is concerned that prejudice and stereotypes deprive refugees of opportunities, harming both individuals and Japanese society.

Advocates for a society where everyone can work independently and contribute, promoting corporate partnerships to create inclusive employment opportunities for refugees and displaced persons.

Currently involved with WELgee, creating employment opportunities and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Shota Tsuboi, Head of Co-Creation Group, Business Development Division, Life is Tech! Inc.

Born in Aichi Prefecture, based in Kobe. Began career at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after university, working on power business and new ventures in Asia, then served as a long-term JICA consultant in Myanmar.

Experienced firsthand the impact of digital technology in solving local challenges. After returning to Japan, joined Accenture, a global consulting firm, leading projects in startup launches, digital new business planning, CGI/VFX team establishment, and customer experience design.

Simultaneously engaged in social sector activities, building a dual-career path.

In 2021, served as director of AfriMedico, leading overseas operations, PR, fundraising, and new ventures in rural Africa. Joined KOPERNIK in 2024, addressing environmental and social challenges in developing countries.

Currently leads public-private partnership and regional revitalization education projects at Life is Tech!, an impact startup aiming to transform education over 100 years.

Graduated from GLOBIS Graduate School of Management (MBA). Completed the Tama Art University Creative Leadership Program (TCL). Will complete a Master of Educational Facilitation in 2026. Recipient of Accenture Song Award MVP Fighting Spirit (2023) and Best Innovation Award MHI (2013).

Rie Nomoto, Program Coordinator, Support Division, World Vision Japan (NPO)

Graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University, Department of International Politics and Economics. Worked at IT and foreign consulting firms, then completed a Master’s in Poverty and Development at the University of Sussex, UK.

Worked on development aid in Sudan at a Japanese NGO before joining World Vision Japan in 2019. Currently responsible for regional development in Asia and Africa, joint projects with UN agencies like WFP, and corporate partnerships.

Nozomi Mizuno Witherspoon, Head of Sustainability Relations, Communications Strategy Division, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc.

Committed to the global intersection of sustainability and business for over 20 years, guided by the life theme “Business as a Force for Good.” Currently leads the development and implementation of corporate strategies toward a sustainable society at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan.