Iron Scrap as the 'Resource of the Future': New Documentary by Media SisiDen Captures Unity in the Steel Recycling Industry Amid Decarbonization

Documentary on Young Leaders and On-Site Operations in the Iron Scrap Industry

SisiDen, a documentary media operated by Sishi Creation Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yoshiko Tsukahara), has released a new documentary in cooperation with the Japan Iron Scrap Recycling Industry Association, focusing on young executives and on-site unity in the iron scrap industry.

The film closely follows young leaders shaping the next generation of the iron scrap industry across Japan, including Kohei Yamashita of Yamashita Co., Ltd., as well as young workers on the front lines.

The iron scrap industry is a vital sector supporting resource circulation, decarbonization, and Japan’s manufacturing base. Yet, it remains relatively unknown to the general public and younger generations.

The documentary explores evolving workstyles, management practices that instill pride in employees, signs of industry transformation, and the 'Joint Loading Project'—an initiative by young volunteers in the Kanto region who have crossed company boundaries to collaborate.

Japan rebuilt its industries after the war by collecting scrap metal from the ruins.

Why are young people staying in this field? The film features interviews with scrap companies known for strong recruitment.

Growing Importance of Iron Scrap Amid Decarbonization and Shift to Electric Furnaces

Japan’s manufacturing sector currently faces multiple challenges: decarbonization, fluctuating resource prices, international competition, domestic resource circulation, and labor shortages. Among these, the steel industry is foundational, supporting sectors such as automotive, construction, machinery, and infrastructure. However, it is also a major CO2 emitter during production. In this context, recycling scrap steel in electric furnaces and returning it as steel products is gaining attention.

In the decarbonization era, the use of large electric furnaces to melt and recycle steel is increasing.

Transition from blast furnaces to electric furnaces.
From dependence on primary resources to a system that recycles domestically generated materials.

In this major industrial shift, the role of the iron scrap industry has become more critical than ever.

Iron scrap handling is not about dealing with discarded metal. It is the work of transforming iron that has completed its role in society back into a valuable resource, reconnecting it to Japan’s manufacturing and industrial foundation.

This film portrays the iron scrap industry not as an 'old' or 'behind-the-scenes' job, but as a vital industry supporting Japan’s future resource circulation and decarbonization.

The film also includes segments explaining the history and significance of steel recycling.

On-Site Industries Facing Labor Shortages: The Need for Stories That Reach Younger Generations in the AI Era

On-site industries are being re-evaluated in the AI era. As generative AI evolves, even traditionally stable white-collar jobs are undergoing significant changes. In contrast, jobs involving heavy machinery, material assessment, and on-site decision-making require physical skills and experience that AI alone cannot easily replace.

Labor shortages due to population decline are a major challenge for the iron scrap industry.
Yet, at the same time, there is potential for renewed recognition of the value of jobs that support on-site operations and real industrial infrastructure. The film features young executives driving workstyle reforms, building organizations where employees feel pride, and initiatives to publicize the value of on-site work.
It captures early signs of change in the iron scrap industry beyond the challenge of labor shortages.

A movement to refresh the industry’s image is underway, led by young executives.

The narrative centers on a particular challenge by Mr. Kohei Yamashita, a 'town scrap dealer' from Ota Ward, Tokyo.

The film also covers the 'Joint Loading Project' initiated by young volunteers in the Kanto region.

Rather than acting alone, companies are connecting across regions and industries to take on challenges.
This spirit demonstrates that the iron scrap industry is beginning to transform from within for the future.

The film reflects on the young volunteers’ challenge to transport iron from Kanto to western Japan through Mr. Yamashita’s recollections.

Interviews include commentary from Harufumi Mochizuki, former Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), who describes the industry as being 'on the front lines of a circular economy.'

Mr. Mochizuki, featured as the 'Bridge of Insight' in the film, is the former Vice-Minister of METI.

He states that the iron scrap industry, within the broader movement toward a circular economy, has the potential to become a mainstream industry. He emphasizes that it is not merely a recycling sector but a crucial player in supporting Japan’s future manufacturing, resource circulation, and decarbonized society. The challenges faced by the iron scrap industry are not limited to one sector. This documentary records the intersection of Japan’s industrial challenges—reliant on imported resources—and the pride of those working on the front lines.

Contribution by Harufumi Mochizuki, Former Vice-Minister of METI

Comment from SisiDen Producer Tsukahara

Yoshiko Tsukahara, Representative Director of Sishi Creation Inc., serves as producer and narrator for all SisiDen productions.

I Wanted to Share the Image of Leaders Who Take Pride in Their Work

What surprised me most during my interviews with the steel recycling industry was how strongly young executives take pride in their work. These young leaders are uniting across individual company boundaries, working collectively to shape the industry’s future with their own hands. The sense of mission, flexibility, and sheer 'let’s try it' action orientation of the leaders featured in this film were truly impressive. I was deeply moved—this attitude may not only transform the industry but also serve as a role model for the next generation’s way of life. I hope this film redefines the industry’s image, becomes an entry point for younger generations to learn about this work, and serves as encouragement to everyone involved in this field.

About the Japan Iron Scrap Recycling Industry Association

Organization Name: Japan Iron Scrap Recycling Industry Association (https://www.jisri.or.jp/)

Address: 3-2-10 Nihonbashi-Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0025, inside the Iron and Steel Federation Building

Representative: Chairman Keisuke Kiyotani

Purpose: To promote the healthy development of iron scrap processing and wholesale businesses, ensure stable supply of iron scrap as a key recycled resource, and contribute to environmental conservation and Japan’s economic development and enriched national life.

About the Released Work

■ Work Overview

Distribution: YouTube channel 'SisiDen'

Title: 'Those Who Inherit Iron | Future Dream: Scrap Dealer | Iron Circulates, People Succeed'

Platform: YouTube documentary media 'SisiDen (Shishiden)'

Link: https://youtu.be/oRl1estQ0I4?si=juhnTZYIjBr7sy3m

Production: Sishi Creation Inc.

Staff: Producer Yoshiko Tsukahara / Director Hiroji Shigeki

Cooperation: Japan Iron Scrap Recycling Industry Association, Yamashita Co., Ltd., Sakamoto Shokai Co., Ltd., Tohoku Shoji Co., Ltd., Nikkan Shikyo Tsushinsha Co., Ltd., JFE Shoji Co., Ltd., Kokko Co., Ltd., Shinwa Steel Co., Ltd., River Co., Ltd., and others.

Bridge of Insight: Harufumi Mochizuki, Former Vice-Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

About Sishi Creation Inc.

Representative Director: Yoshiko Tsukahara

Headquarters: 4-1-23 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Mita NN Building 15F

Established: June 3, 2024

Business: Operation of documentary media and production of documentary videos

URL: https://sisicreat