The Ministry of the Environment in Japan celebrated the leaders of sustainable finance at the 7th ESG Finance Awards Japan held on February 16, 2026. The awards honor financial institutions and companies making significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) finance.
The event included awards in several categories, such as Investors of the Year, Banks of the Year, Issuers/Borrowers of the Year, and Financial Services of the Year, aiming to highlight exemplary commitments to ESG principles.
Robeco Japan Company Limited and THE SHIZUOKA BANK, LTD. each received a Gold Prize for their contributions in their respective fields. Robeco Japan was praised for bridging investors across Japan and Europe, enhancing sustainable finance practices, while THE SHIZUOKA BANK was recognized for its collaboration with regional institutions and innovative ESG initiatives within Shizuoka Prefecture.
In the Banks of the Year category, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. also received Gold, noted for its comprehensive approach to ESG finance and strategic contributions to Japan's industrial transformation towards a sustainable future.
Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. was distinguished with a Gold award among Issuers/Borrowers for its pioneering finance efforts aimed at advancing perovskite solar cells, a promising technology with potential societal benefits.
Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. took home the Gold Prize in the Financial Services category for its thematic financial transactions and robust efforts in talent development and sustainability understanding.
In the Environmentally Sustainable of the Year category, ITOCHU Corporation and Sekisui House, Ltd. were awarded Gold Prizes. ITOCHU received commendation for integrating environmental risks with growth strategies, while Sekisui House earned recognition for its innovative initiatives addressing diverse environmental challenges and advocating industry-wide ESG management.
The ESG Finance Awards also honored thematic achievements with awards such as the Net Zero Award and the Circular Economy Award, emphasizing sectoral progress in zero-carbon future, nature positivity, and sustainable resource management.