In August 2025, a delegation of about 20 members from the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), along with companies and startups working on circular economy and circular design, visited Japan to learn about leading local governments’ policies in this field. We were honored that Yokohama was selected as one of their destinations, as our city continues to advance initiatives toward a circular society.

As global awareness of sustainability grows, Yokohama places the circular economy at the core of its policies—not only to achieve economic growth, but also to reduce environmental impact and create a lifestyle in harmony with nature. Through these efforts, we aim to build a sustainable city where the environment and economy reinforce one another.

For the delegation, the City of Yokohama hosted a seminar introducing our circular economy initiatives. City staff members shared both the overall features of Yokohama’s circular strategy and specific projects, such as:

•  Transforming used cooking oil into SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in collaboration with businesses and residents,
• Upcycling materials from public buildings, and
• Creating hubs for circular activities that make use of historic architecture.

Delegation members raised questions about how circular policies fit into the city’s broader strategy, the progress of the SAF project, and the coordination needed for reusing construction materials. They appeared to show strong interest in these initiatives. In turn, we also learned from TDRI’s experience with Taiwan’s design policies and corporate innovation, making the exchange truly mutual.

Looking ahead, from November 25–27, 2025, Yokohama will host the Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC) under the theme of realizing a circular society. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with cities around the world to advance circular

Reference:

Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) – Established in 2020 by the Taiwan government, TDRI builds on the work of the Taiwan Design Center. Its mission is to promote innovation in society, industry, and policy through design.