"We Need to Improve the Planetary Wellbeing"

The event started with our co-founders, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa, warmly welcoming our esteemed guests and sharing how “to be regenerative” is no longer a choice, but a necessity. Aska exclaimed that the world is at a pivotal point, where the decision we make will determine the future of our world. She spoke about the interconnected challenges that keep us in this degenerative cycle, urging us to break free by embracing this regenerative paradigm. Her words grounded the reality we share, the responsibility we carry, and the collective power we have to make a difference.

In closing, Tomo shared the “Earth Company way” of creating regenerative futures through our three programs: Impact Heroes, Impact Academy, and Mana Earthly Paradise. He ended by underlining two important quotes that are close to our mission: “if you want to go far, go together,” emphasizing the importance of collaborative effort to sustain our regenerative action, and that “it’s not so much about the destination, but rather the journey.”

[Heroes' Talk] In the Frontline of Pursuing Regeneration

Meeting our Impact Heroes was a humbling moment that brought us closer to the realities of regeneration on the ground.

Samir Lakhani, our Impact Hero for 2022, shared about his life-changing work with Eco-Soap Bank; transforming unused soap that is wasted by factories, into dignity and health for underserved communities. His story was a reminder of how something as simple as a bar of soap can restore hope in lives that are often forgotten. As he spoke, you could feel the room connect with his thought-provoking question: “What does a regenerative future look like for you?” It was a call to imagine, together, the world we want to leave behind.

Samir’s story, and his work, embodies a truly regenerative vision that inspired the remarkable support in our recent crowdfunding campaign, raising US$68,000 for Samir and Eco-Soap Bank, in September.

Joining Samir was our newly selected Impact Hero 2024, Surya Karki, whose commitment to provide quality education to children in the remotest corners of Nepal is as inspiring as it is urgent. Despite the severe flooding in his home country, Surya remains relentless in his mission to ensure that all children have the tools to dream of a resilient and prosperous future.

In his talk, Surya shared his belief that education is more than just knowledge; it’s empowerment. While he acknowledged the severe impact of climate change on these vulnerable communities, his focus was clear: children, no matter how isolated by geography or circumstance, deserve access to education that prepares them for the world’s complexities, including the global climate crisis.

Surya’s message reminded us all that true regeneration begins with empowering those who will inherit the future, giving them the skills and resilience to lead their communities toward regenerative futures.

[Panel Discussion] Regenerative Paradigm Shift among Japanese Corporates

After the Heroes’ Talk, Tomo led a panel discussion where top executives from Japanese corporations discussed strategies to implement regenerative business practices. Gracing us with their presence for this panel discussion were notable leaders from some of Japan’s most distinguished corporations, namely:

• Takashi Inoue, Chairman of LIFULL Co., Ltd.
• Masatada Kobayashi, Executive Officer and Chief Wellbeing Officer of Rakuten Group, Inc.
• Tomomi Nagamasa, Senior General Manager, Suntory University of Suntory Holdings Ltd.

These corporate leaders spoke candidly about their challenges and victories in aligning corporate goals with the urgency to be regenerative. They discussed what it takes to inspire employees and leaders to make regeneration a priority and cultivate a culture that values social impact as much as profit.

Will Sustainable Well-Being Goals (SWG) 'it', after SDGs?

Closing this conversation, Yoshiki Ishikawa from the Well-Being for Planet Earth Foundation offered a new perspective. He spoke of Sustainable Well-Being Goals (SWGs) as the next step in our global journey, that supersedes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yoshiki-san painted a picture of a world where “well-being” means leaving a positive legacy that enhances the quality of life for both humans and nature—as central being in order to realize true regeneration. This idea struck a chord, challenging the audience to broaden their horizon and reflect on what well-being truly means.

A Taste of Mana Ubud in Tokyo!

Wrapping up the event was the “regenerative dining experience,” where Mana Earthly Paradise’s executive chef, Yasuhiro Higa, brought the taste of Mana from Bali to Japan. Each dish illustrated that food is more than nourishment; it is a connection to the earth and to one another. The special menu themed around oxytocin—the love hormone—was also served during Mana’s 5th anniversary dinner, earlier in September. Sharing this meal created a warm sense of camaraderie, underscoring the importance of unity in pursuing common goals.

Throughout the evening, conversations flowed as freely as the delicious food, filled with ideas and insights about building a more regenerative future. It was heartening to see changemakers, business leaders, and wellbeing advocates come together to exchange visions for a regenerative world. The discussions were rich and energized, reinforcing the belief that actionable steps can be taken both individually and collectively.

Earth Company Thanks You!

Reflecting on a traditional African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” the theme of collective action resonated deeply with all of us. It was a night that truly highlighted the power of community, as we celebrated not just the milestones of the past decade, but also the shared commitment to a regenerative future. Each conversation reinforced the idea that our individual efforts are magnified when we come together.

As we look back on the journey of Earth Company over the past ten years, our hearts are full of gratitude. Thank you to our Impact Heroes, supporters, and everyone who has believed in our mission. Your unwavering support has made all of this possible.

As we step into this next critical decade—one that will define the future of our planet—we invite you to continue walking this path with us. Together, we can face the challenges ahead and create a world that thrives in harmony with nature.

Thank you for being part of this beautiful evening and for your ongoing support. Together, we can inspire change, uplift communities, and pave the way for a regenerative world for generations to come. 🥂✨