Japan’s prime minister visits scrap metal recycling plant

Japanes Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (left) speaks with staff at the Imizu Recycle Centre in Toyama, Japan. (PHOTO: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan)

The company, which operates recycling and waste treatment divisions, provided the country’s leader with a guided tour of its 43,000 sq m facility in Izumi City, which included a special look at its scrap metal and industrial recycling processes.

Prime Minister Kishida met with the company’s staff and senior management team to “exchange opinions” on several issues, including the need to realise a more circular economy.

Japan is aiming to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and the wide establishment and adoption of sustainable waste management processes and recycling practices in key industries such as construction, industry and infrastructure are a major focus of the Kishida Administration’s political agenda.

During his visit the leader also raised other important topics, discussing how businesses can empower women in the workplace and how they can provide better child-rearing support for both men and women.

Harita Metal said that as well as focusing on its contribution to realising the circular economy through recycling metal scrap, improving employee well-being and promoting a ‘Work Style Reform’ to give employees a better balance between their work life and family life was a major priority.  

Prime Minister Kishida (right) was given an in-depth review of the metals recycling methods used at the Imizu facility. (PHOTO: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan)

Prime Minister Kishida’s tour of the recycling facility was part of an official state visit to the prefecture, which saw the leader meet with representatives of other businesses in the region to discuss vital issues - such as the recent typhoons and floods that have severely impacted the area and his administration’s plans for a “new form of capitalism” that aims to make economies in democratic nations sustainable and inclusive.

Photos courtesy of Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet