SOCIAL INNOVATION JAPAN

Everyone can be
a changemaker.
We make it possible.

Learning programs, partnerships, and real-world initiatives that help people and organisations move from distance to connection, and from connection to action. 

 

Our Flagship Projects

 
 

mymizu
less plastic, more fun!

We’re on a mission to help people live more sustainably - in ways that are fun, easy and good for the planet. By co-creating tools and community - like our free refill app - we’re building a world with cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems and happier people.

650k+

app downloads

14,800+

refill spots across Japan

2,500+

refill partner stores

50+

countries with users

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HELENA POWERS
6-week program for women social entrepreneurs

Supporting women to create purpose-driven businesses, from idea to action: this 6-week program is a unique opportunity to grow your business with a supportive community.

Learn more

What we do

 
 
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01/ Creating Social Innovations

We build bold, people-centered products and services that drive systemic change.
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02/ Corporate Impact & Employee Engagement

We help businesses re-frame their role in society, build capacity for social impact, and become leaders of change.
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03/ Unconventional Training, Development and Learning

Through our unconventional learning and coaching programs, we help individuals and organisations understand today’s big problems, and inspire and support them to take action.
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04/ Community Building

We bring together and support bold changemakers on the front lines of change.
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Latest News

News
World Ocean Day 2026 Workshop
World Ocean Day 2026 Workshop

Delivering a World Ocean Day workshop in Tokyo, exploring ocean health, sustainability, and how businesses can turn awareness into meaningful action.

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Robin Speaks at “Green Elements at Work”
Robin Speaks at “Green Elements at Work”
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mymizu Co-Founder Mariko speaks at Apple Marunouchi for Earth Day
mymizu Co-Founder Mariko speaks at Apple Marunouchi for Earth Day
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Mariko will be speaking at the Apple Marunouchi event!
Mariko will be speaking at the Apple Marunouchi event!
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🏆 Winning the 4th Kameoka Environment Award
🏆 Winning the 4th Kameoka Environment Award

SIJ was awarded the “4th Kameoka Environment Award” at the Kameoka City Civic Ceremony in Kyoto, November 2025.

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🏆 Winning "AWS Women Social Entrepreneur Award" at Youth Co:Lab 2025!
🏆 Winning "AWS Women Social Entrepreneur Award" at Youth Co:Lab 2025!

mymizu, an initiative of Social Innovation Japan (SIJ), was selected as a winner at the Youth Co:Lab Social Innovation Challenge Japan 2025 !

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Offline Farm Day: Slowing Down & Giving Back
Offline Farm Day: Slowing Down & Giving Back

A day of slowing down, re-connecting and giving back!

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Speaking at the Tech For Impact Summit 2025 🌏
Speaking at the Tech For Impact Summit 2025 🌏

SIJ’s Co-CEO Mariko spoke at the Tech For Impact Summit 2025, one of Asia’s leading SDGs x Technology summit ✨

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October Event: Changemakers' Cafe - Connecting for People & Planet
October Event: Changemakers' Cafe - Connecting for People & Planet
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One Young World Japan Forum 2025
One Young World Japan Forum 2025

Speaking at the One Young World Japan Forum 2025

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Judging the Ajinomoto ASV Awards 2025 🌱
Judging the Ajinomoto ASV Awards 2025 🌱

We were honoured to be a judge for the Ajinomoto Shared Value (ASV) Awards, an initiative celebrating teams that are creating social and environmental value through innovation.

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3 Seminars on Social Business & Innovation in Japan for U.S.A. Student Groups
3 Seminars on Social Business & Innovation in Japan for U.S.A. Student Groups

Welcoming student groups from across the USA!

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ASEAN Dialogue @ Osaka Expo 2025
ASEAN Dialogue @ Osaka Expo 2025

Special dialogue at the Osaka Expo 2025 - “The Future I Want to See: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Communities in ASEAN, Japan and Beyond”

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Women in Tech Global Summit, Osaka Expo 2025
Women in Tech Global Summit, Osaka Expo 2025

Co-CEO Robin will be speaking at the Women in Tech Global Summit 2025 at the Osaka 2025 Expo! 🌏

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Helena Powers - 6-Week Women Social Entrepreneurship Program
Helena Powers - 6-Week Women Social Entrepreneurship Program

Introducing "Helena Powers", our program for women social entrepreneurs! 📣

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ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo, Jakarta
ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo, Jakarta

SIJ in Jakarta: 60 of ASEAN's top impact-driven startups showcased their Blue Economy solutions!

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SIJ in Condé Nast’s 'Bright Ideas in Travel 2024' List!
SIJ in Condé Nast’s 'Bright Ideas in Travel 2024' List!

SIJ's environmental platform, mymizu, is featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious “Bright Ideas in Travel 2024” list! 🌍✨

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Keynote Speech, Osaka Start Line
Keynote Speech, Osaka Start Line

Sharing stories of business as a force for good at the "START LINE OSAKA Beyond Borders!" conference in Osaka!

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Social Entrepreneurship Workshop @ Tohoku University
Social Entrepreneurship Workshop @ Tohoku University

Leading a workshop on social entrepreneurship - how social business can tackle real-world challenges?

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University of Pennsylvania, Special Session
University of Pennsylvania, Special Session

SIJ’s Co-CEO Robin will be speaking at a special online session with graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Social Policy and Social Practice!

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Our Impact

 
Social Innovation Japan Impact
 

Awards

 
 
 

Media

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Our Co-CEOs

 
 
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Mariko McTier

マクティア マリコ

Mariko is an award-winning entrepreneur and consultant who finds creative ways to engage people in redesigning systems for a circular economy. She co-founded Social Innovation Japan and mymizu, a free water refill app that uses refilling as a hook for wider citizen action. She has worked extensively with global brands, governments, and startups to create systemic change for a more sustainable future. Mariko has served as a Council Member for the World Economic Forum's "Global Future Council on Japan" and as a guest advisor with the Japanese Ministry of Environment.

Mariko's work has earned multiple awards both in Japan and internationally such as Business Insider Japan's "Beyond Millennials" Award and the iF World Design Guide Social Impact Prize. She is a regular contributor on local and national radio, and her interviews have been featured in media such as Forbes, Nikkei, BBC and VOGUE.
 
 
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Robin Takashi Lewis

ルイス・ロビン敬

Robin is a social entrepreneur based in Japan, recently recognised by MIT Technology Review in its “Innovators Under-35” awards. For over 10 years, Robin has worked with social enterprises, NGOs and inter-governmental organisations (including consultant roles at the World Bank and UNDP), and has managed humanitarian operations in countries such as Haiti, Nepal, Vanuatu and Mozambique. Robin is a Board Member of Shibuya QWS (one of Japan’s leading innovation hubs), advisor / mentor for several social impact organisations, and a TED x Speaker. He graduated with a M.A. in International Business from the University of Edinburgh, UK.
 
meet Our team
 

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