On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, GreenFaith Japan participated in and observed the fourth oral argument session of the Youth Climate Lawsuit, held at the Nagoya District Court.
Over 130 people gathered for seats in the gallery, and the words of young people speaking out about the climate crisis from the perspectives of education and everyday life attracted a lot of attention. At the report session that followed, guests from overseas also took to the stage. It was a day that once again brought home the significance of the lawsuit, along with the expansion of international solidarity.

“The climate crisis threatening our children’s future”

In her statement, plaintiff Abe Fuyumi, an elementary school teacher in Aichi Prefecture, took the stage. She spoke about the reality that climate change is affecting the educational field itself, including the increasing number of days when playgrounds cannot be used due to the heatstroke index and the dangers of heat on the way to and from school. She
also mentioned that while an increasing number of developed countries are pledging to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2030, Japan has not yet achieved this goal, and strongly urged, “We must fulfill our responsibilities for the future, rather than pursue short-term convenience.”

“Feeling the climate crisis in your daily life”

Next to take the stage was plaintiff Asumi Imaoka, a university student from Nagasaki. She spoke of her personal experiences with climate change, such as the frequent heavy rain disasters in Kyushu and the increase in UV allergies among local cats. She
then stated, “This issue concerns not only the government or companies, but each and every one of us,” and called for a fair judgment from the court. The lawsuit calls on 10 electric power companies to reduce their existing coal-fired power plants.

“A forum for reporting that fosters dialogue and empathy”

A briefing session was held at a nearby hotel from 4 p.m., with approximately 150 people in attendance, including those who were unable to attend. Abe and Imaoka, along with their legal team, gave detailed explanations of the current situation and background of the trial, and participants asked many questions and provided their impressions. The session provided an opportunity to consider climate issues from the perspective of each individual’s life and position, and provided a real sense of the growing interest.

“Voices of encouragement from around the world”

Special guests on the day included former Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Michael Wilson, who ruled in favor of a climate lawsuit in Hawaii, and former United Nations University Professor Veselin Popovski. They attended the trial and also spoke at the briefing. Judge Wilson stated, “The climate lawsuits being brought by young people around the world are legitimate claims that should be won, especially in light of the rapid increase in natural disasters. We have already seen success in cases in Hawaii, South Korea, India, and elsewhere.” He
also delivered a powerful message of encouragement, saying, “Japan has one of the oldest and most beautiful traditions in the world of protecting nature and culture. I am sure this lawsuit will be guided in a positive direction.”

　
We at GreenFaith Japan believe that this lawsuit is an important step towards decarbonizing Japan. We will continue to
participate, support, and speak out in order to listen to the voices of future generations and protect the daily lives and lives threatened by climate change.

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On September 22, GreenFaith Japan, together with representatives from the Climate Network, Climate Change Initiative, and WWF Japan, visited House of Councilors member Yudai Kawamura to report on their respective organizations’ climate change initiatives and exchange opinions.
Kawamura was first elected in the recent House of Councilors election, and, drawing on his experience as a physician, he is deeply aware of the relationship between climate change and the health of the elderly and children. Throughout the election campaign, he has consistently advocated that “climate change countermeasures are a political issue directly linked to the safety of life and must be addressed immediately.” During the exchange of opinions, we discussed the importance of a planned transition away from fossil fuel-dependent electricity production and the expansion of renewable energy in Japan, taking into account the national financial situation.

GreenFaith Japan will continue to deepen its interactions with Kawamura and other members of the Diet and local assembly who are interested in environmental issues, and will work with religious and civic groups to promote measures to combat global warming.

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The 7th Fellowship Program was held on October 4, 2025. This time, we welcomed Mr. Takayuki Ashizu, the chief priest of Munakata Taisha Shrine (Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture), who gave a lecture on the theme of “The History of the Munakata International Environmental Conference.”

“Exploring the history and faith of Munakata Taisha Shrine”

First, there was a talk about the history of Munakata Taisha and the background of its faith. Munakata Taisha is a historic shrine that appears in Japanese mythology, and enshrines the three goddesses of Amaterasu Omikami (Takamihime, Takumihime, and Ichikishimahime). Each of these goddesses is enshrined in three shrines on Okinoshima, Oshima, and the mainland, and these three shrines are collectively known as “Munakata Taisha.” It was explained that diplomacy and rituals via the sea have been carried out at Munakata Taisha since ancient times, and that it has deep ties with the Imperial Court and has supported maritime worship throughout its long history.

“World Cultural Heritage Initiative”

During the talk, he also touched on the journey to the inscription of “Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region, the Sacred Island” on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017.
Rather than simply treating it as a regional heritage site, the nomination document was written from a “SEA (Spiritual, Ecology, Animism)” perspective, carefully expressing Munakata’s cultural and spiritual value, in order to convey to the world the connection between faith, nature, and culture. In particular, he said, the “Okinoshima faith,” which developed during a period of international exchange in ancient East Asia, has been passed down as a living tradition to the present day, and that there is physical evidence to support this, was highly evaluated, leading to its inscription on the World Heritage List.

“Progress and Practice of the Munakata International Environmental Conference”

The focus of this lecture was on the efforts of the Munakata International Environmental Conference. Facing the sea, Munakata Taisha Shrine has long been deeply connected to the local community as a center of marine worship. However, in recent years, the marine environment has been undergoing rapid changes, including rising sea temperatures, coastal debris, and coastal denudation (a phenomenon in which seaweed declines and ecosystems collapse). The shrine faces serious challenges. In response to these circumstances, the Munakata International Environmental Conference was established in 2014. Under the concept of a “Sea Shrine Forest,” the conference has promoted ocean restoration and environmental proposals while continuing to communicate with both the local community and beyond.
　
Key initiatives include:
　
• Annual hosting of the Munakata International Environmental Conference (the 12th conference is scheduled for the end of October 2025);
• Marine restoration activities (bamboo fishing reef construction, coastal cleanups)
; • Development programs for local high school students
; • Reaffirming our connection with nature through traditional events such as fish release and fertility festivals
; • Educational and information-raising activities to raise environmental awareness.

These activities are run by an executive committee that includes not only Munakata Taisha Shrine, but also Munakata City, the Munakata Tourism Association, local organizations, universities, high schools, local businesses, etc. A major feature of these activities is that they are a community-wide effort that brings together religion, education, government, and the private sector.

“Learn from faith, nature, and practice”

GreenFaith Japan has learned a lot from Munakata’s efforts, which combine a scientific perspective and practical actions while building on faith-based values. Their approach of confronting changes in the ocean and protecting the future from both cultural and environmental perspectives has provided significant insights into new roles and possibilities for connecting faith and society. The sense of living in harmony with nature and respecting it as sacred are values ​​that can be shared across religions and regions. We at GreenFaith Japan are also planning to participate in the Munakata International Environmental Conference, which will be held at the end of October. We hope to
use this opportunity to encounter diverse voices from both within Japan and abroad and further deepen our faith-based environmental actions.

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