EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for tourism, has partnered with RCI Sustainability Group to open a new EarthCheck office in Tokyo. The move marks an exciting step in supporting Japan’s fast-growing commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism.
From its base in Tokyo, the new hub will offer local expertise in sustainability consulting, certification and training. On the ground, EarthCheck Relationship Manager Machi Kaneko and Sustainability Officer Michelle Suzuki will work directly with hotels, destinations and developers to help turn good intentions into measurable results.
“Japan’s tourism industry is at a crossroads,” says Shawn Jang, EarthCheck Design Accredited Professional and leader at RCI Sustainability Group. “Travel is bouncing back, but expectations have changed. Travellers want proof that the places they visit care for their people and their planet. Governments are tightening standards, and investors are demanding credible action. This is the time to build on science-based sustainability frameworks like EarthCheck Design.”
Regenerative tourism rooted in culture
For Jang, who began his career in engineering before moving into sustainability leadership, the partnership is about more than compliance – it’s about regeneration. “EarthCheck’s focus is on regenerative tourism,” he explains. “It’s not just about cutting carbon or saving water. It’s about protecting local identity, culture and livelihoods; making sure destinations give back more than they take.”
It’s an approach that fits Japan perfectly. From mountain onsens to coastal villages, preserving the essence of place is part of what makes the country so special. The Tokyo office will help ensure EarthCheck’s global science translates seamlessly into Japan’s unique landscape, supporting operators to meet international standards while celebrating local culture.
“Japan has long understood the balance between nature, people and progress,” says Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck. “Our Tokyo office will help turn that philosophy into practical, science-based outcomes that help to position Japan as a global leader in regenerative tourism.”
Building on a strong foundation
EarthCheck already works with some of Japan’s most recognised hospitality brands, including The Peninsula Tokyo, Park Hyatt Kyoto and Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, each certified for their dedication to sustainable operations and world-class guest experiences.
Other members, such as Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Hyatt Regency Tokyo and Patina Osaka, are well on their way through the benchmarking and certification process, while two EarthCheck Design projects are currently underway in Hakone and Yakushima. The destination of Gero Onsen has also joined EarthCheck’s Leading Destinations of the World™ program, underscoring Japan’s growing leadership in responsible tourism.
Japan’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond hospitality. Wakayama University and Otemon Gakuin University are active members of the not-for-profit EarthCheck Research Institute, working alongside global experts to advance applied research in sustainable tourism, climate resilience and community regeneration. This partnership helps bridge the gap between science and practice, ensuring that data-driven insights shape the future of tourism in Japan and beyond.
A partnership for the future
For Jang, the collaboration between EarthCheck and RCI is about giving Japan the tools to lead by example. “With EarthCheck certification, Japan can shape destinations that honour heritage, protect communities and continue to thrive for generations,” he says. “It’s about creating lasting value, where business, culture and the environment grow together.”
The partnership signals a new chapter for EarthCheck in Asia – one where science meets storytelling, and sustainability becomes part of the everyday journey.
