Domestic Issuance List of Sustainability Linked Bond

The first sustainability linked bond in Japan was issued in 2020. The following are major issuance cases in Japan.

Case study of major Sustainability Linked Bond in Japan

Issuer Independent
Evaluator
Reporting Policy Date of
Issuance
Redemption
Period
Issuance Amount Sustainability
Performance
Targets
Bond characteristics
Hulic Co., Ltd.

Japan
Credit Rating
Agency, Ltd.

E&E Solutions Inc.

Hulic Co., Ltd. has disclosed that the development of its own non-FIT solar power generation facilities needed to achieve RE100 will result in up to 40 power plants and a total output of up to about 50 MW by 2025
In addition, details of projects under development as fireproof wooden buildings are disclosed on the company's website and in integrated reports.
By the end of the period, the company plans to disclose the total output of renewable energy developed to achieve RE100
Progress of the SPT will be disclosed on Hulic's website and in the integrated report, etc., along with other KPIs for non-financial information
2020/10/15 10 years 10 billion yen The following 2 items are set as SPT
① Achieve RE100 by 2025
② By 2025, the construction of Japan's first fireproof, 12-story wooden commercial facility in the Ginza 8-chome development plan will be completed.
0.44% per year from the day after October 15, 2020 to October 15, 2026, and the day after October 15, 2026, a coupon step-up of 0.10% will occur if any of the SPTs linked to the terms of issue are not met on August 31, 2026
Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd.

Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd.

Rating & Investment Information, Inc.

2020/12/24 7 years 10 billion yen

The following three items will be set as SPT
① The percentage of electricity consumed by the Fuyo Group from renewable energy sources will be 50% or more by July 2024.

② Cumulative transaction amount for "Support Program for Fuyo Renewable Energy 100 Declaration" and "Fuyo Zero Carbon City Support Program"※2: 5 billion yen or more by July 2024

※1: Preferential financing program for companies participating in RE100 and RE Action, a program to declare 100 percent renewable energy.

※2: A finance program aiming to boost the efforts of "Zero Carbon City" promoted by the Ministry of the Environment.

The terms and conditions of the interest rate are as follows

0.380% per annum for the period from the day after December 24, 2020 to December 24, 2024

From the day after December 24, 2024, 0.10% coupon step-up will occur if any of the SPTs linked to the issue terms are not met on July 31, 2024

Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Post Third-party warranty report on KPI baseline (2013 standard value) and KPI actual value on the NRI Group's ESG databook or website, and include information on NRI's sustainability strategy in an integrated report 2021/3/26 12 years 5 billion yen (1) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the NRI Group by 72% in FY2030 (compared to 2013) (Scope1 + 2)
(2) Increase the renewable energy utilization rate of data centers to 70% in FY2030
It has a step-up interest rate and has a call option that can be redeemed in advance on September 30, 2031 before the step-up interest rate is applied if it is determined that the target has been achieved. The interest rates stated in bond disclosure documents and NRI's performance against SPT are linked, providing an incentive to achieve SPT goals.
TAKAMATSU CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO.,LTD. Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. The progress of KPI performance is planned to disclose to investors after the end of each fiscal year.Limited third-party verification will be also obtained from JCR regarding disclosure items related to the progress of SPTs.If there is a delay in progress due to unexpected circumstances, disclosure of cause analysis and future countermeasures will be considered. 2021/3/19 5 years 10 billion yen Achieved cumulative sales of SDGs contribution of more than 391.1 billion yen from the fiscal year ending March 2022 to the fiscal year ending March 2025
KPI: SDGs contribution sales
If SPTs cannot be achieved, a premium of 0.5 yen will be paid for every 100 yen of corporate bonds.
ANA HOLDINGS INC. Rating & Investment Information, Inc. ANA Holdings plans to disclose the evaluation results of the four external indicators listed in the SPTs as of the end of each fiscal year to the public through its website and integrated report once a year. 2021/6/8 5 years 20 billion yen ① Selected as a constituent of DJSI World and DJSI Asia Pacific
② Selected as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index
③ Selected as a constituent of the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index
④ Obtained evaluation of CDP "A-" or higher
If two or more of the above four SPTs have not been achieved as of the end of FY2022 (March 31, 2023), donations are made to generally recognized corporations and organizations that are engaged in activities aimed at creating a positive impact on the environment and society. In addition to its own ESG initiatives, donation activities create additional positive impact through support.
GLP J-REIT Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. With regard to the status of achievement of the SPTs, JRF plans to obtain a limited verification report from JCR by the judgment date in July 2025 and make it public. In addition, regarding the achievement status of SPTs thereafter, JRF plans to obtain a limited verification report from JCR by the judgment date in July of each year and disclose it. 2021/9/28 7 years 6 billon yen The percentage of GLP J-REIT's portfolio with high-ranked environmental certifications* is 80% or more (based on total floor area).
*DBJ Green Building certification: 5, 4, or 3 stars; CASBEE: S, A, or B+; BELS: 5, 4, or 3; LEED: Platinum, Gold, or Silver; or equivalent or higher rank in the successor certification
If it is determined on the determination date that the SPTs have been achieved on the determination date, the interest rate on and after September 28 of the year following the determination date will be stepped down to 0.234% (-0.05% from the initial interest rate) (reward type).
If the SPTs are not achieved on the base date, the interest rate on and after September 28 of the year following the base date will be 0.284%, the same as the initial interest rate.
Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corporation Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. At the end of each fiscal year, the status of GHG emissions and carbon-minus initiatives for the fiscal year under review will be disclosed on the Tokyu Land Corporation website with respect to KPI performance.
The disclosure of GHG emissions and carbon minus emissions to confirm the progress of SPTs will be subject to third-party verification by an external certification body.
2021/10/11 10 years 10 billion yen

SPT1: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by FY2030

SPT2: Achieve carbon-negative status by FY2025
(The amount of reduction contribution from renewable energy generation, etc. exceeds the company's own CO2 emissions)

If the SPTs are not met at the time of determination, the following amounts will be paid on the redemption date to the donors related to the "Green Linkage Project" and other similar environmental organizations
SPT1: 0.25% of the issue amount
SPT2: 0.25% of the issue amount
AEON MALL Co., Ltd. Rating & Investment Information, Inc. AEON MALL discloses the latest performance values for KPIs, SPT judgment results, and information on sustainability strategies on its website once a year.
The report of the judgment results is scheduled to be disclosed in the integrated report around September 2026, and when making a donation, the donation destination, donation amount, and donation implementation time will be included in the report content.
2021/11/26 5 years 20 billion yen CO2-free electricity used at all AEON MALLs in Japan at the end of 2025 If the SPT is confirmed to be unachievable at the time of determination at the end of FY2025, an amount equivalent to 0.2% of the bond issue amount will be donated to a public interest incorporated foundation (e.g. AEON Environmental Foundation) by the end of October 2026.
ARAKAWA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD. Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. ●The following items will be disclosed at least once a year
・Updates on the performance of selected KPIs (including baseline assumptions)
・Information useful for lenders to gauge the level of ambition of SPTs

● Disclose the following information to the extent possible
・A qualitative and quantitative description of the main factors that contributed to the improvement in performance/KPIs (including M&A activities, etc.)
・Explanation of how improved performance will impact the borrower's sustainability
・Whether or not KPIs are reevaluated, whether or not established SPTs are revised, and whether or not baseline assumptions or the scope of KPIs are changed
2021/11/26 5 years 5 billion yen SPT1: Reduce CO2 emissions by 30% in FY2025 compared to FY2015

SPT2:Increase the consolidated sales index of sustainable products by 25% or more in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2019
If SPTs have not been achieved as of the end of FY2025 (March 31, 2026), donations will be made to corporations and organizations that plant pine trees and seedlings, which are effective in absorbing CO2 (donation recipient 1), and donations will be made to corporations and organizations that provide education to students and children who will be leading the future in order to improve product development capabilities (donation recipient 2) for each fiscal year from FY2026 to FY2030.
If only SPT1 is not achieved, donation equivalent to 0.30% of the bond issue amount will be made to recipient 1.
If only SPT2 is not achieved, donation equivalent to 0.30% of the amount of bonds issued will be made to donation recipient 2.
If both SPT1 and SPT2 are not achieved, donations equivalent to 0.15% of the amount of bonds issued will be made to recipients 1 and 2, respectively (total amount equivalent to 0.30% of the amount of bonds issued)
ASICS Corporation Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Once a year, ASICS reports the KPI results on its website, along with its efforts to achieve SPT. 2021/12/2 5 years 10 billion yen Maintain leadership level in CDP climate change in 2025 (maintain A- or above) The bond is scheduled to be redeemed at the end of December 2026, and the achievement of the SPT will be judged based on the results in 2025; if the SPT is not achieved, emission credits (credits/certificates of CO2 reduction value) equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be purchased.
TDK Rating & Investment Information, Inc. TDK publishes information on the latest performance of KPIs, achievement status of SPTs, and sustainability strategies on its website once a year. The report of the judgment results is scheduled for around January 2027, and when making a donation, the name of the recipient, the reason for selection, the amount of the donation, and the timing of the donation will be included in the report. 2021/12/2 7 years 40 billion yen (1) Improve CO2 emissions per unit of sales by 30% in FY2025 compared to FY2014
(2) Maintain A/A- in the final CDP climate change score by 2025
(3) Achieve a 50% adoption rate of renewable energy by FY2025
If any two or more of the three SPTs are not achieved, a cumulative amount equivalent to 0.3% of the bond issue amount will be donated to public interest incorporated associations, etc., whose purpose is environmental conservation activities by the time the bonds are redeemed.
UOROKU CO. ,LTD Rating & Investment Information, Inc. UOROKU will report to its agents once a year on the status of SPT achievement. In addition, the information will be disclosed on the UOROKU Group's website. 2022/3/29 - 1 billion yen ①Benchmark indicators for the food supermarket industry based on the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy's benchmarking system, an evaluation system.

②CO2 emissions per unit generated (t-CO2/m²)
The guarantee fee rate will be reduced if both SPT1 and SPT2 are achieved.
AEON Mall Co., Ltd. Rating & Investment Information, Inc. AEON Mall will disclose on its website once a year the latest performance figures related to KPIs, the status of SPT achievement, and information on its sustainability strategy. 2022/4/28 5 years 40 billion yen To achieve CO2-free electricity use at all AEON Malls in Japan by the end of FY2025 If the SPT is not achieved at the time of determination at the end of FY2025, an amount equivalent to 0.2% of the bond issue amount will be donated to a public interest incorporated foundation (e.g. AEON Environmental Foundation) by the end of October 2026.
OBAYASHI CORPORATION Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Obayashi will disclose the actual performance values of the KPIs (i.e., the status of achievement of the SPTs) on its website, along with information that may affect the achievement of the SPTs and an assurance report by an independent third party. 2022/4/27 5 years 20 billion yen SPT 1: Targets for each fiscal year consistent with the KPI 1 targets of Scope 1 and 2 of a 46.2% reduction in CO2 emissions in FY2030 (compared to FY 2019, the base year)
<5-year bonds> 25.2% (April 2022 - March 2026)
<7-year bonds> 33.6% (April 2022-March 2028)

SPT 2: Targets for each fiscal year consistent with the KPI 2 target of Scope 3 of a 27.5% reduction in CO2 emissions in FY2030 (compared to FY 2019, the base year)
<5-year bond> 15.0% (April 2022 - March 2026)
<7-year bond> 20.0% (April 2022-March 2028)
If none of the SPTs are achieved, an amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be donated after the determination date to public interest incorporated associations, public interest foundations, international organizations, municipal authorized NPOs, local governments and similar organizations whose purpose is environmental conservation activities, to be completed before redemption of the bonds. If SPT1 is not achieved, 7/10ths of an amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be donated, and if SPT2 is not achieved, 3/10ths of an amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be donated.
7 years 10 billion yen
Shiga Prefecture Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. Shiga Prefecture plans to disclose the performance of KPIs in terms of GHG emission reductions (prefectural government) for each fiscal year in the following fiscal year.
Among the KPIs, the prefectural government's GHG emissions, which are SPT, will be verified by a third-party organization.
2022/5/12 10 years 5 billion yen Reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Shiga Prefectural Government by 50% in FY2030 compared to FY2014 If the target is not met, an additional contribution equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be made to a fund established by Shiga Prefecture to finance projects that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas.
Daiwa House REIT Investment Corporation Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. Daiwa House REIT Investment will promptly disclose the results of the CDP evaluation, which is a KPI, to investors on its website. In addition, SPT is a CDP score, and is disclosed by CDP. 2022/5/25 7 years 4 billion yen To be recognized as an A-list company, the highest rating in the CDP Climate Change Program ・If the SPT is achieved, the interest rate for the one-year period to which such determination applies shall be reduced by 0.025% from the initial interest rate at the time the terms are determined.

・If the SPT is determined not to have been achieved, the interest rate shall be increased by 0.010% from the initial interest rate if the CDP rating is "A-" rating, and by 0.025% from the initial interest rate if the CDP rating is "B" rating or lower.
TODA CORPORATION Rating & Investment Information, Inc. The actual results of KPIs and the status of achievement of SPTs in the previous fiscal year shall be disclosed on the website together with information on the latest sustainability strategy related to other KPIs and SPTs by the end of September of each year up to the judgment date. When purchasing and/or donating Green Power Certificates, in principle, the details of such purchases and/or donations shall be disclosed on the website. 2022/6/2 10 years 10 billion yen SPT-1: Reduce total GHG emissions in Scope 1 and 2 defined by SBT by 42% from FY2020 by the end of FY2030.

SPT-2: 25% reduction of total GHG emissions in Scope 3 defined by SBT by the end of FY2030 compared to FY2020.
・If SPT-1 is confirmed to have not been achieved by the judgment date, 0.10% of the bond issue amount will be used to purchase Green Power Certificates by the end of March 2032. In the event of a force majeure event or other event that prevents the purchase of Green Power Certificates, donations will be made to qualified donors.

・If it is confirmed that SPT-2 has not been achieved by the judgment date, 0.05% of the bond issue amount will be donated to qualified donors by the end of March 2032.
OKAMURA CORPORATION. Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. At least once a year, Okamura publishes its latest performance on KPIs and the results of SPT judgments in the Group's Sustainability Report or on its website. 2022/6/16 5 years 5 billion yen Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% in FY2025 compared to FY2020 If the SPT is not achieved as of the judgment date, donation equivalent to 0.15% of the bond issue amount to public interest incorporated associations, public interest foundations, international organizations, local government-approved NPOs, local governments, etc. that aim at environmental conservation activities by the redemption date
NAGASE & CO., LTD. Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Once a year, Nagase publishes the performance values of KPIs on its website along with a limited assurance level third-party assurance report.
For the fiscal years subject to SPTs assessment, a report on the status of achievement of SPTs will also be published.
2022/6/9 10 years 10 billion yen SPT 1: Reduce the Group's greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in FY2030 (compared to FY2013) (Scope 1 and 2)

SPT 2: Reduce the Group's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 12.3% in FY2030 (compared to FY2020) (Scope 3)
If it is confirmed that any of the SPTs have not been achieved, emission credits (credits/certificates of CO2 reduction value) will be purchased in an amount corresponding to the achievement of the SPTs before the redemption of the bonds in order to accelerate efforts to address climate change.
NEC Corporation Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Once a year, the actual performance values of the KPIs will be disclosed on NEC's website together with an assurance report obtained from an independent third party (subject to KPI-1).
In cases where emission credits are purchased or donated based on the characteristics of the Sustainability Linked Bonds, the relevant details will be disclosed.
Information that may affect the achievement of SPTs (e.g., establishment or update of sustainability strategies) will also be disclosed on the website.
2022/7/12 5 years 60 billion yen SPT1: Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by 33.6% in FY2025 (compared to FY2017)
Reference period: April 2025 - March 2026
SPT2: Maintain final CDP climate change score of A
・If any of the SPTs are not achieved, NEC will purchase emission credits (CO2 reduction value in the form of credits or certificates) equivalent to 0.1% of the amount of the bond issue before the redemption of the Bonds. If SPT 1 has not been achieved, 7/10ths of the amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be purchased, and if SPT 2 has not been achieved, 3/10ths of the amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be purchased.

・If neither SPT is achieved, an amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be donated to public interest incorporated associations, public interest foundations, international organizations, NPOs authorized by local governments, local governments and similar organizations that are engaged in environmental conservation activities before the bonds are redeemed. If SPT 1 is not achieved, 7/10ths of the amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be donated, and if SPT 2 is not achieved, 3/10ths of the amount equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be donated.
7 years 20 billion yen SPT 1: Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by 42.0% in FY2027 (compared to FY2017)
Reference period: April 2027 - March 2028
SPT 2: Maintain final CDP climate change score of A
10 years 30 billion yen SPT 1: Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by 54.6% in FY2030 (compared to FY2017)
Reference period: April 2030 - March 2031
SPT 2: Maintain final CDP climate change score of A
MITSUBISHI ESTATE CO., LTD. Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. The following items will be posted on the Mitsubishi Estate website.
1. Actual results of KPIs for the reporting period
2. Status of achievement of SPTs during the reporting period
3. Information on Mitsubishi Estate's latest sustainability strategy related to the KPI and SPT
4. Status of implementation of donations/payments in case of SPT underachievement
2022/7/22 5 years 20 billion yen SPT1: Achieve 100% share of power derived from renewable energy sources in FY2025 In case of underachievement of SPT, 1) "donation" or 2) "purchase of voluntary credits, etc. recognized under the Japanese system or recognized by an international certification body" will be implemented.
10 years 20 billion yen SPT2-1: Reduce the sum of Scope 1 and 2 by at least 70% and Scope 3 by at least 50% in FY2030 (base year: FY 2019)
30 years 20 billion yen SPT2-2: Achieve net zero in 2050 and
SPT3: Achieve 40% female management ratio in FY2050.
KITZ Corporation Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Annually, KITZ publishes the actual performance of the KPIs on its website along with an assurance report obtained from an independent third party. 2022/9/14 5 years 10 billion yen Reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions in FY2025 by 81.7% (compared to FY 2013) Bond characteristics vary depending on the SPT achievement status, with (1) purchase or (2) donation of emission credits obligatory
TOKYU CORPORATION Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. Tokyu plans to disclose to investors the progress of KPI performance after the end of each fiscal year. Tokyu plans to obtain an independent third-party assurance report on the progress of SPT at least once a year until the date of determination, and report it on the Tokyu website or to the lender. 2022/12/6 10 years 10 billion yen Reduce CO2 emissions by 46.2% by FY2030 compared to FY2019 (Decision date: end of December 2031) If the SPT is not achieved on the determination date, an amount equal to 0.1% of the bond issue amount will be contributed prior to redemption
Shiseido Company, Limited Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. Shiseido plans to disclose the progress of the SPTs that constitute the KPIs on its website on an annual basis. In addition, Shiseido plans to obtain an independent third-party verification of the progress of the SPTs that comprise the KPIs once a year, and to disclose the information related to the verification on its website on an annual basis. 2022/12/8 5 years 20 billion yen SPT1: Carbon neutral by 2026
SPT2: 40% domestic female management ratio by January 1, 2026
The bond characteristics of the bonds will vary depending on the achievement of the SPTs.
Chuo-Nittochi Group Co., Ltd. Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. Chuo-Nittochi Group Co., Ltd. will disclose the latest performance figures related to KPIs (progress on SPTs) and information on the latest sustainability strategy related to KPIs and SPTs on its website on an annual basis. 2023/2/16 5 years 18 billion yen SPT1-1: By the end of December 2027, complete construction of three high-rise, large-scale office buildings with a total floor area of 50,000 m2 or more that have ZEB-Oriented or higher environmental performance. 
SPT1-2: At least one of the buildings in SPT1-1 will have ZEB-ready or better environmental performance. 
SPT2: Obtain at least one environmental certification for all office buildings to be completed after February 2023.
If SPTs are not achieved, donations will be made to qualified donors (public interest incorporated associations, public interest foundations, international organizations, NPOs certified by local governments, local governments, or equivalent organizations engaged in environmental conservation activities) in an amount corresponding to the achievement status of SPTs.
Orient Corporation Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Disclose annually on the website the status of achievement of the established SPTs until the redemption of this Sustainability Linked Bond. 2023/3/6 5 years 10 billion yen Annual auto loan transaction volume in Southeast Asia (new cars limited to EVs) to be 81.9 billion yen by the fiscal year ending March 2025 If the SPT is not achieved, an amount equivalent to 0.10% of the total issuance amount will be donated after the SPT determination date to a publicly recognized corporation or organization that works to create a positive impact on the countries in Southeast Asia where the company has a business presence.
TOYOBO CO., LTD. Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. TOYOBO plans to disclose the status of achievement of the established KPIs/SPTs on an annual basis on its website. Furthermore, TOYOBO plans to disclose GHG emissions for Scope 1 and 2 of KPI①/SPT① after obtaining an independent third-party verification report. 2023/3/9 5 years 20 billion yen SPT1: Reduction rate of GHG emissions intensity relative to sales in FY2026 (compared to FY2020, the base year): 28.5%
SPT2: CDP score (climate change action) "A-" or better in FY2026
If neither SPT1 nor SPT2 has been achieved as of the determination date, the company will purchase emission credits (credits/certificates of CO2 reduction value) equivalent to 0.1% of the bond issue amount prior to the redemption of the Bonds.
Kajima Corporation Rating & Investment Information, Inc. Kajima will disclose the results of the KPIs and other information on an annual basis on the own website, beginning at the end of December 2024 for each fiscal year. Details of the type of emission credits or donations determined, as well as information that may affect the achievement of SPTs (e.g., establishment or update of sustainability strategies) shall also be disclosed timely.
The numerical values of the items on which the calculation of SPT1 and SPT2 is premised shall be disclosed in Kajima Corporation's Annual Securities Report and Environmental Data Book, and shall be confirmed/verified by an independent third party.
2023/3/16 5 years 10 billion yen SPT1: Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions per unit sales (unit: t-CO2/100 million yen) average of 13.0 tCO2/100 million yen or less
SPT2: Average of Scope 3 CO2 emissions per unit sales (t-CO2/100 million yen) is 442.8 t-CO2/100 million yen or less.
SPT3:CDP Climate Change Score A or A-
If any SPTs are not met, either purchase or donation of emission credits, or a combination of purchase and donation of emission credits, within one year of the redemption of this Sustainability Linked Bond
  • As of March 20, 2023
  • Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the websites of fundraisers, financial institutions, and third-party evaluation institutions
  • * This database is not screened by the Ministry of the Environment and is compiled based on the labeling declared by issuers and financial institutions.