"Japanese companies are already aware of water risks, and water is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. I see great potential to build on this foundation and further strengthen Japan’s leadership in sustainable water management."
As water challenges in Japan are becoming increasingly complex – from aging infrastructure to shifting agricultural landscapes – we’re strengthening our support to AWS Members in the region. We’re delighted to welcome Kei Namba as our AWS Sector Coordinator – Japan. With a rich and diverse background in water sustainability, Kei brings a deep commitment to advancing water stewardship as a powerful, market-driven approach to collective action.
In this Q&A with Kei, she shares her journey, insights into Japan’s unique water context, and the role of the Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group in advancing sustainable water management.
Could you share with us your background and what inspired you to focus your career on water stewardship?
Over the years, I’ve worked on water sustainability from multiple perspectives – climate change, corporate sustainability – across different regions and sectors. My experience ranges from regional water and climate debates in Berlin and Brandenburg in Germany, to water and sanitation governance in the context of development cooperation. My PhD focused on Japan’s water governance engagement in Southeast Asia, and I’ve also been particularly interested in multi-stakeholder initiatives.
What inspires me most about water stewardship is that it’s a market-driven, cross-sectoral approach that enables collective action. With the current momentum around sustainability reporting and finance, I believe there’s a real opportunity to elevate water as a strategic issue, and joining AWS at this time feels both timely and meaningful.
Can you share some of the unique water-related challenges Japan faces?
Both geographical and social demographics make Japan’s water-related challenges unique. The country has plenty of rain, but its steep and mountainous land makes water storage difficult. Social changes also play a role, as the number of farmers drops, fewer rice fields are maintained. This matters because rice paddies help reduce floods (especially for downstream areas), recharge groundwater and protect biodiversity. In urban areas, transitioning to blue-green infrastructure through nature-based solutions is essential for better water management, mitigating urban heat (which can be intense during summer months) and flood risks. Japan also faces pollution issues like PFAS, aging infrastructure and complex water governance. These challenges show how water, farming and disaster risk reduction are connected – this is why collective action is essential.
Can you briefly describe the Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group?
Convened by AWS, the Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group (JWS) aims to advance water stewardship practices across Japan. It seeks to foster a collaborative environment where organisations from various sectors can work together to address water-related risks in catchments both within Japan and abroad. JWS brings together AWS Members based in Japan or with a presence in Japan.
JWS is highlighting water stewardship as an approach to address water challenges in Japan. Through a variety of activities, like training, networking and collaboration at a basin level, members demonstrate the positive impact water stewardship can have.
What are you looking forward to the most as the new AWS Sector Coordinator for Japan?
I’m really looking forward to working with a wide range of stakeholders to promote water stewardship in Japan and beyond. Many Japanese companies are already aware of water risks, and water is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. I see great potential to build on this foundation and further strengthen Japan’s leadership in sustainable water management.
When you are not at work, what are your favourite activities?
I like dogs and enjoy dancing. I also like swimming – whether it is in the sea or in lakes. Though I grew up near the mountains and the coast, I have always been an ocean person.