Japan’s Nippon Life Insurance aims to double responsible thematic investments from around 2.6 trillion yen (US$16.6 billion) now to some 5 trillion yen by the end of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2031, guided by six sustainability themes, including climate change.
The amount includes a 500 billion yen impact investing facility overseen by Nippon Life’s investment arm, Nissay Asset Management Corporation.
“Through responsible investment, Nippon Life is committed to shaping sustainability outcomes, thus contributing to realising of a sustainable society and expanding profits for policyholders,” the insurance company says in a report on December 26.
The report on responsible investment outlined the six sustainability themes that are expected to steer the company’s investment units.
In addition to climate change, the themes cover human rights, strategies to tackle Japan’s ageing population, sustainable financing options for small and medium enterprises, public health, and investments in water and other forms of natural capital.
“Based on our philosophy of co-existence, co-prosperity, and mutual aid, we’ve been carrying out investments that contribute to the public interest in addition to the profitability and safety,” the report says.
Osaka-based Nippon Life has around 88 trillion yen of total assets.
