My History
Kimitsu System has consistently provided research, remediations, monitoring, and preventive services across a broad range of environmental issues, with the goal of ensuring customer satisfaction. In addition, as a unique business offering, we provide support for environmental due diligence. Environmental due diligence refers to the evaluation of potential environmental pollution risks—alongside the standard financial and legal risk assessments conducted during M&A transactions—and incorporating such findings into the decision-making process. When Japanese companies acquire foreign companies, they must be well-versed in the laws of the target country. However, within Japan there is already a shortage of professionals with expertise in environmental matters, and as a result, evaluations are often entrusted to non-specialists. Conducting environmental due diligence requires cross-disciplinary knowledge of science, engineering, healthcare, and finance. The shortage of professionals with such advanced expertise is a key challenge. This is precisely why many companies turn to us, allowing us to establish a distinctive position in this field.
From my very first year in the workforce, I have been deeply involved in resolving numerous pollution issues—starting with air pollution from steel complexes and extending to water pollution, noise, and vibration. In 1984, when the World Health Organization issued its drinking water quality guidelines, it raised critical issues regarding soil and groundwater pollution. At that time in Japan, there was virtually no one who could provide an adequate response.
I therefore devoted myself to research and development dedicated to solving these problems. Specifically, I spent more than five years developing investigation methods, remediation techniques, and demonstration technologies. I was also actively involved in training researchers and engineers through forums such as the Geological Society of Japan’s technical workshops, as well as in revising standards and contributing to the establishment of new laws. Today, I run this company because I am convinced that a field-oriented approach is essential for solving environmental problems. While I have written extensively for academic societies and publications, theory and ideals alone are not enough. That is why I founded Kimitsu System—to address environmental challenges directly in practice.
The Present
During the Showa era, Japan faced serious pollution-related diseases such as Minamata disease, Yokkaichi asthma, and Itai-itai disease. Even in cases not officially recognized as pollution-related illnesses, many instances of severe health damage caused by air pollution and other factors emerged. The term “kōgai” (pollution) is unique to Japan; in English it is sometimes referred to as “environmental issues.” I believe that environmental and pollution issues ultimately fall under the field of public health—in other words, they are fundamentally questions of health impact. From this perspective, I feel that the essence of today’s “environmental issues” is sometimes obscured. I always approach environmental problems through the lens of public health. Currently, in Japan, there are no cases where people are losing their lives due to environmental pollution. However, on a global scale, there are indeed cases where people suffer health damage and even lose their lives because of pollution. This reality underscores the importance of focusing more attention on these problems going forward.
Environmental issues can also be described as “diseases of the environment.” To treat them, it is essential to identify the cause, nature, and mechanisms—the pathology. Once the pathology is understood, the next step is clinical treatment. Just as physicians treat patients, we must apply the same approach to the environment. This perspective is shared by all our employees. Just as a doctor’s mission is to help patients return to society, I approach environmental issues with the same commitment. In other words, I place great importance on restoring safety and security—remediation. I dedicate myself fully to this mission every day, though social conditions are constantly evolving. Looking ahead, interdisciplinary collaboration will become increasingly important.
For the Future
Looking to the future, we will continue to build upon what we have cultivated while further refining and upgrading our concepts and technologies in line with changing times. In addition, given our experience in nurturing researchers and engineers, as well as contributing to the revision of standards and the enactment of laws, we are committed to remaining a leading presence in the environmental field. This commitment is firmly shared by all of our employees.
Environmental issues also evolve over time and differ across countries and regions. Today, global challenges such as climate change, infectious diseases, and water resources have become increasingly evident. I firmly believe that these issues must be addressed from the perspective of public health. We are entering an era in which environmental issues must be approached not only within Japan but on a global scale. That is why I hope to leverage the expertise and knowledge I have cultivated for international education. I intend to provide as much support as possible within my reach.
At present, I view it as essential to provide advice in regions such as the African continent, where I have yet to work, and South Asia, where rapid economic growth is underway. Our company is committed to doing everything possible for the environment, for people, and for the future. This determination will only grow stronger and will never waver.