SSBJ Sustainability Kirin First to Publish FY2025 Disclosures in English and Japanese
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited has taken a significant step forward in corporate transparency and sustainability reporting by initiating sustainability-related financial disclosures aligned with Japan’s newly established SSBJ Standards. This milestone was announced in the company’s Annual Securities Report released on March 27, 2026, marking the first time a Japanese company has adopted these standards for reporting beginning in fiscal year 2025. Notably, the disclosures have been published simultaneously in both Japanese and English, reinforcing the company’s commitment to accessibility and global investor engagement.
The Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ), established under the Financial Accounting Standards Foundation, finalized these disclosure standards in March 2025. While compliance with the SSBJ framework will only become mandatory for companies listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange starting in stages through 2028, Kirin has chosen to adopt the framework well ahead of schedule. This proactive approach demonstrates the company’s strategic intent to enhance transparency, strengthen stakeholder trust, and accelerate its long-standing commitment to Creating Shared Value (CSV).
CSV, or Creating Shared Value, is a core principle that has guided Kirin Group’s management approach since 2013. The concept focuses on generating value not only for the company but also for society and consumers. By embedding sustainability into its financial reporting, Kirin aims to clearly illustrate how environmental and social considerations directly influence its financial performance and long-term growth.
The decision to move forward with early disclosure comes amid a rapidly evolving global landscape where sustainability information is becoming increasingly critical for corporate valuation. Investors and stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics when making decisions. In response to this shift, international frameworks such as those developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board have gained prominence, encouraging companies worldwide to adopt standardized, comparable reporting practices.
Importantly, the SSBJ Standards are designed to align closely with these international frameworks, ensuring consistency and comparability across global markets. By adopting these standards early, Kirin provides investors with high-quality, internationally aligned sustainability data, enhancing the credibility and usefulness of its disclosures. This move also positions the company favorably in engaging with global investors who increasingly expect transparent and standardized ESG reporting.
Kirin has a strong track record in sustainability disclosure and has consistently been at the forefront of adopting global best practices. The company was among the early adopters of the recommendations put forth by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, which emphasize transparency in climate-related risks and opportunities. Additionally, the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures has recognized Kirin as the first company globally to implement its LEAP framework—a structured approach for assessing dependencies and impacts on natural capital.
Earlier in 2026, Kirin unveiled its long-term management vision, “Innovate2035!”, which outlines the company’s ambition to become a global leader in CSV through innovation driven by people and technology. Supporting this vision is the “KIRIN WAY,” a set of shared values and guiding principles that define the organization’s culture and strategic direction. The early adoption of SSBJ-aligned disclosures reflects the “Pioneer” value within the KIRIN WAY, underscoring the company’s willingness to lead and innovate in sustainability practices.
A key aspect of Kirin’s disclosure initiative is its focus on building trust with stakeholders. By providing early, transparent, and internationally comparable sustainability information, the company aims to strengthen relationships with shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders. The disclosures also help visualize the financial impacts of sustainability-related risks and opportunities, offering deeper insights into how these factors influence business performance.
To further enhance the reliability of its reporting, Kirin has already begun obtaining third-party assurance for certain disclosed items starting from FY2025, even though such assurance will only become mandatory after the introduction of compulsory reporting. This early adoption of assurance practices reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and credibility in its disclosures.
Internally, the initiative is expected to have a positive impact on employee engagement. By clearly demonstrating its leadership in sustainability and CSV, Kirin aims to inspire its workforce and attract talent that shares a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This alignment between corporate values and employee aspirations is increasingly recognized as a key driver of long-term organizational success.
Looking ahead, Kirin has outlined plans to further expand its sustainability reporting. Although Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions are not required to be disclosed in the first year under the SSBJ framework, the company intends to publish these figures once the FY2025 results are finalized. Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions across the value chain, are often the most challenging to measure but are critical for providing a comprehensive view of a company’s environmental impact.
In addition, from FY2026 onwards, Kirin plans to broaden the scope of third-party assurance to cover more aspects of its disclosures. This step will further strengthen the robustness and reliability of its sustainability reporting.
Through these initiatives, Kirin continues to position itself as a leader in sustainability and CSV. By embracing early adoption, aligning with global standards, and prioritizing transparency, the company is setting a benchmark for others in Japan and beyond. As sustainability becomes an increasingly integral part of corporate strategy and investor decision-making, Kirin’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to long-term value creation for both business and society.
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