Saraya Co., Ltd. (Osaka) is promoting the importance of marine conservation and sustainable development through its support of the “BLUE OCEAN DOME” by ZERI Japan at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. This initiative aligns with Saraya’s ongoing efforts in environmental conservation on Borneo Island and its educational program, “Inochi wo Tsunagu Gakkou by SARAYA,” providing a comprehensive approach to creating a sustainable future that resonates globally.
“BLUE OCEAN DOME” Pavilion at the Expo – Aiming for a Sustainable Marine Environment
Supported by Saraya, the “BLUE OCEAN DOME” is a symbolic private-sector pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, designed to deepen public understanding of marine conservation. The pavilion addresses the importance of preventing marine plastic pollution and promoting awareness of climate change’s impact on oceans. During “SARAYA Week,” Saraya will showcase its initiatives for marine pollution prevention and sustainability.
This pavilion is constructed with environmentally friendly materials such as Japanese bamboo and carbon fiber (CFRP) and is designed to minimize environmental impact. Its structure allows for relocation and reuse, symbolizing a circular society and presenting visitors with a vision of a sustainable future.
■BLUE OCEAN DOME
Theme: “Ocean Revival”
Area: 3,503.25 square meters
Architectural Producer: Shigeru Ban (Shigeru Ban Architects)
General Producer: Kenya Hara (Nippon Design Center)
Environmental Conservation in Borneo – Balancing Palm Oil Production and Wildlife Protection
Saraya’s commitment to environmental conservation extends beyond Japan, with a longstanding presence on Borneo Island. While Borneo is a leading global producer of palm oil, the island faces severe deforestation, which threatens wildlife habitats and destabilizes the ecosystem. Since 2004, Saraya has been actively engaged in the “Borneo Conservation Initiative,” which aims to balance sustainable palm oil production with wildlife protection.
In collaboration with the “Borneo Conservation Trust,” Saraya has worked to restore “green corridors” by repurchasing former rainforest areas along the Kinabatangan River. These corridors allow wildlife, including endangered species like the orangutan and Bornean elephant, to move freely through their natural habitats. This initiative also allows Japanese consumers to contribute to the cause, as a portion of the proceeds from Saraya’s “Yashinomi Detergent” sales go toward supporting these conservation activities.
Additionally, Saraya supports sustainable palm oil sourcing through its RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified products, continuing its commitment to environmentally responsible production. This model of conservation in Borneo, which aims to harmonize local community needs with environmental protection, has gained attention as a globally relevant approach to sustainability.
“Inochi wo Tsunagu Gakkou by SARAYA” – An Environmental Education Project for Future Generations
To mark its 70th anniversary in 2022, Saraya launched an educational support project, “Inochi wo Tsunagu Gakkou by SARAYA” (School of Life by Saraya), providing young people with learning opportunities on various topics, from infectious disease prevention to environmental conservation and the preservation of life on Earth. Renowned biologist Dr. Shinichi Fukuoka serves as the project’s principal, delivering easily accessible lessons on life sciences and environmental issues through his 3D avatar, “Fukuoka Hakase.”
This project is closely connected with Saraya’s conservation activities in Borneo, offering students a “Borneo Study Tour” where they can experience firsthand the importance of rainforest and wildlife preservation. The tour allows participants to interact with rare wildlife and understand why their conservation is essential. It also includes visits to palm oil plantations and discussions with local farmers, addressing not only environmental issues but also labor and human rights matters. Through this educational program, Saraya aims to inspire future generations to consider the importance of sustainable living and to foster a sense of responsibility for protecting the planet.
Saraya’s environmental initiatives span the “BLUE OCEAN DOME” at the Expo, wildlife protection on Borneo, and the educational project “Inochi wo Tsunagu Gakkou by SARAYA.” These efforts underscore Saraya’s commitment to biodiversity and provide a model of sustainable business practices for achieving a regenerative and enduring global ecosystem. Saraya’s challenge of promoting coexistence between humans and nature represents a valuable legacy to be passed down to the next generation.