If the keywords “environment,” “global,” and “startup” resonate with you, then Green Carbon might just be your destined workplace.
| Green Carbon Inc. is tackling the global challenge of climate change with innovative nature-based solutions. In the spring of 2025, the company welcomed its bright first class of four new graduates, who are poised to shape its future. We sat down with these four individuals—Kato-san, Sakuno-san, Farah-san, and Bal-san—for a roundtable interview. We’ll bring you their authentic voices as they discuss what it’s like to work at Green Carbon and their visions for the future! Chapter１：Why Green Carbon?——Each Person’s Origin Story Chapter２：After Joining——”What’s it Actually Like?”——The Reality of Rewards and Challenges Chapter３：Company Culture——”What’s Green Carbon’s Culture Like?” Chapter４：Message——”What I Want to Tell Future Colleagues”——To You in the Future ※Interviewer: Ryosuke Ike, Head of Public Relations |
From left: Bal, Sakuno, Farah, Kato
Chapter 1: Why Green Carbon? — Each Person’s Origin Story
Ike: First, I’d like to ask everyone, “Why did you choose Green Carbon?” and “What was the origin of your interest in this field?”
Kato: “Overseas x Environment” — a place where both could be fulfilled.
“I want a job that involves working overseas. And I want a job that involves the environment.” — these two combined were the main reasons for my choice. Furthermore, I was looking for an environment where I could be entrusted with tasks involving direct overseas negotiations relatively early after joining.
From an environmental perspective, there are various fields such as environmental protection and existing environmental management. However, considering current global warming issues, I recognize that the carbon credit sector is the most advanced in terms of business. Putting aside the pros and cons of carbon credits for a moment, I believed that being in this cutting-edge field would allow me to constantly access the latest information and be deeply involved.
Sakuno: A startup aiming for a Gentle World for All.
My motivations overlap a lot with Kato-san’s, but I also felt it was a good fit because it’s a company that contributes deeply to the environment. The environment is an integral part of our lives, yet it’s also facing serious issues like global warming. In this context, I believe that working in the environmental sector is an unique opportunity that allows us to contribute to help create a society where people can not only live fulfilling lives but also genuinely feel grateful to be on this Earth. One of the triggers for me was wanting to create something gentle for everything on Earth—not just humans, but also nature, animals, and plants—and to imagine a better future.
In addition, the fact that it’s a startup was also appealing. I’m drawn to the idea of building this new market as a united team, where we all challenge ourselves, experiment, and take the lead. I decided to work at Green Carbon because I am eager to be part of such a dynamic environment and to contribute meaningfully to this collective endeavor.
Ike: Your passion for the Earth and the environment really comes through!
Farah: Falling in Love with Sustainability – Towards Becoming a Leading Company in Nature-Based Credits
So my first encounter with sustainability was when I was tasked with calculating the carbon footprint*¹ of products as an intern. From that moment, I completely fell in love with the world of sustainability, decided to completely shift my career, and came to Japan to work in this field.
One of Green Carbon’s appeals is its focus on nature-based solutions. I think it’s wonderful that the company isn’t solely focused on profit, but also creates value for farmers and local communities, while simultaneously contributing to biodiversity.
Furthermore, Green Carbon is also one of the leading companies providing nature-based carbon credits and solutions in Asia. These are the reasons why I wanted to work for this company.”
Bal: “What can we do for vulnerable communities and farmers in Southeast Asia?” A question born from my own experience in Nepal — and one that continues to drive me.
My interest in the sustainability field stems from my growing up in Nepal, where I witnessed climate change and natural disasters up close. That is why, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to consider what I could do for sustainable community development. This led me to pursue a master’s degree in international cooperation and policy. After graduating, I aspired to work in the development sector, perhaps as a development consultant.
While researching companies with this focus, I found Green Carbon. Why did I want to work here? As others have mentioned, the appeal was its challenge to the sustainability sector as a startup and its aim to create a positive environmental impact by building nature-based businesses.
What was particularly significant for me was my strong desire to do something for vulnerable communities and farmers in Southeast Asia and work directly with them. I chose Green Carbon to help address that.
Furthermore, my family runs an agriculture-related business, working to make the supply chain for fresh vegetables and fruits more sustainable and to reduce food loss. So, I felt a strong alignment between the company’s vision and our own aspirations to make a positive impact through the power of nature.
Ike: So your background was the origin of your choice to join Green Carbon!
Chapter 2: After Joining — “What’s it Actually Like?” — The Reality of Rewards and Challenges
Ike: We’ve heard about your passionate aspirations before joining. What’s it actually like now that you’ve joined? Please share your authentic experiences, including the rewards, difficulties, moments you find interesting, and feelings of accomplishment.
Kato: Cross-Border Challenges: The Tangible Feel of Leading the Philippines Project and Its Hurdles
There’s a great deal of reward and interest I’ve found since joining. I’m responsible for managing the Philippines project, which covers a wide range of areas including AWD business*², afforestation, and biochar projects, but currently I’m mainly handling the largest AWD business.
What I find interesting is the process of collaborating with staff in the Philippines from Japan and grasping the local situation. The relationship with the staff is incredibly important. Also, when local staff are focused on field work, it’s enjoyable to think about how to expand and grow the AWD business from a broader perspective, unique to being in Japan, or to devise new approaches when procedures are stalled and consider how headquarters can provide support. It’s truly exciting to feel the Philippine project moving dynamically while I’m in Japan.
Since it can be difficult for the local team to move forward without my proactive approach, a lot depends on me. I’m working hard every day, feeling that responsibility, but the workload is also significant, so there are still many times when I feel frustrated because I can’t keep up with everything.
Ike: Could you share any specific anecdotes about difficulties in conveying your intentions to the Philippine team and how you resolved them?
Kato: Unconventional Approaches Are Key
Yes, there are various patterns. For instance, we have weekly meetings that double as weekly reports, and sometimes instructions I give there haven’t resulted in any change by the following week. How to approach such situations can be challenging.
Generally, I give instructions through the Philippine management lead, but they can also be busy with other tasks. In such cases, after checking with and getting permission from the manager, I sometimes directly ask the staff, “What’s the status of this matter?” While the local staff are working hard every day and are busy, when direct communication comes from Japanese management, they sometimes focus even more intensely and then consistently provide updates. However, management is ultimately about “human relationships,” so I think it’s best not to rely on formulaic methods and instead engage with each individual.
Ike: That’s a very valuable experience! I’m looking forward to your growth, Kato-san.
Sakuno: Every Day is a New Discovery! Accelerating Growth Through “Instant Replies”
What I find most interesting is that every day brings something new, creating a constantly stimulating environment. I’m given opportunities to be involved in various tasks daily, and by earnestly tackling these tasks and diligently keeping up with the flow, I can engage with a wide range of businesses. In addition, I find it interesting to interact with many people through meetings and other opportunities. I’m surprised by “how short a day can feel,” as I’m fortunate to learn and absorb new insight and knowledge every day, and feeling that each piece contributes to my own growth is the greatest joy.
In this new market, for example, when thinking about what we can do with a potential partner with whom we want to sign an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), I feel that various possibilities are opening up. Sharing my opinions on such possibilities, engaging in team discussions, and then seeing it materialize as an MOU, or even just imagining the process of it becoming a project in the future, brings immense reward and interest.
On the other hand, the challenge lies in swiftly responding to daily market movements and new information. While I lack fundamental knowledge about the market itself and carbon credits, I find myself desperately trying to keep up with the speed required to grasp the constantly changing market and figure out how to connect it to our business. That’s why I always keep President Okita’s words about “instant replies” in mind, which he mentioned when I joined, and I strive every day to prioritize this awareness above all else.
Ike: You’re really feeling your growth every day! Are you putting “instant replies” into practice?
Sakuno: Yes! I always try to (laughs). Right now, I’m still striving every day to pick up speed and grasp the overall flow of the business, but I feel that’s crucial for maximizing my learning and contribution within it! In the future, I want to develop the ability to respond quickly and accurately to these changes, and then become someone who can create new trends themselves.
Ike: I think that mindset is wonderful. It’s truly characteristic of Green Carbon.
Farah: Daily Exploration of the Unknown and Enjoying Challenges – How Excitement Accelerates Motivation
So, after joining Green Carbon, I realized that the company’s focus is primarily on research and development. It’s very much based on new technologies and innovation, which I find incredibly interesting and challenging.
Being involved in various departments, including R&D, is a significant source of motivation and an exciting challenge. This is because I’ve had to deeply understand new technologies I knew nothing about before, which requires extensive research, reading numerous papers, and collaborating with experts. While demanding, this process of experiencing new things and mastering new technologies genuinely fuels my drive.
Another appealing aspect is the diverse range of nature-based solution projects, such as AWD, biochar, and reforestation. Each is distinct, so learning how things are done and understanding requirements and certifications like Gold Standard or the JCM (Joint Crediting Mechanism) is both a challenge and a great motivator.
Finally, as a startup, the work pace is incredibly fast. Initially, I felt like, “What should I do? I need to learn so much. I need to be efficient. I need to make progress.” Adapting to this rapid pace with effective time management is certainly a challenge. However, what keeps me motivated is that the work is far from monotonous, there are constant challenges and learning opportunities that drive both personal and professional growth.
Ike: I understand you’re currently active in the research and development field. Is there anything specific you’d like to pursue within that area in the future?
Farah: Driving Expansion into the African Market
Yes, I want to be involved in both research and development and business development, from both the front-end and back-end perspectives. Specifically, what I want to do is expand our business into Africa. I’m from Tunisia, and for those who might not know, Tunisia is located in North Africa. So, in the future, I sincerely hope to play a part in expanding our business across the entire African continent, including Tunisia.
Ike: Expanding into Africa, that’s wonderful. Harada-san from the Overseas Business Division has also spoken at events in Morocco, haven’t they? Please, speak up and go to Africa!
Bal: Trusting My Gut, Taking on Cross-Border Challenges
What I have found most rewarding since joining is the immense amount of learning, especially in terms of information gathering. It is not only about carbon credits, but also about understanding the farming methods practiced by local farmers and how rice fields actually function. This has been a continuous learning process for me every single day.
What I personally feel strongly is that the farming techniques developed by farmers over many years represent invaluable wisdom—wisdom that has been passed down for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Yet, the fact that we are still making new discoveries today made me realize that even our best daily habits, if re-evaluated, can hold opportunities to improve our work efficiency and personal lives. Engaging with the AWD project has provided deep insights into these possibilities.
To be honest—and this might be a characteristic of a startup—I was a bit surprised to be entrusted with such significant responsibility and trust so early on. By my second week, I was already hearing things like, “Bal-san, please lead this meeting!” (laughs). Although I sometimes felt that my knowledge had not caught up yet, I also feel that it is a testament to Green Carbon’s deep sense of trust. Being given such trust and responsibility definitely motivates me, so I want to work hard to meet those expectations.
One of the challenges I currently face is being responsible for operations in both Cambodia and Thailand. Each country has its own ways of working, and the applicable methodologies also differ. Since I have only been in this role for about a month, there are still areas where I have not fully caught up. The operations involve many technical aspects, and I am still in the process of gathering detailed information. I want to continue studying every day, organizing various methodologies, and challenging myself to build smoother operational flows—not just for this season, but for the future as well.
Ike: Bal-san, do you have anything you’d like to do in the countries you’re currently responsible for?
Bal: I Want to “Systematize” Operations in Thailand and Cambodia
I am a very detail-oriented person and enjoy organizing things. Therefore, I have a strong desire to make the operations I am currently in charge of in Thailand and Cambodia—especially Thailand—more systematic and streamlined, from project initiation to completion. When workflows are not properly established, issues such as the inability to collect necessary documents or following correct operational procedures can arise. Organizing and systematizing these processes is my short- to medium-term goal.
Chapter 3: Company Culture — “What’s Green Carbon’s Culture Like?”
Ike: We’ve discussed your reasons for joining and your daily work. Now, could you tell us about the unique culture, philosophy, or “atmosphere” you’ve experienced since joining Green Carbon?
Kato: A Unique Sense of Solidarity Forged by Professional Responsibility
This might be difficult to grasp, but what I personally like is that it’s not a “let’s all hold hands and be chummy” kind of place.
To put it frankly, because each individual is established as a professional and has a strong sense of individuality, there’s a good kind of “personal dependence” (or reliance on individual expertise). While this aspect might need to change as the company grows, for now, because each professional takes responsibility for their work, there’s a unique sense of solidarity. It’s not about being overly familiar; it’s about professionals accurately collaborating when truly needed. I believe this is what enables our teamwork. I really like this aspect, and it’s why professional capabilities are demanded from each individual.
Ike: So, it’s truly a group of professionals. Since everyone joins with their own expertise, there’s mutual respect for each other’s specialized knowledge, and a sense of security in entrusting tasks. And you’re able to help each other when needed, right?
Kato: Expertise and Responsibility as Drivers of Fulfillment
Beyond academic expertise, the high level of specialization and responsibility for each assigned task is crucial. I think “team play” is a more accurate description than “teamwork.” The people involved change with each project, and expertise and responsibility are key. That’s why, while it’s not an overwhelming burden, it does create a pressure to perform well, which in turn leads to a sense of fulfillment.
Ike: That’s a wonderful perspective! I’ve learned something new.
Sakuno: A “Swimmy”-like Unity Forged by Individual Brilliance
There are two main aspects of Green Carbon’s culture that I particularly like. One, which connects a bit to Kato-san’s point, though I might be looking at the bigger picture more, is that while everyone enjoys their work, their antennas are all pointed in the same direction.
For example, we have domestic and international business divisions, and within the international division, teams are further subdivided by country or specialized areas like development and research. Despite this, the company’s ultimate goal is singular: “How can Green Carbon contribute to society?” “How can we make farmers happier?” “How can we become more involved with nature?” All employees are focused on these ultimate goals.
Even though each person is a professional, we’re all heading in the same direction, like a large school of fish—the image of the picture book “Swimmy” comes to mind. Because the company is still relatively small, we highly value our horizontal connections, and that’s why each person’s directional arrow isn’t just one, but many. I think being able to make such diverse movements is a very good aspect of our culture.
Second, something I feel daily being in the 6th-floor office is how everyone reports to each other as if they’re just having a casual chat, which I think is great.
Ike: For example, what kind of image do you have?
Sakuno: Ideas and Momentum Born from Casual Chats
For instance, President Okita might share ideas with employees saying, “This is just an aside,” or we can discuss task progress and consultations in a relaxed, informal way, as if having a chat. I believe this accumulation of dense communication fosters team unity and contributes to the sense of speed I mentioned earlier. Even when we’re thinking about a new MOU signing, a casual conversation might spark ideas like, “Oh, that’s interesting!” or “This could work!” I feel that valuing such casual chats is a very good part of our company culture.
Ike: Indeed, I hadn’t considered that perspective. It connects to the fundamental question of why we work in an office, and it’s crucial that new synergies are born from casual conversations. Online meetings tend to stick to work-related topics, but an environment that allows for small ideas and conversations creates synergy. That’s why, even with a hybrid work style, Green Carbon values creating opportunities for in-person casual chats.
Farah: Respecting Individuality, Where Diverse Talents Resonate
“What makes Green Carbon’s culture unique? Honestly, there’s so much.
First, there’s the amazing synergy among team members. All departments are interconnected, and everyone is incredibly cooperative. There’s open communication across the entire team. We work in an open-space office, which makes communication easy, and it’s simple to share knowledge or ask for help and everyone is happy to assist.
Second, we have dedicated knowledge-sharing sessions. We are constantly updated on the latest information regarding nature-based solutions, political trends, and market news. This is incredibly helpful for gaining knowledge that supports our business expansion in various countries and our current projects.
Third, the flexibility in working hours is fantastic. As long as you put in your eight hours, the work schedule is very flexible. Considering Tokyo’s rush hour, I feel it’s a very convenient”
Sakuno, Kato, Bal: “Exactly! It’s so helpful!”
Farah: “Lastly, it’s the diversity. Our employees come from different countries and have diverse backgrounds, but by communicating well with each other, we can work smoothly.
So, for me, I’m truly just full of gratitude! My Japanese is still very much a work in progress, but even when our languages aren’t perfect, like in my interactions with Yokoyama-san, we can communicate using translation tools.
What’s more, our supervisors are incredibly open to communication. If you want to discuss something, they always make time for you and listen to your requests, interests, and even your life goals. I’m really happy that the company values not just its own profit, but also our individual goals, like ‘What are your goals? What do you want to achieve in your career?’ I find that really impressive. The company places employees in the right departments and guides them onto the right path so they can pursue their desired careers. I believe this is because they are confident that if the right people are in the right positions with the right motivation, they will surely achieve their goals and fulfill their missions.”
Bal: “Openness” and “Mutual Respect”
Regarding the company culture, I personally find flat communication to be incredibly beneficial.
For example, about a week after I joined, a senior team member asked me to work on water monitoring data. After reading the methodology, I expressed my opinion frankly, saying, “Is the content not somewhat different from what is actually required?” This led to a discussion, and they responded, “Well, Bal-san, since you just joined, how about leading a study session on this topic next week?” I had not imagined such an opportunity to come so quickly before joining, so I felt that the company has a very open and welcoming atmosphere.
I also appreciate that all employees, from new hires to management, have the freedom to express what they believe the company needs and to share their thoughts on the future during daily morning meetings, news-sharing sessions, and five-minute speeches. What I find particularly meaningful during these morning presentations is mutual respect among everyone.
For instance, whether I am asked a question by President Okita or another colleague, even if I feel a bit anxious and think to myself, “Perhaps what I am saying is too trivial,” everyone listens with genuine interest and seriousness. I often sense a deep respect in our communication, and I believe that this is a truly excellent aspect of our company culture.
Furthermore, as Farah-san also mentioned, the flexibility in working styles—such as being able to work eight hours at any time or choosing to work from home—greatly contributes to achieving a healthy work-life balance. For someone like me, who prefers not to begin my day stressed by commuting, being able to adjust and manage my schedule independently is a significant benefit.
Ike: As someone involved in creating these systems, it truly makes me happy to hear that.
Chapter 4: Message — “What I Want to Tell Future Colleagues” — To You in the Future
Ike: This is the final question. I’d like you to convey your feelings directly. Please tell us what you want to communicate to future colleagues who will join Green Carbon.
Kato: If You Truly Want to Challenge Yourself, This is the Best Place
If you genuinely want to achieve something big, I think this is an incredibly suitable company. It provides an environment where you can focus on your work, and it offers tasks that are commensurate with, or even exceed, your capabilities. While it will require your effort, time, and dedication, it’s absolutely fun and stimulating. So, for anyone who truly wants to throw themselves into their work, I believe this is a highly appropriate company.
Sakuno: I Want to Work with People Who Are Eager to Take on Challenges in a Flat Environment and Contribute to a Better Future for Our Planet
For those with a strong desire for growth, intellectual curiosity, and a challenging spirit—people who want to collaborate with and be stimulated by individuals from diverse backgrounds, and who want to tackle various types of tasks without being constrained by boundaries—Green Carbon is truly an ideal environment. The CEO and all employees are very close, both physically and mentally, and it’s a flat organization where everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions. I look forward to working together with people who share the ambition of bravely taking on new challenges in such a place and leaving a better Earth for the future! I look forward to working with you!
Farah: This is Where Your Voice is Heard
“What I find truly remarkable is how closely we work with our interns. This means interns get deeply involved in real-world tasks and gain a clear understanding of how projects are actually run.
There’s always open communication between our team members and interns. For instance, when we set deadlines, we check if the timeframe is sufficient for interns to complete their tasks, and we actively seek their input and knowledge. It’s especially crucial to work with interns from specific countries where we’re looking to expand our business or launch projects. Interns bring valuable local knowledge, which they share, helping us efficiently develop new markets.
When I first contacted Green Carbon, Nomura-san (our recruitment manager) reached out to me on LinkedIn. Even after I mentioned that attending meetings in Japanese would be difficult for me, they were incredibly flexible. I’m truly grateful for that, and through that experience, I learned so much about the company’s culture and how things are done here. It strongly showed me that this is a company that looks at individuals from multiple perspectives—considering their background, experience, and other abilities—rather than just their Japanese language proficiency. I’m deeply thankful for that.”
Bal: Passion Over Expertise! An Environment Where Young People Can Shine and Grow Without Language Barriers
First, to all future interns and colleagues who will join us, I want to say this: just like myself, you do not need to have specialized knowledge in the environmental or agricultural field from the beginning. Although I studied sustainability in graduate school, my focus was primarily on social science, not environmental science. Therefore, when applying to a company like Green Carbon or seeking roles related to carbon credits, some of you may feel uncertain, wondering, “Is it acceptable if I do not have technical expertise?” What I strongly realized after joining is that as long as you have genuine passion and a strong desire to take on new challenges, you can fully develop the necessary specialized knowledge after joining.
Second, what I find unique about Green Carbon is the environment here where young people can truly grow and take on responsibility from an early stage. For example, seeing young employees like Sakuno-san and Jane-san successfully managing major projects and entire regions at such a young age was something I could never have imagined doing myself at that stage in my career. I sincerely want to convey to those who may be interested in the future that this is a company that genuinely supports individual growth and potential.
Finally, this message is especially for international colleagues: as Farah-san also mentioned, the complete absence of language-related stress is a tremendous advantage. I can communicate in Japanese but being able to deliver a morning speech in English or any other internal meetings, for example, significantly reduces the psychological burden of preparing in Japanese. This freedom allows me to work more efficiently and confidently. I believe this is also one of Green Carbon’s greatest strengths.
Ike: Everyone, thank you for your powerful messages.
Sakuno: Also, we’d greatly welcome anyone who can genuinely rejoice in the company’s growth alongside their own!
Ike: I see, company growth is definitely a must. Everyone, thank you so much for your time today!
Conclusion
The passionate words of the first-generation new graduates vividly conveyed Green Carbon’s challenging environment, the stimulating collaboration with professional colleagues, and an unwavering mission to contribute to the global environment.
For those who wish to create the future with their own hands in the frontier of carbon credits, provide value to society, and most importantly, greatly grow themselves, Green Carbon can truly be said to be the ultimate stage. We hope this article serves as a small catalyst for you to take a new step in your career.
▶ Recruitment Page:
https://green-carbon.co.jp/en/recruit/
▶ Company Information：
http://green-carbon.co.jp/en/corporate/
*¹: Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions released throughout the life cycle of a product or service, converted into CO2 emissions.
*²: AWD Project: A farming method that reduces methane gas emissions through water management in rice cultivation.