Tokyo governor urges global capitals to share best practices in Astana visit

Tokyo Governor Advocates for Global Collaboration on Green Hydrogen in Astana Visit

Tokyo governor urges global capitals to share – During an official trip to Astana, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing green hydrogen technology. In an exclusive interview with Euronews, she called for start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and local governments across Japan, Europe, and Kazakhstan to unite in sharing expertise and strategies to promote sustainable energy solutions. Koike’s remarks underscored the need for cross-border dialogue to address the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

The Role of Green Hydrogen in Sustainable Development

Green hydrogen, a key component of the global energy transition, is created by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. This process, known as electrolysis, produces a clean fuel with no carbon emissions, distinguishing it from “grey” hydrogen, which relies on fossil fuels and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Koike pointed out that while green hydrogen is a promising alternative, its production remains costly and requires substantial investment in infrastructure like pipelines, storage facilities, and shipping terminals.

“Knowledge sharing in platforms like this will help drive innovation and speed up the adoption of hydrogen across different regions,” Koike stated.

She argued that these challenges—such as the high expenses and logistical hurdles—make collaboration essential. By pooling resources and expertise, Tokyo and other global cities can create a more efficient pathway for scaling up green hydrogen production. Koike also highlighted the shared responsibility of major urban centers in accelerating the green transformation, noting how their policies and initiatives can shape the future of energy systems.

Collaboration Between Cities: Lessons from Rotterdam and Amsterdam

During her visit, Koike engaged in discussions with the mayors of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, focusing on integrating green hydrogen into urban infrastructure. Topics ranged from supporting start-ups in the hydrogen sector to enhancing city resilience through energy-efficient practices. The mayors shared insights on how their cities have leveraged hydrogen as part of broader sustainability goals, including integrated port management and localized applications like energy storage.

Koike stressed that cities must work together to tackle common issues. “Major urban centers have a pivotal role in pushing forward the green transition, and their collaboration is critical,” she said. She cited examples of how Rotterdam and Amsterdam have implemented hydrogen-based solutions, suggesting that such models could inspire similar efforts in Tokyo and other global hubs. The exchange also touched on the need for policy frameworks that encourage innovation and reduce barriers for new entrants in the hydrogen market.

Strengthening Ties with Kazakhstan

Koike’s visit included a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, where they explored opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation. The two leaders highlighted the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Japan and Kazakhstan, a milestone that reflects the growing ties between the nations. Tokayev praised Koike’s contributions to Kazakh-Japanese relations, noting her long-standing efforts to promote cultural and historical exchanges.

“Here in Kazakhstan, we recognize Tokyo as a trusted ally and dedicated partner who has consistently supported our shared goals,” Tokayev remarked.

The conversation also addressed energy security, a pressing concern amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Koike noted that energy stability is vital for transitioning to green technologies, and Tokyo is committed to working with Kazakhstan to secure sustainable resources. She reiterated that such partnerships are foundational to achieving the ambitious targets of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and eliminating them entirely by 2050.

Japan’s Green Innovation Ecosystem

Koike outlined Tokyo’s progress in fostering green innovation, particularly through its support for start-ups and SMEs. These smaller entities are playing a crucial role in advancing electrolyser efficiency, fuel cell design, and niche applications like urban transport and localized energy storage. She described the collaboration as a two-way exchange, where Tokyo can offer its technological know-how while learning from other regions’ experiences.

The governor also discussed Japan’s broader strategy for decarbonization, emphasizing the need for state-backed initiatives to complement private sector investment. “Governments, especially in the EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Gulf states, are leading the charge in hydrogen development,” she explained. “Their funding and infrastructure projects are essential for making green hydrogen viable on a global scale.”

Kazakhstan’s Digital and Agricultural Initiatives

As part of her agenda, Koike visited AlemAI, Kazakhstan’s flagship center for artificial intelligence, situated within the EXPO ecosystem in Astana. The facility, spanning 20,000 square meters, serves as a technological and educational hub that brings together researchers, startups, and smart governance to boost the nation’s digital transformation. Koike expressed interest in how such initiatives can support sustainable urban development and economic diversification.

Her engagement with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture provided another angle of collaboration. During the session, she examined sturgeon farming and caviar production programs, drawing parallels with projects on Tokyo’s Kozushima island. “The similarities in our approaches to aquaculture and local resource management are striking,” she observed. “These exchanges can pave the way for future joint ventures in sustainable industries.”

Expanding Global Partnerships for a Greener Future

Koike’s discussions in Astana extended beyond hydrogen and AI, touching on the broader vision of interconnected global efforts. She highlighted the memorandum of understanding signed in December 2025, which focuses on digital development and urban resilience. This agreement is expected to create new opportunities for cooperation, including joint ventures in smart city technologies and energy systems.

“The foundation laid during this visit will enable us to expand our partnership and explore innovative solutions,” Koike said. She noted that the meeting with Tokayev reinforced the importance of strategic alignment between nations. “Together, we can address challenges that no single country can overcome alone,” she added, underscoring the role of collective action in achieving climate targets.

As the global push for renewable energy intensifies, Tokyo’s proactive engagement with international partners like Kazakhstan signals a growing commitment to sustainable development. By fostering knowledge exchange, investment, and shared goals, the city aims to lead the way in green innovation. Koike’s visit to Astana not only reinforced existing ties but also opened new pathways for collaboration, setting the stage for a more interconnected and resilient future.