Sustainability (Sustainability Policy)
Honey J Corporation plays a vital role in connecting the people of Japan with the rest of the world through our travel services,
educational programs, and internship initiatives.
At the same time, we recognize that as a travel agency, we have a significant responsibility to address
the environmental footprint of tourism and its impact on local communities.
We are committed to pursuing a form of tourism that is respectful and harmonious for both “visitors” and “residents” alike.
To achieve the realization of sustainable tourism, we have established the following sustainability policy.
Sustainability Policy
Environmental Preservation
We strive to minimize our environmental footprint as much as possible, aiming to pass down a rich natural environment to the next generation.
Community Coexistence
We respect the local communities, cultures, and economies of our travel destinations, pursuing a form of tourism that allows us to grow together with the regions we visit.
Fairness and Safety
We respect all stakeholders—including our customers, employees, and local partners—and are committed to conducting our business operations in a fair and safe manner.
Continuous Improvement
Our sustainability initiatives are not one-time efforts; we are committed to evolving our practices through ongoing learning and continuous improvement.
We guarantee an environment where our customers can make the best choices with peace of mind. To ensure this, we maintain full transparency by providing accurate information and strictly prohibiting any false or exaggerated claims regarding the quality, content, or pricing of our products and services.
Environmental Preservation
We implement the following eco-conscious initiatives across our tour planning, arrangement, and operations:
Promoting Paperless Operations:
We are moving toward a paperless system by providing tour application forms, terms and conditions, and travel guides in digital formats whenever possible.
Eco-friendly Transportation Planning:
When designing itineraries, we prioritize the use of public transportation and fuel-efficient vehicles to minimize the environmental footprint associated with travel.
Preferential Selection of Certified Partners:
We actively recommend and prioritize business partners committed to the SDGs and accommodation facilities that have earned third-party certifications (e.g., GSTC, Green Key, or other eco-labels).
Environmental Awareness for Participants:
We contribute to local conservation by providing guests with clear guidelines on waste sorting, litter prevention, and nature protection rules. These instructions are documented, distributed in advance, and provided in multiple languages to ensure full awareness.
Sustainable Procurement and Resource Management:
We strive to adopt sustainable products and tourism materials. This includes promoting the reduction of single-use items (e.g., plastic bottles, plastic cutlery) and utilizing alternative, eco-friendly materials.
Decarbonization Initiatives:
From a decarbonization perspective, we set targets for CO₂ reduction, prioritize public transit, utilize renewable energy, and consider carbon-offsetting options as necessary.
Contribution to Local Communities
We place great importance on contributing to the local economies, cultures, and communities of our travel destinations. Our tour planning and operations are guided by the following policies:
Supporting Local Economies:
We support local small-to-medium businesses by recommending locally-owned restaurants and shops that prioritize local production for local consumption, rather than relying solely on major chains. We actively encourage our customers to visit establishments where they can enjoy regional products, traditional crafts, and authentic food culture.
Collaboration with Local Partners:
We prioritize working with local partners, including guides, operators, and drivers. Through these collaborations, we contribute to local employment and the enhancement of professional skills within the community.
Respect for Local Culture:
When designing programs that involve traditional arts, crafts, or daily lifestyle experiences, we ensure they are built on a foundation of learning and respect. We respect local customs and values, ensuring that cultural experiences are meaningful exchanges rather than one-sided consumption.
Educational and Exchange Programs:
For our educational travel and internship tours, we collaborate with local schools, NPOs, and government bodies. By integrating programs that deepen understanding of the local community, we aim to build mutually beneficial relationships for both visitors and hosts.
Development of New Content:
We actively promote and develop new travel content that encourages regional tourism. This includes Gastronomy Tourism (experiences centered on local food culture, breweries, and agriculture) and Adventure Tourism (nature-based, low-impact activities).
Commitment to Our Customers, Employees, and Partners
We believe that “people” are the foundation of sustainability. To support everyone involved in our journey, we implement the following initiatives:
For Our Customers
Safety and Peace of Mind:
We prioritize the safety and security of our guests above all else. To ensure this, we maintain comprehensive crisis management manuals and robust emergency communication systems.
Customer Feedback and Complaint Management:
We have established a formal complaint handling manual that defines strict protocols for reception, recording, root cause analysis, corrective actions, recurrence prevention, and response deadlines. Furthermore, we continuously participate in complaint resolution seminars hosted by JATA (Japan Association of Travel Agents) and other organizations to integrate the latest industry knowledge and best practices into our services.
For Our Employees
Promoting a Healthy Work Environment:
We respect diverse work styles and values, striving to maintain and improve a healthy, supportive workplace where every employee can thrive.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility:
We are committed to building a workplace that prioritizes Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. We strictly prohibit discrimination based on human rights or disabilities. To ensure this, we have established comprehensive anti-harassment policies, set up a dedicated consultation desk, and conduct regular training for all staff.
Compliance with Labor Laws:
Honey J Corporation complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including the Labor Standards Act of Japan. We declare that we have received no administrative guidance or sanctions within the past three years. To ensure ongoing compliance, we conduct internal audits at least once a year.
For Local Partners and Suppliers
Promotion Structure
In the future, we will appoint a Sustainability Officer and establish a cross-functional Sustainability Committee. Our policies and specific initiatives will be shared with all employees and related staff through internal training, the corporate intranet, and regular email communications.
Promotion Structure
In the future, we will appoint a Sustainability Officer and establish a cross-functional Sustainability Committee. Our policies and specific initiatives will be shared with all employees and related staff through internal training, the corporate intranet, and regular email communications.
Case Studies of Specific Initiatives
We are progressively integrating our sustainability values into our existing businesses and tours through the following initiatives:
Cebu ESL & Internship Program
In Cebu, Philippines, we plan and implement educational and internship programs that combine English language learning with practical work experience, in collaboration with language schools, local businesses, medical institutions, and public organizations. In some of our programs, we work with local NPOs to incorporate volunteer activities and SDG-themed learning modules. Through these initiatives, we are committed to creating tours that achieve a balance between high-quality education and social contribution.
Cultural Experiences and Inbound Content in Japan
We provide traditional cultural experiences and unique local activities across Japan, including Kyoto and Kobe, through a small-group and pre-booking system. Our goal is to promote tourism in a way that minimizes the burden on local lives and the environment. Furthermore, by collaborating closely with local businesses and cultural organizations, we aim to communicate the authentic charm of each region while promoting sustainable inbound tourism that benefits both the visitors and the hosts.
Educational and Training Tour Planning
For our training tours visiting hospitals, nursing care facilities, airports, and hotels, we go beyond simple site visits. By incorporating programs that foster direct dialogue with local professionals and deepen understanding of the specific challenges faced by the community, we aim to build a foundation for long-term international exchange in fields such as healthcare, social welfare, and tourism.
Future Goals and Continuous Review
Our journey toward sustainability has only just begun.
Moving forward, we will continuously review and strengthen our sustainability policy and initiatives through the following perspectives:
Annual Reviews and Updates:
We will review this policy and our specific initiatives approximately once a year, updating and improving the content as necessary to stay aligned with evolving social and environmental needs.
Enhancing Sustainable Program Offerings:
Our goal is to increase the proportion of low-environmental-impact tours and programs that integrate education and social contribution. We will continue to improve our services by incorporating feedback from our customers and partners.
Target Setting and Visualization (KPIs):
In the future, we aim to establish a framework for setting specific sustainability targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). By visualizing our progress, we strive to share our concrete achievements with both internal and external stakeholders.