Discover Decokatsu: Your Secret Weapon for Saving Money and Helping the Planet!

Changing our habits for the sake of the environment can be tough, even when it saves money. That’s where the decokatsu program comes in, aiming to promote eco-friendly lifestyles without being too strict.

In Japan, many people are still unfamiliar with decokatsu. A recent survey by the Environment Ministry found only 25% of 6,500 adults knew about it. Decokatsu combines “decarbonization,” “eco-friendly,” and katsudo (activity). This trend is similar to other Japanese buzzwords like shūkatsu (job hunting) and konkatsu (spouse searching).

After committing to net carbon neutrality by 2050, Japan launched decokatsu as part of a campaign to inspire lifestyle changes. An official support group, known as decokatsu-tai, was formed with private companies and local governments to generate interest.

Despite government efforts, many individuals aren’t engaged in reducing their carbon footprints. Only about 33.6% of respondents in another survey by Hakuhodo SDGs Project reported actively trying to cut down carbon emissions. Common barriers include a lack of information and financial concerns.

In 2023, the average carbon emissions per person in Japan stood at about 8.3 tons. Major contributors are transportation, housing, and diet. Simple choices, like using reusable bags, are widely recognized, but there’s more we can do. For instance, with decokatsu actions like buying secondhand items or telecommuting, individuals could save as much as ¥36,000 ($250) monthly and gain extra time each day.

Household food waste is a significant concern, with 2.44 million tons generated in Japan in the fiscal year 2021. The government aims to reduce that to 2.16 million tons by 2030. The decokatsu website suggests methods such as insulating homes and using eco-friendly products to start making an impact.

Interestingly, the diet shift away from meat—especially beef—remains largely overlooked by decokatsu advocates despite its potential. The United Nations reports that the meat and dairy sectors contribute about 12% to 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Japan, meat consumption has surged from 3.5 kg per person in 1960 to 33.6 kg in 2022. Studies show that adopting a plant-based diet could lower carbon footprints significantly, yet decokatsu doesn’t emphasize this transition.

Kazutaka Kobara, a researcher from the NLI Research Institute, suggests the government’s approach aims to avoid “loss aversion,” where people resist changes that feel restrictive. Instead, they promote easy eco-friendly practices, drawing lessons from successful initiatives like the “Cool Biz” dress code, introduced to save energy by relaxing formal work attire.

Decokatsu’s popularity is slowly growing. The number of official supporters has increased fivefold from November 2022 to March 2025, although public interest still seems limited. Yet, young activists like Luke Date are making a difference. He runs Uminari, a nonprofit focused on ocean plastic pollution, and has built sustainable habits like composting and walking instead of driving.

Date emphasizes that making sustainable choices shouldn’t feel overwhelming. He suggests starting small—like choosing durable products or walking for short trips. “It’s about making choices that feel right for you,” he says. Taking simple steps can create lasting change without major lifestyle adjustments.

Overall, decokatsu is a promising initiative, but it requires more awareness, engagement, and flexibility to truly resonate with the public. Simple changes in our daily lives can contribute significantly to a greener future, proving that every effort counts.

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emissions, climate change, decokatsu, Environment Ministry, renewables